philphriday hi! Love finding this video . I’m so excited to hear about the rebuilding of one of our favorite places!!!! My name is Mark and one our favorite restaurants is called Marks place and hope they survived the storm! We are hoping to go back this coming winter.
Have been to this beautiful island 16 times. Feel so bad for the people that call this home. And just pray that no storms this season. Great video.Thanks!
Thank you for this video!! I actually work on the aiport and trust me it is not easy, we get alot of criticism but we have millions of people that love the island of sxm, we are a small island that took a major blow and we didnt comeplain we lifted our heads and kept moving and we are only 37 square miles, God bless you sir for this inspiring video putting sxm back on the map! We will rise ! #sxmstrong
May the lovely people of SXM be a beacon of light for Puerto Rico. PR has been through hell and we here in the States hate our leaders in the White House who are such racists and hate Puerto Rico. Sad...
The company I work for supplies PJIA with supplies for getting the airport back built up again! That airport is one of our regular customers along with PJIA fire department and Saint Martin Fire Department
Went right before you did...my first time- even with the devastation, I fell in love with it! This is the best info on post-Irma SMX I've seen, thank you!
Your kind words mean so much to me. I am happy you fell as hard as I did for SXM five years ago. Thank you very much for watching and leaving this comment. Means the world.
Thank you! We actually lived on the island for 6 years, mainly in Orient Bay Resort and wrote 2 novels about island life. Your comments and photos of the recovery are excellent.
I love this video you are telling the truth because most videos makes the island seem as if it isn’t safe when it is we are recovering thank you for visiting my home Saint-Maarten/Sint-Martin ❤️
Akilah .R thanks for watching! I think of SXM as my second home. Been coming every year for the past 4 years and I felt the same way about the videos and news I had been reading. Wanted a way to show the truth about the island. Can't wait to be back later this year.
Exiting the plane onto the tarmac... like in the old days...ha ha I'm showing age. Thanks for the great information. Very helpful, Phil! Can't wait to go!
Hey Phil. Thanks for the amazing video on my home island. It was a devastating shock and fright for us that live abroad especially the students that live in the Netherlands. I am happy to see this video. Haven’t been back home as yet. Thank you once more for this video.
Bistrot Caraibes in Gran Case is a terrific restaurant and a reason to travel there. The brothers who manage the restaurant have received numerous awards and recently Bistrot Caraibes was listed as the top fine dining establishment in the Caribbean. 81 Boulevard de Grand Case, Saint Martin.
just returned from 2 week stay. info on this video is very good. Now Orient Beach has one hotel and beach resturant is open and excellent. The people are just as friendly as always. This was our 4 yr. Many of the more popular places are open for entertainment and food. Casinos are open. Shopping area in Phillipsburg is mostly back. Please make this one of your vacations. You will fall in love with it as so many have.
Ronald Stevens thanks for the update! I’ll be back at the end of October and I can’t wait to see how it’s come along. Glad you enjoyed your stay and thanks for watching!
Phil, thank you for making the video. Great description of different island locations. I've been to St. Martin twice, but this year I plan to explore it more. Sad to see Sonesta Maho and the whole area being under development. Yet, the island is full of amazing places and culture.
I just back back from SXM. Most of the Simpson Bay area is up and running, though there is construction going on, so make sure your room doesn't face the places being worked on. I only visited Grand Case from a boat. From out in the bay it looks like a wonderful place to stay, but the closer we got we could see places on the beach that were still wiped out. I'm sure they've prioritized reconstruction and it will take a while to get back to the way it was. Snorkeled Creole Rock and could see the damage to the corals, but there were plenty of fish. All in all, there was little talk about recovery and most of the complaints seemed to be about the traffic, especially when going to Philipsburg.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm on the island now and have similar feelings. Grand Case has a lot more going on inside of it. But the beachfront side still needs a lot of work. And thank you for telling us about Creole Rock. I have had a few people asking about that and since I'm not a snorkeler, I didn't have an answer for them. And while the traffic is rough these days, it means there is a lot of work happening, so while it isn't fun to sit in it, I try to look at it positively that things are getting better. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and happy to hear you came here!
Loved this video! so cool and so well done! It was great to see the kite surfing on St. Maarten! Loved all your commenetary about the need for lessons first before you head out for the big event! Thank you for sharing!!!! Great footage of the island and of the ocean and the beaches! Well done, Phil! XXO)
I live there and it’s slowly getting back to normal. Although many people still don’t have roofs we are hopeful. Our island is still beautiful! Come see for yourself :)
Hi Phil .... first of all, well done on the video, I do like your style and including the drone footage is great. Most importantly, THANK YOU for your reporting on what's going on in SXM ... it's been a favorite vacation spot for years ... we usually stayed in villas in Terres Basses and had no idea how they survived. Thank You and keep the vids coming!
Hey Tony! Thanks for watching. The survival rate of the villas in Terres Basses is mixed. Many did not do so well, while others barely had any damage. I'm glad to hear you stay in Terres Basses! It's a great spot and there are so many wonderful homes to rent there. If you don't mind sharing, I'd love to know what houses you have stayed in there.
The last few trips have been at Villa Mariposa ... a beautiful villa. and before that we stayed at a villa on Mt. Rouge that I can't remember the name. We looked at a newer villa called Turtle's Nest that we were considering for our next trip.
