ST MARTIN | ST MAARTEN after HURRICANE IRMA

In September 2017, St Martin/St Maarten was hit with a devastating Hurricane name Irma. So much of the island was damaged and it has taken a lot of time for it to recover, but the people here are strong and ready to rebuild to an even better place to be. Here is my take on the island, 9 months after Hurricane Irma.
00:43 - Airport Arrival
01:48 - Thrift Car Rental
02:35 - Porto Cupecoy
03:11 - Sandy Ground
03:25 - The Beaches
03:42 - Mullet Beach
04:05 - Pinel Island
04:39 - Orient Beach
05:47 - Baie Long Beach
06:27 - Restaurants
06:52 - Grand Case
08:32 - Wrapping Up
Intro Created by Bert Brown
Background Music by Joshua Hendricks Music ( / joshuahendricksmusic )
Theme song written and performed by Red Abbott ( / redabbott )
Video Sponsored by St. Martin Sotheby's International Realty
www.sxmsir.com

Пікірлер: 179

  • @philphriday
    @philphriday6 жыл бұрын

    Have you been to SXM recently? Share your experience in the comments!

  • @sherylhenryshea490

    @sherylhenryshea490

    5 жыл бұрын

    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 ❤️

  • @sonyaoren3960

    @sonyaoren3960

    5 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @tonyfaillo5991
    @tonyfaillo59913 жыл бұрын

    REALLY ... appreciate your updates Phil!!!!

  • @errollinelarmonie7621
    @errollinelarmonie76216 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    Erry Gumbs The airport workers were amazing working with what they had. Thanks for watching! I appreciate the kind words. SXMSTRONG

  • @Steve_in_NJ

    @Steve_in_NJ

    6 жыл бұрын

    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...

  • @johnnyappleseed68

    @johnnyappleseed68

    5 жыл бұрын

    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?

  • @richieodonnell2712

    @richieodonnell2712

    5 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @AugustinTomasOBrienCaceres

    @AugustinTomasOBrienCaceres

    4 жыл бұрын

    Watch more about Sint Maarten chaos here kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZnlspLyTYtiafs4.html

  • @robert19271
    @robert192716 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    robert19271 everyone is getting nervous about the upcoming hurricane season. Hope they are spared. Thanks for watching.

  • @akilah.r1520
    @akilah.r15206 жыл бұрын

    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 ❤️

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @DezRosswess
    @DezRosswess6 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    Dez Rosswess they have great smoothies! Use all fresh fruit.

  • @comenenciadental1436
    @comenenciadental14366 жыл бұрын

    Very good information. I like how you put everything together. Keep up the good work.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    Victor E. Santos thank you! I appreciate the kind words.

  • @wille7686
    @wille76866 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing this video. We are headed there at the end of August. Can’t wait!

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    William Epps awesome! Where are you staying? Hit me up if you need any suggestions.

  • @lynnebreed9558
    @lynnebreed95586 жыл бұрын

    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)

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    Lynne Breed thanks for watching, Lynne! I appreciate all the kind words! Hope to see you soon!

  • @Faith4Word
    @Faith4Word5 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    Susan Seaton thanks so much for watching and commenting! Hope you make it there soon!

  • @christinaz.8489
    @christinaz.84896 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the Video i had some People on the Island when irma came. So I am happy that they started to rebuild again.

  • @betty-loucreamer112
    @betty-loucreamer1126 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the update!💞🇨🇦

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    Of course! Thanks for watching.

  • @b.d.anderson4430
    @b.d.anderson44305 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much. Where can I check out these novels?

  • @sugetoosty1685
    @sugetoosty16855 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @sugetoosty1685

    @sugetoosty1685

    5 жыл бұрын

    Of course.... how can you not fall in love with this place... there’s just something different...

  • @sugetoosty1685

    @sugetoosty1685

    5 жыл бұрын

    🙏

  • @faridadjaoen5768
    @faridadjaoen57685 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    Farida Djaoen thanks for watching. Hope you make it back soon.

  • @tarasshevchenko8917
    @tarasshevchenko89175 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    Taras Shevchenko thanks. I need to start exploring the Dutch side more.

  • @tradewindchris
    @tradewindchris5 жыл бұрын

    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 !!!

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    Christian osswald I appreciate you watching the video! Thanks!

  • @WilliamBrownGuitar
    @WilliamBrownGuitar4 жыл бұрын

    Like your respectful tone. I'm headed to St. Maarten this week for my first visit!

  • @idunk2
    @idunk26 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    idunk2 have a wonderful time!

  • @SturgeonMD
    @SturgeonMD5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this!

