TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Trip Report May 5-10

Just figured I would share back to this forum after getting some help with our trip (mostly as a lurker). It was our first time to the island (and to the Caribbean). It was a short trip so we purposely stayed close to our hotel for most of the trip. We used Kenny's for car rental (super easy but a well worn car), stayed at Orient Beach Hotel in a 3rd floor room (this place is great and just as advertised), and mainly spent our short trip around Orient Bay. We ate at Orange Fever (mostly good but got a fried fish thing when I should've ordered something else), Astrolabe (lobster night on Friday!), Le Piment, Le Telegraphe, La Trattoria (nice break from French), Bikini Beach (a nice lunch in beach chairs), Karibuni (Pinel in the rain was actually lovely), and Perch (really lovely people and *fast* service). Orient Beach Hotel provided second row chairs a several beach spots but we stuck with KKO and Bikini Beach mostly. We got wonderful massages from Patty Healing Hands (in-room) and Fabienne (at the massage hut at Club Orient). We also took the CO version of the "SXM St Martin Catamaran Charters" (Flagship II) which was very useful to better understand the island. The crew (Georgia and Alois) were fab and the other passengers (only 7 passengers total on our trip) were friendly.

The most surprising thing to us is how extremely wonderful people were in nearly every single interaction we had on the island. This includes vendors on the beach to staff at restaurants, etc. The one thing we did quickly learn is patience with getting the bill (and planning out whenever we actually had to be somewhere and needed to wait for a check or someone to take our order). Once we settled into island time, everything was fine. Our world was pretty small while were there, but that was our intention. Thanks again for all the tips, they were definitely helpful in planning our trip.

My wife had an in room massage from Patty this last Saturday. I think it'll be the first of many. She was quite satisfied. Orange Fever for us this Thursday. 🤞👍

Orient has so much to offer! Still considering staying there on our next trip.

Marc really enjoyed a massage from Patty last trip. I probably should’ve arranged for another one this time.

SXM is definitely The Friendly Island!

Thanks for the report! Such a short trip, but sounds like you did enjoy it. So, when is your next trip to SXM??

It has been our experience in the french restaurants that they don't rush you out & they typically don't bring the bill until you ask for it. And then once they bring the bill you typically get their house rum shot. Thought this might help.
Glad you are having a good time! It's great you are taking the time to do reports!

Thanks for sharing your experience. You fit a lot into your short trip! And yes, slowing down to island time is one of the benefits of a visit to SXM.