TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin BSV Trip Report

This is my first time posting a trip report and wanted to share our findings.

Westjet May 6-13 YYZ-SXM. Arrivals went well and we had no complaints. We picked up our two cars from Lesley Bruce and we were off to BSV.

We had three family's travelling together, so we each had our own villa. We arrived at BSV to a warm welcome and many smiles. Everyone was so happy to see people returning to the island. The villas are beautiful and are better than before. The people here have worked so hard to get the property cleaned up and back to normal. The gardens look amazing and the viewing deck that was built is a great addition. If I did not know that Irma hit BSV I would not know anything had ever happened as they are top notch!

Meals: Karakter, el Zafiro, Driftwood Boat Bar, Greenhouse, Pineapple Petes, Dinghy Dock, Yellow Beach, Yacht Club, Blue Bitch

We used Jeannie from Shop n Drop and once again she it the best! Thank you Jeannie. All three villas used her services and everyone was so impressed. You can't go wrong.

Pinel: We went over to check out Pinel so the kids could enjoy the calm waters. We had lunch at Yellow Beach and the food was great.

The waves at BSV were pretty big this week but the kids put on their life jackets and loved the waves - me not so much! Everyday they were in the ocean loving it. One of the best things at BSV is you also have a great pool to enjoy. When we asked the kids if they liked "Beaches Turks & Caicos" better than BSV they said BSV won!!!! Wooo hoo for us! We traveled with my brother and his family and my Mom & Dad. We had tears in our eyes when we left but we are all coming back next year.

Overall we found the Dutch side making great progress. Simpson Bay was busy and had tons of restaurants open. Phillipsburg - there is work to be done here but nothing I would say to people that they should stay away. On the French side we could see more damage and the clean up much slower. We were happy to be able to return to the island that we love and try and add some tourist dollars back.

No complaints on the departure area at the airport... it is not what the airport was but it will work for us until it is back to normal. Another great trip to this beautiful, friendly island!!!!

Mika,

Very nicely done and thank you for taking the time to share with us.

We were booked for the island last November and again in March past and had to cancel both trips. We were heart broken and now have to wait until the Fall. Your trip sounds lovely and makes me hope the summer flies by. Did I really just say that?!

Beachside Villas is like no other place we’ve stayed across the island and the owners have really pushed to bring it back to and seemingly even beyond its former glory. It’s everything a beach cottage should be and then some. Kudos to the Mascarins and all their staff for their efforts? I can’t wait.

Thanks for your report. Sounds like a good time. I am envious.

Thanks for sharing your experiences at BSV. It is a special spot which we have enjoyed several times. Hopefully I will be able to return for a visit later in 2018 as Irma forced cancellation in 2017. I am waiting for Westjet to make more weekly flights and hoping the pilot strike does not last long.

Thanks so much for the report! Looking forward to seeing it ourselves soon!

We loved spending time at Beachside. Staff was very helpful and welcoming although we do miss Marvlyn. Units look the same as they always have, not counting the remodeling they have done. I never got in the water- too rough for my liking but beautiful to look at! The pool was my spot! Lesley is also our car guy. Love him! He lives nearby which is handy. Jeannie is a gem! Love the luxury of having things waiting for us! Our family also loves Beachside. Great family vacation spot!!

Sorry, Marvlyn is gone??

Yes that is correct. She is no longer with Beachside.

When did that happen? She's not just on holiday?

Is she still on island?

That is STRANGE!

No she is no longer with Beachside. We were there May 6-13 and when we arrived they said she no longer worked there.

I hope wherever she is and whatever she’s doing she’s happy. She did an amazing job at BSV and she will be missed by many. We wish her well! 👍👍😊😊

Wow, ok. So who is the onsite manager now??

Pat--agreed, we wish Marvlyn well!!

I think it happened right about the time we arrived. Never saw her. Staff vague about her whereabouts. Heard thru the BSV grapevine. Figured something was up as they came around with a new gate code. Not sure what happened. Wishing her well. She was an asset to BSV.

Yes Marlyn is gone. The new onsite manger is from the Dingy Dock. She is working both jobs right now. (Wish I could remember her name) I spoke with Tracy the other day and she told me that Marlyn was gone, but was greatfull to have this new girl. Tracy thinks that she will be a good fit for BSV! In two weeks I’ll let you know here name, and even provide a picture, now that we can utilize this function here on TTOL!!

Wow. She had been there a long time. I wish her well. I will miss visiting with her puppies also..

I'll meet her and let y'all know in 4 days!

Enjoy your trip!