Thanks for watching everyone! 🤗 Want to come to Greece with us? Find more info on our First Ever GROUP TRIP here 👉 trovatrip.com/trip/europe/greece/greece-with-anna-and-trevor--delaney-sep-2024 Stay Delightful ✌- Anna & Trevor
Do try a Presidente beer in St Maarten. You can usually get it at the local outdoor Creole restaurants in Grande Case. Try the curried conch with rice and red beans. The ribs are to die for. Oh BTW the beer you had it's ca-rib pronunciation..ca then the rib. Another favorite beer from Trinidad.... Red Stripe good too from Jamaica. Dutch side of island is cheaper than French side overall for dining and accommodations. Not sure why that is. Maybe it's a French thing. Food and a place to stay anywhere on St Maarten is heaven. I have Timeshare 2 weeks with options to book at any place which has availability. Usually a one bedroom. I do use other places tho if I can get only one week availability with my Timeshare at the time I want to go so I will book somewhere additional so that I can stay back to back 2 weeks together. Mary's Boon, Dutch side was awesome.. I saw that option to pay extra if you wish on the restaurant bill. I've been coming to St. M since the 90s and I may give extra only if the service is exceptional. And cash to the server directly. Otherwise no. I'm Canadian. As for internet. Where I rented car for 2 weeks, I asked about internet. The guy took our phones and put in the wifi access free. We kept our phones on Airplane mode the whole time, and never had an issue. I never needed to use the GPS since I know my way around well. The restaurants usually have free wifi plus the accommodation had free wifi. Not sure if all car rentals do that or the guy was just accommodating. So wifi really wasn't an issue at all. I'm planning for 3 weeks next year in St M. . Maybe more. I have Timeshare banked so I can stay longer. St Maarten is a jewel amongst most islands I've ever visited and by far my most favorite. I did 2 weeks in 2023, followed immediately by one week catamaran from St Maarten, and the 4th week in Trinidad, totalling 4 weeks. I flew to visit relatives in Trinidad for one week ar their request before flying home. Trinidad is not really a touristy island tho there are things to do there. I enjoyed visiting there as well. Beautifully tropical with tons of foliage everywhere. Not to mention fruit growing right on the property. I got my fill of mango. Glad you love St Maarten. Everyone I've met say it's their island. Glad you liked the Johnny cake. Yes it's made fresh. There's a crepe place adjacent to the parking lot across the road from the Creole outdoor rest. Delicious and great price. Melt in your mouth crepes. Open usually in eves. Tues eve is a lil Carnival atmosphere with brief parade and crowds along the street in Grande Case, as well as many booths selling souvenirs, etc. Shops are open too. This lil Carnival event is every Tuesday till May, every year. They take USD in most places as well as Euros. Some of the shops are a little pricey.. I did mention activities in one of your recent St M videos. If you have time, do go to Pinel Island..On Dutch side a sunset cruise usually leaves dock after 5 p.m., Not sure about Sint Martin (French side) what they have. We did do the double parasailing from Orient Beach, French side tho. Enjoy!.😂
@Delightfull Travellers. Awesome. I was still updating. You replied so fast. Yes I'm reliving my St M experience through your videos lol as well as in my comments. I have been to Greece twice. Athens and Crete. Crete last in Fall 2022. 2 weeks Timeshare. Planning to return this year later on. If your group cruise goes to Crete, south, near city of Lerapetra, plz visit 2 dog shelters Takis Dog Shelter and Jutta Dog Shelter. I went to both and will be returning as volunteer at Jutta Dog Shelter this Fall. Have to decide for how long, one or 2 months.
I'm a local and I eat out frequently ag the french side. I love the sky is the limit Lolo, imo it is the best one. In regards to the tipping norms here, I usually add a tip if i sit down to eat anywhere on the island. I usually dont if Im getting something to go, unless I feel like it. I have been asked if I want to add a tip if Im paying with a card here as well, but usually not if Im paying with cash.
I’ve never noticed being singled out for a tip but I do know there are lots of places we tried to add a tip once our card was charged (typically what we expect in the US) only to find they have to add it before they charge your card. We were told on several occasions when we asked about adding a tip that they have to add it beforehand.
Been several times and I found the prices at restaurants are almost reasonable. Our bills are no more than what they are when we eat out back home in the states...
I've noticed that I'm more likely to leave a tip when they have a designated jar/container and I'll throw in a couple of $. The tips need to be included in price expected for food. Have fun guys, wish I were there to enjoy all of St. Martin and surrounding islands.
