We were always in the Maho Beach area of the Dutch Side. Cheaper, great beach, fun shopping (both super expensive, and on the next street over (little more ghetto) its the chinatown kinda shopping). And there’s no/very little tax!
If you’re looking for jewelry or watches head over to Little Europe Jewelers (they have two stores) and talk to Manoj or Mr. Alwani. tell them Sabeen or Omair sent you and they’ll give you a good deal. i stayed with them in med school (i went to saba med) but it’s been a while so i’m not sure they’ll remember. His mom will though i think. (be sure to haggle. they are brown after all).
Definitely go snorkeling – cheap and fun! Beaches: orient beach and mullet (yep. mullet) are nice as well. I think we used Captain Alan’s company when we went.
I’d recommend saving some cash for the french side – there are some beautiful restaurants by the marina that are lovely but pricey. Here are some options: http://www.gobeach.com/restrant.htm. Also if you’re into history, you can go on some tours of old forts and stuff.
Also taxis are fairly cheap but if you can jump on a bus, it’s like a couple of bucks (dutch guilders). When I was there the guilder was 1.80 to the dollar. So hopefully you can save some money!
Oh my gosh and most important thing, how could i forget!? If you have a day, and like hiking/exploring; get on the ferry or grab a flight on winair (smallest plane ever) and head over to the neighboring island of Saba! (pronounced: Say-bah) (That’s where i went to school). Smallest island ever but very scenic and cute. It’s a dutch island with more goats than people but absolutely beautiful and tiny *5 square miles. There’s a rainforest hike and some great restaurants (i.e. rainforest cafe is totally eco-friendly and AWESOME; saba treasures has pretty good pizza but it takes TWO hours to cook so order early; brigadoons etc.) Food-wise, i’d recommend their specialty: the mahi mahi and lobster/crab. i’m starting to drool just thinking about it.
Best Beach:
Baie Rouge in the lowlands
Most beautiful beach with views of Mariah Carey’s house on the hille – white house with orange roof
Orient Beach: Busiest beach with teh most activities and water sports. Rent a chair and umbrella for 8 Euros and get a free drink at most places. The best deal on the Island
French Side:
Stores in Marigot
Stay away from Philipsburg
Food:
Le Montmarte in Maho at the Atlantis Casino. Ask for Axel and tell them you sent them for complimentary champaigne
Marigot: great food
Grand Casse: great food
Eat at L’Estaminet in Grand Case for the best French food on the Island owned by a couple. The chocolate cigar dessert is to die for. It emits smoke!
Best relax on the beach bar/restaurant is Calmos Cafe in Grand Case…sit on the beach chairs in the sand and be served the best French wine and burgers
Massage:
La Samana Hotel and Spa for a beach massage. Minota gives the best beach side massage. Hit the Moroccan bar for a drink.
Casino:
Best and most beautiful Casino is the Weston on Dawn Beach
