Thanks to everyone on this board for all the tips and tricks. They helped make me and my husband's first visit to Sint Maarten a delight!
We really enjoyed the Azure Hotel and Art Studio. Michael and family were great hosts, our Garden Suite (beachside) was perfect. Was only about 12 steps to the beach and loungers. Because the hotel only has 8 rooms, were never had a problem getting loungers anytime we needed (no towels games). Small kitchen, Dish TV Satellite with lots of channels, provided beach towels, very comfortable bed and pillows (wish all hotels bedding was this nice), daily housekeeping, cold AC, etc. All in all I would definitely return. Michael made several reservations in advance for us - this was appreciated.
We chose not to rent a car, enjoy the rum and leave the driving to others. This worked out great for us. We had no trouble getting good taxi drivers when needed and found it easy to walk to & from restaurants in Simpson Bay both day and night.
We enjoyed our meals at Secret Seafood House, Oceans 82, Roma, Lee's Roadside Grill, Skipjacks, Pollo Hermanos, Holland House and Chesterfields. We loved all the good seafood and miss it already!!
We didn't do as much as I had originally planned - the sand gravity was so relaxing we cut back our itinerary and just enjoyed the moment. Hopefully next trip we can make it to Anguilla.
The lounge at the airport was nice; airport experience in general both arrival and department was positive. I agree with others it would be nice if they had a separate line for those of us who completed our entry forms in advance versus those who didn't.
We look forward to return to this beautiful island and it's friendly people.
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