TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin First Visit....Suggestions welcome

Hi,

I've booked a last minute solo 2 week-ish trip (Sun-Fri) staying at a small complex on the(French side of) Oyster Pond (with car) and would love some recommendations.

Me: Mid life, former scuba-er (nursing a torn knee ligament so no crazy diving or miles long hikes on the beach this trip), like to spend 50% of my time relaxing on quiet beaches/reading/snorkeling, 25% driving/exploring/sailing out of the way places, 24% dining/take away in hole in the wall local joints, 1% high end shopping/dining/busy area stuff. Used to be fluent in French, but I'm pretty rusty nowadays. So, I figured SXM would be a good fit for this trip, particularly since crazy hiking/diving/athletic stuff is out.

That being said, I am a foodie (have run/worked/eaten in 4 star restaurants in the Northeast, Florida, and thruout Europe). So, I don't mind blowing the budget once in a while on good food...but a freshly baked croissant for breakfast, a simple rustic European picnic lunch (baguette, good cheese, fois gros, charcuterie) and goat curry for dinner would be pretty perfect most days. Have no desire to eat American food and do not eat seafood (I've tried, trust me).

For reference, love Coral Bay on St John (and DeCoal Pot), Northside on Grand Cayman (Little Cayman even better), Leverick Bay on Virgin Gorda (their chicken roti is out of this world). Not a fan of (most of) Tortola, Cruz Bay, GC's Seven Mile Beach or St Thomas.

Oh, and I travel for work, so I'm traveling on DL thru ATL with Clear/PreCheck/Global Entry (and I don't check bags) and have no desire to watch planes take off/land. Though tricks on how to navigate Juliana would be appreciated. Have Verizon global plan, so I'm all set for wireless.

Any/all recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks SO much.

3 questions immediately come to mind...

1. Is there grocery delivery to Oyster Pond? It would be great to at least have the basics (coffee fixings, first night dinner, basic breakfast) upon arrival (since I probably won't leave the airport area until 4pm on Sunday). I believe there is a small store in that area, but not sure it'll be open Sunday early evening.

2. I know this might sound crazy, but is there any place to buy pepper spray on the island? Given I'm traveling solo, I might sleep a bit better if I had something defensive on my person (normally my dog's barking would suffice)...and I'm certainly not checking bags for that reason alone.

3. I suspect I might need to buy a comfy outdoor type chair for the porch of my rental (I'm a sucker for lounging on a chaise in the mornings while I drink a big cup of coffeee). In case the owner doesn't provide, any ideas? (last rental, I dragged a super comfy LR (living room) chair out on the porch :))

Thanks!

1. Couple options: EZ Shop or Shop-n-Drop. I've never used any grocery delivery service, so I can't speak to which one (or a different company) is better.

I believe that you're referring to Bread-and-Butter in Oyster Pond. Looks like it closes at 7:30. And it's a VERY small shop. This is what the inside looks like.

2. Regarding pepper spray, I can't help. Maybe Ace Hardware (?).

3. I don't know what a "LR chair" is. For my visit next month, I'm renting the "beach package" (chairs, cooler, and umbrella) with my rental car. Maybe Ace Hardware sells folding chairs as well. I dunno... Anybody else have suggestions?

I think the best "foodie" lunch on the island is Bacchus (also a high end wine shop + deli type store) in Hope Estate

https://bacchussxm.com/en/saint-martin-en/

Hope Estate also has a nice large grocery store called Super U, where you can purchase all sorts of French stuff (is a large chain in France).

https://www.magasins-u.com/magasin/superu-saintmartinhopeestate

Bill, thank you for that picture of Bread and Butter. Think they'll have enough to get me thru the first 24 hours (and I've confirmed they are open until 7p Sunday). Thanks for the reminder to check to see if my rental provides beach chairs. For the porch, I'm thinking something along the lines of a true patio lounger

Erb, thank you for the links. Super U was on my list (French groceries for a week, heaven). Thank you for the link to Bacchus...was not on the list.

I highly recommend Shop-n-Drop for food delivery. Jeannie is the best. Since you are a foodie, Grand Case would be your best bet. Lots of great restaurants with exceptional food. In no particular order, we love Bistrot Caraibes, La Villa, L'Auberge Gourmand, Le Bistronome, Les Oliveries, Le Cottage. Also, a hidden gem in Mont Vernon area is Le Taitu.

Techie--Definitely check out Shop and Drop.

Regarding pepper spray, I wouldn't have the faintest clue, but ask Jeannie at Shop N Drop, as I'm sure she would know where to get it.

Regarding the chair==check with your landlord. I figure there may well be a chair there. if not, check with Bob aka Craig, at Pack Light (google it)

Enjoy!!!

On the French side in Oyster Pond, try l'Oasis and BZH Creperie. Also Mama's Pizza. On the Dutch side of Oyster Pond, try Big Fish. BZH has great food in addition to a nice selection of Galettes.

While not sure I believe pepper spay is illegal on the island, that's not say we don't bring it

I would consider myself a good judge of cuisine for 3 star Michelin to the down and dirty and I consider all aspects of the dining experience.

From the foodie side, yeah there are lots of very good restaurants that have similar French menus, but a few are cooking outside the box.
Le Pressior in Gran Case is definitely worth the few extra dollars and would recommend the multi course (7) tasting

Les Galets which has limited seating (non beach side of Orient) is a Michelin trained chef with a set menu and a for real cheese trolley which is the highlight of the meal.
Would have to check set weekly menu to see if fish is served

Le Cottage in Grand Case offers an upscale menu with a well educated sommelier while a bit on the firm side, takes a few years to warm him up

While L'Atelier in Orient Village has been on my to visit list (closed for summer vacation during our stay) from reliable reviews I can mention they offer high quality imported meats out of the normal

There are plenty of local down and dirty local places especially a lolo with grilled food

Aerosol spray, pepperspray or teargas is not permitted
Having pepper spray or a spray can of teargas at home or on the public road, is not permitted. This object resorts under the Firearm Regulation 1930, namely a "Weapon intended for spreading toxic, asphyxiating or inhibitive gases". In article 1 of the Firearm Regulation such weapons are equated with firearms. The maximum prison sentence, which can be imposed, is four years.

In the past a change of the Firearm Regulation was proposed in the sense that possessing pepper spray under certain conditions would no longer be punishable. The proposal (up to date) has not been achieved.

** From the Public Prosecution Service

Thanks for all the responses thus far. I am SO incredibly psyched And, good to know, BD, about the Pepper spray...had no idea.

When I took commercial flights to Alaska I enquired about taking bear/pepper spray in my checked bad. Said it was forbidden. I suggest you buy a can of Wasp spray on island.

You have wheels you said. For a fun afternoon for a couple of hours tour of the West side of the island with snorkeling ( optional) is the Rhino Safari riders! I've done it six times. Every time I see something different in the marina's and up the coast line from Marigot to Creole rock. Where you have the option to snorkel the reefs below. It's super pretty down there! These are part jetski and part pontoon boat. They ride really smooth with no pressure on the knees or back ( I have a bad back) . Your guild will show you all the sightseeing places along the way! It's a BLAST!!!! The dock is located behind Pineapple Pete's restaurant on Welfare road with parking in front! Contact Leo Lotfi Boub for times and availabilities. Best days to go out are the days with the least amount of cruisers and no ships!! Have FUN!!! https://www.rhinotours.com/

This is good to hear. I had a trip booked in November and cancelled because some folks suggested it might hurt my back. Perhaps I will rebook in June.

It's all going to depend on the water conditions. Be careful.