St. Maarten Insider

Renting the Right Car

2006-01-12T17:58:00.000-04:00

A rental car is a must to get the most out of a vacation on St Maarten – St Martin. Even though the island is small in size – only 37 square miles – the mountainous terrain allows room for several towns and villages, with an amazing variation of landscapes. The infrastructure is acceptable by Caribbean standards, but misses the quality of American or European road systems by a huge margin. Roads are build for slow to medium speeds, and 'sleeping policemen' (speed bumps) are widely used in residential areas. Heavens knows why they spend the money on speed bumps, because the potholes alone would do the job...

Assuming that you would like to find the most economical way to rent a car, while getting reasonable comfort and good safety, you don't need to look for expensive, full sized vehicles. Don't waste money on an 4WD SUV if you don't have friends living in a villa up a hill with an extremely steep drive way and you insist on visiting during a rainstorm. That's about the only use for 4 wheel drive you will find.

Economy cars all offer four doors, automatic transmission and air conditioning. No: you won't turn heads while cruising the Boulevard, but you wouldn't achieve this in a Ford Explorer at four times the price either. To be noticed on St Maarten, think Hummer or Porsche Cheyenne.

The cute Japanese or Korean compact cars offered by many rental car companies on the island are not known in the US, but very popular in Europe. These are agile little vehicles, which might surprise you with their fun factor. Parking is very easy, the narrow roads are not intimidating anymore and you can't beat the price, if you get the car through us: it's free! Great cars are the Hyundai Atos and the newest model, the Hyundai Getz. These little compacts can accomodate 4 adults and will give you perfectly adequate transportation during your stay.

If your group consists of four plus sized adults, you might want to go for an intermediate car, such as the Hyundai Elantra – about 20% more expensive than the smaller class. If you participate in the FreeStMaarten program, you can upgrade to these cars and just have to pay the small difference.

Personally, I appreciate the ruggedness of the Jeep Wrangler, but I can only advise to not rent one on the island. The Wrangler is an off-road car – not because it handles the wilderness with great competence, but because even a regular, decent road 'feels' like you are off-road. The smallest bump – and the big ones we have here even more – cause great discomfort for the Jeep passengers and you might regret your choice of a rental car.

There are a few companies offering buggy style fun cars. These are tiny two-seaters with enough horsepower to be sporty – but there are not meant to cover the transportation needs during your complete stay. Lack of tops (and in one case even any body work) define them more as an 'activity', something you do like driving a jet-ski. I haven't tried them yet, but for the sake of research I will do so in the next days and post my impressions here.

Amazing is the number of visitors who rent scooters: they cost the same as renting a car, if four people rent two scooters its actually double the expense of a car. I really don't get it. If there is the desire to travel on two wheels, than go for a Harley, which can be rented for a reasonable price.

Win St Maarten Contest

2006-01-11T23:07:00.000-04:00

Win a full vacation week on the Caribbean's fun island of St Maarten – St Martin! Drawings every month!

How to Play

This contest is for vacationers who plan to visit St Maarten – St Martin. Download the DigiPost Interactive E-Book now - it is the largest publication covering St Maarten – St Martin. Hidden throughout this multimedia presentation are three golden coins – you'll find them by moving the cursor over the menu links. Add the numbers on the coins and write them into the online form below.

What You Win:

The Grand Price is a full week of vacation fun on St Maarten! You are going to stay in a gorgeous luxury resort, get a free rental car, $140 in casino chips and one dinner in a great restaurant.

