This was a beautiful place with beautiful people!Visited: October 2007
Posted by mamared51
My husband and I first visited St. Maarten on a cruise, and had a great time. We own a timeshare in Orlando, Florida, and traded it to vacation here in October 2006.
The first year we stayed at Oyster Bay, we bought a vacation week. Last year when we stayed at OBBR, we upgraded.
Oyster Bay is a great place to relax, and the staff has been awesome! We have enjoyed getting to know Marion, Marlon, Russ, and our bartender, David. They are very friendly and helpful.
The food is good, the resort is clean and well-maintained, and the pool area is beautiful. We had so much fun with Captain Alan and Coleen on our boating excursions, and can hardly wait to go again. Next month, I am going for a week with some girlfriends, then my family will be joining me for another week.
The complainers must have never been to the Caribbean, or they would know there's poverty on all the islands to a degree. I also think there are probably "nasty" areas in every state in the US.
As far as the quality of merchandise, at lot of what is sold there comes from the US! You can get great bargains depending on what you want to buy or do. It costs as much or more to vacation in the Florida Keys or Orlando (check out Disney prices!)
We love Saint Maarten and its residents, and would stay longer if we could!
5 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
A Dawn Beach (Dutch side) travel review
It was awesome.
Posted by shavon
Sunrise Estates was the most beautiful place to stay. We had the most beautiful home and view from every part of the house.
The water was nice, and the food was good. Bugsbys was our favorite place to eat.
Will visit again, and will stay at Sunrise again. Norma and Milton were the best.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We would rate St. Maarten/St. Martin a zero!Visited: September 2007
Posted by ecochallenge
I agree with "Noemail1" that St Martin/St Maarten was an overall digusting trip!
The island had great weather when we landed and throughout the stay. However, when we landed, we were inundated with the locals wanting our money now. They were very demanding. We were surrounded by this behavior until we left.
Our first tourist mistake was forgetting insect repellent. I recommend 14 spray bottles for one week - two per day. We had to spray all the rooms before bed and after. Do not leave doors open for the breeze.
The second tourist mistake was not trying locally owned small restaurants that served better food and were cheaper.
The third tourist mistake was buying cheap products - very cheap. Do not buy any electronic products, jewelry, cothes - nothing! They are of very poor quality.
Oyster Bay Beach was very beautiful. But outside of the resort, it was absolutely nasty. There was trash piled on the side of the roads, and more trash on the side of buildings, and restaurants. Also, the beaches had broken glass and all kinds of trash on them. It was a very nasty island - outside of Oyster Bay.
Renting a car for a week was expensive, and we didn't even use it. We drove around the whole island within an hour, and it was such a nasty trip that we decided to stay within Oyster Bay.
In addition, the locals will not let you use the bathrooms outside of the hotel unless you pay a dollar or more!
We will not do this trip again, and have not recommended this island! The brochures are beautiful, but the reality is that the island is trashy and nasty.
2 users found this review helpful. 20 found this review unhelpful.
Moondance, Dawn Beach (Dutch side) traveler review
It was just okay.Visited: August 2007
Posted by jkjkjkjk
I thought it was okay. It was not great, but not horrible.
0 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
No, it is not the Ritz. However, the views and ambiance of this resort are hard to beat.
Away from the hassles of Philipsburg, Dawn Beach is stunningly beautiful, peaceful and ideally located. It is close to the French side (amazing restaurants and beaches), and 20 minutes to the shopping mecca of Philipsburg.
The rooms are spacious, clean and bright. This is a timeshare resort, not a hotel! We actually used the full kitchen, but really used the gracious balcony overlooking the ocean!
15 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Prana Villa, Dawn Beach (Dutch side) traveler review
Prana Villa is incredible!Visited: August 2007
Posted by liscio
The bedrooms are spacious, very comfortable and beautiful. The bathrooms are equally wonderful.
The pool and the view from the pool deck is breathtaking. We love the outdoor speakers around the pool deck to set the mood for a great vacation.
In addition, the kitchen has every amenity you want to make you feel right at home.
Our kids loved this trip. We plan on another vacation to Prana Villa.
9 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Suzanne Villa, Dawn Beach (Dutch side) traveler review
Wow!Visited: July 2007
Posted by rinkie
This place was truly amazing. Any pictures you've seen, don't do it justice. You will be blown away. What a view - it was breathtaking.
I loved the pool set-up. It was a perfect spot. All the bedrooms were air-conditioned, and the kitchen was perfect for all of us "wannabe" chefs.