  • @ratkade
    @ratkade5 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @crunchers9
    @crunchers95 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @ChuckieIllinois
    @ChuckieIllinois6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @CGreenPhotography
    @CGreenPhotography6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    CGreenPhotography glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful! Hope you have a wonderful time!

  • @christyheron
    @christyheron6 жыл бұрын

    Can’t wait to go back to Grand Case this fall!

  • @saharasisland6676
    @saharasisland66766 жыл бұрын

    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 :)

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @lorainethomas9379
    @lorainethomas93796 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    Loraine Thomas i'm there about twice a year. Hope to add a few more trips to that! Thanks for watching!

  • @ronaldstevens1655
    @ronaldstevens16555 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @brits6251
    @brits62513 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your comment. A LOT has changed since this video and the island is really picking up speed!

  • @ernikavp8495
    @ernikavp84956 жыл бұрын

    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)

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @AugustinTomasOBrienCaceres

    @AugustinTomasOBrienCaceres

    4 жыл бұрын

    Watch more about Sint Maarten chaos here kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZnlspLyTYtiafs4.html

  • @CarmenFernandez-iq2uw
    @CarmenFernandez-iq2uw6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for showing off our island like this! #SXMSTRONG

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    кνиg кαяму thanks for watching!

  • @14jsu
    @14jsu6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @tonyfaillo5991
    @tonyfaillo59915 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @tonyfaillo5991

    @tonyfaillo5991

    5 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @mayrakopjansen2814
    @mayrakopjansen28142 жыл бұрын

    Hurricane Irma was so devastating to the Island but the Caribbean people only live to get tourists there And they,re hard workers

  • @jasonbourne5985
    @jasonbourne59856 жыл бұрын

    thanks for doing this mate ......just subscribed ......cheers ..

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    Jason Bourne thanks for watching!

  • @dariusben2787
    @dariusben27876 жыл бұрын

    Nice video . thank you !

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    Darius ben thanks for watching!

  • @dariusben2787

    @dariusben2787

    6 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @pantherfoster
    @pantherfoster6 жыл бұрын

    Was there last year and as weird as it sound the sea looks even more amazing

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    It was the first thing I noticed. The water is super clean and clear. Thanks for watching!

  • @pantherfoster

    @pantherfoster

    6 жыл бұрын

    Don't suppose you was at Phillisburg? Just wondered how that was doing

  • @missFrill
    @missFrill6 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    miss Frill from the Pelikan Brewery! All 4 of them are so good!

  • @1tuffcookie689
    @1tuffcookie6896 жыл бұрын

    Very glad you made this video...miss my island...#visitstmaarten🌴⛱☀️ #sxmstrong💪🏽

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    Kalida Arndell-gumbs thanks for watching!

  • @Therbert3302
    @Therbert33026 жыл бұрын

    Good job on the video!!!!

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    Tiffany Herbert thank you so much!

  • @raedalmashaqbeh3059
    @raedalmashaqbeh30596 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    Ray Khalifa i hope you go back soon! It's a wonderful island. Thanks for watching!

  • @mahdodeh8673

    @mahdodeh8673

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing this video.Thank you ... Irealy love this island..SXM

  • @mahdodeh3593

    @mahdodeh3593

    6 жыл бұрын

    mahd odeh

  • @Steve_in_NJ
    @Steve_in_NJ6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @Steve_in_NJ

    @Steve_in_NJ

    5 жыл бұрын

    philphriday If there's a place to stay, I'm there.

  • @max1mefr
    @max1mefr5 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @maryzuffante9384
    @maryzuffante93846 жыл бұрын

    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!!🕉

  • @ron777ish
    @ron777ish6 жыл бұрын

    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..

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @danwesinger3802
    @danwesinger38025 жыл бұрын

    We own in Maho, we are anxious to get back down island. Thanks for posting this video, how is Ernest and Fidel in Cupecoy?

  • @maverick5059
    @maverick50596 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @nathaliepelissier859
    @nathaliepelissier8596 жыл бұрын

    Merci et bravo belle vidéo je parle pas l anglais mais je peu sentir le sentiment dans votre voix un jours j irai 🇲🇶🇲🇶🇲🇶👍👍👍😘😘😘

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    I love google translate! Allowed me to know what you said. Thanks for the kind comment!

  • @rachellepeterson6225
    @rachellepeterson62255 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for loving us no matter what.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    Always and forever.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    Always and forever.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    Always and forever.

  • @joentexas
    @joentexas6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @henrykalechman7878
    @henrykalechman78786 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @henrykalechman7878

    @henrykalechman7878

    6 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @alphagirl1940

    @alphagirl1940

    6 жыл бұрын

    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!!!