Great villa! If you are browsing, I would recommend St Martin Sotheby’s Realty. (SXMSIR.com). Full disclosure, I do work exclusively with them on the island so take that for what it is. But they are a really great team and have a lot of properties in Terres Basses and around the island.
Very informative, I've stayed at Simpson bay a few times and heard that was pretty much back to normal. Good to see the driftwood bar at the end, I remember good smoothies there!
PHIL thank you sooooooo much for this informative video. I also love this island and I'm returning there this month. This will be the first time I take my sons with me. This video helps me to inform them on what to expect once we arrive... Very helpful.Great work. Great Drone!!!!! Thank you.
Thank you for the great video. We arrive on July 11. It will be our first time back since Irma. We are looking forward to seeing our home away from home again.
Phil thank you for the update. We were there “eye to eye” with Hurricane Irma. We were at Little Divi and were evacuated off the island on US Military C-130. I will return there, but not during hurricane season.
Very informative, as there are so few videos (it seems) with specifics on how St. Martin is recovering. Very sad to see the damage in Grand Case, and the loss of the little food places along Orient Beach. You mentioned Marigot, but didn't show much about the town itself. I'd like to see more of how they're doing. Also, I'd like to see more on the status of Oyster Pond. May I also suggest spending more of the video showing scenes of what you are talking about with voiceover, rathert than only you talking. But other than that, glad to see the update.
I didn't spend a lot of time in Marigot (hence why there isn't a lot of footage from it) it was pretty badly damaged, however the restaurants and bars near the ferry are up and running. I do not spend a lot of time in Oyster Pond so I can't really speak for it. Thanks for the suggestions! I will take them into account in the future. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for being honest. So many online sources try to just sell you on any vacation you plan on going on and the reality was a lot more like your description.
Your video made me very happy -- and very sad! In my past visits, I've always looked forward to going to Grand Case for the French dining. From what I've read, the Dutch side is doing much better than the French side because the Dutch side is getting more relief faster than their French counterparts. Anyway, I recognized part of the Cupecoy area because I was supposed to stay at Sapphire Resort last December 2017 but Hurricane Irma forced our trip to be canceled. Sapphire has an underground parking garage that was collapse during the hurricane. As I stay at timeshares, I'll try again for Winter 2020 to return to the island.
Steven S the Ditch side has moved faster but they rely so heavily on tourism it was important they move quickly. Hope you will return in 2020. The entire island is making great strides and will be doing much better by then. Thanks for watching!
Good vid Phil, but since i live near Maho just want to hype up a few spots that are open now such as Cape cafe for good coffe and snacks, hole in the wall for drinks, tres amigos for mexican food, Mr. Papaya for crepe and juices, and the cherry on top is Le Moulin Fou serving up amazing dishes and is truly a hidden gem in the Maho area for dinner!! Plus WE is a new bar/club that opened up across from tres amigos!
Henry Kalechman thank you for the update! I went to Cape Cafe on my last day and must say it's absolutely amazing. Great workers, coffee was incredible and I even enjoyed the acai bowl I had there. Appreciate your comment!
Henry Kalechman Thanks for updating on the Maho area! When I have been to St. Maarten I always loved staying at The Maho Sonesta! The very first time I went in 1995 I stayed there, loved it and returned 3 more times since then, last time was in 2011. I subscribed to another person who does update videos and I love them. Has there been any word as to when The Sonesta will open again? The casino? Cheri's restaurant and bar?? I really loved that place! I can still taste the guavaberry colada's!!!
Oh man well Cheri's unfortunately took a huge hit and am not sure if they are coming back, but the casino has a lot of progress and they have set November for the Maho Sonesta to re open. Maho again has work to be done, but still plenty of progress already and I will be posting within the month a video of the area!
Very good report. I am here and give it thumbs up. Everyone here appreciates the return of visitors and many restaurants and lively bars are back to normal so there's no shortage of entertainment. We have a new craft beer here, sold in some shops called "Irma" - 5 stars beer!
Thank you for bigging up the island like this, I love my home and I’m sooo happy to hear when others love it too #sxmstrong 💪🏽 we still fixing up but we getting there, I got so excited seeing this video lolz my sweet St. Maarten (proud St. Maartener)
Good video.. I just returned from SXM last week.. Spent 10 days catching up and watching World Cup games at Marty's and the Yacht club. And three amigos in the Maho village is open.. Been in St Martin many many times. Always heard about how bad hurricane Luis was in 95.. Luis wrecked the island.. They say Irma made Luis look like a pussycat.. The Dutch side has been much quicker to rebuild and get back to business.. Can't wait to get back and visit all my friends there..
ron777ish thanks for watching! Glad you had a great time. Thanks for letting me know about the places you went. I have been to three amigos many times. Great place for sports!
Were you there for the storm? 8 of us stayed on the beach in a Sonesta Resort through the storm. A couple of us talk about going back around Feb. '18. Video well done. Thanks.
Joe-n-Tex I wasn't there but I know many people who were from traveling there so often. I can't imagine what it was like to go through it. Thanks for watching and hope your future plan to visit works out!
I lived in St Martin and when the hurricane Irma hit us we were at a hotel and the place everyone was staying at in the hotel was the emergency stares and it was chaos after the hurricane we went back home and our house was a mess but then a few years later we were evacuated to Guadeloupe and then we went to Canada to stay with our grandparents. We stayed for about a year and a half before we came back to SXM but now I’m fine.
