St. Maarten Private Eye

You should take all the precautions while you are on vacation.
I applaud you for not staying at the Westin, this developer has destroyed the natural beauty of that part of the island.
You can consider La Samanna hotel for tranquility.
Orient beach has been built up in these past years, the beaches are still the most active for water sports and restaurants, however an entire residential project has been buit around the area.
Which in itself is not bad, there is a small mini-mart, restaurants, cafes, et.
Staying there, you might not need to go too far.
I have heard that the Orient Club is still very nice, if you like the the clothing optional part of the club.
The Club's visitors are mostly older folks but they are the nicest people around.
The Dutch side has mostly time share properties, you can stay there as well, but there will be no regular maid service etc. however places like Royal Palm, Royal Islander and Maho Resort are quite o.k.
I suggest that you look into renting a local cellular or bring your cel. here and have it roam, as this can help out a lot if in case you have to dial 911 or other emergency numbers.
If you go shopiing in Marigot or Philipsburg, do not ever leave your shopping bags in the rental car, ask one of the stores that you trust to hold all your shopping untill you are ready to leave back to your hotel.
Same for beaches, do not leave anyhting of value in your car, if you go to a remote beach, it is very likely that your rental car will be broken into.
I wish I can tell you that the island is the same as it was 15 years ago, but I cannot lie to you.

I wish you the best and hopefully with my tips you enjoy a great vacation on SXM.

A Local.