I once gave only 139$ per day at Sonesta maho beach because I got a good deal after Irma & I really wanted to go. However I had to fight KLM as I would not accept my stay being cut by 2 days. 10 days where I was kinda drunk half the time, which also gave me the nerve to go behind the a340 heading to CDG. Including tax It was about 1510$ & about 820$ for a roundtrip on KLM from Billund via Amsterdam to this lovely paradise In 2019. The french side was Included In my roaming package so I could sit at sunset beach bar & follow on fr24 without a worry as the french net covered the dutch part as well... If I had to book 10 days now at the same hotel then It would be about 346$ per day & 1100$ for the KLM tickets.
Dear DR public relations department: 😂 I have been all over the Caribbean. Today I am writing you from Maldives. If you haven’t already, try Aruba. By far the best Island in the Caribbean for me. Honestly, not even close! Enjoy you guys. It’s funny you seem to be following me around. Last year I did Saigon, Phuket and the Maldives. This week I’m back in the Maldives which has easily become my fav for many many reasons.
@@goldenstud24 I can only imagine you stayed in the Hotel Zone and didn't explore Savaneta, Noord, or other neighborhood areas on the island. I could not possibly disagree with you more.
In the US, a lot of small business--tailors, small grocery stores, take out places--are asking for tips. I don't mind a dollar or two for take out but otherwise, no. I'll also tip at least $5.00 for delivery. A lot of businesses are starting to add 3% to your bill if you use a credit card.
Hello lovely Anna and Trevor! On the beach now currently enjoying a foot leg massage in Los Corales Bavaro PC. Watching another great video! Love DR, more affordable 🇨🇦😊 and having a Pina!
Those "Johnny Cakes" exist in the DR but they're salty I think I heard you guys saying this one was sweet? Usually by the beach is where you find them in DR great as a side for fried fish. St. Marteen looks great 👍
Grand case- it is one of the Lolos which is a stop of restaurants with local cuisine. I'm a local and sky is the limit restaurant is the my personal favorite Lolo but all of them have good food for reasonable prices.
Many of us who live on the island have the same accent as you. However, we pronounce the beer Care ib...plus we dress differently than you. If I am paying by card, I will be asked about tipping so they bring the machine to me. Otherwise they can run the card and just bring me the receipt. We locals tip too. Next time hang with us to see more than just the tourist perspective.
Wow buddy got ripped off on the car rental £50Euros a day. Been to sxm a couple times never paid that much. Pay in USD or local Guilder (on the dutch side) LOLOs (local lowcost) on the dutch side are great (BBQ)
Milking fat northern americans is the island's only efficient trade, really. That's why you got that question. Thanks for sharing the roaming tips. Be aware that depending on the island' side, you can get free roaming or up to 15€/MB (not GB) and 3+€/minute on a call, depending where your SIM is from. I use YeSIM on other islands, on the Dutch side the local cell operator from the French side has affordable prices so I don't bother switching.
ya the tipping bit did go on. i love your channel so trying to help actually. they are not forcing you to tip just asking someone they think might help them. aren't these poor locals? nice they think you might be a compasionate canadian not a cheap german.@@DelightfulTravellers
@@drwade1 definitely not poor locals! I’m guessing you haven’t been to Saint Martin. It was always French people asking for tips. At the “lolos” (local, creole restaurants) no one asked. This is not the DR, people make very good wages on this island. We think it’s our job to tell people what to expect when they travel to new places, and if they are going to get asked to pay more than Europeans at the table next to them it’s our job to warn people this. It’s not whining to tell people what to expect.
Wow, tipping, I call it" begging". We actually refuse to go to one of the islands. Because they have a culture of begging for money. It's so disgusting to me. I really hope saint. Martin does not adapt that mentality of begging people for money because it just lets them look poor.
