Don't stay in town, it's kind of sad. The Paradise Point is well worth it though if you don't do anything else. I would go to a beach or go to St. John for an excellent beach.
Love St. Maarten! Cute little downtown for shopping, eating, drinking. Take the water taxi or walk the 20 minute walk to downtown. There are also excellent beaches. Just take a taxi, don't waste your money on the excursion to get you to a beach if that's all you're going to do. The taxi's are about $8 per person. Orient Beach, Mullet Bay are both really nice. I am by no means an expert but I've been here twice. Once just walked around and shopped and drank. Once to Mullet Bay. Loved the Bay, next time I will try Orient Beach for a different beach.
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