Second Price is your choice of two Vacation Upgrades – without the obligation to attend a presentation;

Third price is your choice of one Vacation Upgrade – without the obligation to attend a presentation;

What you Don't Win
Sorry – air fare is not included.
Who Qualifies for Participation
If you can travel to St Maarten - St Martin, you qualify.
When are the Drawings?
Drawings will be at the end of every month in our office. We will post results and photos of drawings on our website and also announce results on our St Maarten Insider Email Newsletter.
Details of the Grand Price
We will make every effort that the free week of accommodations fit the winner's vacation plans. But we can not guarantee that room is available during certain peek holiday weeks especially around Xmas and Easter.
FreeStMaarten coveres the rental car fee for a economy or compact vehicle for one week, but not optional insurance or other services the winner might choose.
FreeStMaarten provides two dinner vouchers for two of the island's most popular restaurants.
FreeStMaarten is providing $140 worth of casino chips to the winner - not match bet required!

Traffic Problems

2006-01-11T17:59:00.000-04:00

Yes, traffic has become a problem again. Especially in the Simpson Bay area, cars move only with a snail's pace during some hours of the day. The frequent openings of the draw bridge, allowing yachts into the lagoon, are causing serious traffic problems during morning and afternoon hours.Between December to May, the openings are as follows:

9.00am – 9.30am – 11.00am – 11.30am – 4.30pm – 5.30pm

From May to November, the times are:

9.30am – 11.30 – 5.30

These are the official times, but there are also irregular openings for mega yachts, who pay extra for the privilege of interrupting the flow of traffic. The bridge stays open for up to 15 minutes, in some cases longer if the yachts' skippers can't get their act together.If I sound frustrated, don't take me too serious; I have my personal solution and commute to my office in Simpson Bay by dinghy, as I'm a boat owner myself. I'm more worried about the quality of your vacation and would like to give you a few hints how to avoid the traffic jams:
After 4.00pm, don't try to get from the Cupecoy/Maho region into Simpson Bay or even Philipsburg. Most likely, you will be stuck on Airport Road for a while. After 6.00pm, traffic clears up.

To get to Marigot from Simpson Bay, the Maho area and Cupecoy, use the pleasant road through the Lowlands. It might be a mile or two longer, but you'll arrive half an hour earlier.
Do your Philipsburg shopping in the morning and you will avoid the traffic build up during the afternoon hours.

A New Attraction Came Aboard: SV Random Wind

2005-10-28T18:23:00.000-04:00

We welcome a major new attraction to the FreeStMaarten program: The wonderful sailing yacht “Random Wind” has joined and we are now able to offer a complimentary ticket for a full day of sailing around St. Maarten.

Let the skipper invite you in his own words:

“Join us aboard the beautiful 54 ft sailing clipper RANDOM WIND on a very enjoyable, perfect, calm daysail, to the French side of the island. We stop and anchor in numerous bays so that you experience the best in sailing, snorkeling, good time lazin’, and beaching, … as well as coastal sight seeing.
Enjoy breakfast, delicious snacks, a delightful home made Caribbean inspired lunch and an open bar all day long!
To help you reach 'stress level zero' we provide everything you need, a great captain, a fun hostess, lots of deck space (with or without shade), snacks a wonderful lunch, full open bar, snorkel gear, floats, and fishing tackle.”

This is a very attractive excursion and we are able to offer 1 (one) complimentary ticket. The second ticket can be purchased at a reduced price. Qualifications for this “Vacation Upgrade” are the same as for all the others listed on the FreeStMaarten website.

How to Get a Free Rental Car

2005-10-28T17:16:00.000-04:00

A complete week of free car rental – does it sound too good to be true? Let me explain what the procedure is:

Of all the many Caribbean islands, St Maarten has the best supply of rental cars. The majority of vehicles on the island are mostly new, these vehicles are usually in very good condition and equipped with essentials, such as air conditioning. The island is ideal to be explored by car – people are generally friendly drivers and extremely tolerant of visitor's who need to find their way. The main attractions are evenly distributed around the small territory. Sure: a vacation just in Maho Village, where everything from restaurants to nightclubs, casino and shopping is within walking distance can be great. But you haven't visited St. Maarten/St. Martin without exploring our other beaches, without at least having lunch on Orient Beach, dinner in Grand Case, a shopping spree in Philipsburg and an afternoon cafe-latte in Marigot. And no one should miss going to visit Loterie Farm, the green soul of the island, located in the central mountain range.

