St. Maarten (The southern Dutch side)

[Party Boy]

I had that same itinerary a couple of months ago. I wanted to try both places in one trip because I had never visited either before. I don't think a week is necessarily too short to visit both, but you would definitely want to have all your reservations set and driving directions printed in advance; otherwise you might spend the first day lost on both islands.

While I was at Campo, one local commented that there were fewer ladies (about 60) because it was the slow season. But there were also fewer tourists, and therefore less competition, so it wasn't a problem at all. Many of the ladies were smokin' hot and that's the more-important statistic. The ratio seemed a bit lower in StM, but I visited early in the evening which seemed to help. That said, I don't know how much it drops off in mid-summer.

I preferred Curacao to StM because of the prices were lower and mongering was simpler in general. For example, in CUR all you need to do is locate Campo; whereas in StM, several of the brothels were in bad neighborhoods and finding them took me a while. Since your time is limited, you may feel that same. But as you can tell from the other posts here, many people like StM better. I'll acknowledge that StM is a prettier island and there's more to do in the daytime.

Hey Zanadont,

I must have missed your detail reply the last time I logged in. Thanks for your reply. I agree that a week is enough time to do both Islands. I think I would get bored pretty easily if I only spent time on one island. I am very familiar with SXM but I worry a bit about Curacao. Only been there on a cruise ship. 60 girls at Campo seems like a good number. Now if only someone can tell me the numbers in SXM right now for Carolinas and Hypnotic? Anyone there right now that can report?

[Rjsss212]

No, haven't actually been to San Nich? Then why comment?

Really? How many times have you been to San Nich, day or night and what was your experience like?

Originally Posted by Manny51.

I sure hope you don't mean San Nicolas. That's over 30 minute drive each way, assuming you have your own car. Selection is also thin.

[Shark16]

Sadly most of the luxurious villas on that website are on the westside of the French side, I. E. Probably the furthest away from the action at Suckergarden as you can get (20 mnts by car at night, 30- 60 mnts in traffic during day). But there must be others around for those who want to Google some more.

[Manny51]

Check out: http://stmartinblue.com/index.php.

Never taken the chance, but I keep on dreaming. Please report!

Wow, they sure look spectacular! Are they near Phillipsburg or Simpson Bay? I don't know the island well enough and didn't recognize the locales on the listing.

[Shark16]

Check out: http://stmartinblue.com/index.php.

Never taken the chance, but I keep on dreaming. Please report!

[DavisLucJr]

Mel, thanks.

The Westin doesn't have 2 BR suites. La Semana looks good-2 BR start at $1,200/ night. (Ouch-but my good brother rolls like thatlol).

For that kind of cash you could rent out an entire beachfront 4 BR villa with a pool, and even get groceries and a rental car included.

Check out vrbo.com.

[Rjsss212]

I sure hope you don't mean San Nicolas. That's over 30 minute drive each way, assuming you have your own car. Selection is also thin.

Really? How many times have you been to San Nich, day or night and what was your experience like?

[DickBeachman]

Thanks for the Westin info, Puntz79. My pointman & I are booked for a vacation home in August. I'll check if he's an SPG Platinum / elite, which may make the Westin a future option.

P.S. The Westin does have two-bedroom suites. However they can only be assigned to SPG Platinum and long-time elites or arranged with the hotel. They can't be booked off the hotel website or spg.com. However it's a very very rare upgrade there, and when booking a regular room you'll be lucky to get an oceanfront room. The rooms are getting to be a bit dated now, but it's still a good property. And there's an ATM on-site.

[Manny51]

Hey Manny,

Thanks for the in depth feedback. I am actually an SXM veteran. I was there in Nov / Dec / Feb this past year and have experience with SXM since I was working on cruise ships back in 2001. I have been to CUR but never to Campo. That is why I am strongly considering doing the SXM / CUR in a week. The other option that I am considering is going directly to Medellin / Cartegena.

Perhaps we can give better advice if we know where you have and haven't been before, and what you are looking for.

[Puntz79]

SXM during the summer is not bad at all, there are less guys yes and it's slower on the island overall but that's not necessarily a bad thing. But would I stay there a week? Probably not. I like SXM for long weekends whether during the busy season or slow, 3-4 days and I'm good. Quality during slower season is still very good, I have never had a problem finding chicas that I find to be at least an 8 at Carolinas / Hypnotic. And in my opinion when it comes to dining, SXM is better than most caribbean islands. Especially the french side. All the mongering is on the dutch side, but the french side is good to check out.

Regarding safety, one should always take precautions in any city. Carolinas / Crystals / Hypnotic / El Capitan are all located within walking distance, however it's advised you do not walk between the clubs (the exception being between Carolinas and Crystal since they are directly across the street from each other. But between Carolinas / Crystal and El Capitan, no. If you're driving, then drive there. If you're not driving, take a taxi there. While SXM is overall pretty safe, I've stopped by an ATM in Philipsburg (the Windward Islands bank ATM off Salt Pickers) at midnight with no one around and it can be slightly uneasy with the island very quiet. Crime does exist, but just use some common sense and you're likely to have an incident-free trip.

P.S. The Westin does have two-bedroom suites. However they can only be assigned to SPG Platinum and long-time elites or arranged with the hotel. They can't be booked off the hotel website or spg.com. However it's a very very rare upgrade there, and when booking a regular room you'll be lucky to get an oceanfront room. The rooms are getting to be a bit dated now, but it's still a good property. And there's an ATM on-site.

