TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Leaving next week...couple questions

Just another week or so before we head back to the island. Have a few questons before we leave. Staynng at SBBR for 4 days then a condo on OB for 5 days. The split stays are not for everyone, but we enjoy mixng it up a bit and it works out pretty well. Last visit to SXM was July 2014 so its been awhile. We had a trip booked a couple years ago but lrma had dfferent plans and we had to cancel. So on to my questons.

Best place in Smpson Bay area to pick up staples such as sunblock, snacks, water/beer, etc...which market has best prices?

Any good place to pick up premade sandwiches?

Directons to Parrotville?

Whats the seaweed situation at OB and other beaches?

Diong a day trip to Anguilla...how much cheaper is the publc ferry vs speed boat?

Looking at possbly buying a pece of jewelry for DW. We know nothing about the ins/ and outs of the jewelry busness and just want to go to a place that will treat us fairly w/o havng to bicker on price. A place we can trust to not rip off two unsuspectng toursts....lol.

Thanks to all for the great info and reports you all share with everyone here....greatly appreciated.

As to markets we've found none in Simpson Bay have the best prices. Last March we picked up the basics at the little market across from Royal Islander in Maho and their prices were less than Carrefore. 6 pack water $3.50, wedge of Gouda cheese 1.48, dozen jumbo eggs $2.50 , Milk 1.69, romaine 2.10 Ting1.50 per bottle, (got 6) one tomato .41 i bottle rum for total of $48.71

Later we went to Super U for the rest of groceries and they were by far the least expensive. Guadaloupe melon, 4pk yogurt, cheese: Fromage St Albray, 4 tangerines, 2 pears, 2 bananas, box raisin bran, quart milk, lettuce, tomato, salad dressing, small fruit tart, bottle Merlot, bottle Sancerre, bottle Cote Roses and i champagne for total $48.91 they gave 1 to 1 Euro to USD. If nothing else their wine selection is vast and inexpensive.

Simpson Bay is tough, as far as best prices. The large store in Simpson Bay is Market Garden, which in general is a ripoff. Best prices for groceries on the island is Super U in Marigot. Best big store on the Dutch side is Carrefour by Mark's, close to Phillipsburg. The smaller Carrefour markets, especially the one at Jordan Village in Cupecoy, have decent selections and decent prices.

As far as premade sandwiches, they have them a bunch of places, including Market Garden, Maho Market, etc. Or buy baguettes and lunchmeat, etc., and make your own.

Seaweed varies.

I'll let someone else try to address some of your other questions.

Carrefour in Jordan Village seems to have things not in other Carrefour. They have ready made salads, sandwiches, etc. It's nice store. And in the same area is Jules bakery which also has made sandwiches and great pastries.

Depending on the speed boat as the prices will vary, the public ferry is usually much cheaper. There are departure fees/taxes you pay no matter how you go and they can add up but it is still a nice day trip.

You will get many different responses to your jewelry question - everyone has their preferred jeweler - for us, it is DK Gems - we have been using them since 2004 and have been very pleased with everything we have purchased from them. If you go there, ask for Jeff.

Jeff at DK Gems is very honest and will offer excellent service for all your jewellery needs. I have used them for several years and was always very satisfied with everything.