Maxime Gibbs wow! I can’t imagine all you went through and am so happy to hear you were able to get out safely and have returned. Thank you for watching and sharing your story.
Has la plage really been destroyed? I used to go there once a year as a child and teen.... loved how he airplanes came almost over the pool.... Miss it so much and great video!!🕉
Thanks for the info. I am going to the island in December for the first time. What part of the island would you recommend staying in at this time in terms of access to good beaches, open restaurants, and entertainment? Thanks !
I am a huge fan of the Cupecoy, Maho and Simpson Bay area. For all 3 of the above, I would say stay in Simpson Bay, but if you are planning on renting a car and want to go home to a slightly quieter place, then stay in Cupecoy. I work closely with St. Martin Sotheby's Realty vacation rentals if you need assistance in finding a place.
This is excellent, thanks for this! Would you comment about the cost of meals at the restaurants, and also for hotel suites that contain a full kitchen, what would be the cost of the items to make meals?
Pricing on the island is very similar to the States in any major city. Most villas come with the basic seasonings and spices, so it's really just the cost of the main food. Most restaurants you are looking at spending $15-$30 per meal.
Hi Phil- I love SXM as well and have been many times. Did you drive past La Samanna at all? I'm considering a stay there for my birthday in April 2019. The hotel re-opens in November or December, but just wondering if you happened past it or have any intel... Thanks, Heidi
@5:06 you mention the removal of seaweed... The seaweed, especially now should not be removed. As you notice @5:06 it's actually helping to restore the beach by holding the sand in place.... Seaweed is very important in helping with erosion..
Dear Phil , love the videos . We love St. Maarten!! Do you know when Monte may be reopening and if the Sonesta corporation hotels owns it sell thanks. What resorts do you recommend thank you
Sonya Oren I don’t have any information regarding those places and I have never actually stayed at a resort but hopefully a fellow commenter will mention their suggestions. Thanks for watching!
I Have a chanel about st martin begining deux months after Irma until today more than 100 videos, :you have time to see... but your video is very professionnal ! thanks again
philphriday it was great. The ladies cooking never saw that before, and took me behind their grill, put the tongs in my hand for a photo. I took that simple gesture a great honor! We all were joking around. It was well worth it. I hope they recover, and are better then ever. I understand they still have it tough. Especially those who live inland. We will visit again. Anyway... thanks for posting!
Nice video and update. Which weeks were you actually there Phil ? Also can you share what the costs were for your accommodation ( name of place & #of days ).Thanks
JJ Burns I was there May 25-June 13th, 2018. I always stay with St Martin Sotheby's Realty. They have a bunch of different places and budgets. Sxmsir.com
Hey Phil. Nice summary. Thank you. Really happy to see the recovery. I'll try to spend some monay in Grand Case. Looks like they could use it. Love Piazza Pascal. So you were there in June, 2018? We usually go in late March/early April. Stay at Oyster Bay. They took a pretty good hit, as well. What drone were you using to photograph? I plan on taking my Spark. Cheers.
Hey John! Thanks for watching and for the kind words. Grand Case could absolutely use it. I have been going to SXM for the past 4 years a few times a year, but this was shot in June 2018. Late March/Early April is a great time to go! High season is always a blast there. This is a mix of the Phantom 4 and the Spark. My first trip with the Spark, and it's so much fun to have! Take it with you. Can't wait to see what you do with it. Cheers!
Jenny Demos-Bertrand what sort of activities do you look for? Every region has it’s own specialty. I recommend speaking with Magali at St Martin Sotheby’s Realty and she can help you find a villa or condo rental. Magali@sxmsir.com.
We like swimming, being outside and eating good food. We just want to be somewhere on the island that is up for tourists. I mostly want to make sure we are in a place that is returning to accommodate tourists.
Sure! My favorite place to stay is in Porto Cupecoy. It's on the Dutch side, right on the border of the French side. They have condos you can rent for your vacation. Very nice and not too expensive. It's close to Maho and Simpson Bay but easy to get to the private beaches in Terres Basses. It's across the street from Cupecoy beach. If you are looking for a hotel experience I would go to Mary's Boon, it's right on the beach and close to the airport so your vacation can start right away.
Hi all! Just read online as of 2019 January the Secrets resorts are taking over the Riu Palace resort 20 million Dollar renovation!! Sounds like Saint Martin’s coming back with new blood
Hi Phil, thks for the update, Im planning to come back to the island in Feb of 2019. All girls trip, many friends say don't come because they heard it is unsafe, people are being robbed,etc. Have you heard any of this? I'm so bummed if we have to reschedule, let me know what you think
Hey Carol! That is a great question. For the 3 weeks I was there, I didn't experience any additional safety issues. I would treat it as you would going to any island or place you aren't familiar with. Don't leave your stuff unattended or give anyone a chance to rob you. Stay in the more populated areas. Don't wear expensive jewelry and keep your bags close to your body. Febuary is the high season and there is a larger risk for crime during this time, but if you stay alert and keep yourself out of risky situations, you will be fine. Overall, I wouldn't be concerned about it and you shouldn't cancel your trip because of it. Let me know if you need any additional information. Where are you staying, btw?
