TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Beach Chairs and Umbrellas

Hello TTOLer's,

My group of 15 (ranging in age from 14 to 65) is scheduled for a trip 8/1-8/8. We have secured 3, 2 bedroom units at La Plage. I am trying to wrap my head around what our itinerary is going to look like. I have compiled a list of restaurants, beach bars, happy hours, hiking trails/other things to do on the island (now just need to choose lol). When my family of four visited in 2021, we beach-hopped, securing chairs at various beach bars. I am looking to do that again, but, from what I am reading the chairs are at least $15/pp at most/all locations, regardless of whether you eat/drink. Is this correct? Are there any places that rent you a chair for free/reduced if you eat/drink? Those fees will add up pretty quickly with our large group over a week's time. Any suggestions for touring with such a large group? Any/all advice is welcome! TIA!

Keep in mind it's going to be difficult to get 15 chairs close together with out a prior reservation. Orange Fever has $5 chairs. La String used to have them for free but now charge a nominal fee that I'm not sure of.

Thanks Scuba. Good point about the reservation. We went to La String in 2021, and ate. Good to know about OF! Do most of the beach bars take ressies? I assume most aren't online. How far in advance do they take ressies (those that do)? I really do appreciate the information!

Aloha is free when eating lunch.

I would make reservations for everything if you have a group of 15, especially if you are doing lunch in Marigot or some of the smaller restaurants.

Thanks erb! I will check out Aloha. Does anyone have a recommendation about how far in advance restaurants generally take reservations?

In May we usually make ours day before or early morning.

Thanks!

Le String now charges $20 for 2 chairs which includes 2 free drinks. With most mixed or frozen drinks costing $8, you pay the equivalent of $2 per chair. Of course, drinking a beer will increase the effective cost of your chair. Beer drinkers can enjoy $15 buckets. 1€ = 1$ cash only.

Friars Bay Beach Cafe, arrive before 10am and it should not be a problem. $10 for two chairs and an umbrella if you eat there which i highly suggest as one of the better lunches on island. Cash only. Closed Tuesday and you might want to check further at that time of year. We usually arrive about 930 to 945 and have the option of 20 plus front row.