TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Return to SXM/Saba

My husband and I are returning to SXM and Saba this year in April after rescheduling last year's trip.

We were married 5 years ago on Saba and have visited SXM about 4 times. We are staying at La Vista on SXM and wondering what is open these days in that general area. Sounds like some of our favorite restaurants are no longer - So French and Lee's - any alternate recommendations? We're big time foodies and willing to pay for a great meal. Greenhouse, La Sucriere, and Le Moulin Fou are definitely on the list and sound like they are all up and running, is that right? In terms of the beaches it sounds like Bae Rouge has changed a lot, but that Happy Bay is still good to visit. Are there other beaches we should push ourselves to explore? Is Pinel like it was?

So many questions...thanks for all the information on this board, it has helped make wonderful visits to SXM in the past and Im excited to be heading back.

Lee's should be open by the time you get there in a new location across from the Atrium.

Greenhouse, La Sucriere and Le Moulin Fou are definitely open, yes. By April, it's possible that Skipjacks may be back open. If so, check them out for seafood. Closed in that area is Topper's by the Sea, and it will definitely not be reopening. Happy Bay has lost basically all of it's vegetation, so if you are fair skinned, make sure you bring a cover up or lots of sunscreen, as there is no shade. Pinel is back open, better than ever. Enjoy!

I had not previously heard of any reopening estimate for Lee's, but that could be.

Toppers By The Sea was long gone prior to Irma. That location was called Pelican after Toppers By The Sea was sold or vacated.

There was always a building there..operating or not....there presently is sand

If you like Thai food Avantika in Simpson Bay is very good. Some of the best I've ever had.

Yep. That building was always filled with a cafe/restaurant prior to Toppers as long as I can remember since 1999 but is now gone thanks to Irma. There are no plans to resurrect one there again.

Lee's within walking distance - yes! We will definitely need to revisit Pinel then.I think I may have been to Avantika...is it near La Sucriere?

Any place we should venture to for a fine French meal in place of So French? We aren't as familiar with the French side of the island but always rent a car so definitely able to.

Avantika is up stairs across from Toppers.

Carialle,

If you haven’t already been there and you're still looking for a nice French meal, do consider Le Moulin Fou in Maho. It’s up the hill behind where Cheri’s used to be and a lot more convenient than traveling to the French side. The food and service are always excellent. It’s been a favorite of ours ever since it opened and now, with Cheri’s closed for good, we can go any night and dine outside, without having to listen to the Cheri’s revue.

I second Le Moulin Fou. Fantastic food and a nice dining experience.

Ate at Avantika's last week. Food and service were great. Last night son and daughter got take out and brought back to apartment. Everything was terrific.

If you loved So French, the owner Stephan, has 2 other restaurants. One is La Terrasse in Marigot, which has the same chef, Phillipe. The other restaurant, La Cigale, which should be reopening soon in Nettle Bay but I don’t know exactly when. I totally agree about Avantika for Thai food, it’s delicious! Happy Anniversary!

As always thanks everyone- you guys are the best! We’re super excited to celebrate our anniversary on the Island.

We love Moulin Fou - amazing French food and sushi - who would have guessed? Going to have to track down Avantika - love Thai food.

Airlegs - Thanks so much for the suggestions, we’ll definitely need to check those out. I remember being recommended to try La Cigale in the past and it looks like from the date on TripAdvisor reviews they may be open.

Bistrot Caraibes in Grand Case. Best to have a reservation.

I loved So French! Sad it was gone. Not sure if we had the owner or an employee waiting on us, but he was a riot!! Will def check out LeCigale in. Nettle Bay when open. Any idea where it will or is going to open?

Do not miss visiting Anse Marcel and the recently reopened beach bar there. It's one of the best beaches on the island, and the former beach bar (destroyed by Irma) had food that rivaled the food at Dreams. I'm told by foodie residents on the island that the food is better than ever in the reconstructed space. I think you will be impressed if you go. I plan to visit several times when I return in June.

Kim, that was Tony, the manager/waiter (he is a riot!). He’s here with me in Brazil but returning to France next week for hernia surgery and after recovery, back to SXM! YAY! La Cigale should be reopening really soon. They were trying for end of December but there were delays. I imagine in the coming weeks it will be open.

We were very happy to see that Tropicana is open again when we visited last week, my favorite dinner spot on the island since first visit in 1991. Located at the marina in Marigot. Closed on Monday, but open for lunch and dinner the rest of the week. Also really enjoyed Avantika after going there for the first time,

Glad to hear that Tropicana is now open for dinner. It was only open for lunch in June. Still, it was a fabulous lunch spot! May do it again in June..

Good to here about Tropicana. Glad you enjoyed avantika.

Thanks for the recommendation on Anse Marcel jazzgal, we've never been there. We'll definitely need to add that to the to-do list.