St MartinSt. Maarten, Little Bay Beach, Belair Beach Hotel

St Maarten/St Martin is a small [37 sq m] island split between French and Dutch rule. Dubbed the 'Friendly Isle' I wouldn't dare to contradict them - it really was a pleasure meeting the locals. We used timeshare to get accommodation at the Belair Beach Hotel but you can use it like a normal hotel hire as well. The restaurant at the Belair was being refurbished during our stay but the snacks they provided were fine. The one meal we had there when it opened, just before we left, was good. Plenty of sun beds and umbrellas, floats for the kids [big and small] and extra towels for beach use. Small but safe pool between the beach and hotel bar/bistro/patio. Small shop was a bit expensive but had all the essentials before you get to a supermarket [we were self catering.]

Car hire was reasonably priced and really enhanced our visit. Lots of little bays and coves to explore, beautiful sandy beaches and beach bars/bistros.

Local beer is pretty good and US and EU imports both available. Too many cocktails and liqueurs to try but I've got to tell you anything made with the local rum is Good!! Food was of a huge variety and we didn't have a duff meal while there.

We would recommend; Passangrahan in Petersburgh; Chesterfields near Bobby Marina and if you like a Chinese, the Pink Pearl. Pineapple Pete's on the way to the airport [fantastic meal] and Talk of the Town for a BBQ meal at Grand Case on the French side. We also found a great little patisserie in Marigot, the French capitol, that did superb caf latte and almond croissant!!

If you can stay afloat you MUST take a snorkel or diving trip, the reef life is fantastic. Mind you we had some pretty colourful occupants on the two rock groynes either side of the beach at the Belair so you don't really need to travel too far.

Excursions we tried were the 3 stop snorkel trip on Swaliga II, the Sunset Cruise from Pelican Marina and Horse riding, from Bayside riding club, on the beach and we swam with the horses!! All rated as A+.

Go to this place for the holiday of a lifetime.