Presently, FreeStMaarten has an arrangement with Thrifty Car Rental and Empress Rent-A-Car: we purchase car rentals in bulk and are able to extend the following offer: Enjoy with your spouse an interesting preview of one of St. Maarten's exciting vacation programs – it will take just about an hour of your time – and you are entitled to a free rental car (or other Vacation Upgrades). What kind of vacation programs are these? If you have never seen a private charter yacht, we will give you access to a non-public, upscale yacht harbor, where you get the grand tour of a wonderful ocean going sailing catamaran. Give the charter operator some feedback on how you like their concept – that's all we ask of you. No obligation attached. If you'd rather stay away from yachts, take a preview of one of the island's luxurious resorts – again, just about an hour of your time without any obligation.

You need to read our 'small print' to find out if you qualify, but its not a big deal: 90% of St. Maarten's visitors meet our guidelines.

From April 15th to December 15th we're able to offer an economy car with automatic and air condition for a complete week free of charge. From December 16th to April 14th, high season rates allow us to 'only' offer 4 days free car rental – still an incredible deal! It is up to you to purchase additional insurance, if you feel that it gives you peace of mind. But check first if your credit card membership includes “Collision Damage Waiver” car rental insurance. Also check your home car insurance policy; you might be covered while traveling. Chances are that you have full coverage without paying extra to the rental agency.

Reserve your car through us. Once you arrive on island, go to the rental car agency at the airport and pick up your vehicle. You still have to sign a contract and leave a credit card print, but no funds will be taken of the card once you tell the agency that you are a FreeStMaarten client. During your vacation, enjoy your preview at the time arranged for you (we will work out an appointment that is convenient for you). Once you've completed the preview, a voucher document will be stamped, which you have to present at the time you return the car.

If you choose not to participate at the preview as arranged and agreed by you, you will be charged the very competitive rates Thrifty Car Rental and Empress offer. There will be no penalty charges at all, it only means you will just be going through the normal process of renting a car for the best price available. The cars provided are up-to-date 4-door economy cars with air conditioning and automatic transmission - perfectly adequate to explore the island.

During high season, we can cover 4 days of rental: Basically, more than half of your weekly bill will be taken care of. Or you pick up a car right after you have completed your short preview and just enjoy it for 4 days.

By the way: in order to get to your preview appointment and in case you don't have transportation or don't know your way around, we will pick you up at your hotel – can't be any easier and more convenient, don't you agree?

St Maarten Weddings

2005-10-26T22:28:00.000-04:00

My friend Rolf honored me with the request to be a witness at his wedding. After all these years on the island, it was the first time I attended the official civil ceremony in the Government Building. The modest wedding room in the unassuming official building right on the rather unattractive salt pond in Philipsburg didn't build up much of high expectations. But I was surprised.

The young lady functioning as justice of the peace performed the ceremony with wonderful and authentic enthusiasm; her words of wisdom never came across as platitudes. She turned the sober ritual of a civil wedding procedure into the special moment all brides dream about (and a few grooms as well, I assume)

Being intrigued by the quality of her service, I contacted her later to learn more about weddings on St. Maarten, as they have become quite popular with visitors to the island.

There are several wedding planers organizing every detail of these events and weddings can be performed anywhere on the Dutch side, from beach to hill top. The French side is off-limits, as only the Dutch side implemented regulations catering to the island's foreign visitors.

FreeStMaarten is now composing a list of the island's established wedding planers and we will publish recommendations on the www.FreeStMaarten.com

The Truth about Caribbean Hurricane Season

2005-10-26T19:32:00.000-04:00

The Hurricane Katrina tragedy and presently Wilma's aftermath keep tropical storms on frontpage news and hurricanes are now on the mind of everyone who plans to visit the tropics.