Thanks for watching everyone! 🤗 Want to come to Greece with us? Find more info on our First Ever GROUP TRIP here 👉 trovatrip.com/trip/europe/greece/greece-with-anna-and-trevor--delaney-sep-2024 Stay Delightful ✌- Anna & Trevor
Do try a Presidente beer in St Maarten. You can usually get it at the local outdoor Creole restaurants in Grande Case. Try the curried conch with rice and red beans. The ribs are to die for. Oh BTW the beer you had it's ca-rib pronunciation..ca then the rib. Another favorite beer from Trinidad.... Red Stripe good too from Jamaica. Dutch side of island is cheaper than French side overall for dining and accommodations. Not sure why that is. Maybe it's a French thing. Food and a place to stay anywhere on St Maarten is heaven. I have Timeshare 2 weeks with options to book at any place which has availability. Usually a one bedroom. I do use other places tho if I can get only one week availability with my Timeshare at the time I want to go so I will book somewhere additional so that I can stay back to back 2 weeks together. Mary's Boon, Dutch side was awesome.. I saw that option to pay extra if you wish on the restaurant bill. I've been coming to St. M since the 90s and I may give extra only if the service is exceptional. And cash to the server directly. Otherwise no. I'm Canadian. As for internet. Where I rented car for 2 weeks, I asked about internet. The guy took our phones and put in the wifi access free. We kept our phones on Airplane mode the whole time, and never had an issue. I never needed to use the GPS since I know my way around well. The restaurants usually have free wifi plus the accommodation had free wifi. Not sure if all car rentals do that or the guy was just accommodating. So wifi really wasn't an issue at all. I'm planning for 3 weeks next year in St M. . Maybe more. I have Timeshare banked so I can stay longer. St Maarten is a jewel amongst most islands I've ever visited and by far my most favorite. I did 2 weeks in 2023, followed immediately by one week catamaran from St Maarten, and the 4th week in Trinidad, totalling 4 weeks. I flew to visit relatives in Trinidad for one week ar their request before flying home. Trinidad is not really a touristy island tho there are things to do there. I enjoyed visiting there as well. Beautifully tropical with tons of foliage everywhere. Not to mention fruit growing right on the property. I got my fill of mango. Glad you love St Maarten. Everyone I've met say it's their island. Glad you liked the Johnny cake. Yes it's made fresh. There's a crepe place adjacent to the parking lot across the road from the Creole outdoor rest. Delicious and great price. Melt in your mouth crepes. Open usually in eves. Tues eve is a lil Carnival atmosphere with brief parade and crowds along the street in Grande Case, as well as many booths selling souvenirs, etc. Shops are open too. This lil Carnival event is every Tuesday till May, every year. They take USD in most places as well as Euros. Some of the shops are a little pricey.. I did mention activities in one of your recent St M videos. If you have time, do go to Pinel Island..On Dutch side a sunset cruise usually leaves dock after 5 p.m., Not sure about Sint Martin (French side) what they have. We did do the double parasailing from Orient Beach, French side tho. Enjoy!.😂
Thanks for all these great tips. Since we live in the DR we may have had a few Presidentes before 😜- Trevor
@Delightfull Travellers. Awesome. I was still updating. You replied so fast. Yes I'm reliving my St M experience through your videos lol as well as in my comments. I have been to Greece twice. Athens and Crete. Crete last in Fall 2022. 2 weeks Timeshare. Planning to return this year later on. If your group cruise goes to Crete, south, near city of Lerapetra, plz visit 2 dog shelters Takis Dog Shelter and Jutta Dog Shelter. I went to both and will be returning as volunteer at Jutta Dog Shelter this Fall. Have to decide for how long, one or 2 months.
We have been going to SXM for 18 years. Just pack half the clothes and twice the money you think you will need. It works every time.
haha that should totally be their slogan 🤣 - Trevor
Yes, this is the most accurate way to describe the experience in St.Maarten. I just got back from there 3 days ago...and I already want to go back.
Very comprehensive video. Feels like a place anyone would love. Thx for sharing!
It's such a unique island. We had a blast visiting SXM 🤙- Trevor
Great video Thank you. Also at about 0.45 I thought you were going to hit the cactus with you hand LOL
I've spent many months in St.Martin and GCBC was one of my favorite spots!
Snorkeled around Creole Rock and that was Definitely a wonderful idea.😊
Thank you for sharing real information about the country. I love when people do that. Even the supermarket prices helps as toddlers need supplies . 🎉
Grand Case/Petite Plage combo, can't go wrong with that! My brother lives 5 minutes up the hill, nice savings for me ;)
Excellent video. I'm sorry I didn't spend much time when I was there because I was on a cruise ship schedule. But I would love go back to visit.
🤗
I found that Saint Martin is one of those places that it is worth to splurge and live a little! Awesome beaches!!
It was worth the splurge for sure. We so liked it here! - Anna
Better to splurge and travel less than rough it and miss your comfortable hime
I’m from sxm: concerning the service charges, they do charge locals and they don’t ask the locals because they know they have to pay it
I'm a local and I eat out frequently ag the french side. I love the sky is the limit Lolo, imo it is the best one. In regards to the tipping norms here, I usually add a tip if i sit down to eat anywhere on the island. I usually dont if Im getting something to go, unless I feel like it. I have been asked if I want to add a tip if Im paying with a card here as well, but usually not if Im paying with cash.
really enjoyed your video and your lovely energy
So wonderful! Thank you for showing our beautiful island of St Martin! very informative and amazing shots
Now this is the epitome of paradise 🏝️! Beautiful beaches, delicious food - and, thanks for the tip about tipping 😊.
