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First time visitors!
#295657
02/13/2023 06:12 PM
02/13/2023 06:12 PM
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Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 5
SunChasing
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 5
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Hi everyone! First off I want to say how wonderful, thorough and more importantly -kind- everyone is on this forum. So I thank you in advance for the helpful information! We are "frequent flyers" to the BVIs and have decided to expand our horizons to the stunning Saint Martin island. We have accommodations on the French side near Orient Bay in a couple weeks. We are travelling with our two kids ages 10 and 16. I have a few questions to help us get the lay of the land. (We have a vehicle rented as well.) Any tips would be so appreciated! 1) Quiet beaches where chairs and umbrellas are provided (we would like to be somewhere we could plant ourselves and get food and drinks right there). Our kids are big snorkelers so a beach that they're able to do that is a bonus. 2) Casual restaurant fare, more for dinner- the kids have decent pallets but I fear the more fine dining will be wasted on them lol (Through recommendations I've read on here we've made reservations at L'Atlier for one night but would like something casual as well.) 3) Favourite coffee shop- I've heard that St Martin has incredible coffee and pastry shops. My love language! Is there one that stands out particularly to you? 4) Would you recommend renting chairs and an umbrella for the week for ease? I don't believe our rental provides them. 5) Grocery stores - the one that has the most selection on the French side. In saying that I don't mind going to a few different shops for provisions. I have read that you recommend one gal that delivers food and I'm thinking that might be a nice option for after our check in time. Any other tips you like sharing I would love to hear ![smile smile](/images/graemlins/default/smile.gif)
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Re: First time visitors!
[Re: SunChasing]
#295667
02/13/2023 07:54 PM
02/13/2023 07:54 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,958 Portland, OR
jazzgal
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,958
Portland, OR
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Grocery delivery is from LINK Shop and Drop. It's really nice to have a cold beverage waiting for you when you check in. I second the recommendation of Anse Marcel beach. Another beach with snorkeling is Little Bay at Divi. For a casual dinner, while not on the French side, try Mark's Place by the Carrefour roundabout on Dutch side. Super U grocery in Hope Estate gets good reviews.
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Re: First time visitors!
[Re: SunChasing]
#295673
02/13/2023 08:27 PM
02/13/2023 08:27 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552
Central Florida!
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1) It's not necessarily a 'quiet ' beach, but I think the kids would enjoy Buccaneer Beach Bar. Another recommendation would be either Karakter or Mary's Boon. Probably better snorkeling there.
2) To ME, I would not recommend Anse Marcel Beach Club in your situation, since you said the kids are not into fine cuisine. Seems a waste of money to me. And you were talking about dinner. There are some casual options available in Orient Village. Suggest you walk around and see what appeals.
3) Coffee versus pastry is a different question to me. My favorite pastry shop is Le Suciere, which is on the Dutch side.
4) As far as renting chairs and umbrellas for the week, Craig used to rent chairs and umbrellas, but not sure he still does. Do a searcj for Packlight SXM and see what comes up. It is different with four people versus two. For US, it's not worth it, but when the price is doubled, it's a different situation.
5) The grocery on the French side with the biggest selection is Super U--either at Hope Estate (closer to Orient) or in Marigot. There are also some smaller stores around Orient, like Petit Casino and Leader Price, which is across the road from Orient. Delivery is available from Jeannie at Shop N Drop.
Enjoy!
Carol Hill
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Re: First time visitors!
[Re: CJIMI]
#295683
02/13/2023 11:52 PM
02/13/2023 11:52 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,345 Vancouver, WA
Todd
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,345
Vancouver, WA
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L'express in hope estate in my not so humble opinion is the best bakery on island. It is also by grocery shopping if you don't go with Shop n Drop. Orient has the beach there, I prefer Grand Case with the more relaxed vibe. Dawn beach has some decent snorkeling, Little Bay is good and I think the best is off Baie Rouge but only if not too big of waves. Not really a great snorkel island. There will be lots of options to eat in the Orient area.
Have a great trip!
I prefer the Isle seat
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Re: First time visitors!
[Re: SunChasing]
#295699
02/14/2023 01:13 PM
02/14/2023 01:13 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081 Clearwater, FL
Biturbo
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
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Question #2) Since you'll be staying in Orient area, I'd recommend Rancho del Sol. Casual, but excellent. And a terrific view. Question #3) In nearby Oyster Pond we love Bread n' Butter (next to l'Oasis restaurant). Terrific coffee & pastries, friendly service. Also, as mentioned Good Morning in Orient Village is Tres bien.
I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
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Re: First time visitors!
[Re: SunChasing]
#295706
02/14/2023 03:12 PM
02/14/2023 03:12 PM
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Joined: May 2021
Posts: 252
erb923
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 252
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