TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Something new anyone?

Our 5th 2-week stay at a villa on the hill at Orient Bay will commence May 26, after many cruise stops over the years. We four 60-ish adults have been on just about all the snorkel/sails (that we know of) and will do Celine Too this time. We like to be in and on the water (as well as lounge on Club O beach most days), like to cook, relax and explore a little. Not such great shoppers but always like to look a little.
So what do you newly recommend? Anything you've done that was a surprise for you? Something unusual? What might have we missed perhaps in an out-of-the-way spot. I know, the island's not that big so there's not too much that's out-of-the-way <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
All comments welcome...

Depending what kind of shape you are in, zip lining at the farm.

If you have not do so already, I would suggest a lunch or sunset sail on The Passaat. They are a sponsor and do a really nice job on a very old and interesting boat.

Passaat

A 'fly over - boat back' day trip to Saba for a picture taking taxi tour? Maybe a small hike up the stairs if you're up to it? Lunch in the courtyard at the Queens Garden Inn? Just throwing it out there as a possibility for a different kind of island day with no beaching involved. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Pat,

We just spent 3 days in Saba, returned yesterday, what a dream. Hiking Mt. Scenery, diving, fresh lobster, gorgeous view at Queens's Garden Resort.
The staff was so lovely, nice for a change to have your wine glasses
filled with attentive service which seems to be lacking these days on St. Martin.

I agree after the tingling 13 minute flight over, an island tour & lunch at Queen's Garden Resort is a must!

Lyn

How about trying stand up paddle boarding on Le Galion? I meant to do that last February but it was a bit too breezy even on Le Galion to try it as a beginner. Drinks during sunset in Grand Case at Calmos. (It's a good place to hunt for sea glass as well).

Have you caught the blow hole past Club O? If the waves are coming in right water will shoot 15 to 20 feet in the air! Only a 10 minute walk on the rocks south of Club O.

BobandJeana

Also Mama Pizza in Oyster Pond is a great place with a wonderful view of Oyster Pond. They have a FB page and a website so you can look at menu and see the view from the dining area.

Have you seen the whole island from the water? I would definitely recommend an around the island boat trip either by sailboat or powerboat. We did the Captain Alan CO trip, and it was a blast for many reasons, next time we want to do the Tiko Tiko around the island cruise. I'm not sure who else does it, but seeing the whole island from a boat is a great experience. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/pirate.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/pirate.gif" alt="" />

If you haven't done so, and if you dont mind open-bar, I'd highly recommend the Lagoon Pub Crawl on The Celine. Neil recently rebuilt the boat after last year's hurricane and its spacious and awesome.

The restaurant for dinner (Rendezvous in Cupecoy Harbor) is perfect French cuisine and the company is always fun.

Loterie Farm L'eaulounge and given the beach bars north of Pedro's to Kontiki will be gone starting June, you might get a last look / pics, drinks and meals before they are gone for good.

J&B

Neil's new boat is the Celine Too, a totally different boat than the Celine which was totally destroyed after Hurricane Gonzales. Neil did not rebuild the Celine, but purchased a much bigger boat before the hurricane and was working on that one for a couple of years.He had hoped to be operating two boats by now, but the hurricane didn't cooperate with his plans! The Celine Too looks amazing and I can't wait to go out on her in November.

Don't forget Friday evenings in Orient Village. They have music and a flea market every Friday evening. We plan to eat at Le Piment tomorrow night and take in the entertainment.

Many thanks everyone. We all have similar tastes. Will do Celine Too and hang out explore Oyster Bay. Usually get lazy and spend the day at Club O and end up cooking at home (a joy, not a chore for me).

My tip: Best croissants just about anywhere at La Croissanterie in Marigot on Port Royale south end of town.

Happy travels all...

Is this something seasonal? We are coming in mid June and it sounds like a fun evening.

I usually take a couple walks out there. Dicey route. Cant imagine falling on those treacherous rocks. Always with sandals, eh?

Cheers,