TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Need advice

Hi, we will be spending 8 nights at Esmeralda 6/22. Would appreciate pros and cons on the following,Loterie Farm entire day zip Line pool and dining, Tiki hut snorkel park, Sea Trek wear Helmet,Rock and Roll Snorkel and site seeing, supermarket , some real local resturants. Best beach bars along O.Beach. Parasailing along O.Beach.Thanking all in advance <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

I'm worn out just reading your list of activities. My suggestion is to definitely put some relaxation in there. Remember you will be on island time which means slow down and enjoy. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

For real local restaurants within 15-20 minutes of Esmeralda try Yvettes in Orleans and Gutside on the road to Friars Beach.

Yes, your list of activities is making me tired too!

As far as best bars along Orient Beach, "best" is certainly a subjective term. My suggestion is that you get there early, walk the length of the beach, looking at the menus and even chatting with the proprietors and beach staff to see which one has the vibe that you want for the day. There are three or four watersports concessions set up along the beach as well, so you can look into parasailing at the same time. Our favorite Orient beach bar/restaurant is Kakao, which also has a watersports facility, although I don't think they offer parasailing.

I second the recommendation of Gutside for authentic local food, and a great experience visiting with local residents, Richard and Lourdes.

I'm not sure exactly what you mean with regard to Loterie Farm and being an all day thing. Many people have done the zip line and enjoyed it, although be aware it's more of an obstacle course kind of thing than a pure 'zip line' experience. There is a pool there (for an extra fee) where you can hang out for a while. And there is the treetop lounge, where you can get light food and drinks and also there is the regular restaurant. The regular restaurant is quite a culinary experience and I personally would want to go home and clean up from being hot and sweaty from the obstacle course, before eating dinner. You could get a drink at the Treetop Lounge and perhaps a light snack after the zip line though.

Don't know anything about the other excursions you mentioned.

As far as groceries, the closest grocery store to you would be TTOL sponsor, Petit Casino. It's a smaller grocery store, right in Orient Village, but with a decent selection of foods. They do DELIVER in Orient Village, FREE, if that suits your fancy. A bit further, there is Simply, in Madame Estate. In general, don't bother with them, as their selection is very poor these days. The best real grocery store close to you would be Super U in Marigot. Great prices and selection!

Feel free to PM me after the 8th. Spending 8 nights at Esmeralda starting Memorial Day.

Hi, hope your trip was all that you wished for and more. We will be there on 6/22 for 8 nights, will have a car the entire time. Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you