TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Just Back

Just back from a quick three night trip down to St Maarten to
Check on our condo. Some remember we finally bit the bullet and bought this at the end of June after 30+ years of timeshare ownership and renting. Our condo is fine, lost a few air conditioning units and received water damage/leaks from
Above, but all a very easy fix once the issues above are resolved. And in comparison to so many others I feel guilty even worrying about it. The overall property is bouncing back and work is being done 24/7. Pool was almost refilled completely as we left yesterday. Dead palms were being cut down and stump removal as we left as well.

We flew down via Atlanta and the flights were less than half full. So I understand why the non stops were cancelled in NY. Airport was very efficient, you went though a tent to a building and then directed where to go for rental car/taxi. There is a separate area for those with checked bags. Departing was the same, makeshift but very efficient. Everyone at the airport seemed very upbeat and happy to have guests arrive.

We visited while there, Buccaneer Beach Bar, Bar Code, Sint Maarten Yacht Club (2), Lees, Karakter’s (2), Driftwood Boat Bar, Dinghy Dock, and Mullet Bay twice. Before asked, there are chair rentals. Think someone from Rosie’s, but food was not there as of noon yesterday. Was told that they are only cooking on Sundays for now. And I’m sure that will change.

Didn’t do much driving around, or staying out late. (Bummer we didn’t make it to Red Piano). did go into town to Telem to get internet/phone set up. So while we saw a lot I didn’t take many pictures as we have all seen it, and want to just see the positive.

Everyone we ran into seemed very hopeful and full of energy! Very good sign. But you could also see sadness and frustration.

The Maho area has a long way to go, Bahjtsu is open as is the Whole in the Wall Bar, and We did see a sign for Winnie’s stating open. Saw many people playing golf! Mowers were out, nice to see that life was getting somewhat back to normal!!

Very dark driving from
Maho to our condo in Cupecoy, all the lights through Mullet are out. But, all the lights “balls” encircling Cupecoy Beach Club were lit up! Hadn’t noticed them
Before probably because of the greenery, tried to get a good picture but couldn’t. But what a nice sight to see!

We will be back for New Years, knowing what to except and not!

As far as visiting which is the big question I have received - if this was to be your first trip to the island I would suggest wait a bit. But if you are a frequent visitor and can just roll with things, then go for it, as the places we visited were very happy to have guests.

Good to here Winnie's is open.

Thanks for the report. How full were the various restaurants you went to? How was the beach at Mullet? Is it all cleaned up?

Thank Kim, great to have a first hand honest assessment from a trusted source. Your advice as to who should go and what to expect are spot on and really need no debate.

Thank you for the report! Glad your condo didn't have heavy damage!

Kim,

With regard to the airport, both arriving and departing, you indicated your Delta flight was less than half full and you were the only flight being processed. Hard to guesstimate, I know, but what do you think it would be like if there were multiple large planes arriving as is typical during high season weekends?

Thanks for your trip report as I know how much you hate doing them and I also know you hate to deal with negativity. I hope the December family trip is at least this easy and I’m sure, by then the Island will be in even better shape than it is now.

Other than BarCode pretty full. Barcode does not have internet. So no credit card machine. Lee’s lost the back deck so smaller and same with SMYC. but all busy. As far as Mullet. I was upset we didn’t get to go help the Rotary clean up. We just had to get the condo under control. We were at Mullet before they cleaned and after. It’s frustrating. They busted their butts cleaning and so much still needs to be cleaned. In my opinion, they need machines to sift the sand. The poor birds are trying to eat styrofoam, butts, etc. also I really wish Rosie’s and Daleos would
Be held accountable for cleaning the debris - piles of chairs, wood etc. the water was very clean, but as you went out you could see remnants from them. (I was snorkeling). Kind of like after Luis. Not awful, but it’s there. I just wish those two places would step up and be “guardians of the beach” not just rake in the money. Empty the trash daily, that kind of stuff I could be dead wrong on my feelings, but it’s what I see, having been a 30+ visitor to this beach. Don’t know what the answer is. But, I would still go and enjoy the day there. Still a beautiful beach and worthy of visits. Just have to remember the island is still in recovery mode.

I agree. I don't know why they shouldn't be responsible to do that.

husband on his way to island to see what Irma did to our house. and with that in mind. this is he first trip finally and you can be sure he cares little about what resturants are open. we should be worried about all resorts and homes that have to rebuild with little material. and will take much time. As for resturants???? they survive on people that vacation. So lets hope this Island can rebuild.