Thanks for the info, I agree to always be alert, we've been there 5 or 6 times, stayed at Royal Palm in Simpson Bay and the Atrium, I imagine Royal Palm is heavily damaged. We are scheduled to stay at a place outside of Phillipsburg that sits up on a hill top with a beautiful view, my friend has time share, I forget the name of it but I'll get back with you on that. We usually prefer to stay right on the beach, but this resort looks interesting. We've never had an issue there but some friends told us the island is hurting so badly the people living there are desperate, kind of worries us. Thanks again
I can't speak as much for the Philipsburg area. I will admit, I don't spend as much time there as I do in the French Side and the Simpson Bay area. My advice would to just be extra cautious. The Dutch side has been doing a really nice job of trying to pick things up, so by February I believe they will have it together.
Divi Little Bay? I stayed there in 2000 and LOVED IT.... that was also where a family was seriously injured and permanently disabled by their exterminator using illegal pesticides while the guests were at the resort.
Phil - love that you are from NYC!!! We went to Simpson Bay Resort in Jan. 2019 and absolutely loved it!! When are you going back? Please travel to @American University of the Caribbean and try to showcase it ( and visit my baby girl... who will be studying no doubt). Thanx for the informative videos.
I do love living in NYC! Nice that's it's easy to get to the island from here. I have met many of the students at the University when I am out and about. Love meeting them! I am hoping to head back soon! Thanks for watching and I'm happy to hear you had a wonderful time on the island.
The french side is rough especially cul-de-sac. pinel is up and running but with nobody dealing with the seaweed it smells like bad beef burps/queefs. please get to sxm
The seaweed in Cul de Sac is absolutely a problem that needs to be dealt with. When I was on Pinel, I didn't notice the smell. But waiting for the ferry to Pinel was bad.
philphriday did you note the condition of the homes next to the pier ? Our rental was nothing but a slab of concrete and a toilet in feb. wondering if any rebuilds
I didn't take note of all the homes. I'm sorry to hear that about your rental. I know insurance is starting to go through and rebuilds are in the works for many homes.
Video would have been so much better if you could have shown way more island and way less you. I came for the island and spent half my time looking at you instead.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Have you been to SXM recently? Share your experience in the comments!
I am from St.Martin and I actually went back in July and really enjoyed it my family lives in the area of French Quarter. Thank you for this video ❤️
philphriday hi! Love finding this video . I’m so excited to hear about the rebuilding of one of our favorite places!!!! My name is Mark and one our favorite restaurants is called Marks place and hope they survived the storm! We are hoping to go back this coming winter.
Have been to this beautiful island 16 times. Feel so bad for the people that call this home. And just pray that no storms this season. Great video.Thanks!
robert19271 everyone is getting nervous about the upcoming hurricane season. Hope they are spared. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for this video!! I actually work on the aiport and trust me it is not easy, we get alot of criticism but we have millions of people that love the island of sxm, we are a small island that took a major blow and we didnt comeplain we lifted our heads and kept moving and we are only 37 square miles, God bless you sir for this inspiring video putting sxm back on the map! We will rise ! #sxmstrong
Erry Gumbs The airport workers were amazing working with what they had. Thanks for watching! I appreciate the kind words. SXMSTRONG
May the lovely people of SXM be a beacon of light for Puerto Rico. PR has been through hell and we here in the States hate our leaders in the White House who are such racists and hate Puerto Rico. Sad...
Erry Gumbs God bless the people of St Marteen. I will return with my family for a third time!! How is the plane watching at Maho Beach?
The company I work for supplies PJIA with supplies for getting the airport back built up again! That airport is one of our regular customers along with PJIA fire department and Saint Martin Fire Department
Watch more about Sint Maarten chaos here ua-cam.com/video/4E8BZZ2u4Nk/v-deo.html
REALLY ... appreciate your updates Phil!!!!
Went right before you did...my first time- even with the devastation, I fell in love with it! This is the best info on post-Irma SMX I've seen, thank you!
Your kind words mean so much to me. I am happy you fell as hard as I did for SXM five years ago. Thank you very much for watching and leaving this comment. Means the world.
Of course.... how can you not fall in love with this place... there’s just something different...
🙏
Thank you! We actually lived on the island for 6 years, mainly in Orient Bay Resort and wrote 2 novels about island life. Your comments and photos of the recovery are excellent.
Thank you so much. Where can I check out these novels?
I love this video you are telling the truth because most videos makes the island seem as if it isn’t safe when it is we are recovering thank you for visiting my home Saint-Maarten/Sint-Martin ❤️
Akilah .R thanks for watching! I think of SXM as my second home. Been coming every year for the past 4 years and I felt the same way about the videos and news I had been reading. Wanted a way to show the truth about the island. Can't wait to be back later this year.
Exiting the plane onto the tarmac... like in the old days...ha ha I'm showing age. Thanks for the great information. Very helpful, Phil! Can't wait to go!
Susan Seaton thanks so much for watching and commenting! Hope you make it there soon!
Hey Phil. Thanks for the amazing video on my home island. It was a devastating shock and fright for us that live abroad especially the students that live in the Netherlands. I am happy to see this video. Haven’t been back home as yet. Thank you once more for this video.
Farida Djaoen thanks for watching. Hope you make it back soon.
Like your respectful tone.
I'm headed to St. Maarten this week for my first visit!
