TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Short Trip Report - Mother/Daughter Trip

Thank you for the tips on traveling with my daughter to St. Maarteen.

We had a fabulous time. A brief summary of what we did.

A trip to Parrot Ville was fun and entertaining and well worth the visit. Parrot Ville houses over 179 birds of about 10 varieties. Upon entry you are given a cup of bird seed and within seconds birds are flocking around you, ready to eat the bird seed. At one point 5 birds landed on me. I didn’t mind them on my arms, shoulders or hands, but on my head, no.

Drove by Orient Beach and decided it was too windy to stay, so we drove on further to Anse March. We rented lounge chairs on Anse Marcel Beach and enjoyed lunch at the restaurant. Very impressed with the quality of food and the service. The beach was beautiful with a gentle breeze blowing.

Breakfast at La Sucriere in Simpson Bay, what is not to love about freshy baked French breads and pastries.
Numerous lunches and dinners at Lagoonies in Cole Bay. A fabulous little bistro and bar that seems to fill up every night with cruising yachties. Live music most nights. Every day they offer a new and exciting menu, French chef in the kitchen and no meals disappoint.
A day trip to Grand Case. Lounge chairs rented and dined at Rainbow. Another fabulous meal. Reservations definitely required. We walked along the beach as was sad to see so many restaurants gone, Ocean 82 and La Shambala are 2 I remember dining at in the past. Recovery appears to be slow unfortunately.

Final day we decided to watch the SuperBowl at Jimbos. I don’t really have anything good to say about the food or service, other than we can get better Mexican food at a fast food restaurant. Poor quality and expensive for what was served. Only wish we dined at Skip Jacks!

After the game we walked to our rental car and discovered the battery had died. We were a little worried as it was 12:30 am. Didn’t try calling Avis as my daughter decided to run into Skip Jacks and see if anyone could help. Dennis the bartender jumped to our rescue, armed with a battery and cables. He said this happens all the time. In less than 10 minutes we were on our way. I tried to give Dennis a gratuity, but he declined and said simply said, pay it forward. He went above and beyond and we definitely won’t forget his kind gesture. Next time in SXM, we will return to Skip Jacks.


Unfortunately had to miss making perfume at Tijon as my daughter caught a cold the day before we left and couldnt smell anything. Next time!

I was wondering where you stayed, and then I remembered you had posted before that you were staying on your boat. I guess you didn't have any security issues, once you arrived? Glad you enjoyed your trip!!!

Thanks for the nice report. Isn't Anse Marcel really beautiful. Glad everything went so well for you. Skip Jacks has a good reputation and that's great how the bartender came to your assistance. Now you can start planning your next return trip to SXM and do the things you didn't have time for on this trip!

I have to agree with you on Jimbo's. Tried it twice and honestly had better Mexican food at a gas station in our town. Did you fly home or are you still on your boat?

LBI2SXM, I agree with your sentiment, better Mexican food at a gas station or probably taco bell for that matter. At least there will be more value in a 99 cent taco than what we ate for $100.

I returned on Tuesday unfortunately. But immediately booked our return for March 29.


We experienced a first on a delta flight departing SXM. As we were boarding the aircraft, the oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling. Flight attendants were shocked and stating in all their years flying, they have never seen this happen. Then the pilot announces he pushed the wrong button while going through routine systems check. Needless to say we had to disembark while the issued was rectified. Just happy this didn't occur when we were in the air. Would have panicked the passengers.

Thanks so much for the trip report and the heart warming story :-) I'll have to check out Lagoonies - I like the idea of good quality food at a bar with live music on the water!

I’m going with my parents in March. What would you say is the best mother/daughter activity down there? We want some time, since the best will be empty next year.

Go to Tijon and make a personal fragrance for each of you.

I also agree about Jimbos. It was expensive, not that great and both times we were there - my stomach was upset the next day. We tried it TWICE because we didn't want to be judgemental.

Jimbos - not good for your stomach or your wallet IMHO.