We are constantly asked if our area has any damage from recent storms: No - there were no hurricanes in our region and there is absoultely no damage to report. As a matter of fact, is was a rather easy hurricane season down here in the Lesser Antilles.

As a veteran of five hurricanes, one of them a category 5, I believe my experience in handling and surviving them on a boat can put the risk of cyclones into proper perspective. Let me use this article to respond to the many email inquires I'm receiving on this topic.

Weather disturbances develop off the coast of West Africa, travel the Atlantic Ocean and are fueled by hot ocean water to turn into powerful cyclones. More hurricanes reach the US mainland than touch the Lesser Antilles. Small islands have one big advantage in case of a storm: a surge doesn't build up, because water can flow around the land mass. St. Maarten/St. Martin went through a major disaster in September 1995 with Hurricane Luis, and the island still has scars. But many things have been improved following the lessons of Luis: utilities are now mostly underground, all new construction is definitely fully hurricane proof, and all buildings older than 10 years have proven their strength, because they survived the monstrous Luis.
Hurricanes look impressive on satellite images, but their actual size is somewhat more compact: only a path about 50 to 80 miles wide has the power for true destruction. On a geographical scale, this is a relatively narrow trail. Last year, Hurricane Ivan missed Sint Maarten by about 140 miles, but we didn't get any wind, just ocean swells.

What are the dangers for a visitor? In case of a major hurricane and a direct hit, the resort you are staying at will advise you of safety procedure. All resorts can handle the high winds, but you might be inconvenienced by spotty power services, no water pressure and cut-off communications. All major resorts have full generator back-up, some even their own water plants. Will your life be in danger? Not if the past hurricanes hitting the island are an indication. Only a fool will explore the beach in a middle of a blow or roam the streets. Once you stay indoors and let it "blow over", you will be okay. Just don't be on a boat, as I would be. Its no fun to support a boat's effort to survive a storm.

Hurricanes of categories 1 and 2 should not do more than ruffle the region's feathers a little. Category 3 is more serious and if you experience it on island, you might have several days of bad weather and a lot of beach erosion. The damage of categories 4 and 5 can't be predicted anymore, but I believe St. Maarten will survive much better than most regions in the US.

Public assistance: the performance of the French and Dutch government to the Hurricane Luis disaster 10 years ago was spectacular. The wind had stopped blowing only for a few short hours, the dazed population hadn't even crawled out of their shattered homes yet, but there was a steady stream of huge military cargo planes landing at Princess Juliana Airport.

The island was secured, food distributed, even small amounts of gasoline handed out and especially on the French side services installed rapidly. There was never fear of running out of water or food.

Bottom line: In case of a storm, play it save and listen to resort management. But there is no reason to avoid our beautiful Antillean islands during hurricane season. The slight risk of having bad weather is certainly set off by the much, much lower prices during this part of the year.

The Island's Name

2005-09-11T09:55:00.000-04:00

It appears that the double-nation status of the island opens the door to very creative ways to spell its name. Occasionally I have to go through the logs of our web server to see which keywords are used to find out www.FreeStMaarten.com website. It is amazing how many variations of St. Martin are possible.

Officially, the name of the Dutch side is "Sint Maarten" and the French side is called "Saint Martin". This can be shortened to St. Maarten and St-Martin.

The most popular miss spelling by our American visitors is "St Maartens", followed closely by "St Maartin". The French on the other hand insist in spelling the Dutch side "St Marteen", even on Air France boarding passes, the island is called "Saint Marteen".

Some politicians on the Dutch side would like to make matters worse, much worse: They contemplate to rename the Dutch side "Soualiga", the original Indian name of pre-Columbian times.

Sahara Dust

2005-09-09T08:15:00.000-04:00

Friday has been a hot, hazy day with very little visibility - but not really overcast weather. The reason for the haze has been a massive cloud of Sahara dust, pushed across the Atlantic Ocean by a tropical weather system.

