Friday, June 12, 2015

St. Maarten Here We Come | What is in My Suitcase


I can't believe our vacation has finally arrived.  I feel like we booked this trip so long ago. I am so excited for so many reasons but mainly because it will be the first real adult only vacation Matt and I have taken since our honeymoon 8 years ago.  We went to St Thomas and St John then and absolutely loved the Virgin Islands, so I can't wait to explore St. Maarten.  I welcome any restaurant or island recs if you have traveled there.

I am thrilled that one of my oldest and best friends and her husband will be joining us as well.  Since we had our kids we only see each other maybe once a year.  It will be such a treat to relax together and catch up.  Plus all 4 of us get along so well, we always have a blast together.

I will be taking the week off from my blog but I will post a few snippets on instagram (@snoopnattynat) so follow along there and I will be back in a week with a fun recap!

I did a little last minute shopping this week and found the cutest Maxi Dress at Loft.  I have to admit my luck at Loft is hit or miss sometimes.   Their clothes don't fit my body that well, but this dress was a perfect fit.  The colors are just stunning.  It runs on the large side, I am wearing a size 2 so order down a size.  If you sign up with your email you can take 25% off your order.


I figure most of our vacation we will be in cover-ups and bathing suits lounging at the beach or pool.   But of course we will get slightly dressed up for a few dinners out.
I also packed a few workout clothes in case we hike or walk the island, that are not pictured.
Here is what I am packing as of last night, although I am sure I will add in a few more things before tomorrow.  I am notorious for over packing- I like to have options while I am away:)



Can't forget some fun accessories!! 
If you are local my friend Jenny from Theodosia made the first two necklaces.  They are a Summer Favorite of mine, I toss them on with everything!  You can call and order if you live out of town as well. The third necklace is from LOFT and a total steal.





Have a fabulous weekend and I will be back next Monday with a full recap of our vacation.  Now wish me luck for the flight:)






14 comments:

Eloquently Emily said...

Love all your picks to bring along on your trip! Hope you and Matt have a great time, you both deserve some serious R&R!

Unknown said...

I'm not sure where you are staying, but there are so many great places to explore! Here are a few of my favorites that are outside of the area where the cruise ships dock or Maho beach...

We went on a hike along the coast, which was amazing. The parking area is near the power plant, but don't be scared off by that, it's well worth it! It's called the Seaside Nature Park I think. Bring your camera!

There's a zip lining place in the middle-ish of the island, but I think it's on the Dutch side still. Looked really cool, but everyone in my group was too scared so we didn't do it.

We took an excursion from our hotel (we stayed at the Royal Palm Beach Resort in Simpson Bay) on these little inflatable jet ski things through the salt pond and out on the west side of the island to do some snorkeling near Creole Rock, which was awesome.

Maho was fun, very bright and vibrant. Pricey, but it worked for a couple of nights.

Have fun, and don't be scared to explore all over, even the French side! Everyone on the island is super friendly, and there wasn't a single time where I didn't feel safe.

Can't wait to see pictures!

Christina said...

seeing all those bright colors make me happy. have so so so much fun!

Jillian said...

i love that floral maxi dress! have a great time. xo jillian - cornflake dreams

jenrocha1 said...

Go to orient beach and coco beach club with the blue chairs

jenrocha1 said...

Also Auberge Gorman great place to eat

Unknown said...

Have a fab time!! That dress is perfect for the trip. My fave restaurant when we went was Halsey's but sadly it's now closed. You MUST go to the Sunset Bar to watch the planes land, it's INSANE how close they get, like you could almost actually touch them. Orient Beach is great too. We explored the French and Dutch side, such a beautiful island. There was a really nice perfume store in the French side mall in Marigot, or there was at least. I got a sweet little french girl's perfume before I was even pregnant with my daughter. :) Definitely check out the farmer's market type place there too.

Unknown said...

Definitely hike up Fort Louis too, it's not that hard. The views up there are stunning!!

Michelle said...

enjoy!!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Loft dress, have a lovely time!

http://en.emoi-emoi.com/

The Grass Skirt Blog said...

I love everything that you picked, and I hope that you have the best time!

The Mini Skirt
The Grass Skirt

Jenn @ Bliss to Bean said...

It is SUCH a gorgeous island, we have been 3 times! I'm not sure what places are open as it's summer season, but just keep talking to the locals--usually good restuarants will recommend other good ones!! You are going to have a blast. I have a few posts you could check out--my thoughts on some places to eat etc.

http://blisstobean.blogspot.com/2012/06/sint-maartenst-martin.html

http://blisstobean.blogspot.com/2014/05/final-days-4-and-5.html

http://blisstobean.blogspot.com/2014/05/stmartin-day-2.html

http://blisstobean.blogspot.com/2014/05/st-martin-day-1.html

Have a wonderful trip!!

Taylor said...

Have an amazing trip! Cant wait to see insta pics!

www.itsthelittlethingsblog.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Go to the Barefoot Cafe - soooo cute and island-y. Beware buying jewelry there, I got a ring for $50 that was supposed to be a great deal on "real" silver and it turned my finger green. We stayed at Onesta Great Bay Resort. It had a casino and a swim-up bar and was all-inclusive. Where are you staying? Have so much fun! I recommend a snorkeling and island excursion - best day of our trip!
-Morgan
California To Carolina
The Gym Bunny