St. Maarten (The southern Dutch side)

[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.

[DickBeachman]

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).

Di you try La Semana or the Westin?

Mel.

[Rjsss212]

We'll be in SXM from Aug. 4-8. My point is strictly 5-star accommodations and TLD / TLN, so we'll rent a car & shuttle chicas back & forth. We like suites with 2 separate bedrooms & baths. None of the 5-star resorts I've looked on hotels.com and other travel sites fit our needs, though I've found a few vacation homes on Trip Advisor-waiting for owner contact there.

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.

[Manny51]

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 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. These islands don't have interesting cuisines or historical sites. Its pretty boring. I usually go to SXM or Curacao for long weekends, not entire weeks. And I dive and windsurf.

If you have never been to the DR North Coast, and can get into black women, I think that would be a better option. Those girls live there, so there is no down season. Also, I feel that the daytime activities and tourist things to see are slightly better. Its also cheaper. The food isn't any better, though. Except for Jamaica, food in the Carribean generally sucks everywhere.

And another thing, those little flights between Carribean islands can be unreliable. I once had a flight from Curacao to Bonaire just flat out cancelled because there were only a few passengers on the flight.. If you must take one of these flights, take the first flight out in the morning. The afternoon flights have less people, and tend to get cancelled.

[Mel365]

Had you looked at Winair?

I would stick with one island or the other if you only have a week. There are direct flights from the USA to Curacao.

Otherwise you will be spending a lot of your vacation on Airplanes.

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!

[Mel365]

Had you thought about Campo in Curacao?

Wonderful hotels and Disneyland of chicas at Campo.

While I haven't been to Tijuana for quite a few years I do follow the board and it seems like the sleezyness and possible danger is still there. My first mongering trip to SXM was last fall and in a few months I will be now making my third trip. IMHO there is no comparison. I live just a few hours away from Tijuana but being spoiled by SXM wouldn't even consider going to Tijuana.

SXM is very safe and laid back and many activities to keep you entertained when not with chicas. If you are looking for some really fine Colombianas check out Carolinas or Hypnotique. There are several other casas featuring mostly girls from the Dominican Republic.

Suggest you RTFF going back over the last year or so and you will get a good idea what to expect and where you might start your adventure. Take your time getting to know the chicas a bit and you will increase your chances for a good session. Have fun. I doubt you would not have any regrets choosing SXM over Tijuana.

Be.

[Mel365]

Di you try La Semana or the Westin?

Mel.

First, my head is bowed to Mel365, Pogostick, and many 'regulars' that make this forum one of the best on the entire ISG site.

I go solo to West Africa (Ghana, pre-Ebola Sierra Leone) and have been to SXM (also solo) twice. I just returned from an EPIC 4-day trip to Costa Rica as wingman to my high-rolling point man (field report underway); we reunited 40 years after going to college together.

We'll be in SXM from Aug. 4-8. My point is strictly 5-star accommodations and TLD / TLN, so we'll rent a car & shuttle chicas back & forth. We like suites with 2 separate bedrooms & baths. None of the 5-star resorts I've looked on hotels.com and other travel sites fit our needs, though I've found a few vacation homes on Trip Advisor-waiting for owner contact there.

Question to Mel & any 'seniors': Do you have any direct connections to folks who may have such accommodations? If so, please post or PM me if you don't want to share the contact on the forum.

Much respect to you all for the priceless info. Mel, we'll try to work in a quick visit between chicas if you're available.

[Party Boy]

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!

[Manny51]

Have a trip planned to Tijuana in three weeks, but an opportunity to visit SXM has presented itself. Any recommendations from any of you who have been to both?

Definitely agree with Barkey. SXM is WAAYY better than Tijuana.

Tijuana is a border town, and crime is a big problem. Mexico is the world capital of the illegal drug trade now. It may not be in your face, but why bother? The only advantage that Tijuana has is the food.

Otherwise, SXM is a safe tropical paradise, with lots to do in the daytime. Except for the food, everything else is cheaper. And I mean everything. Tijuana's gets alot of action and discussion because so many Southern Californians can just drive there. But flying there from further away as a travel destination is lunacy.

[Barkey]

Have a trip planned to Tijuana in three weeks, but an opportunity to visit SXM has presented itself. Any recommendations from any of you who have been to both?

While I haven't been to Tijuana for quite a few years I do follow the board and it seems like the sleezyness and possible danger is still there. My first mongering trip to SXM was last fall and in a few months I will be now making my third trip. IMHO there is no comparison. I live just a few hours away from Tijuana but being spoiled by SXM wouldn't even consider going to Tijuana.

SXM is very safe and laid back and many activities to keep you entertained when not with chicas. If you are looking for some really fine Colombianas check out Carolinas or Hypnotique. There are several other casas featuring mostly girls from the Dominican Republic.

Suggest you RTFF going back over the last year or so and you will get a good idea what to expect and where you might start your adventure. Take your time getting to know the chicas a bit and you will increase your chances for a good session. Have fun. I doubt you would not have any regrets choosing SXM over Tijuana.

Be.

[DickBeachman]

First, my head is bowed to Mel365, Pogostick, and many 'regulars' that make this forum one of the best on the entire ISG site.

I go solo to West Africa (Ghana, pre-Ebola Sierra Leone) and have been to SXM (also solo) twice. I just returned from an EPIC 4-day trip to Costa Rica as wingman to my high-rolling point man (field report underway); we reunited 40 years after going to college together.

We'll be in SXM from Aug. 4-8. My point is strictly 5-star accommodations and TLD / TLN, so we'll rent a car & shuttle chicas back & forth. We like suites with 2 separate bedrooms & baths. None of the 5-star resorts I've looked on hotels.com and other travel sites fit our needs, though I've found a few vacation homes on Trip Advisor-waiting for owner contact there.

Question to Mel & any 'seniors': Do you have any direct connections to folks who may have such accommodations? If so, please post or PM me if you don't want to share the contact on the forum.

Much respect to you all for the priceless info. Mel, we'll try to work in a quick visit between chicas if you're available.

[NashDrummerBoy]

Have a trip planned to Tijuana in three weeks, but an opportunity to visit SXM has presented itself. Any recommendations from any of you who have been to both?

[Puntz79]

Any recent reports from SXM? Was going to be there this weekend but had to postpone my trip, so now I'm thinking about next weekend since for some of us it's a long weekend.