This happens quite frequently; the dust has different colors, sometimes we find a red layer of dirt on our cars in the morning, sometimes more yellow colored - but always, these are particles of the great African desert that have traveled all the way to the Caribbean.

White dust - on one occasion so thick that it looked like snow - is caused by the still active volcano on the island of Montserrat. Only a few hundred miles away, this volcano is sometimes coughing up some good amounts of dirt, spreading it all over the North-Eastern Caribbean.

Rapid Changes

2005-08-28T09:09:00.000-04:00

Just returning from a few weeks in Europe, I was impressed with the speed the island keeps moving ahead. Especially in the Simpson Bay area, there are several new buildings almost completed and many more shops and restaurants will be open for this winter's season.

I do wonder what is fueling these investments; as the island has a limited number of hotel rooms available and there has not been a significant increase in this area since Hurricane Luis in 1995 (where 40% of rooms got destroyed) - where are these investors seeing the growth potential? Don't get me wrong, I do applaud the improvements we see, but I would feel more comfortable if I would understand the numbers behind it.

The huge new airport, which is nearing completion now, is certainly one reason to be optimistic: to finance this facility, the number of passengers to the island has to be doubled. This pressure on the leaders of the tourism industry will create some positive fall-out for the other investors.

For you - the visitor - more competition for your Dollars is good news, because prices can't go up.

The Shrinking Lagoon

2005-07-21T19:29:00.000-04:00

One of St. Maarten's most important topographical features is Simpson Lagoon, an almost landlocked body of water, large enough to have a real sail with a yacht. The Lagoon is home to several world class marinas and also an important ecological asset to the region.

Both the Dutch and French side of the island have draw bridges, giving ocean going yachts access to the Lagoon. The bridge in Simpson Bay is large enough to let 350' boats pass through. And yet, this important attraction to the island is shrinking daily – not through the actions of mother nature, but through an endless line of dump trucks filling the shallow water with dirt. Development of the airport caused already the fill of two other, smaller bodies of water, but now the runway needs to be extended and there was only the Lagoon available.

Much of the commercial strip in Simpson Bay has been build on landfill and one wonders how far the administration of the Dutch side will allow destruction of their islands central feature.

My friend Rich gave me an interesting explanation for this glaring insensitivity: To fill in water is the Dutch way of gaining territory, as much of the Netherlands has been won from the sea. He believes that they just don't see anything wrong by 'fighting the sea'. I tend to accept his theory because the Dutch show quite a lot of responsibility and social awareness in other areas.

Good thing that most of the Lagoon is on French territory and they haven't filled in one square meter yet.

If you want to see more of the Lagoon, take a cruise on sailing catamaran Celine. Captain Neil is offering almost daily Sunset Cruises out of Turtle Pier. This affordable excursion will give you a great impression of the Caribbeans largest lagoon. From land and especially from Airport Road, the Lagoon appears as a rather commercial body of water, with a few rusty freighters anchored in plain sight. But once you are on the water, you will find a few treasures. There is an uninhabited island of just a few acres with about fifteen palm trees and a lovely beach. From the boat you can view some of the amazing residences in the Lowlands and come close to the mega yachts in the marinas.

St. Martin Government 2

2005-05-16T08:45:00.000-04:00

Another question about the island's government:
"Can you tell me what the Government is like at Sain Martin?"

The French side of the island - Saint Martin - is administered like any French town. St. Martin is part of the Department Guadeloupe. A 'department' is similar to a US state. In order to learn about details of French St. Martin's government, just research online the government of France. As this is one of the oldest democracies, you will find many resources. Remember: Saint Martin is treated as regular French and therefore European Union territory. Its citizens carry a French European Union passport.

The Dutch side - Sint Maarten - is part of the Netherlands Antilles. The capital of this country is on the island of Curacao and Sint Maarten is just a province. The Netherlands Antilles are a democracy and are monitored by Holland. The judicial system is being provided by Holland, as is much of the money for development. The citizens carry Dutch European passports. Strangely, the Dutch side is not considered European territory, and European citizens do not have all the privileges they hold on the French side.

