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St. Maarten Travel Advice

Stan Gable

Stan Gable

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Looking to plan a trip there with my brother for a healthy combination of relaxing and partying. Where is the best area to stay with that in mind? What is there to do besides diving? Best casino? Going July 4th weekend so I realize its the off season but expecting a healthy dose of activity considering its a US holiday weekend.
 
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I went there once on a cruise, so we didn't spend a whole lot of time there, but the America's Cup sailing gig is pretty sweet. They actually have Dennis Conner's 12 metre racing yacht down there (Stars & Stripes... fitting for July 4th) and they'll take you out on it and race against the other boat. I don't think it was all that expensive either.

http://www.12metre.com
 
Also been there as day stops on cruises (twice). Most of the 'activity' is on the Dutch side, French side is much quieter (but does have clothing optional beaches). The Dutch side isn't really Dutch (maybe some people speak it?) , but the French side is pretty authentically French. I can't say if there is a party scene or not.

There are some cool activities to do. The ones I've done were coordinated through the cruise line (Royal Caribbean), but you can go directly through the tour company, too. Best were a boat tour around the island (on the little coast guard like inflatable boats about the size and speed of jet skis) and a similar driving tour around the island on a T-Rex. Both included stops at the clothing optional beach. Normally this is not a plus, but in St. Maarten I have found it to be.

Wikitravel does a good job summing up the differences between Dutch and French sides.
 
Dutch side has some cheap ass booze, IIRC. French side is good for relaxing at little outdoor cafes with your poodle, wine, and croissants.
 
I have heard the French side is a lot nicer and cleaner. Dutch side can be pretty dirty/sketchy.
 
One of the secretaries in my office just spent a week in St. Maarten. She stayed on the French side this time and said she much prefers the Dutch side FWIW.
 
The casinos are all on the Dutch side. The best food is on the French Side. The is a nudist resort at the end of Orient Bay Beach and they frequently will stroll the whole beach. The women you want to see naked are clothed and the women you don't want to see naked are naked. Be prepared.

Mullet Beach (yes, Mullet) is a nice beach close to the "action" on the Dutch side.

Philipsburg is the most touristy because that's where all the cruise ships dock.

Hope some of that helps. Would be happy to answer more questions if you have them.
 
Stay away from the Seamen's Club.

French side definitely nicest though we did drive past a stand of palm trees near Orient Bay and saw a local standing in the treeline jerking off while watching women on beach. Lovely. As BDer said, the nudist beaches aren't necessarily what you're hoping for. I will add that you'll also see old men strolling around in the buff.:sick:

Make sure you do the Sunset Beach bar at the end of the runway at the airport. Get the KLM schedule and you can see when the big 747s come in. It's a trip. Also, the take-off from Juliana airport is a trip.
 
don't know if this photochopped or not...but, if real, wow:

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Maho Beach excursion booked.

I've heard clothing is optional on quite a few beaches, will we need to be careful if our 5yo is with us?
 
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