American tourists enjoying the same view I had stopped to admire.

I hope you had a wonderful trip, and I hope life is treating you kindly. If by some strange coincidence you ever come across this post, know that I was simply taking a photo of the scenery, and you happened to be part of the moment.

There was something about the scene that felt cinematic , the view, the light, two people quietly taking it all in. It captured a feeling more than anything else.

For a moment, I thought about sharing the photo. Then I wandered farther down the beach, enjoying the rare feeling of seeing my own island through fresh eyes, as though I were a visitor discovering it for the first time.

By the time I made my way back, you were gone.

Now the photo remains in my camera roll.

We pass through each other’s stories for only a few seconds, yet somehow become part of a memory.

I suppose that’s one of the beautiful things about travel, and about life: we never really know whose day we’ve quietly appeared in, or which ordinary moment will stay with someone long after it’s gone.

We usually stay at Grand Case Beach Club whenever we visit the island, but availability is pretty limited for the dates we’re looking at in August.

Does anyone have recommendations for other places to stay? We’re open to either the French or Dutch side.

Ideally looking for something beachfront or within walking distance to restaurants and shops, with a similar laid back vibe.

Hi! We are looking to rent a villa for a big family reunion this winter. We are planning to rent with St Martin Blue but having a hard time finding reviews/experiences with them that aren't just reviews on their own site. Has anyone booked with them? Just want to make sure they are legit and also that they are good at what they do!

We’ll be on the Dutch side but willing to go to the French.

So far, I’m thinking of taking them to Parotte Ville Bird Park and Loterie Farm.

Hi all,

I’ve been to SXM several times but I have never stayed in Cul de Sac. I recognize it’s close to Pinel Island. The only time I kayaked to Pinel they were doing some dredging near the parking lot for Pinel and the smell was so insanely strong with a foul odor in the air. Unbearable.

Was that typical or was my timing just bad for the area? Is there ever a smell in a Cul de Sac from the sargassum / dredging or was my experience a one off? I’m looking to stay in CDS next March.

Thanks!

Traveling this weekend to Saint Martin and curious how the seaweed has been in orient Bay Area specifically? Have a couple beach club days planned in the area so curious what to expect for next week.

We will be in SXM in a few months staying near Orient Beach. What are your favorite LOLO's to eat at........... best values for the dollar, best food, favorite foods to get, best atmosphere.....etc.

Also, please mention their location

Yep, and my teenager got pics. Anyone seen one there before or know what type it is?

For those who don’t know, it’s basically a Curried Chickpea sandwich in between fried flatbread.

has anyone done the Under SXM snorkeling? is it worth it, or is it something to skip? one day left and trying to decide if it’s worth the 2 hours/$100 tomorrow, or if there’s another direction we should go for our last full day!

for context, I’m a big animal person and would love to see some good sea life. we’ve snorkeled a little (Grand Case, Anse Marcel) but didn’t see anything crazy other than some (still wonderful) assorted reef fish.

appreciate any advice and suggestions! :)

Hello! Visiting St Martin july 21-28 and it seems like the weather forecast is saying it’s gonna rain all of those days!! How likely is that to change and how bad is the rain there?

We’re headed down for a week the end of July/beginning of August and so excited! I’m looking forward to do some snorkeling. Is that something you essentially need to book an excursion or could you bring your own snorkel and fins and just go off the shore on your own? If so, what are the best places to go?

Went to Coco beach and l'astorlabe yesterday and notice "service compris" no longer on checks. Employees stated tips not on check. One said it's illegal to add to checks. What's the true story?

I've been coming for years and it's always been included.

I flew Copa LAX-SXM in business class in May 2025 for a very low redemption of 70k UA miles R/T. I'm starting to look at May 2027 and there are no award tickets on Copa and UA is asking for 195k miles each way.

Did anyone get award tickets on Copa to SXM this year in 2026? How many miles did you need?

I'm afraid that the Copa business class awards were a one time thing.

We’ll be there for our honeymoon during NYE.
Any ideas or advice where to celebrate it?

Hello,

We have a port stop on August 5th. Haven't been since 25 years ago on our honeymoon. Looking to rent a car for a day. Does anyone have recommendations for a rental pickup at the port?

Thank you,

We will be on the French side, and looking to dine out as much as possible. Any good restaurants or cafes with vegetarian options we should try? I'll also take any bakery or patisserie recommendations!

We are arriving on Saturday, and staying for 3 glorious weeks. Wife, two teenagers and me are really looking forward to this!

Will start off with a few days at Maho Beach, before heading to Orient Beach a week. Next a few days in Philipsburg and then round it off at Simpson bay. We have rented a car for this, of course!

Will probably do a day trip to either Anguilla or St Barths, or both.

Any tips or recommendations will be greatly appreciated. We have made. Few plans already, and the kids have a few ideas as well, but if you have a «you have to try this» tip, I would love to hear it!

Algún latino o alguien que quiera hacer amistad

After running all over Anguilla for nine days want to spend two nights in SXM at a resort for “relaxation”. Beach is not needed as we will be beached out from Anguilla.

Great pool is needed.
Good food on property or very close by is needed as well.

I see Sonesta Maho gets good reviews but it’s all inclusive and slightly more than JW.

JW does not get as high marks as Sonesta because it is on Dawn beach.

What would be the closest 3rd place (in quality/cost) to these two but not the same $400 per night?