What an awesome country!  St. Maarten/St. Martin is a great place to timeshare.  I was there for two weeks, the second week I stayed at the Interval International 5 Star rated Oyster Beach Resort.  Its location is one of the best on the island.  Located on the northeast corner of the island you’re right in line for some strong Atlantic breezes and pounding surf at night.  The resort has a beach right next door with a couple of bars, chairs, umbrellas and lots of people.  The pool and Jacuzzi at the resort feature an infinity swimming pool and Jacuzzi right on the Atlantic ocean, a beautiful sight.  The staff here were friendly and great.  Always had information and a smile, and really run a nice resort.  Be careful; the efficiency is small for anyone or any couple.  It’s functional with a bar fridge, stove top, microwave, no oven, though it has a toaster and all the appliances you need.  Some days the maids wash the dishes, some days they don’t.  They also only give you a thorough cleaning on Wednesdays.  If you want your rooms cleaned more than that it runs from $15 a day to $50 a day for complete maid service every day.  The larger units have a washer and dryer, and most of the units now open have an ocean view.  There is construction in some phase or another.  Didn‘t seem like a lot of work was going on, but it will complete eventually.  No construction noise to worry on during my stay. 

The thin walls in the rooms are something to be concerned about.  This is a new resort and the walls are tiny.  Hence, I could hear my neighbors TV on whenever, and we were at differing sleep schedules.  Not my favorite thing.  Though the air conditioner in the room is very loud and you need the fan running most all the time.  So that covered some of the noise.  They have internet access, a good restaurant and bar on site, and activities throughout the week. They also aren’t pushy about the timeshare presentation.

A rental car has to be a necessity for anyone on St. Maarten.  Small enough to be quaint, large enough that driving sucks unless you just have to save the $150 a week.  There is bus service, but it’s mainly locals driving VW busses, so check your stomach at the window. 

From Oyster Bay twenty minutes gets you to Grand Case where it helps if you speak French.  Many of the French do speak English but prefer not to.  The food is worth it if all you speak is Southern.  L’Amandier Plage is right on the beach, has a pool for yourself and the kids, and hosts a warm and wonderful group of people most every evening, except Tuesday when they close.  Loud music and strong drink are across the road and down a few paces at Le Pub.  And an amazing Curried Shrimp and Goat Cheese Salad were exceptional at La Maeva.  For Italian we chose Portofino and had an excellent meal.  Word of new restaurants will come to you as you meet people, and there are plenty.  Boo-boo Jam at Orient Beach, the more popular clothing optional beach on the island, serves an excellent swordfish dinner.  A few drinks, walk naked on the beach, catch the sunset.

Please contact Steve for more information