A Second Journey to SXM: Trying New Spots

Got a hankering to uncover the hidden treasures of a tropical paradise? Come along on this thrilling adventure back to Saint Maarten, where we’ll dig into the best-kept secrets of the Dutch side of the island. From scoring the perfect VRBO villa to chowing down on local flavors and discovering hidden gems in Phillipsburg, get set for a journey packed with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of owning a piece of paradise or just up for a new adventure, Saint Maarten is sure to please everyone.

Finding a Great VRBO Villa

On our amazing second visit to Saint Maarten, one of the things that took our experience to the next level was the VRBO house we snagged. We lucked out finding a sweet villa tucked away in the Beacon Hill area, Alma Villa. Booking the rental was a breeze, thanks to the user-friendly VRBO platform and a very responsive owner. With loads of options to choose from, we tailored our stay to fit our needs and preferences, making sure our time on the island was as chill as can be. Our first night on the island, we indulged in a chef made meal in our villa by Fabulous Feast. I chose the menu before we left the US and everything was perfect and tasted delicious. See slideshow below

We rented a car from the airport via Exclusive Car Rental. They were waiting at the arrivals gate for us, gave us the keys and we were off. The drop off was easy with leaving the car in the airport parking and heading to the gate. Usually someone would be available for drop off but they were stuck in traffic so the company had an easy solution for us. I would recommend this company.

Exploring Foodie Hotspots and Beach Clubs

When we were in Saint Maarten, we made it a mission to scope out new eateries and feast on the local cuisine. One of the best parts of our trip was digging into freshly caught seafood at beachside joints and savoring traditional Caribbean dishes bursting with flavor. Whether we were kicking back at family-owned roadside lolo or stepping it up at fancy restaurants, each meal was a delight. The new places we tried this time around were:

1. D’s Beach Bar and Grill in Beacon Hill with a great viewing platform to see planes take off and land. Food was great and the beach was at our feet.

2. Tortuga Maho with great ambiance and lighting. Area was a fun area for shopping and plane watching.

3. The Palms Restaurant in Simpson Bay, with their famous “Drunken Ribs” which are delicious by the way. Lots of Caribbean specialties and great selection of drinks. Highly recommended.

4. Kalatua Beach Club with parking at the Old Star Casino (closed) with golf cart service to the beach club. Walkable but about a 10 minute walk without shade.

5. Buccaneer Beach Club on Kimsha Beach which is close to The Hills Residence is why we wanted to check out this location for food, loungers and drinks. There was also a water trampoline for the kids aka adults to enjoy and pedal boats for rental. If you take a look at their Facebook page, they always have tons of specials and activities happening. Loved the laid back vibe.

See below for a slideshow that includes the above restaurants!

What tour should we do our second time around?

We were lucky to find a great private Viator tour for a snorkel trip on a motorboat, Full Day All Inclusive SXM Trip. We had a great time snorkeling by Creole Rock and then to Pinel Island for lunch. You can alter the tour as needed for yourself. Let the captain know what you want to see and he/she will make it happen.

Daydreaming About Owning a Slice of Paradise

As we savored the flavors of Saint Maarten and vibed with the laid-back island atmosphere, we found ourselves dreaming of making this place our permanent/snowbird crib. Waking up on SXM, ambling on the beach, and having easy access to the best local eats – it sounded like a dream come true. We took a trip to The Hills Residence for a tour and loved everything about it. The great thing is that they are beginning rentals soon, so we can try before we buy.

Uncovering Hidden Gems in Phillipsburg

Delving into Phillipsburg was the next step in our adventure, where we got to dive deeper into the island’s culture and unearth the beauty beyond the bustling capital. Walking through the colorful streets, we stumbled upon cute stores selling great shirts/bags (#lovesxm) and unique souvenirs that captured the essence of Saint Maarten. We strolled the boardwalk, enjoyed a coffee stop and found some hidden shops in the side streets. For lunch we stopped at The French Touch a cute foodie spot that seemed to have many repeat customers from the cruise ships. It was located on the pedestrian walk through, if you are having trouble finding it. See slideshow below

In a nutshell, our second visit to Saint Maarten has been a blast, full of hidden gems and new discoveries. From the comfy VRBO villa to diving into the local cuisine and dreaming about owning a slice of paradise, every moment on the island has been nothing short of magical. As we bid adieu to SXM, we urge you to set off on your own adventure and uncover the best-kept secrets of this stunning spot. Don’t wait – start planning your trip to Saint Maarten today and make memories that’ll stick with you for life. Remember, the beauty of SXM is out there, waiting to be explored and cherished.