Bistrot Caraibes in Gran Case is a terrific restaurant and a reason to travel there. The brothers who manage the restaurant have received numerous awards and recently Bistrot Caraibes was listed as the top fine dining establishment in the Caribbean. 81 Boulevard de Grand Case, Saint Martin.
just returned from 2 week stay. info on this video is very good. Now Orient Beach has one hotel and beach resturant is open and excellent. The people are just as friendly as always. This was our 4 yr. Many of the more popular places are open for entertainment and food. Casinos are open. Shopping area in Phillipsburg is mostly back. Please make this one of your vacations. You will fall in love with it as so many have.
Ronald Stevens thanks for the update! I’ll be back at the end of October and I can’t wait to see how it’s come along. Glad you enjoyed your stay and thanks for watching!
As I know St.Martin your video is very interesting for me, it is good to see that a lot of places are recovering, thank you, good video !!!
Christian osswald I appreciate you watching the video! Thanks!
Phil, thank you for making the video. Great description of different island locations. I've been to St. Martin twice, but this year I plan to explore it more. Sad to see Sonesta Maho and the whole area being under development. Yet, the island is full of amazing places and culture.
Taras Shevchenko thanks. I need to start exploring the Dutch side more.
I just back back from SXM. Most of the Simpson Bay area is up and running, though there is construction going on, so make sure your room doesn't face the places being worked on.
I only visited Grand Case from a boat. From out in the bay it looks like a wonderful place to stay, but the closer we got we could see places on the beach that were still wiped out. I'm sure they've prioritized reconstruction and it will take a while to get back to the way it was.
Snorkeled Creole Rock and could see the damage to the corals, but there were plenty of fish.
All in all, there was little talk about recovery and most of the complaints seemed to be about the traffic, especially when going to Philipsburg.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm on the island now and have similar feelings. Grand Case has a lot more going on inside of it. But the beachfront side still needs a lot of work. And thank you for telling us about Creole Rock. I have had a few people asking about that and since I'm not a snorkeler, I didn't have an answer for them. And while the traffic is rough these days, it means there is a lot of work happening, so while it isn't fun to sit in it, I try to look at it positively that things are getting better. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and happy to hear you came here!
Loved this video! so cool and so well done! It was great to see the kite surfing on St. Maarten! Loved all your commenetary about the need for lessons first before you head out for the big event! Thank you for sharing!!!! Great footage of the island and of the ocean and the beaches!
Well done, Phil! XXO)
Lynne Breed thanks for watching, Lynne! I appreciate all the kind words! Hope to see you soon!
Thank you for sharing this video.
We are headed there at the end of August. Can’t wait!
William Epps awesome! Where are you staying? Hit me up if you need any suggestions.
I live there and it’s slowly getting back to normal. Although many people still don’t have roofs we are hopeful. Our island is still beautiful! Come see for yourself :)
Baby Cakes I agree! It’s coming back slowly but surely. I am returning in October to see the updates since my trip in June.
Hi Phil .... first of all, well done on the video, I do like your style and including the drone footage is great. Most importantly, THANK YOU for your reporting on what's going on in SXM ... it's been a favorite vacation spot for years ... we usually stayed in villas in Terres Basses and had no idea how they survived. Thank You and keep the vids coming!
Hey Tony! Thanks for watching. The survival rate of the villas in Terres Basses is mixed. Many did not do so well, while others barely had any damage. I'm glad to hear you stay in Terres Basses! It's a great spot and there are so many wonderful homes to rent there. If you don't mind sharing, I'd love to know what houses you have stayed in there.
The last few trips have been at Villa Mariposa ... a beautiful villa. and before that we stayed at a villa on Mt. Rouge that I can't remember the name. We looked at a newer villa called Turtle's Nest that we were considering for our next trip.
Great villa! If you are browsing, I would recommend St Martin Sotheby’s Realty. (SXMSIR.com). Full disclosure, I do work exclusively with them on the island so take that for what it is. But they are a really great team and have a lot of properties in Terres Basses and around the island.
Thank you for loving us no matter what.
Always and forever.
Always and forever.
Always and forever.
Very informative, I've stayed at Simpson bay a few times and heard that was pretty much back to normal. Good to see the driftwood bar at the end, I remember good smoothies there!
Dez Rosswess they have great smoothies! Use all fresh fruit.
PHIL thank you sooooooo much for this informative video. I also love this island and I'm returning there this month. This will be the first time I take my sons with me. This video helps me to inform them on what to expect once we arrive... Very helpful.Great work. Great Drone!!!!! Thank you.
CGreenPhotography glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful! Hope you have a wonderful time!
Very good information. I like how you put everything together. Keep up the good work.
Victor E. Santos thank you! I appreciate the kind words.
Thank you for the great video. We arrive on July 11. It will be our first time back since Irma. We are looking forward to seeing our home away from home again.
idunk2 have a wonderful time!
Can’t wait to go back to Grand Case this fall!
Phil thank you for the update. We were there “eye to eye” with Hurricane Irma. We were at Little Divi and were evacuated off the island on US Military C-130. I will return there, but not during hurricane season.
Wow! So happy to hear you were able to get away safely. I totally understand not wanting to return during hurricane season. Thank you for watching!
Thanks for the Video i had some People on the Island when irma came. So I am happy that they started to rebuild again.
SXM Strong. Thank you so much for your video and hope to see you soon again in SXM. I love my Island. We will recover.