Island Government 1

2005-05-15T07:39:00.000-04:00

I receive emails on a daily base, asking all kind of questions about the island. Here is my response to a student, asking:

"I am doing a report on St. Martin for my history class, I need to know
what kind of money is used there and what it looks like.
Can you please help me?"

Answer:

The island of Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is divided in two countries; the Northern part belongs to France and is European territory. The Euro is the currency there. The southern part - Sint Maarten - belongs to the Netherlands Antilles, a somewhat independent nation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. On the Dutch side, the official currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder, also called the Florin. The US-Dollar is also widely used on the island, in fact even my own bank account is for US Dollars and I personally have never paid with a Guilder.

If you haven't done yet, go back to our www.freestmaarten.com website and sign up for a free CD. You will get it within a short time and there is much more substantial information about the island on it.

Tipping on French St. Martin

2005-05-06T14:57:00.000-04:00

Even though European laws states that the service charge has to be INCLUDED in the price of a meal, most restaurant owners on French St. Martin are relying on the American way of handling this issue. Legally, the price posted on the menu includes service and there is no obligation to pay more. Most European just round up and leave a few Euro, pretty much what an American guest would pay on top of the customary 15% in the US in order to show extra satisfaction.

No question: the staff of the restaurants on the French sided expects American visitors to tip well (or over-tip) and doesn't expect too much from their European countrymen.

I believe you will keep everyone happy with an amount around 10%. Don't be shy to ask about the house policy regarding tipping.

Don't Double Tip

2005-05-05T15:45:00.000-04:00

I'm getting worried about a trend I notice at many restaurants on the Dutch side of St. Maarten: They are too cheap to print their own check forms and use the standard US forms they can buy at several office supply stores.

These forms include a line for 'Tax". In many cases, a 15% surcharge is being added to this line. This is a service charge and NOT tax - as there is no such tax on the island! Don't be fooled by greedy restaurant owners, who try to confuse the issue!

It is sad to see that the staff is NOT getting this service charge in many restaurants. Don't be shy: ask your waiter or waitress if they are getting their tips paid out.

More on tipping on the French side tomorrow.

New Casino

2005-05-02T12:30:00.000-04:00

The Dunes Casino will open soon at the Caravanserei Resort. The casino took over the premises of the Dolphin Casino, which moved into the building of the Sunset Theater close to the Simpson Bay Yacht Club.

The Dunes is part of a group of casinos, the most well known one the Atlantis Casino in the Cupecoy region.

Weekly Nightlife

2005-04-02T09:29:00.000-04:00

Every night of the week, another nightclub or bar attracts the 'scene'. Here the list:

Monday:
Star Bar in Nettle Bay

Tuesday:
Pineapple Pits in Simpson Bay (Cole Bay)

Wednesday:
Bamboo Bernies at the Caravanserei (close to Maho Village/Beacon Hill)

Thursday:
Bliss at the Caravanserei

Friday:
Lady C Floating Bar in Simpson Bay across Royal Palms

Saturday:
Everywhere

Sunday:
Kontiki at Orient Beach

High Season Over Soon

2005-03-30T11:21:00.000-04:00

On April 15th, prices for visitors to St. Maarten will be slashed about 50% for accommodations and rental cars, because high season is over. You will find clean economy cars for about $125 weekly and hotel rooms for as low as $65.

The lower prices in the middle of April create the impression to us locals that a new peak season has arrived, because many travelers are taking advantage of the lower rates and fill the island up again.

New Hotel Investment

2005-03-17T21:59:00.000-04:00

Good news for the island: A major investor is re-developing the Dawn Beach area. Similar to the never ending sage of Mullet Bay, where Hurricane Luis in 1995 gave a convenient reason to shut down an underperforming resort, Dawn Beach has never been rebuild.