  • @henrykalechman7878

    @henrykalechman7878

    6 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @alphagirl1940

    @alphagirl1940

    6 жыл бұрын

    Henry Kalechman Thanks so much for the info!! So sad what happened.. I love the whole island!!!

  • @heidibarker8707
    @heidibarker87075 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @helenh5387
    @helenh53876 жыл бұрын

    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?

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @brownekevable
    @brownekevable5 жыл бұрын

    I am staying in Grand Case for a week in July..will send pics

  • @josiebolianatz2739
    @josiebolianatz27395 жыл бұрын

    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 !

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @scottmouse1921
    @scottmouse19216 жыл бұрын

    Sad. Grand Case "Talk of the town" was our favorite for many years. Actually wore my Kilt there, and had fun with the locals!

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    scott mouse love the image of a guy in a kilt in grand case. Thanks for watching!

  • @scottmouse1921

    @scottmouse1921

    5 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @coolvybe77
    @coolvybe776 жыл бұрын

    Loved the video. I will be going there in August. Can't wait. What type of drone did you use to film?

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    Fabian President thanks for watching! I filmed with a mix of the DJI Phantom and DJI Spark. Have fun in August!

  • @coolvybe77

    @coolvybe77

    6 жыл бұрын

    philphriday Thank you

  • @sonyaoren3960
    @sonyaoren39605 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @sonyaoren3960

    @sonyaoren3960

    5 жыл бұрын

    I’m excited! The Dawn beach The Westin will be back too!!! ❤️❤️❤️ I been to lots of Islands and St. Maartin in our favorite!!!!!

  • @jordanasmoredjo4793
    @jordanasmoredjo47935 жыл бұрын

    ❤❤❤❤❤

  • @amyp2532
    @amyp25325 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @jjburns8762
    @jjburns87626 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @jjburns8762

    @jjburns8762

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your reply !

  • @FearanFaith
    @FearanFaith5 жыл бұрын

    @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..

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    FearanFaith wow. I absolutely love that you mention this. I have never thought about it like that. Thanks so much for sharing!

  • @FearanFaith

    @FearanFaith

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@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.

  • @sonyaoren3960
    @sonyaoren39605 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @sonyaoren3960

    @sonyaoren3960

    5 жыл бұрын

    Hi! I just read that the Sonesta sold their hotel in great Bay to an American company not sure which

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    Sonya Oren ooo interesting!

  • @jennydemos-bertrand3894
    @jennydemos-bertrand38946 жыл бұрын

    Phil this video is great. We are planning on going in February. Which area would you recommend? We prefer the French side.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @jennydemos-bertrand3894

    @jennydemos-bertrand3894

    6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @sunnyt.427
    @sunnyt.4275 жыл бұрын

    Hi there. What kind of drone did you film? It looks neat.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    Sunny T. It was done with a mix of DJI Phantom and DJI Spark. Thanks for watching!

  • @sunnyt.427

    @sunnyt.427

    5 жыл бұрын

    philphriday I heard that drone is awesome. Thanks for replying and your welcome!

  • @carolslomer843
    @carolslomer8436 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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?

  • @carolslomer843

    @carolslomer843

    6 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @Steve_in_NJ

    @Steve_in_NJ

    6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @lisataylor-vences1833
    @lisataylor-vences18336 жыл бұрын

    Visiting on Aug 9, 2018

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    Lisa Taylor-Vences have fun!

  • @chrisandreia1000
    @chrisandreia10005 жыл бұрын

    Quick question what money do they use? last time I came to Sint Maarten it was USA money

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    MAKE UP FANTASY USA money is accepted all over the island. You can also use the Euro and the guilder.

  • @chrisandreia1000

    @chrisandreia1000

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@philphriday Thank you so much :)

  • @Whoisyou224
    @Whoisyou2245 жыл бұрын

    I live there

  • @seltonk5136
    @seltonk51366 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @seltonk5136

    @seltonk5136

    6 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @pizonmelissa8504
    @pizonmelissa85046 жыл бұрын

    C était sur qu ils vendraient notre misère 😢

  • @Whoisyou224
    @Whoisyou2245 жыл бұрын

    Your still in sxm

  • @ronvavra
    @ronvavra6 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    Duke Of Hesse I apologize you did not enjoy the video and my face. Hope you find what you are looking for elsewhere.

  • @ronvavra

    @ronvavra

    6 жыл бұрын

    Just edit your self out and there will be an ok three minute video.

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    6 жыл бұрын

    Your note has been received and will be considered in the future.

  • @netsailor2007
    @netsailor20075 жыл бұрын

    Too gay!

  • @philphriday

    @philphriday

    5 жыл бұрын

    George Heim I’m not sure the point of this comment, but thanks for watching, I guess.

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