Loraine Thomas i'm there about twice a year. Hope to add a few more trips to that! Thanks for watching!
Very informative, as there are so few videos (it seems) with specifics on how St. Martin is recovering. Very sad to see the damage in Grand Case, and the loss of the little food places along Orient Beach. You mentioned Marigot, but didn't show much about the town itself. I'd like to see more of how they're doing. Also, I'd like to see more on the status of Oyster Pond. May I also suggest spending more of the video showing scenes of what you are talking about with voiceover, rathert than only you talking. But other than that, glad to see the update.
I didn't spend a lot of time in Marigot (hence why there isn't a lot of footage from it) it was pretty badly damaged, however the restaurants and bars near the ferry are up and running. I do not spend a lot of time in Oyster Pond so I can't really speak for it. Thanks for the suggestions! I will take them into account in the future. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for being honest. So many online sources try to just sell you on any vacation you plan on going on and the reality was a lot more like your description.
Thank you for your comment. A LOT has changed since this video and the island is really picking up speed!
u get me feel good now i was in st m in 2007 had a such a great time there i will be back soon
Ray Khalifa i hope you go back soon! It's a wonderful island. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for sharing this video.Thank you ... Irealy love this island..SXM
mahd odeh
Your video made me very happy -- and very sad! In my past visits, I've always looked forward to going to Grand Case for the French dining. From what I've read, the Dutch side is doing much better than the French side because the Dutch side is getting more relief faster than their French counterparts. Anyway, I recognized part of the Cupecoy area because I was supposed to stay at Sapphire Resort last December 2017 but Hurricane Irma forced our trip to be canceled. Sapphire has an underground parking garage that was collapse during the hurricane. As I stay at timeshares, I'll try again for Winter 2020 to return to the island.
Steven S the Ditch side has moved faster but they rely so heavily on tourism it was important they move quickly. Hope you will return in 2020. The entire island is making great strides and will be doing much better by then. Thanks for watching!
philphriday If there's a place to stay, I'm there.
Good vid Phil, but since i live near Maho just want to hype up a few spots that are open now such as Cape cafe for good coffe and snacks, hole in the wall for drinks, tres amigos for mexican food, Mr. Papaya for crepe and juices, and the cherry on top is Le Moulin Fou serving up amazing dishes and is truly a hidden gem in the Maho area for dinner!! Plus WE is a new bar/club that opened up across from tres amigos!
Henry Kalechman thank you for the update! I went to Cape Cafe on my last day and must say it's absolutely amazing. Great workers, coffee was incredible and I even enjoyed the acai bowl I had there. Appreciate your comment!
Ahh happy to hear you made it to Cape Cafe, but yea island is definitely coming back! Thank you for those beach tips as well!
Henry Kalechman Thanks for updating on the Maho area! When I have been to St. Maarten I always loved staying at The Maho Sonesta! The very first time I went in 1995 I stayed there, loved it and returned 3 more times since then, last time was in 2011. I subscribed to another person who does update videos and I love them. Has there been any word as to when The Sonesta will open again? The casino? Cheri's restaurant and bar?? I really loved that place! I can still taste the guavaberry colada's!!!
Oh man well Cheri's unfortunately took a huge hit and am not sure if they are coming back, but the casino has a lot of progress and they have set November for the Maho Sonesta to re open. Maho again has work to be done, but still plenty of progress already and I will be posting within the month a video of the area!
Henry Kalechman Thanks so much for the info!! So sad what happened.. I love the whole island!!!
Very good report. I am here and give it thumbs up. Everyone here appreciates the return of visitors and many restaurants and lively bars are back to normal so there's no shortage of entertainment. We have a new craft beer here, sold in some shops called "Irma" - 5 stars beer!
miss Frill from the Pelikan Brewery! All 4 of them are so good!
Thank you for bigging up the island like this, I love my home and I’m sooo happy to hear when others love it too #sxmstrong 💪🏽 we still fixing up but we getting there, I got so excited seeing this video lolz my sweet St. Maarten (proud St. Maartener)
Ernika Van Putten thank you for saying all that! Makes me happy. You have a lot to be proud of. It's a wonderful island.
Watch more about Sint Maarten chaos here ua-cam.com/video/4E8BZZ2u4Nk/v-deo.html
Was there last year and as weird as it sound the sea looks even more amazing
It was the first thing I noticed. The water is super clean and clear. Thanks for watching!
Don't suppose you was at Phillisburg? Just wondered how that was doing
Good video.. I just returned from SXM last week.. Spent 10 days catching up and watching World Cup games at Marty's and the Yacht club. And three amigos in the Maho village is open.. Been in St Martin many many times. Always heard about how bad hurricane Luis was in 95.. Luis wrecked the island.. They say Irma made Luis look like a pussycat.. The Dutch side has been much quicker to rebuild and get back to business.. Can't wait to get back and visit all my friends there..
ron777ish thanks for watching! Glad you had a great time. Thanks for letting me know about the places you went. I have been to three amigos many times. Great place for sports!
Were you there for the storm? 8 of us stayed on the beach in a Sonesta Resort through the storm. A couple of us talk about going back around Feb. '18. Video well done. Thanks.
Joe-n-Tex I wasn't there but I know many people who were from traveling there so often. I can't imagine what it was like to go through it. Thanks for watching and hope your future plan to visit works out!
Thanks for the update!💞🇨🇦
Of course! Thanks for watching.