We hosted my brother's wedding reception, and it was a truly beautiful at night.
Snorkeling was pretty good at Dawn Beach. We saw some cool fish. You have to wake up to see the spectacular sunrise.
Catherine, the housekeeper, was super - and very personable. It was not a 24-hour gated community, and there was no night watchman, as I read somewhere. Lock all your doors when not home and sleeping.
We would return in a heartbeat.
13 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
I love it here - I've been back six times!Visited: June 2007
Posted by azj
The title says it all! It is truly the most beautiful pool area on the island overlooking the water. Go for a walk on the beach at nighttime, and watch the waves crash against the rocks under the moonlight.
Also, the three island tour by Captain Alan is something our family has returned to do year after year. Oyster is great -- and the Big Fish cafe is new and just as wonderful! Thanks again SXM!
21 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We stayed at this wonderful new resort, located directly on Dawn Beach. This place had the service, service, service!
Our room was spacious, and the decor was clean and crisp with a French flare!
Also, the restaurants were very good. We did try other restaurants on the island, which were highly recommened by the concierge. It's always nice to get a taste of the island.
The spa was heavenly. In addition, there was a casino on property so you don't have to venture out into the town area for fun!
For those of you who need a special place to vacation, put this resort on your list! The resort is definitely a five-star (as was the island). I would call this the "best kept secret"!
18 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful.
The luxury was intoxicating, the service was grand, and the views were fantastic. In addition, my room was a palace!
This is a must stay for any savvy traveler.
15 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful.
Moondance, Dawn Beach (Dutch side) traveler review
This is Heaven on earth with a view of paradise.Visited: April 2005
Posted by holly_le
Never in our lives have we experienced such a sense of utter peace and beauty as our time spent at the Moondance.
The villa itself was spacious, modern, and equipped with everything we needed. The view was spectacular. We spent hours just lying on the deck looking at the surrounding gardens, the wonderous blue of the ocean, and St. Bart in the distance.
Our housekeeper and gardener became family for the week. They were always taking care of the smallest of details, talking to our children about the island, and even went to purchase water and fruit for our daughter.
There isn't a day that our children don't talk about the trip and their desire to return. There isn't anywhere in the world we would rather be, right this very minute!
25 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
It was better than we expected.Visited: February 2005
Posted by rob1
Words and pictures can not tell how beutiful this home was. We were very happy with the villa. Also, the staff -especially Norma the maid - was fantastic. They even had a "Snoopy" the dog that greeted us every time we returned to the house, but he never came in.
The only advice that I can give if you have never traveled to this island before, is that everything grocery-wise is very expensive. Other than that, I have no complaints.
5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Oyster Bay is a great place to relax and get away.Visited: December 2004
Posted by markk49
We spent a terrific week at Oyster Bay in a one-bedroom unit. We wanted somewhere that would be unhassled, low-key and provide easy access to beach and dining. The resort was just the right place for us.
I'd suggest upgrading to a one-bedroom unit because the studios shared a lock-off door with the living rooms of the one bedrooms and noise does come through into the studio. The upgrade charge was $100 (quite reasonable).
I'd also suggest spending the extra $5-7 to get air conditioning, just to have the option of cooling down the unit in really hot weather.
To eat, I'd suggest going to Grand Case for gourmet dining (we had a lovely meal at La Marine). Bring cash and you can get a 1-1 exchange for euros; for a less expensive meal, we enjoyed the outdoor bistros at Marina Royale in Marigot (we ate at Brasserie de la Gare).
The beach at Oyster Bay was lovely, but small. We went to Orient Beach twice (a 15-minute drive), rented chairs and an umbrella and had lunch at Andy and Cheryl's Baywatch Beach Shack (recommend the fish filet sandwich-it was great).
I wouldn't bother going to Phillipsburg, especially at night when everything is closed after the cruise ships leave. We'd go back to Oyster Bay in a flash.
19 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
Bell'mare, Dawn Beach (Dutch side) traveler review
We had a wonderful time!Visited: November 2004
Posted by donnahespe
I just came back from our (two couples) eight-day stay at Bell'mare. "Wonderful" sums it all up!
The property is made for couples staying together in one villa. There is lots of privacy, all the bedrooms are equal in size, they offer great amenities, etc. The pool and patio area overlooking the ocean is so nice that it is a hard decision to leave the property to go visit places on the island.
We would rent again in a minute.
