Saint Martin & Saint Barths

[SigmundChurchill]

Back when I was a student, my friends and I went to these 2 islands every spring break, and I have very fond memories of those trips.  So I decided to take my family to both Islands next week for president’s week.  I am sure a lot has changed since the mid 90’s.

I definitely plan a trip to the St Martin LCDH.  I was hoping to get some suggestions for places to enjoy a cigar on ether Island, as well as any good cigar shop on St. Barths.  I’m not sure if they have an LCDH there.

Thanks!

[FireMedic]

Let me know how the st Martin LCDH is, I will be there in April.

[SokaKiel]

I’ve been to both islands in December.

The Casa in St. Martin was closed even though they were supposed to be open that day. Maybe there was no cruise ship in port on the Dutch side and that’s why they didn’t bother opening that day.

On St. Barth there is still a good shop near Nikki Beach. It used to be a Casa too, not sure when they dropped out of the franchise. Can imagine the fees are crazy if you only really sell good amounts for maybe four five month a year.

When you drive from the airport past Nikki beach you come to a round about. Park there, about 50m back on the right side of the road next to some clothing stores you’ll find the cigar shop. Friendly service, good selection. But no regionals or LE’s in December.

For restaurants I’d recommend Bonito’s in Gustavia for dinner and Shellona for lunch.

On both islands you can still find many places to smoke. Most terraces at restaurants and bars had no issues with me smoking. Some resorts might be a bit more complicated around the pools though. Some restaurants still had humidors with cigars on sale but not in the best condition. I’m sure you’ll bring your own stock anyways.

Be prepared for chaos at St. Maarten airport, it’s still in shambles after the hurricane 2017. Same goes unfortunately for the French side St. Martin, while I was there the locals started riots, road blocks, cars on fire. The locals were protesting against the French government for little support in rebuilding after the hurricane. The Dutch side is definitely in way better shape already and in St. Barth you don’t see any damage anymore.

Have fun!

Leif

[SigmundChurchill]

2 hours ago, SokaKiel said:

I’ve been to both islands in December.

The Casa in St. Martin was closed even though they were supposed to be open that day. Maybe there was no cruise ship in port on the Dutch side and that’s why they didn’t bother opening that day.

On St. Barth there is still a good shop near Nikki Beach. It used to be a Casa too, not sure when they dropped out of the franchise. Can imagine the fees are crazy if you only really sell good amounts for maybe four five month a year.

When you drive from the airport past Nikki beach you come to a round about. Park there, about 50m back on the right side of the road next to some clothing stores you’ll find the cigar shop. Friendly service, good selection. But no regionals or LE’s in December.

For restaurants I’d recommend Bonito’s in Gustavia for dinner and Shellona for lunch.

On both islands you can still find many places to smoke. Most terraces at restaurants and bars had no issues with me smoking. Some resorts might be a bit more complicated around the pools though. Some restaurants still had humidors with cigars on sale but not in the best condition. I’m sure you’ll bring your own stock anyways.

Be prepared for chaos at St. Maarten airport, it’s still in shambles after the hurricane 2017. Same goes unfortunately for the French side St. Martin, while I was there the locals started riots, road blocks, cars on fire. The locals were protesting against the French government for little support in rebuilding after the hurricane. The Dutch side is definitely in way better shape already and in St. Barth you don’t see any damage anymore.

Have fun!

Leif

Thank you for your response.  We already have a reservation at Bonito’s the first night we are there.  I will check out the cigar shop on the day we go to Nikki Beach.  I had heard about the rioting in St Martin, but I was hoping it would be over by now.  I guess I will find out when I get there.  Since we are going to St Barths anyway, the only reason I really NEED to go to the French side of St Martin is to go to the LCDH.

[SokaKiel]

3 hours ago, SigmundChurchill said:

Thank you for your response.  We already have a reservation at Bonito’s the first night we are there.  I will check out the cigar shop on the day we go to Nikki Beach.  I had heard about the rioting in St Martin, but I was hoping it would be over by now.  I guess I will find out when I get there.  Since we are going to St Barths anyway, the only reason I really NEED to go to the French side of St Martin is to go to the LCDH.

I heard the French send some of their “friendly” gendarmes in riot gear from Guadeloupe to St. Martin before Christmas to clear up the situation. But I haven’t heard how it all played out...

I’m sure it has all calmed down by now!

Enjoy the holiday!

Leif