TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Looking for More Advice

My wife and I had gone to St Martin for Spring Break each of the past 19 years; she is a teacher, so we are restricted by her schedule. We always stay on the French Side, and the past few years we have stayed at Club O. We love the serenity and the overall vibe of that area (ie: no jet skis, no blaring music, etc.).

We've recently received information from Club O that they don't know when they will rebuild (but that they will), and United saying all flights to SXM are cancelled until early/mid April. So this year is basically out for us, based on the part of the US we come from. It's already very hard for us to travel there when all is perfect!

My question for the board is this: since we cannot get to SXM, we are going to try Jamaica. Can anyone recommend anything similar to the beach around Club O, the accommodations like Club O, or anything similar to the Grand Case Beach Club (which we have friends that stay there, and we like those units). We are sad that we are forced to skip this year - and wonder if we can come close to what we have grown to love.

Thank you anyone/everyone for your help.

Tropez

We are relative newbies having gone to SXM only about 23 times over the past 19 years, always staying at Club O. We are heartbroken, but I'm sure we will be back at Club O soon. In the meanwhile we are going to Couples San Souci in Jamaica at the end of November, and planning to go to Cayo Santa Maria in Cuba in March. Not the same as Club O, but better than shivering in the frigid North. Enjoy wherever you decide to go.

We too are long time Club O regulars, and did a lot of research on an alternative for our vacation time in February. We also decided on Couples San Souci. It has a nude pool, hot tub and beach. You have to be clothed everywhere else on the property. If you have any questions feel free to PM me. You may also want to look at Cathyg's trip report on the Jamaica Forum.

Ditto here for Couples San Souci in April. Looked around and asked for suggestions. CathyG's report on the Jamaica forum was what pushed us over the edge. Jamaica is easy to get to and there are plenty of flights.

It looks like there are 2 resorts - Negril or Ocho Rios. Any thoughts on which one to go to?

Ocho rios is the one you want.

My friends go to Ocho Rios and love it. Prefer it to Negril.

Make sure you do the Duns River Falls while you're there. Really cool!

IMHO, there are any number of incredible destinations in the Caribbean. Right now at the very top of the list is St. Kitts & Curacao. We were just at both Islands weeks ago and what stood out the most were the people, incredibly friendly, great restaurants and entertainment, the accommodations were fantastic. We will not stay at any resort that has to provide 24 hour armed guards and quietly informs you with an odd look about where to shop and when. We absolutely love St. Maarten and pray for everyone affected by the devastating events this past years. We have stayed at the Esmeralda Resort on Orient Bay since 2002 and couldn't have planned any better vacations than we experienced there and at the various restaurants, except for one on the hill. watching the videos of the destruction of that Island was heartbreaking. I personally have very mixed feelings about returning too soon as the Islanders are attempting to rebuild, pathetic Government leadership has shone a brilliant spotlight on itself as people are striving to rebuild. Fancy suits spewing empty promises, ridiculous court proceedings for the criminals that stole from their own leaves questions concerning the commitment of those in power as to what they really are looking for.
So lastly, if you do choose Jamaica, bring water shoes to traverse Dunn's River Falls, very very slippery.

If clothing optional is important, maybe try Haulover Beach in Miami. My husband and I are thinking of going there in April. We're going to skip SXM this coming year. A google search showed us that Haulover beach has clear, warm water (about 75 degree water) and the area has an average air temp of 82 - 85 degrees in April. There's a family section, then a straight section north of that, and also a gay section north of that. There's technically no alcohol allowed on the beach, but "technically" is the operative word, and you can always fill a couple of stainless steel water bottles with some ice pieces and rum punch !!!

There's also a clothing section south of the nude areas, marked clearly by signs and fencing.

There are hotels minutes away by car and also by public transportation/Uber, etc.

At Haulover now and it is great, aside from the commute (Collins Ave is a mess as usual). 80deg,windy and partly sunny with brief showers yesterday. Small crowd but heard was crowded two days ago. More sun today!Get paybyphone app to make paying for parking a breeze.
Staying in friend's rented condo. Check AirBnb for deals. Heard the Thunderbird hotel is cheap and close the beach, not fancy though.