[Mel365]

Has something changed in Aruba? St Nicks was a shit hole when I was there the last few times (for Carnival).

Day time action was minimal cruising the back streets. The bars at night only have 3 or 4 chicas.

Years ago with the 3 month work visa it was better. I also went there when a very special chica I knew was working there.

I would make SXM and Cur equal in the competition with a slight advantage to CUr.

Aruba would be a far second.

And Bonaire a third.

With respect to Colombia Medellin has a lot of smoking hot chicas as does Bogota.

I would say if you spoke Spanish Medellin would be my first choice Bog second and skip Cartaghena-a monger tourist.

Trap. If you go to Bog Mde or Cali try http://escortsincolombia.com/. Speak to Omar.

A very reliable source for hot chicas. Delivered to your door.

[Manny51]

If money is not a problem then forget St Martin. Take a couple of large suites at the Ritz in Aruba. Some even adjoin. Better variety of women for TLD and TLN and great restaurants and much better infrastructure. Supermarkets and liquor stores are better than in most American cities and getting around is simpler and easier and the beach is just short of spectacular.

And where are you meeting these women? I sure hope you don't mean San Nicolas. That's over 30 minute drive each way, assuming you have your own car. Selection is also thin.

Has a new venue opened?

[Party Boy]

I am going to assume that you have never been to either of these places.

SXM is better in most regards. Slightly better tourism infrastructure (better roads and hotels). More direct flights to more US cities. Better food. Daytime activities, like hiking and diving, are about the same. The only reason to add curacao is for more punting variety -- namely, to check out Campo. If you have never been, its good to go, just to scratch that itch. Its been on the slide in recent years, and I have a feeling that you will be disappointed, but if you don't go at least once, you will always be wondering. Just keep your expectations in check. Though $300 seems like a lot for a one way ticket.

But like you said, this IS the summertime. The ladies at SXM and Curacao do not live there. They fly in from Colombia. Since this is slow season, there will be less people there. Also, you may have a hard time filling up a week with stuff to do. I don't know how you like to spend your time, but if all you are doing is hanging by the pool every day, you'll get bored real fast...

Hey Manny,

Thanks for the in depth feedback. I am actually an SXM veteran. I was there in Nov / Dec / Feb this past year and have experience with SXM since I was working on cruise ships back in 2001. I have been to CUR but never to Campo. That is why I am strongly considering doing the SXM / CUR in a week. The other option that I am considering is going directly to Medellin / Cartegena.

[Xanadont]

Hi all, I have a week of vacation that I need to take and I have floated the idea of doing 1/2 in SXM and 1/2 in Curacao. Has anyone done something like this? I looked up the flights and the only direct flight I found was with Insel for around $300. Any other alternatives that someone can suggest? Also, anyone on SXM right now? What are the numbers like at Carolinas and Hypnotic? I worry that they could be very slow given that it's low season. Thanks!

I had that same itinerary a couple of months ago. I wanted to try both places in one trip because I had never visited either before. I don't think a week is necessarily too short to visit both, but you would definitely want to have all your reservations set and driving directions printed in advance; otherwise you might spend the first day lost on both islands.

While I was at Campo, one local commented that there were fewer ladies (about 60) because it was the slow season. But there were also fewer tourists, and therefore less competition, so it wasn't a problem at all. Many of the ladies were smokin' hot and that's the more-important statistic. The ratio seemed a bit lower in StM, but I visited early in the evening which seemed to help. That said, I don't know how much it drops off in mid-summer.

I preferred Curacao to StM because of the prices were lower and mongering was simpler in general. For example, in CUR all you need to do is locate Campo; whereas in StM, several of the brothels were in bad neighborhoods and finding them took me a while. Since your time is limited, you may feel that same. But as you can tell from the other posts here, many people like StM better. I'll acknowledge that StM is a prettier island and there's more to do in the daytime.

I found that booking a flight from the USA To CUR and then a return flight back home from St. Maarten costs about the same as a round-trip. I flew American and connected in Miami, but I know United and a few other airlines fly to CUR. You might want to search orbitz.com for the best deal; just click "Multi-city" and enter your itinerary. (The AA flight from Miami to CUR doesn't arrive until 9 pm, so another airline might have an earlier flight.).

Then you can book the one-way flight from CUR to SXM separately at www.fly-inselair.com . The morning flight on InselAir usually costs between $127-$182 depending on which day you fly. (But there's also a $20 fee when leaving CUR's airport.) This flight arrives at 11:10 am, so you still have the rest of the day to enjoy StM.

Optionally, you can type in the opposite itinerary (going to StM first and flying home from CUR). You might find that the flight times are better or the flights are cheaper.

Happy mongering!

[DickBeachman]

If money is not a problem then forget St Martin. Take a couple of large suites at the Ritz in Aruba. Some even adjoin. Better variety of women for TLD and TLN and great restaurants and much better infrastructure. Supermarkets and liquor stores are better than in most American cities and getting around is simpler and easier and the beach is just short of spectacular.

Thanks, Rjsss. I've told my former classmate about the various SXM casas I've visited and he wants to run through them. Looks like we've found a good 3 BR waterfront house with a pool that will serve our needs this trip.

I'll RTFF over at Aruba and do some due diligence. Maybe that's our next adventure.