TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Random questions

Although we've been going a few years now, I always have questions...so here we go, for those willing to entertain me. It's always appreciated.

For a mid March trip, how early are you booking restaurants and specific beach days? We've never been in March. Last year we did January for the first time and were woefully unprepared in the reservation department. We typically have gone late April or later.

Where are the lolos in Marigot? I thought I read some months back that they were all closed for rebuilding, but I saw a YouTube video stating that they were relocated (but no description of where that might be). Where do you park?

What is your favorite restaurant on the marina in Marigot that is open for lunch? Again - is parking obvious / easy? We have spent very little time in Marigot but hope to change that this year. We don't mind a walk, but just curious on where to go/ be.

What's your favorite spa experience? Not looking for the lady who comes to you to do massages, but an actual spa. So far I've tried L'Esplanade and La Playa and both, while very different, were nice. I'm interested to know where else to try.

Thank you!

With regard to March, the closer to Regatta, the busier the restaurants will be so I would book several days out when possible.

Be Kool for lunch in Marigot. Excellent although I didn't make it there this last trip. I park in the lot across from the cemetery and just walk along the marina to get to Be Kool, which is on opposite side of marina from Be Kool. Le Tropicana is also excellent.

We are here now and I haven't had any trouble (yet) getting reservations a few days early. I did reserve Bistro Caraibes and Les Galetes a couple of weeks ahead.

We ate at Tropicana yesterday and it was fabulous... they had a warm crab cake "tropicana style" that was so very different, but excellent. We parked in a lot right at the round about before the Marina (could be the one jazzgal is referencing.... I didn't look to see what was across the street!). We did not have reservations, but arrived a little early and got a table. It was completely full when we left. Be Kool was also on my list, but we came upon Tropicana first and ate there. We also saw a couple of very local looking restaurants on the walk to the Marina, but I am unsure if these are Lolos.

As others have said Be Kool/Tropicana are great, there seem to be many new restaurants in the Marigot Marina popping up which is great. Parking you have the lot that Jazzgal said or street parking if lucky.

The Lolos in Marigot are near the outdoor market area along the water (permanent structures, can't miss them). There is street parking all over that area but it gets busy when cruise ships are in town.

+1 for Be Kool in Marigot.

Crab cake intrigues me. What was "so very different "?

Scuba,

It is very hard to describe. It had like a thin savory pancake on top of a thick "cake" of crab. It was barely warm and had a bunch of green stuff in it... maybe pesto - ish, maybe cilantro. The older lady, I assume one of the owners, described it like a crab salad, but it wasn't cold. It was not fried or baked like a traditional crab cake. Both my husband and I agree it's the best thing we have had (food wise) in quite a while - and very unexpected - and a perfect match with the Pinot Grigio wine. I wish I could describe it better, but you'd just have to taste it!

That looks absolutely delicious!!

Thanks. Now on my list for May.

Jazzgirl's suggestion is a must; however you should make reservations ahead.

We usually go for lunch and park where Jazzgirl said. We've found out reserve for lunch is a must. IN past we've arrive at noon to find them booked. Mostly locals so they stay long and lunch is only 12-2.

Haven't been for dinner but the food is soooooooo good that I expect a reservation is a must then too.