8 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Bell'mare, Dawn Beach (Dutch side) traveler review
It was outstanding in every respect - but two things.Visited: August 2004
Posted by bill1chair
This place had the best view of any place we have been, including Kauai, Carmel and Sydney. The name Dawn Beach speaks for itself. Also, the villa appointments are first rate with the best showers ever!
However, the first drawback was the lack of air conditioning in the great room/dining/kitchen. This was not a comfort concern, but a worry about how furnishings will hold up in the humidity.
The second drawback was that the drive to and from the villa at night (and it was no picnic by day, either) deterred us from much after dark activity. Even Fabulous Feasts charged a $25 delivery surcharge due to the difficult drive.
However, the quality of the property, the views and general amenities were such that we would not hesitate to choose Bell'Mare again.
14 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This was a remarkable resort - everything from the resort itself to the staff.
My wife and I celebrated our honeymoon here. We had purchased a timeshare prior to getting married. We were a little unsure of what we had gotten into as we drove across the island. Then, after making a turn, we came across a true paradise in Oyster Bay Beach Resort.
The resort alone had a lot to do with our good impression. What a great stay. We can't wait to go back and we were very surprised to read so many bad reviews.
5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Our stay at Oyster Bay was sheer perfection!Visited: June 2004
Posted by karenanded_littleton
We stayed here on an exchange. We were so delighted with the place that we purchased into the apartment scheme.
They had beautiful apartments, white sand, warm sea, and a perfect location. We could open our patio door on the balcony in the morning to the gentle sound of the sea.
The people were helpful and friendly, and there was a lively bar and an excellent restaurant, "Jade", managed by a classy gentleman, Mario. The whole family had a fantastic time just lazing and sunning on the beach or around the pool which was a piece of water art in itself.
The environment was secluded which mae it a perfect get-away, yet only 20 minutes or so away from Philipsburg. Car hire, jewelers, and a shop or two were all on the premises, so there was something for everyone.
This place was sheer perfection for us, but I don't want to publicize it too much as I want to save a quiet corner of paradise all for myself!
10 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We were just here in March 2004 for the third year in a row.
It was a perfect location where we could enjoy a fabulous pool or a white sand beach guarded by a reef that kept waves to a minimum and provided fun snorkeling.
You need a car to get to the great French restaurants on the other side of the island, but the rentals were very affordable and driving around the island was a treat in itself. There were lots of options for activities also.
Tip: Don't worry about the A/C charges... you only need to open your windows and enjoy the breeze and the sound of the ocean for a great escape!
5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Oyster Bay is wonderful, no problems at all!Visited: June 2004
Posted by esmiet
I just returned from a seven-night stay at Oyster Bay on 6/19/04. The resort was beautiful in every respect.
I own a studio timeshare and upgraded at Oyster Bay to a one-bedroom apartment. The resort charged an upgrade fee of $100 for the entire week. It was worth the charge as the apartment was very nice, modern, clean and had a very nice full kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, ice maker refrigerator and full oven and dishes.
We cooked several meals because the kitchen was so nice. The resort was immaculate and very nice. Yes, it was kind of away from things, but that was a plus. A car was not absolutely necessary as the resort had day trips and activities into town and various tours in which they provided transportation to and from the resort and most included a meal.
We did rent a car, but driving was not pleasant as the island was very hilly and mountain roads were twisted and narrow. But it was worth having the car to get to see the entire island.
The resort had an infinity free form pool with jacuzzi and it was beautiful. The views were excellent, and the resort was right on Dawn Beach where guests had free lounge chairs and free punch courtesy of the resort.
There was the marina in Oyster Pond where they had several boats for snorkeling trips and fishing. Philipsburg was just ten minutes away from Oyster Bay and Orient Beach was just 10 to 15 minutes drive. Maho area was on the other side of the island, about a 30-minute drive. In fact, the entire island could be reached from one end to the other in just 30 minutes.
Oyster Bay was wonderful and whoever complains is just a person who is never satisfied with anything because there were no complaints to be had at this resort. The staff was fine, and Marion was extremely helpful to me with my upgrade in which she took care of with me by e-mail prior to my visit.
I would say that if anyone is rude at Oyster Bay it would be because the guests were rude first. As a plus, we won a free week's stay in Oyster Bay's Friday Bonus Week Raffle, so we will be returning. I recommend Oyster Bay, it is wonderful. Don't listen to any negative reports, they are not merited.
13 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
This was a beautiful place with beautiful people! 
We would rate St. Maarten/St. Martin a zero! 
It was just okay. 
It was outstanding in every respect - but two things. 