💯 Colleen!
Stunning place and such an interesting & informative video! I just love watching you guys, can’t wait for the next one! Take care and have fun ❤
Thanks for these videos! Super helpful as I’m heading to Saint Martin soon. Looking forward to the next video! :)
I’ve never noticed being singled out for a tip but I do know there are lots of places we tried to add a tip once our card was charged (typically what we expect in the US) only to find they have to add it before they charge your card. We were told on several occasions when we asked about adding a tip that they have to add it beforehand.
Yeah 10% added in to the bill for service is quite common for sure - Trevor
Hello great video! What location was the beach with the strip of restaurants?
Nicely done. Happy to be thumbs up 300 lol and glad to hear johnny cakes are like beavertails. lol
haha thanks Mr. 300 - Trevor
Good morning all happy Sunday morning and I loved your vlogs and you all amazing Supporter
Happy Sunday to you as well 🥰 - Anna
This island is perfection!
It so is 🥰 - Anna
Another fantastic video! Thank you Trevor and Anna👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it Janice! 😀 - Trevor
Been several times and I found the prices at restaurants are almost reasonable. Our bills are no more than what they are when we eat out back home in the states...
I've noticed that I'm more likely to leave a tip when they have a designated jar/container and I'll throw in a couple of $. The tips need to be included in price expected for food. Have fun guys, wish I were there to enjoy all of St. Martin and surrounding islands.
🤙
Great video, that is one of the places we would love to visit!
Standing by SUPER impatiently for Anguilla
haha luv it! Next video 🤗 - Anna
You guys have sold us on St. Martin. Love your apartment! Just stunning beaches. Enjoy that cocktail! ~Cara 😊
We think you both would luv the island! Oh those beaches 🤗 - Anna
Carib beer is from Trinidad & Tobago it is about $1.55 U.S dollars in the corner shops and bars here, in the clubs you pay more.
Thank you for the video! Is the beach busy in GCBC? Are there many screaming kids ))?
Looks delightful :-) our kind of place
Beautiful place 👌🏼
Thank you guys, be safe 🙌🏼
🤙
I once gave only 139$ per day at Sonesta maho beach because I got a good deal after Irma & I really wanted to go.
However I had to fight KLM as I would not accept my stay being cut by 2 days.
10 days where I was kinda drunk half the time, which also gave me the nerve to go behind the a340 heading to CDG.
Including tax It was about 1510$ & about 820$ for a roundtrip on KLM from Billund via Amsterdam to this lovely paradise In 2019. The french side was Included In my roaming package so I could sit at sunset beach bar & follow on fr24 without a worry as the french net covered the dutch part as well...
If I had to book 10 days now at the same hotel then It would be about 346$ per day & 1100$ for the KLM tickets.
Los yaniqueques in the Dominican Republic are the equivalent to that fried dough 😊
Oh good to know! - Trevor
Dear DR public relations department: 😂 I have been all over the Caribbean. Today I am writing you from Maldives. If you haven’t already, try Aruba. By far the best Island in the Caribbean for me. Honestly, not even close! Enjoy you guys. It’s funny you seem to be following me around. Last year I did Saigon, Phuket and the Maldives. This week I’m back in the Maldives which has easily become my fav for many many reasons.
Aruba and the Maldives are so high on our list of places to visit 🤗 - Anna
Sorry but Aruba is a little last vegas nothing original nothing caribbean about it
@@goldenstud24 I can only imagine you stayed in the Hotel Zone and didn't explore Savaneta, Noord, or other neighborhood areas on the island. I could not possibly disagree with you more.
Beautiful place. Great info. I agree with you on that tip info. Makes you feel like your being scammed. Thanks and take care. Cheers!
So glad you enjoyed the video Karen 😀 - Trevor
Great food prices.
👍
In the US, a lot of small business--tailors, small grocery stores, take out places--are asking for tips. I don't mind a dollar or two for take out but otherwise, no. I'll also tip at least $5.00 for delivery. A lot of businesses are starting to add 3% to your bill if you use a credit card.
Same thing is happening in Canada 🇨🇦- Trevor
Great tour
Hello lovely Anna and Trevor! On the beach now currently enjoying a foot leg massage in Los Corales Bavaro PC. Watching another great video! Love DR, more affordable 🇨🇦😊 and having a Pina!