Thanks for showing off our island like this! #SXMSTRONG
кνиg кαяму thanks for watching!
I lived in St Martin and when the hurricane Irma hit us we were at a hotel and the place everyone was staying at in the hotel was the emergency stares and it was chaos after the hurricane we went back home and our house was a mess but then a few years later we were evacuated to Guadeloupe and then we went to Canada to stay with our grandparents. We stayed for about a year and a half before we came back to SXM but now I’m fine.
Maxime Gibbs wow! I can’t imagine all you went through and am so happy to hear you were able to get out safely and have returned. Thank you for watching and sharing your story.
Has la plage really been destroyed? I used to go there once a year as a child and teen.... loved how he airplanes came almost over the pool.... Miss it so much and great video!!🕉
Thanks for the info. I am going to the island in December for the first time. What part of the island would you recommend staying in at this time in terms of access to good beaches, open restaurants, and entertainment? Thanks !
I am a huge fan of the Cupecoy, Maho and Simpson Bay area. For all 3 of the above, I would say stay in Simpson Bay, but if you are planning on renting a car and want to go home to a slightly quieter place, then stay in Cupecoy. I work closely with St. Martin Sotheby's Realty vacation rentals if you need assistance in finding a place.
This is excellent, thanks for this! Would you comment about the cost of meals at the restaurants, and also for hotel suites that contain a full kitchen, what would be the cost of the items to make meals?
Pricing on the island is very similar to the States in any major city. Most villas come with the basic seasonings and spices, so it's really just the cost of the main food. Most restaurants you are looking at spending $15-$30 per meal.
Hi Phil- I love SXM as well and have been many times. Did you drive past La Samanna at all? I'm considering a stay there for my birthday in April 2019. The hotel re-opens in November or December, but just wondering if you happened past it or have any intel... Thanks, Heidi
@5:06 you mention the removal of seaweed... The seaweed, especially now should not be removed. As you notice @5:06 it's actually helping to restore the beach by holding the sand in place.... Seaweed is very important in helping with erosion..
FearanFaith wow. I absolutely love that you mention this. I have never thought about it like that. Thanks so much for sharing!
@@philphriday No prob.. I'm sure the authorities in SXM know this.....That's why it's still there. Nature knows exactly what it's doing.
Very glad you made this video...miss my island...#visitstmaarten🌴⛱☀️ #sxmstrong💪🏽
Kalida Arndell-gumbs thanks for watching!
Dear Phil , love the videos . We love St. Maarten!! Do you know when Monte may be reopening and if the Sonesta corporation hotels owns it sell thanks. What resorts do you recommend thank you
Sonya Oren I don’t have any information regarding those places and I have never actually stayed at a resort but hopefully a fellow commenter will mention their suggestions. Thanks for watching!
Hi! I just read that the Sonesta sold their hotel in great Bay to an American company not sure which
Sonya Oren ooo interesting!
Nice video . thank you !
Darius ben thanks for watching!
I Have a chanel about st martin begining deux months after Irma until today more than 100 videos, :you have time to see... but your video is very professionnal ! thanks again
I am staying in Grand Case for a week in July..will send pics
We own in Maho, we are anxious to get back down island. Thanks for posting this video, how is Ernest and Fidel in Cupecoy?
Merci et bravo belle vidéo je parle pas l anglais mais je peu sentir le sentiment dans votre voix un jours j irai 🇲🇶🇲🇶🇲🇶👍👍👍😘😘😘
I love google translate! Allowed me to know what you said. Thanks for the kind comment!
Thanks for this!
Good job on the video!!!!
Tiffany Herbert thank you so much!
Hi there. What kind of drone did you film? It looks neat.
Sunny T. It was done with a mix of DJI Phantom and DJI Spark. Thanks for watching!
philphriday I heard that drone is awesome. Thanks for replying and your welcome!
Sad. Grand Case "Talk of the town" was our favorite for many years. Actually wore my Kilt there, and had fun with the locals!
scott mouse love the image of a guy in a kilt in grand case. Thanks for watching!
philphriday it was great. The ladies cooking never saw that before, and took me behind their grill, put the tongs in my hand for a photo. I took that simple gesture a great honor! We all were joking around. It was well worth it.
I hope they recover, and are better then ever. I understand they still have it tough. Especially those who live inland. We will visit again. Anyway... thanks for posting!
Nice video and update. Which weeks were you actually there Phil ? Also can you share what the costs were for your accommodation ( name of place & #of days ).Thanks
JJ Burns I was there May 25-June 13th, 2018. I always stay with St Martin Sotheby's Realty. They have a bunch of different places and budgets. Sxmsir.com
Thanks for your reply !
Hurricane Irma was so devastating to the Island but the Caribbean people only live to get tourists there And they,re hard workers
thanks for doing this mate ......just subscribed ......cheers ..
Jason Bourne thanks for watching!
Loved the video. I will be going there in August. Can't wait. What type of drone did you use to film?
Fabian President thanks for watching! I filmed with a mix of the DJI Phantom and DJI Spark. Have fun in August!
philphriday Thank you
Hey Phil. Nice summary. Thank you. Really happy to see the recovery. I'll try to spend some monay in Grand Case. Looks like they could use it. Love Piazza Pascal. So you were there in June, 2018? We usually go in late March/early April. Stay at Oyster Bay. They took a pretty good hit, as well. What drone were you using to photograph? I plan on taking my Spark. Cheers.
