St Maarten latest news?

[john_morris_uk]

Has anyone visited St Maarten recently? We’ve been told that it hasn’t recovered from the last hurricane to hit yet. How’s the hotel and infrastructure nowadays? We’ll be there (God willing) next Christmas and family are looking at coming out in January. I thought that everything was fine but Mrs M is convinced it’s not. Any local knowledge or recent visits?

 

[Stingo]

If you're on Facebook, there is a Saint Maarten Cruisers group. It might be worth asking there.

Sorry, I'm no longer on FakeAche, so am unable to post a link to the group

 

[harvey38]

Which Hurricane?

Irma was the one that caused a huge amount of damage but well recovered since then. We used to go and dive there frequently, still in regular contact with friends out there who own a dive centre. The French side took a real pounding and very slow to rebuild, the Dutch side on the other hand were rebuilding as soon as supplies were available on the island.

 

[Sandy]

@john_morris_uk are you a member of the Ocean Cruising Club or have any contacts who can put you in contact with their local port officer?

 

[john_morris_uk]

@john_morris_uk are you a member of the Ocean Cruising Club or have any contacts who can put you in contact with their local port officer?

Not at the moment. CA plus RNSA and our local clubs only.

We’re thinking of joining.

 

[geem]

We were there before Christmas. Its back to pre hurricane condition. The Dutch side is pretty well sorted. The French side is the normal run down pre hurricane self.
I have to say, having visited all the island in the Caribbean several times, St M wouldn't make it to my short list of places to have visitors.
We only go there to shop for boat bits as it has good chandlery. Apart from that, it has little to offer us. The Dutch side is like a cross between Lloret de Mar and Florida.
We tend to have friends and family visit us in Antigua. A more Caribbean feel to it. Fantastic beaches and more to do.