A 600 room facility will be constructed and Marriott has been mentioned as the the operator.

Heineken Regatta

2005-03-06T23:11:00.000-04:00

St. Maarten is in regatta fever. Over 250 yachts signed on for this year's Heineken Regatta, the Caribbean's biggest boat race. With sailors from around the globe, the island is bustling with activity - both sailing related and more socially.

The St. Maarten Yacht Club organized events around the island, the highlight being tonight's free concert of Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff. To read more about the Heineken Regatta, explore THIS LINK.

Topless Driving

2005-03-04T23:21:00.000-04:00

No - I don't mean ladies showing off a little bit - that's not a problem in St. Maarten anyway... I'm more wondering about the habit of many male visitors to drive their rental cars without shirt - rubbing their sweaty backs on the textile seats. I myself are getting reluctant to rent a car now - its like checking into a hotel, where the sheets are not being changed after each guest. What are the readers' thoughts on this? Am I too uptight?

One More Restaurant Test

2005-02-26T09:22:00.000-04:00

Running this little blog is great: It gives me justification to check out all the new restaurants opening for this season.

Last night, we tried the new Aqua, next to Lal's Indian Cuisine and only a few steps away from the airport. Aqua has been constructed right on the dock over the water and offers an interesting concept: It is part Sushi bar, part French restaurant.

The European menu offered is reasonably priced and offers solid home cooking. The Sushi selection is adequate and presented well. Due to limited demand, Sushi and Sashimi can't be cheap on our island, but Aqua does offer the best deal on St. Maarten.

The idea of two menus of non-competing food styles appeals to me, because it is sometimes difficult for two couples to decide on Japanese food; there is always somebody who hates the stuff and blocks the rest of the group. Now with Aqua, there is no excuse anymore.

The restaurant has comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. It would have been cozy if the lights would be a little bit dimmer.

For parking, turn into the driveway at Lal's and drive down to the water's edge.

Charming Small Hotel

2005-02-25T17:25:00.000-04:00

Opened last year, The Royal Turtle Inn has fast found a loyal following. The small hotel - 9 rooms - is operated by Al and Rose Wathey, who also run the famous Turtle Pier Bar and Restaurant.

The hotel is within walking distance of the airport and offers beautifully appointed rooms, many with a view on Simpson Bay Lagoon. There is a good sized pool for guests.

Rates are very reasonable and include breakfast. The Royal Turtle Inn is a great place to spend an entire St. Maarten vacation or the ideal overnight stop close to the airport.

Visit their website at www.theroyalturtle.com

Sunset Beach Bar:

2005-02-21T19:58:00.000-04:00

Michelle and I finally managed to go to Sunset Beach Bar. Jane was doing her body painting, some live Reggae was offered on stage, the bar was not too crowded. We arrived around 6.30 PM.

After chatting with some other friends we met, we needed a drink and attempted to order at the bar. Two bar tenders appeared to be rather hectic and stressed out and overlooked me for about 10 minutes. I finally lost patience and gave up, Michelle was hanging on for another 5 minutes. A friendly girl next to her tried to get the bar tenders attention and pointed to Michelle, indicating that she had been overlooked for quite a while.

The girl behind the bar exploded right away and screamed: "You don't f.....ing tell me whom I have to serve!!!!" And that was that. No more Sunset Beach Bar for us... :-(

Le Chalet Cheese House

2005-02-19T20:21:00.000-04:00

For years I wanted to try Le Chalet Cheese House, located in Sandy Ground - a neighborhood not usually associate with dining.

What a pleasant surprise it was: We ordered the cheese raclet (spelling???) and were confronted with a 5 pound cheese wedge ( you don't have to finish it - it's an all-you-can-eat concept), suspended on a heating contraption. We also got some giant baked potatoes and assorted meats. The heat lamp melted the surface of the cheese and it dripped on the plate. Delicious!

We had a fun evening and will be back - as soon as our digestive system can handle obscene amounts of diary products again.