St Martin Villas and Vacation Rentals

Q: What does St Martin Blue offer?

A: St Martin Blue is a leading vacation and villa rental specialist for the island of St Martin/St Maarten. We offer expertise on the accommodations and pertinent island info to offer our guests all the tools and information to plan the perfect vacation. We believe that we offer a tremendous value to our private clientele by offering privately owned properties.  These properties were carefully selected to maximize the experience and satisfaction of our clients.  We also offer concierge services and activity bookings through our sister company, Concierge Blue.

Q: What are the entry requirements for travel to St Maarten?

A: As of January 8, 2007, US citizens that travel by air to St Maarten are required to have a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document. As of January 1, 2008, visitors traveling by sea, may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. This legislation is still pending. Click here for the US government travel regulations regarding the Caribbean.

If you are traveling from other countries, please visit the following link for further detailed information. If you are still confused or can't find your answer than please contact your airline or cruise line for further information.

Q: Do I need an electrical converter?

A: Depends on where you stay.  If you stay on the Dutch side then you will NOT need a converter.  The Dutch electrical grid uses the 110V standard.  The French side utilizes the European standard of 220V so guests staying on the French side will need a converter.

Q: Should I rent a car?

A: Yes. We highly recommend renting a car. A rental car dramatically broadens your experience on St. Martin. The island has many beautiful beaches, shopping areas, and indelible restaurants that are a must to visit. The public transportation system is not convenient and could lead to a frustrating experience. The island is easy to circumnavigate since there is only one main road. You can get around the whole island in about an hour depending on traffic conditions.  We offer discounted rental car rates on St Martin St Maarten that have been specifically negotiated to offer the lowest rates for our guests.

Q: When is Hurricane Season?

A: Hurricane season officially starts at the end of July. However, the main threats to the island usually occur during September and early October. Late October and November are usually safe to travel. The last hurricane to directly hit St. Martin was approximately 5 years ago. St Martin was spared from any significant storms this past year unlike certain parts of the Caribbean and Florida.

For up to the minute information regarding tropical storms and hurricanes, please visit the National Hurricane Center website.

Q: When is the best time to travel?

A: It depends on what you are seeking. If you want to see the A-List celebrities and be in the mix of the ultra-rich then the Holiday Season is the time to go. The island is especially crowded at this time but you will be amazed with the incredible yachts and private planes.

For the value oriented, May and November are the best periods. You get to enjoy low season rates just at the close or beginning of the high season. The weather is great and the island is still catering to visitors like it is high season.

Solitude and great values can be had for travel in August, September, and October.

Q: Where are the best beaches?

A: Opinions vary dramatically on this subject.  Visit our St Martin beach guide for full descriptions and tips.
In our opinion, Cupecoy beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on St. Martin for those who love natural beauty and calm waters. However, the last hurricane has eroded the beach significantly so the beach tends to come and go. Orient Beach is by far the most popular and the best recognized in all of the Caribbean. There are numerous restaurants, water sports, and activities on the beach. I think it's always worth visiting once. But beware that a certain section is clothing optional. Our personal favorites are Mullet Bay Beach and Baie Rouge.

Q: Where do you like to eat?

A: Great Question! St Martin is renowned for it's cuisine. There are too many restaurants to name.  Some of our favorites are Terra at Maho Plaza, Le Cigale at Nettle Baie and Trattoria Pizza Pasta in Maho for authentic Italian. We also like a local snack shack on Mullet Bay Beach called Rosie's Shack (it has a blue tarp). The barbecue is definitely worth tasting.  A restaurant guide put forth by our professional concierge will be set forth in the near future.

Q: Is St Martin a good place to shop?

A: Yes, St Martin is a great island to shop. Marigot and Phillipsburg are the popular shopping districts. There are pros and cons to each town. Phillipsburg has reliable hours (no afternoon siestas) and cater to the cruise industry since the disembarkation point is located there. I would find out when the cruise ships are not in. There are better bargains and more customer service when the masses of people are not there. Parking can be inconvenient.  St Martin Blue can arrange for personal shopping tours that will give intimate service for our guests that prefer to know the insider strategy for shopping on St Martin.
Marigot is prettier in my opinion and quieter. Little Switzerland is a reputable jewelry store but bargaining with them is difficult. As a money saving tip, don't be shy about bargaining. Be aggressive as they will be in kind.

Q: Is St Martin safe?

A: Yes, the island is a relatively safe Caribbean island. There are small incidences but they are easily avoidable. Being smart prevents you from being a victim. NEVER leave valuables in the car. Do not leave bags in a visible area or the main compartment. We leave our doors unlocked that way they know we don't have anything and won't damage the car in the process. Your car will not be stolen since you can't drive too far nor get away with it. The resort is particularly safe since guards are omnipresent at the resort along with secured parking and video surveillance.

Q: What activities do you recommend?

A: Visit our concierge website at www.stmaartenconcierge.com for full activity descriptions.  We highly recommend day trips to Anguilla White Shoal Beach, sailing excursion to Tintamarre, Rhino Riders, and  Sunset cruises to name a few activities.  Consult our concierge at concierge@stmartinblue.com for further recommendations and tips.

Q:  How can I arrange babysitters while I am on St Maarten/St Martin?

A:  Our concierge division offers highly rated and fully screened babysitters at affordable rates.  We ensure each babysitter has experience and appropriate temperament for babysitting.  Click here to learn more details about the babysitting services on St Maarten St Martin.

Q:  Can I get married on St Maarten?

A:  Yes.  The Dutch side of the island, St Maarten, allows for destination weddings.  Our concierge can offer guidance and advice on how to plan the St Maarten wedding.  The concierge works with all the leading wedding planners, florists and photographers on St Maarten.  Please click on this link for further information about St Maarten wedding packages and vow renewals.

Q: Best place for sunsets?

A: Our oceanfront accommodations at the Wyndham and The Cliff at Cupecoy Resort have exceptional sunset views . Other considerations that provide entertainment are Sunset Beach Bar at the end of the runway at Maho Beach. This was our favorite place but it has become an expensive tourist trap these days. Bamboo Bernies is a great way to enjoy a good dinner while being in one of the most beautiful locations on St. Martin. The restaurant is located on the lava rocks. The scenery is unmatched. Guests can enjoy immaculate sunset views while having the waves crash only a few feet away. It has a decent sushi bar. A new bar called the Cliffhanger at Cupecoy also offers a great vantage point. Sunset cruises offer a guaranteed unobstructed view.

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