Hey John! Thanks for watching and for the kind words. Grand Case could absolutely use it. I have been going to SXM for the past 4 years a few times a year, but this was shot in June 2018. Late March/Early April is a great time to go! High season is always a blast there. This is a mix of the Phantom 4 and the Spark. My first trip with the Spark, and it's so much fun to have! Take it with you. Can't wait to see what you do with it. Cheers!
Phil this video is great. We are planning on going in February. Which area would you recommend? We prefer the French side.
Jenny Demos-Bertrand what sort of activities do you look for? Every region has it’s own specialty. I recommend speaking with Magali at St Martin Sotheby’s Realty and she can help you find a villa or condo rental. Magali@sxmsir.com.
We like swimming, being outside and eating good food. We just want to be somewhere on the island that is up for tourists. I mostly want to make sure we are in a place that is returning to accommodate tourists.
Sure! My favorite place to stay is in Porto Cupecoy. It's on the Dutch side, right on the border of the French side. They have condos you can rent for your vacation. Very nice and not too expensive. It's close to Maho and Simpson Bay but easy to get to the private beaches in Terres Basses. It's across the street from Cupecoy beach. If you are looking for a hotel experience I would go to Mary's Boon, it's right on the beach and close to the airport so your vacation can start right away.
Hi all! Just read online as of 2019 January the Secrets resorts are taking over the Riu Palace resort 20 million Dollar renovation!! Sounds like Saint Martin’s coming back with new blood
I’m excited! The Dawn beach The Westin will be back too!!! ❤️❤️❤️ I been to lots of Islands and St. Maartin in our favorite!!!!!
Hi Phil, thks for the update, Im planning to come back to the island in Feb of 2019. All girls trip, many friends say don't come because they heard it is unsafe, people are being robbed,etc. Have you heard any of this? I'm so bummed if we have to reschedule, let me know what you think
Hey Carol! That is a great question. For the 3 weeks I was there, I didn't experience any additional safety issues. I would treat it as you would going to any island or place you aren't familiar with. Don't leave your stuff unattended or give anyone a chance to rob you. Stay in the more populated areas. Don't wear expensive jewelry and keep your bags close to your body. Febuary is the high season and there is a larger risk for crime during this time, but if you stay alert and keep yourself out of risky situations, you will be fine. Overall, I wouldn't be concerned about it and you shouldn't cancel your trip because of it. Let me know if you need any additional information. Where are you staying, btw?
Thanks for the info, I agree to always be alert, we've been there 5 or 6 times, stayed at Royal Palm in Simpson Bay and the Atrium, I imagine Royal Palm is heavily damaged. We are scheduled to stay at a place outside of Phillipsburg that sits up on a hill top with a beautiful view, my friend has time share, I forget the name of it but I'll get back with you on that. We usually prefer to stay right on the beach, but this resort looks interesting. We've never had an issue there but some friends told us the island is hurting so badly the people living there are desperate, kind of worries us. Thanks again
I can't speak as much for the Philipsburg area. I will admit, I don't spend as much time there as I do in the French Side and the Simpson Bay area. My advice would to just be extra cautious. The Dutch side has been doing a really nice job of trying to pick things up, so by February I believe they will have it together.
Divi Little Bay? I stayed there in 2000 and LOVED IT.... that was also where a family was seriously injured and permanently disabled by their exterminator using illegal pesticides while the guests were at the resort.
Phil - love that you are from NYC!!! We went to Simpson Bay Resort in Jan. 2019 and absolutely loved it!! When are you going back? Please travel to @American University of the Caribbean and try to showcase it ( and visit my baby girl... who will be studying no doubt). Thanx for the informative videos.
I do love living in NYC! Nice that's it's easy to get to the island from here. I have met many of the students at the University when I am out and about. Love meeting them! I am hoping to head back soon! Thanks for watching and I'm happy to hear you had a wonderful time on the island.
Quick question what money do they use? last time I came to Sint Maarten it was USA money
MAKE UP FANTASY USA money is accepted all over the island. You can also use the Euro and the guilder.
@@philphriday Thank you so much :)
Visiting on Aug 9, 2018
Lisa Taylor-Vences have fun!
❤❤❤❤❤
I live there
The french side is rough especially cul-de-sac. pinel is up and running but with nobody dealing with the seaweed it smells like bad beef burps/queefs. please get to sxm
The seaweed in Cul de Sac is absolutely a problem that needs to be dealt with. When I was on Pinel, I didn't notice the smell. But waiting for the ferry to Pinel was bad.
philphriday did you note the condition of the homes next to the pier ? Our rental was nothing but a slab of concrete and a toilet in feb. wondering if any rebuilds
I didn't take note of all the homes. I'm sorry to hear that about your rental. I know insurance is starting to go through and rebuilds are in the works for many homes.
Your still in sxm
C était sur qu ils vendraient notre misère 😢
Video would have been so much better if you could have shown way more island and way less you. I came for the island and spent half my time looking at you instead.
Duke Of Hesse I apologize you did not enjoy the video and my face. Hope you find what you are looking for elsewhere.
Just edit your self out and there will be an ok three minute video.
Your note has been received and will be considered in the future.
Too gay!
George Heim I’m not sure the point of this comment, but thanks for watching, I guess.