You know, sasasal, I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that I misunderstood your post. It sure seems like you're saying that people shouldn't worry about restaurants reopening, that they are not important. On top of providing employment for a large number of people, they certainly provide a service. I would say, from our very limited experience with being out of electric for a week here in Florida after Irma, hot and tired and anxious, it felt so good to go out to eat and sit and relax.

You are way wrong on this. Many restaurants do a booming business with locals, both dine in and carry out. It is not just vacationers that support the restaurants.

kim, Thanks for your report.

I’m sorry your house got hit, but since the storm you are the most negative poster I have come across. Yes it matters what restaurants are open. The people living and working need jobs. And those on island want some normalcy to their lives. Not to curl up in a ball and play poor me. We all could have done that, hell I had medical
Issues, bought the place in June, finished therapy, then Irma hit, then proceeded to fall off a horse and break a few bones in my back. But guess what, life goes on!!’ Some places have limited menus but they are functioning. This is your vacation home correct? Not your primary residence? There are people whose houses are GONE, they have nothing, they pull up their boots and go to work daily. But you sound more gloomy than they do. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" />

Thanks kim.

The constant negativity has gotten very old.

Yes it has!!!!

Thanks so much for the report, Kim. I'm glad your damage is all repairable, and that CBC is coming along well. I just got pics of my apartment at Parc Lagon (Cupecoy) this morning, and I too, have minimal damage, although 3 apartments just next to me were badly damaged.I, too, am happy to hear of the restaurants that have reopened - for all of the above-mentioned reasons. I'm hoping to support as many local businesses as I can over the next 6 months! Did you happen to notice if the ATM at Porto Cupeocy was working?

I agree with JD, Carol and Kim.
Put a sock in it Sasasal. Enough.
Basta.
irina

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
You go girl.
Resiliency, and it's all in how you chose to see things.

Glad to hear your place had minimal damage. Are you going down to stay soon?

Thank-you Kim
So happy that you didn't find too much damage-and for the other homeowners that were lucky.
It sounds like everyone is really working hard to get things back to normal. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
I agree about Mullet--my favorite beach--the people who have a business there should care about it and help keep it clean.

They said swimming is safe there, but I guess beach shoes are definitely needed.

Thanks again for posting.


<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thanks.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Umbrella.gif" alt="" />

I would think beach shoes will be the order of the day for quite a while on all beaches on SXM. Just prudent.

Nah not at all. Didn’t wear any there or at Karakter’s. Just was more
Careful than normal.

I assume you know that there is a huge wreck off Karakter that has been there for a long time (like 91??) that was shoved closer to shore or uncovered more, as a result of Irma? And there is just a LOT of stuff in the water everywhere still..

Carol, I was thinking the same thing about water shoes. They’re even on sale in most places right now. It’s just a little added safety.

Didn’t see a single person with water shoes at Mullet or Karakter’s. Not that it may not be necessary. But didn’t see anyone with any on.

I just think it's a good precaution right now.

I just brought the shoes up, since I heard people were recommending them.

I hope it's not necessary, but better safe than sorry. I will probably forget to buy them by April--- <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Sorry!!! So right about my attitude... We are so angry at the damage this storm did to not just us, but residents and Island... Do not mean to be sarcastic. I realize I have been very negative here... I need to try to keep it to myself. What one storm can do is just heartbreaking for everyone involved... Except my apology...

Nov 30. I know I have no cable and no internet, but hope to be able to post from Porto Cupecoy. Will send an update from there.

Thanks for your report and so glad owners are upbeat! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Maybe you can deal with it better, now that your husband is onsite. What is the status of your property?

Thanks for the report.

Well. thank god his phone works, and theres power. But lots of damage. part of roof caved and so the inside is filled with lots of yuk. all gutters gone, our car windows blown, two terraces gone, but they were wood, never again, solor panels gone, and a huge cleanup. Not allowed to put anything in the street, so have to figure a way to rid of the blown debrie, did I spell that right.. In any case, this was a huge storm, and have been super worried and still worry about husband there on property alone, but it is what it is... thanks for asking. I am sure the Island will return, just wish we were younger to tolerate this better. getting old and grumpy. Hymmmmmm that was a movie.. again sorry. When I feel negative I will go in the shower and scream..

The damage you have sounds similar to my own. A shocking photo that my husband texted me was a neighbor's king size mattress on the bottom of our swimming pool. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

yup. the pool has so much garbage in it, forgot how wonderful it was to just jump in and get refreshed. that will probably be the last on the long long list... but people said we were crazy building a home there, and frankly!!! I would not trade the amount of rainbows that we saw for anyghing else.. If our time is up??? We have wonderful memorys of a beautiful ocean filled with diamonds, and people filled with love and hope... oooops sorry spelling sticks.. Or typing you get the drift right?