DesertDentist

We have never been to the Caribbean except Aruba and Puerto Rico. As for the islands like St. Barthelemy and St. Martin....no. We are staying for 7 days and I wanted to really just experience the beach and relax. I already have a 4 day reservation at Le Barthelemy Resort for 4 days and thought I’d get a change of scenery and spend our last 3 in St. Martin (Sint Maarten). I’m already falling in love with the Le Barthelemy Resort based on the pictures. We have a reservation at The JW Marriot in St. Maarten. Now I’m second-guessing my plan. The Le Barthelemy has a deal where if you stay 7 days, you only pay for 5. I’m wondering what kind of experience St. Maarten gives. We’re 55 and not into clubbing or casinos. I think we’re pretty hip though, not ready for the HUGE sunglasses, zinc oxide on the nose and shorts with long black socks LOL. Anyone been to both and can give me a comparison? St. Barts is smaller and I realize that, just don’t know if you get really bored.

GoAway

Based on your other question about St. Barth's vs Antiqua, I would say that while there may be a lot to do on St. Maarten / St. Martin, I'm not sure it fits some of your criteria: I think this is one of the most popular cruise ship stops and it's not unusual for there to be 4 ships in port on a given day. St Martin will have the beach hotels (check out Orient Beach) and the top restaurants you're looking for, but the two main shopping areas are pretty jammed when the ships are in port.

Perhaps check out Anguilla.

neckervd

St-Martin offers much more than tiny St-Barthelemy. Many different villages, beaches, hiking trails........
Even if there ar cruise ships in the port, you always find silent corners, above all in the French part.
BTW: if there is a cruise ship at St. Barthelemy, the whole tiny road network of the Island is full of rental cars and rental scooters