SXM On The Cheap
St. Maarten / St. Martin isn't an inexpensive island. But you can be here
inexpensively (aside from airfare), if you know where to go....
- Accommodations: Click "Timeshare Condos for Rent or Sale" (left),
and you'll deal directly with owners. Many are simply trying to cover their
Maintenance fee, so the cost can be low -- particularly in the summer. Even
in winter, timeshare condos can often be had for around $700/week -- much
better than most hotel rates. If you're a JMB member, though, hotel
rates may be well under what you expect; just check the accommodations
discounts available to members on the Member Benefits page of the
members-only Secret Website.
- Beaches: They're all free; bring a blanket and a day on the beach
might cost you nothing. See our Beaches page (link at left) to pick a beach
that suits your taste. St. Maarten / St. Martin has child friendly beaches,
surfing, beaches with services (beach bars / food), clothing-optional
beaches, etc.
- Casinos: You don't have to gamble; you can just people-watch at
one of many Dutch Side casinos (there are none on the French Side).
- Philipsburg / Marigot: People watch on Front Street and Back
Street, Philipsburg, the shopping (and jewelry) headquarters for the island.
Or go to the waterfront in Marigot, the French capitol; check out the
waterfront market.
- Supermarkets: They aren't cheap either, but if you're determined
to stay on the cheap, you can buy food at any of the island's markets and
make your own meals. But... SXM has fantastic restaurants with great views
and reasonable prices. See details by clicking Restaurants (link at left)
and subscribe to our free weekly newsletters (link at left) for restaurant
info practically every week. A link to subscribe (free) is at the left.
Don't forget locally made Etna ice cream; incredibly creamy and delicious,
and not all that pricey.
- More: Again, see our free SXM Weekly News (subscription
link at left).
Updated August 25, 2011
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SXM on the cheap