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How do you protect your valuables on the beach calle313 8 hours ago This question is of course not only related to St. Martin. I'm just curious, how do you keep your valuables safe on the beach when you go for a swim or snorkeling?
We bring as few valuables to the beach as possible, but most people will still have some cash, a credit card, a mobile phone and maybe the keys to a rental car . . .

We usually keep our stuff in a backpack. If there are some friendly beach goers laying nearby, we can ask them to keep an eye on our gear when we go for a swim. If we setup near the water, we usually try to keep some eyes on the beach (more difficult when snorkeling). What do you do? Is bringing a plastic box to have your stuff in, and covering it in the sand under your beach towel a viable option? Put the stuff in water proof bag and bring them with you when you go for a swim (seems a bit unpractical)? If you are a family or a company, you can of course take turns in going for a swim, but that´s no fun if you are only two . . .

The most valuable thing must be the key to a car . . . if someone would take that, stealing the car would be easy and you are probably left with no insurance, because of negligence?

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Van Rental links83 8 hours ago Hello all, We are visiting May 2027. There are 7 of us. I would like to rent a van that we can all fit in. I have not seen any in my search. Anyone know of one I could rent. Thank you

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This past week… BarbyandLeo Yesterday at 11:40 PM I’ve been really lazy, no posts in a week. Ok, so I have to catch up!

Let me just say, we don’t do much. We love doing beach days, and a meal out here and there. So this was our week:

Monday we headed to Mullet Bay, Leo’s favorite beach here. It used to be his favorite in the world, but after being to Anguilla he downgraded it to No. 3. Now Shoal Bay East is 1 and Mead’s Bay is 2. After a beautiful day there, we headed to Pollos Hermanos and picked up a roasted chicken for dinner. I can’t remember who gave the heads up about this place…it is really good. THANK YOU!!!!

Tuesday we were at Friars Bay. We noticed that a part of the road leading to it is being filled in. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but we did see the heavy equipment on the side of the road. We’ll be back before we leave and report back.

Wednesday was a nice day at the beach in Grande Case. Originally we were going to spend the day at Orient but we got there and it was very windy/rough water, so change of plans. That’s the beauty of the island…you have so many beaches to choose from!

Thursday’s weather was not the best day for the beach. We decided to just go to Philipsburgh and walk around. We paid a visit to Juggie’s and had a couple of SXM beers and a nice time speaking to fellow travelers and of course…Juggie!

Friday we took a drive out to Indigo Bay, which we had never been to. Then on to Mary's Boon/Simpson Bay for beach time. We had a nice few hours, then headed to Buccaneer Beach Bar for dinner. We had Bitterballen to start which were very good. Then ribs with rice and peas and coconut shrimp with fries, which we shared. The food was good, but the service was not. The waitress brought us the check, while we hadn’t finished. Never asked if we wanted anything else…maybe dessert??? We had to stop her from taking the bucket with beers still left in it. Then she disappeared to the beach area to close out other customers. We ended up going to the manager to pay and told him how disappointing the service was. He explained that her shift was about to end…which is no excuse. I told him she needed better training with communication. But we’ll be back on our next visit to the island, we always come here a couple of times.

Today we started the day visiting The Greenhouse for an early lunch. We started with an order of Bang Bang Shrimp, very good. We shared a Reuben sandwich with fries and Cole slaw, also good. We had a Pain Killer 2 for 1 drink, which is a good all day deal. Jay our server/bartender was very good! We decided to spend the day at Kim Shaw Beach which was a good decision. We had a nice day with conversations in the water with a few fellow beach goers. Afterwards we headed to Pollos Hermanos again to try their wings and patacones (fried green plantains with shredded chicken). We did take out which will be tonight’s dinner with some leftover Arroz Imperial which I had made. Looking forward to another yummy meal from Pollos Hermanos!

Next week is our final one on our beloved island for this trip. When we arrive we feel like we have so much time ahead on our visit…then this last week comes and it’s like “where did the time go”? We always enjoy our trips and it’s never long enough!

