One of my goals this year was to get back into blogging. It only took me until July to get started, haha! Now that I’m back, here’s a recap of our trip to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin and Anguilla.
First Impressions
This was our first visit to these islands, but SXM had been on our bucket list for a long time. When it came time to pick our November destination, we knew it was the perfect time to go. We stayed on the Dutch side at Sonesta Maho Beach. If you haven’t been to Sint Maarten, chances are you’re familiar with Maho Beach, where planes fly so low over the beachgoers. Our hotel was just 3 minutes from the airport, which was fantastic. We went from flying right over Maho Beach to sitting at the hotel restaurant overlooking it, watching the planes come in. It’s a sight to see!
Exploring Maho Village
Sonesta Maho Beach is situated right in quaint Maho Village—a one-block-long strip with shops, cafes, and a casino, which is also part of the hotel. It was fun to walk around, see the nightlife scene, and be so close to the hotel where we could easily pop in and out.
A Day in Downtown Sint Maarten
We rented a car for a few days to explore. On the first day, we went to the downtown Dutch side where all the cruise ships dock. Orient Beach (Baie Orientale) was our destination. It was a sweltering day, so we popped into a waterfront restaurant for some frosty drinks before heading back out to walk the main drag and do a little shopping. If you’re looking for jewelry, this is your place. However, if you’re like me and not interested in jewelry, be prepared for frequent stops from shop owners. The area felt too much like a tourist trap for our liking.
Challenges and Tips
Parking was tough downtown, and we had quite a walk back to our car. Even with international plans on our cell phones, we had no service on this side of the island. Luckily, we navigated using the map on our phones from our trip there. It’s basically one main road that circles this side of the island, so we found our way back without getting lost.
Discovering the French Side
The next day, we explored the French side of Saint Martin, Grand Case (pronounced cahs). We had cell service the whole time, which was a big relief. A hotel worker recommended Lolo’s for authentic island food, and it did not disappoint. We enjoyed a delicious late lunch in a perfect island vibe setting. Before lunch, we shopped in the charming downtown village area. I loved the carefully curated gift shop, which offered more than just typical souvenirs.
Beach Time at Orient Beach
After shopping, we headed to Orient Beach (Baie Orientale) to relax and soak up some sun. We are big beach people and loved that this trip allowed us to check out different beaches. At Bikini Beach, we rented two chairs and an umbrella for $30 USD. The water was gorgeous, and we spent a couple of hours enjoying the beach and mountains.
Marigot and Ferry Preparations
On our way back to the hotel, we stopped in Marigot, a bustling area with shops, eateries, and a visitor’s center. This is also where ferries to Anguilla and St. Barths depart. We were heading to Anguilla the next morning and wanted to get our bearings. When heading to Anguilla or St. Barths, you must go through immigration and bring your passport. It cost us $70 to leave SXM, including immigration tax and ferry tickets.
Anguilla Adventures
The ferry to Anguilla was small but packed with people. I highly suggest arriving early to purchase your ticket because the line gets long. A man named Desmond gave us his business card for a car rental on Anguilla. His wife runs it while he commutes on the ferry. The ride to Anguilla was about 20 minutes and choppy, so be prepared if you get seasick. Upon arrival, we went through immigration again. Once out of the Blowing Point Terminal, Desmond directed us to his car rental business just beyond the main terminal area. There were free roaming goats and they were standing on top of the rental cars!
Exploring Shoal Bay
Our phones had no service, so we had to navigate using a paper map. We met a local woman on the ferry who recommended Shoal Bay, so we headed there. Although we initially got lost, we eventually found our way. At Shoal Bay, we met Ray, who sold us two beach chairs and an umbrella for $10. Shoal Bay Beach was incredible, with gorgeous water and sand dotted with beachfront eateries and a brand-new hotel, The Manoah.
Return to Sint Maarten
We had some drinks at a restaurant that also offered bathrooms to shower and change. After a quick goodbye to Ray Ray (who, according to our umbrella, loves hot women and cold beer!), we headed back to the ferry terminal. Gas was pricey at $7 a gallon, but such is island life. Surprisingly, Jamie got me a Snickers at the gas station, and it was the freshest one I’ve ever had! Blowing Point Terminal was cool, and we had another easy transaction to purchase our return tickets and clear immigration.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the people we met and the experiences we had could not have been better. We say this about every trip we take, but this one is definitely up there as one of our favorites. It’s about the time of year where we start thinking about our next November destination, so make sure you’re following me on Instagram and subscribe to my emails to see what we decide!
xo,
