TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin a quick question

We are coming to sxm in march. some friends of the people we are going with recently returned from sxm and told them that there was an influx of crime. I for one, believe if you stay away from certain areas, there will not be a problem. We usually go to Mullet Bay then back to Simpson Resort. When we go out to eat it is usually in that area. Just would like some advise or info so i can re-assure the people we are going with that it is safe. Again, i have no problem, but need to give some info to the others. Thanks

I just flew in from St Maarten this am from California. My husband and I stayed in the Simpson Bay Area for 11 days. I almost did not go on this trip because of the negative reviews/postings (not from this site) and I also had concerns. I can tell you from my recent experience that we had a GREAT time!! That being said I also had reached out to this site and expressed my concerns and was given a lot of good advice. For me personally driving was a bit of a challenge and I was not comfortable being in an area that I was unsure of. We did rent a car for a couple of days but really enjoyed the use of a certain taxi who was great about getting us to places that he felt we would be comfortable in. I definitely would encourage your group to stick to your plans and use the proper cautions you would anywhere else.

My husband and I visited the island in May and just returned this past Sunday from another visit. Both stays were eight nights. We stayed on French side and spent our days on Orient Beach. We had dinners on both the French and Dutch sides and visited the Red Piano on a couple of evenings. We felt no less or no more safe than we had during our visits before Irma. You will have a wide variety of dining choices during March. We saw much progress in restaurant openings from May to our most recent trip although many reopened restaurants were closed as it is a traditionally quiet time on the island. Hope this helps.

I was in Villas at Simpson Bay Resort in April. There are plenty of restaurants and activities close by and felt very safe walking with my wife. If we stayed out late we had the restaurant we were at call us a cab. Also went to Phillipsburg during the day and had no concern. Back again in December and cannot wait. Go, you’ll have a great time.

Thank you for the response. My friend is the worry wart. I for one, think if you are smart and are aware of where you are, you will not have a problem. I can't wait to get there and enjoy the island.