r/SXM

Hey guys, planning a trip to St Martin August 20-27, staying in Cul-de-Sac on the French side. Few questions from someone who's never been.

For car rental I'm looking at Starlite or Hardy's, has anyone used either? Open to other suggestions too

Also kind of nervous about the weather. I know August is hurricane season but is it actually bad day to day or is it mostly just short rain showers that pass quickly? Genuinely curious what it's like on the ground and does anyone know what it was like last year during that time.

And I know the French side tends to quiet down in the off season but how bad is it really - is it like everything shut down or just some places?

Any other info would be much appreciated, thanks!

I’m going to be in St . Marteen for 24 hours . Will fly into SXM and want to go to the beach where the jets take off. Staying at the Grand Case beach club . Is it worth renting a car or should I just wing it?

Hi everyone,

Taking the family down to the island in July and want to rent out using Hardy's. I've contacted them through whatsapp and they said I can book through that process. Has anyone tried this before or should I just use the website?

He quoted me for less on whatsapp than the website did so I'm a little hesitant. Any information helps, thanks y'all!

Would be cool if someone posted a link to a charter. We don’t want just a helicopter ride, we want to land on Anguilla. We are staying near Grand Case. We could take a boat back.

We’re visiting this fall and are bringing a wide variety of devices. What type of electrical adapters should we bring?

Good evening y'all,

I was wondering for y'alls opinion on who's got the best local lobster dish? I've heard a lot of opinions but I wanna hear what y'all have to say.

Hi everyone! First time visiting SXM this June. We are 3 adults & 4 kids 15, 13, 8 & 6

I want to balance fun stuff for the kids with cool views and exploring both sides of the island. I also need good vegetarian options (Freedom Fighter’s Ital Shack is already a must-visit!).

I grouped everything geographically to keep driving chunks short. Does this pacing work with younger kids, or am I missing something obvious?

🗓️ THE ROUTE:

• Day 1: Land, check into Sonesta Maho, watch planes at Maho Beach, dinner.
• Day 2 (Dutch Views): Fort Amsterdam in the morning (views/cannons), lunch at Freedom Fighter’s, afternoon stroll on the Philipsburg Boardwalk.
• Day 3: Rainforest Adventure chairlift in the morning, afternoon at Parotte Ville Bird Park to hand-feed parrots.
• Day 4 (Pinel & Luxury Drive): Morning ferry to Pinel Island. Afternoon pastry/marina stop in Marigot, followed by a scenic car cruise to look at the luxury homes in Les Terres Basses.
• Day 5: Easy nature trails and spring pool relaxation day at Loterie Farm.
• Day 6: Full day at Le Galion Beach (heard it’s ultra-calm for kids). Head to Grand Case pier for sunset and a final dinner.
• Day 7: Resort pool morning, fly home.

QUICK QUESTIONS:

1. Sargassum alternatives: If seaweed is heavy on the east side (Pinel/Le Galion) in June, what are the best calm, wave-free alternative beaches on the west/south sides for young kids? (Is Mullet Bay too rough?)
2. Les Terres Basses: Do the neighborhood security gates give you any issues if you're just doing a slow driving cruise to look at the villa architecture?
3. Veg Food: Any other great vegetarian-friendly spots, French bakeries, or local Lolos we should add to our routes?

Hi Looking for a beach club recommendation for saturday, preferably with music that we can dance drink

Have a current reservation with national for the week that we’re there however, I’ve been reading a lot of great reviews on some of the local rental houses. Can anyone help breakdown insurance requirements. I can pay with either Amex platinum or Chase preferred with both have rental insurance protections.

I know this may seem odd but is there someone staying in Orient Bay area currently or going soon from the states that would be willing to purchase a tshirt for me and mail it to me once back in the US? I bought one on our trip in December and it got ruined. It’s my fav. Please send me a PM and we can connect on payment and shipping.

I am visiting for the first time to take my bf for his bday as a surprise! I decided on staying here through Airbnb and they mentioned a birthday package they can do. Have any of you guys used it? If so, is asking for my ID through whatsapp normal? Why wouldnt my reservation be enough to send me payment link? I find it very skeptical to do so. not even the rental company asked for my ID separately but I put it in the reservation link.

Please let me know :)))

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

We are trying to book an 2 BR 2 BA oceanfront unit for next January. We requested this unit in January 2026 for January 2027 and was told to check back in May 2026. We are now being told they do not have any oceanfront units available. I do not find the folks in their reservations department to be very helpful. They are very vague and say they cannot guarantee a unit until check-in. Why would we want to wait until check-in to know what type of room is available? Anyone have any suggestions?

Hey folks,

My wife and I will be visiting in a few weeks with another couple. We’re staying in Cul-de-Sac at Karibuni Boutique Hotel and would love some “must-do” recommendations from locals or recent visitors.

We’re especially looking for:
- Restaurants — the more off-the-grid/local, the better
- Bars, distilleries, and breweries
- Bakeries/cafés — especially anywhere with great croissants
- Cigar spots/lounges

I’ve already done a bit of digging through older threads, but I figured I’d ask for some more up-to-date recommendations.

Thanks in advance and sorry to be a bother!

Hey friends! We finally made it back onto the island. Absolutely love it here!

My husband’s bday was yesterday, and he thinks some party this weekend would be fun (15/16/17 May). Where should we go?

We’re checking out the Bacchus after-work event with Seafood and Tariquet, which will end around 8 pm, on 15May.

Rainbow cafe has lost their minds on the €200 weekend rate, lol. We used to party there but wow… So, we’re trying to pivot.

Loterie‘s end of month party isn’t until 30 May. I’ve seen mention of Nowhere Special and Blue Martini here and there. We went to Blue last night around 11 but it was dead. Are there some more clubs type vibes- shots, dressing up, music, etc?

Would you be so kind as to advise?

For reference, we’re in GC with a car.

Edit- thanks so much for the awesome help everyone !

My family of 4 + another family is 3 are giving early June for a week. We are staying around Maho Beach Sonesta.

I'm looking at car rentals and a 7 seater is way more expensive than 2 5-seaters.

Do we really need a car or can we rely on taxis/ubers to go places like the Dutch side etc? If rental is easier and preferred, and I have heard about narrow roads, should I look into 2 rental or a single 7-seater minivan

Arriving soon what’s the scoop with the ferries to these islands? I keep finding sooo many operators. Who’s the main and or favorite among them?

Thanks! Excited to visit!

I was originally looking at Grand case Beach club seemed to fit everything we wanted but the dates we are traveling aren't available.

Looking for a hotel or resort that is kid friendly but in an area where lots of local good restaurants. We would like something with an excellent pool for the kiddo but also beach to play on the sand but when hungry we like to explore the local restaurants most the time. We will most likely rent a car too so parking needs to be easy. Trying to stay away from airbnb type places just because of the young ones a hotel would be a better option in our opinion. So far through search Orient Beach Hotel and maybe Le Petit might fit the bill, trying to see if I should look at any other options.

Staying at Divi Little Bay in a few months, but opted out of the all inclusive option to take advantage of exploring the island. That being said- restaurant/beach/activity recommendations at Divi or within a 10-15 min drive??