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Car rental info L'Attitude Yesterday at 05:42 PM We are returning to saint martin orient beach after being away from the island for 5 years.
We used to always use triple A car rental, with Alan, out of the julian airport area.
We've been calling the number we used in the past for over a week and a half , but have not received a response. We also used the triple A number as listed on TTOL, but seems to be a scam number.

Does anyone know , if it's still open or do they have an active website?

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BVI Concierge Services DanS Yesterday at 12:48 AM I received an email from BVI Yacht Charters, with a pointer to this blog entry:

https://www.bviyachtcharters.com/st-thomas-to-tortola-without-the-hassle/

It describes the experience with BVI Concierge Services. Among other things, arriving in Road Town by ferry:

Quote

"Now we get to the best part. The moment I Legend touched the dock in Road Town, the captain came over the loudspeaker and asked all passengers to remain seated while the bags were offloaded, except for their VIP passengers who they would come and collect momentarily...

On the dock, Megga (the brains behind BVI Concierge Services) was waiting for us. He led us into an empty immigration hall, where we were processed immediately...

Literally five minutes from docking to being outside."

Has anyone here heard of this before? It's a new one on me.

Here's a direct link to BVI Concierge Services:
https://bvics.net/

Dan

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2:10 pm Southwest flight out of STT ggffrr11 09/16/2026 10:49 AM Heh: This Feb, we'll be returning the charter boat to Nanny Cay on a Wednesday morning. I have some crew that want to use Southwest points to hit the 2:10pm, Southwest flight out of STT. Can the ~10:00 am ferry out of Roadtown make this happen with time to spare?

Any one used Southwest in / out of STT?

thanks, rrs

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First Time SXM Dirk Lovelace 09/15/2026 08:42 PM Hi Everyone,

My wife and I are coming down for a week to SXM starting October 31st. We have been going to the BVI for years and are overwhelmed with options on where to stay vs. the BVI. We are used to Jost Van Dyke where options are few so its easy but SXM has so many options. Dutch or French side, we are thinking the french side being less developed is more like what we would like. We want something beach front with some restautants close by so we are not driving everywhere but we are open to ideas of a villa/condo vs. a hotel. What are your experiences / thoughts on the french side in terms of accomdations good or bad?

Thanks!

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Maho Beach photos today with icon of the seas passengers Dr Phil SXM 09/15/2026 05:18 PM Not much to post these days. It is hot and sunny, but the weather has been nice and calm.
Icon of the seas is in today. This time of year due to the swell, it is mainly rocks, but passengers find a place. They also hang out at Maho Beach in front of La Plage, which is currently closed for it’s annual maintenance.

Here are the photos.

Cheers
Dr. Phil SXM

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Favorite BVI memories Carol_Hill 09/14/2026 04:07 PM As you oldtimers know, we haven't been to the BVI nearly as much as SXM. which is our 'home away from home', but we have had some really good times.

But thought I might start a new thread here about the old times.

Some favorite memories--

Circa 2005?? No idea.. Watched the Superbowl on Cane Garden Bay at Stanley's, with a TV on the beach, drinking whatever... Stumbled back to the Elm and watched the rest of the game and went to bed. Have no idea who was even playing, but watching the big game on the beach? Priceless.

Circa?? No idea. BIG TTOL party on Little Apple Bay. I have a TTOL flag at home with tons of signatures on it. Need to bring it in here and see if I can scan it in and post it.

So, tell us about your favorite memories, with pictures, if possible!!

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Last couple days BarbyandLeo 09/13/2026 10:40 PM After getting back from Anguilla…we went to dinner at Pineapple Pete. We both had the half lobster thermidor, Leo with coconut shrimp and me with stuffed shrimp and rice and peas. Accompanied by a bottle of Chardonnay. Very good! Nice service…

Saturday we spent the day at Friars Bay Beach. Breakfast and dinner at “home”

Today we stayed at Orient Beach. Lunch at Orange Fever…we had their fabulous French Burger and fries. OMG it is so good…the BEST!! Service is great there with JC and the rest of the crew.

Came home to watch Dolphins season opening game…ugh! Then Giants game…we’ll see how they perform. Dinner will be take out Regina Pizza from Orange Fever.

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