TravelTalkOnline Forums Thread Like Summary - 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!

My only advice would be to not overschedule. I have been an owner at LaPlage for the past 25 years, and there's really a lot to do within easy walking distance. I've had visitors come down and after one drive around the island they really just want to reax by the pool, watch the planes or go to the beach. LaPlage has an excelent location, and I don't even usually rent a car anymore. Mullet Bay beach is a short walk up the street, and I suspect that in August getting a group of 15 chairs there would not be that difficult - you might even be able to negotiate a group price as August would be off-season. LaPlage, of course, has chairs for its guests, and again, in August, it may not be that crowded, so fifteen chairs might be possible. You can use the little van/busses and get down to Simpson Bay or Phillipsburg for a couple of dollars - at night you may have to take a taxi back, but that's still cheaper than renting a car. The little van/busses pass in front of the LaPlage every few minutes, and there's a taxi stand right in front of the Sonesta next door. Right in Maho there's live entertainment every night at the Hole in Walll. The new Smashburgers is really good and reasonably priced. The new Maho Deli makes excellent sandwiches and terrific breakfasts - aslo reasonably priced. The Driftwood Boat Bar will give you a real island vibe (lots of locals) has good food - also reasonably priced - and some of the best frozen drinks on the island. At the other end of Maho beach (also very walkable) You'll find the Sunet Beach Bar (unfortunately overwhelmed now by tours off the cruise ships) and the Sand Bar. Parking in Maho can be challenging. There's a parking garage under La Terasse next to the market, and guests at LaPlage can arrange permits, but there's a nightly fee and with 3 or 4 vehicles it could add up. For a special night out there are many fine restaurants in Maho. The Tortuga, right at LaPlage, has probably one of the best settings for a nice meal on the island - right on the water! One other consideration might be island traffic. I can't really comment since I don't usually rent a car anymore, but manhy posters complain about it, but again, in August, it may not be that bad . Anyway, I guess the pont of my ramblings is to suggest not overscheduling and perhaps only renting vehicles for a couple of days and taking advantage of the location of LaPlage in Maho. Whatever you do - don't worry - you can't have a bad time in Saint Martin!

You are going off season, it will be hotter and more humid but being from NC you are probably used to that more than I. It will be less crowded and for things like car rental negotiate noting it is off season and they will have cars sitting around. The water will be warmer and clearer, and the odds of a hurricane are low but still something to think about. It seems you have your planning relaxed which when herding cats is good. As mentioned and you probably already know this but you are in a great walkable area. There have already been some great suggestions so far, so noting the budget friendly comment here are my suggestions, good but not breaking the bank.

Beach days - First off show up by 930am at any of these and you will have your best shot of getting lots of chairs. D's, K as in Karakter, and Marys Boon on Simpson Bay all have good food and last I heard free chairs. Note at K, it is French style where the tip/service is in with the food so when you consider you are maybe adding 3-5% tip it is a bit more reasonable. Just note that drinking there can get expensive. On Orient Orange Fever was suggested, might be tough to get 8 chairs let alone 15 you could call for reservations. Food and drink are reasonable there. Grand Case - While we like Grand Case Beach Club getting 4 or 8 chairs can be tough, let alone more. LTC is great but the price is not bargain. I would suggest Frenchy's, a bit more reasonable on all and probably the best place for a chance at a large number of chairs if you want to try Grand Case which has a great beach. Mullet is right by you, Rosies and Da Watering Hole are more reasonably priced and it is a great beach. The beaches all come and go and change daily, including the beach right there at the resort where you will have free chairs and Tortuga really is pretty good.

Food - Walking distance you have a lot to choose from, Roma for Happy Hour is a great choice. Up in Jordan Village you have a couple inexpensive places that cater to college students along with the tourist and locals. Fat Tony's is good, and La Chingona (real deal Mexican) while mostly for take away it is one of my favorite places on island and inexpensive. Dany's at Cupecoy for Sunset and Beer/Cocktails is another favorite. In Simpson Bay I know people that like to take larger groups to White Swan for Chinese Food and for the 20 somethings and above I highly suggest Huppel The Pub especially on Monday nights. Inexpensive drinks, great vibe and great music. Something you might also want to do as a group is contact Richard at Gutside and have a dinner there, can't get much more local than having dinner with Richard and Lourdes and it is very reasonable. There are lots of places for higher end but these were the easier on the pocketbook favorites that we know of.

With 15 you could probably charter or rent out an entire boat for the day or a sunset cruise like on No1SXM, not a out on a boat person but I am sure others can give suggestions on this. You might also want to consider The 12 Meter Regata and racing each other, a lot of fun that can be done as a group.

Have a great trip!