Please have a massage for us hehe - Anna
Those "Johnny Cakes" exist in the DR but they're salty I think I heard you guys saying this one was sweet? Usually by the beach is where you find them in DR great as a side for fried fish.
St. Marteen looks great 👍
So good to know... we'll keep a look out for them in the DR 🤙 - Trevor
It's a beautiful island love
💯
You when in the perfect time because in the summer is very hot and more pricing nice video enjoy ❤
Hotel near runway main airport much cheaper just trow that out there
Sure... but if you don't want to hear planes all the time you go elsewhere - Trevor
Seems like you guys choose the right side of the island after all.
We luv both sides! haha - Anna
I am wondering if Grand Case was safe. I have read about it not being so safe after the hurricane. Would love a recent experience and opinion
thanks for the info...so what area was it that you ate in? does it have a name?
Grand case- it is one of the Lolos which is a stop of restaurants with local cuisine. I'm a local and sky is the limit restaurant is the my personal favorite Lolo but all of them have good food for reasonable prices.
Hi, what is the name of the hotel?
Which currency is best to use on the island & does the french side use a particular currency more than the dutch side?
USD is all you need honestly. There's lot of places that take credit cards too - Trevor
Nice vid about SXM from your Big Kahuna tab-grabber
thanks again for picking up that tab! We'll be back in Cabarete before you know it - Trevor
What was the hotel name and room number you stayed at with that amazing view?
I love this island, based on your videos! Do they really call it Rice and Beans there, not Rice and Peas??
They do actually call it Rice and Peas now that we think about it - Trevor
Hi! Any plans to visit Saint Lucia?
Not this time around unfortunately- Anna
Are you going to Saba?
Not this time around! - Anna
You should go visit THE YODA GUY MUSEUM ❤ it’s really cool . If you guys are still there
Noted! - Anna
What!! How you gonna have the hot sauce right there on your plate and say you'll try it later?
Hi. Where i can find Thenesy cheapest car rental in Saint Martin?
The beer you had is called a CAHRIB. Not CUHRiB. Lol
Many of us who live on the island have the same accent as you. However, we pronounce the beer Care ib...plus we dress differently than you. If I am paying by card, I will be asked about tipping so they bring the machine to me. Otherwise they can run the card and just bring me the receipt. We locals tip too. Next time hang with us to see more than just the tourist perspective.
Nice views ❤
Was the chicken best than the one you like in DR?
Not even close 😜- Trevor
@@DelightfulTravellers the ribs looked very good.
Wow buddy got ripped off on the car rental £50Euros a day. Been to sxm a couple times never paid that much. Pay in USD or local Guilder (on the dutch side) LOLOs (local lowcost) on the dutch side are great (BBQ)
Breathtaking views! Thank you very much for sharing! Like 699
Thanks for watching! - Anna
Which one is cheapest DR or St Martin?
The DR by a landslide! - Trevor
Thanks
Are you going back to DR anytime soon?
Milking fat northern americans is the island's only efficient trade, really. That's why you got that question.
Thanks for sharing the roaming tips. Be aware that depending on the island' side, you can get free roaming or up to 15€/MB (not GB) and 3+€/minute on a call, depending where your SIM is from. I use YeSIM on other islands, on the Dutch side the local cell operator from the French side has affordable prices so I don't bother switching.
Canadian’s data plans are ridiculous 😭 hahaha
It's expensive
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🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴
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would you like some cheese with that?
Huh? Where are we whining? In general we spent a good part of the video gushing about the island. - Anna
ya the tipping bit did go on. i love your channel so trying to help actually. they are not forcing you to tip just asking someone they think might help them. aren't these poor locals? nice they think you might be a compasionate canadian not a cheap german.@@DelightfulTravellers
@@drwade1 definitely not poor locals! I’m guessing you haven’t been to Saint Martin. It was always French people asking for tips. At the “lolos” (local, creole restaurants) no one asked. This is not the DR, people make very good wages on this island.
We think it’s our job to tell people what to expect when they travel to new places, and if they are going to get asked to pay more than Europeans at the table next to them it’s our job to warn people this. It’s not whining to tell people what to expect.
lived in barbados for a few years working at the uni there. been to 20 other islands and every server i had was local, and poor@@DelightfulTravellers
@@drwade1 Saint Martin most of the servers are French, especially on the French side. But “local” doesn’t always mean poorly paid either.
Wow, tipping, I call it" begging". We actually refuse to go to one of the islands. Because they have a culture of begging for money. It's so disgusting to me. I really hope saint. Martin does not adapt that mentality of begging people for money because it just lets them look poor.
Canadians are Americans… North Americans…