TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Arriving in SXM on Saturday. WOO HOO

We'll be arriving at SXM airport around noon. Can I say we're excited. It's been almost 8 years since our last visit. We'll be staying for 6 weeks.
What should we expect that is different from 2017?
SM still has beaches right? LOL
We have never been to SM in the winter, only the summer, so I'm not sure what to expect.

We have never really ever cooked when we were on the island, but now staying 6 weeks, we feel we may want to do that. What grocery stores are near Tamarind Hill Road, Upper Prince's Quarter? If there is more than one, is one better than another. I'm not worried about distance since it doesn't take long to get most places on the island anyway. Thanks.

Can't help much on groceries, we only get food for breakfast and a few lunches. Yes it still has beaches, and there is some destruction still from the hurricane, but overall is in pretty good shape. I have never been in the summer, usually we go in February - the roads, and some of the beaches can get a bit busy. We normally check to see how many cruise passengers are docking on days that we want to head to the popular beaches, like Orient and Mullet. The biggest difference for you will be how to dress for the return flight. After spending 6 weeks in SXM, if the temps are cold in Kansas on your return, you might want to carry your winter coat with you on the return flight - otherwise , it might be a bit of a chill when you return. Sure you will have a great time.

Thanks for all the info. It is truly appreciated.

The two biggest grocery store on the island are Carrefour on the Dutch side (several locations) and Super U on the French side (Marigot and Hope Estates). Both are similar to what you would be used to in the US although some of the brands are European. Take you phone with Google Translate so you can decider some of the labels.

Thanks.

There is really nothing 'near' Tamarind Hill Road. Fairway Mark I (Philipsburg), Cost Pro (Middle Region) and the 2-3 Market (Dutch Quarter) are not too far if you just want a few things. Carrefour is your best bet on the Dutch side for your initial shopping. Just a note, Carrefour does not provide plastic bags so we usually bring a few of our reusable bags from home.

Our villa we are staying in has bags so that should not be a problem. It looks like Carrefour is our best bet like you said. Thanks for the info.

Consider Shop N Drop, a great food service that drops off groceries. Jeannie gives great service. I believe she's a sponsor here. You pick from listed food categories and pick a time frame for delivery. The best part is she'll stock the fridge wherever you are staying before you arrive.

Nice to know. Thanks.

Jeannie is the best.