Choosing your base
Grand Case vs Simpson Bay: Where Should You Stay?
Both areas combine a beach with places to eat. Grand Case suits a trip built around the village and its restaurants; Simpson Bay brings a broader mix of marinas, bars and evening entertainment. Choose the setting you want to return to each day, then plan transport for exploring the rest of the island.
Grand Case: beach and village dining
Grand Case is on the French side. Its beach runs alongside a village known for restaurants, from casual Creole lolos to more formal dinners. Staying close to the village lets you make the beach and dinner part of the same day without a drive between them.
Simpson Bay: a wider choice of evening plans
On the Dutch side, Simpson Bay combines a sandy beach and lagoon marinas with restaurants, beach bars and nightlife. It is a good candidate if evenings out are a major part of your trip. Check the exact accommodation location: a beach address and a marina address can give you different daily routines.
Which one fits your trip?
Compare our apartments in Grand CaseChoose Grand Case
If your ideal day is the beach followed by dinner in the village, start with accommodation close to both. Our apartments are in Grand Case, so you can compare their individual beach access and facilities.
Choose Simpson Bay
If you want marinas and more evening entertainment around your base, look closely at Simpson Bay. Compare the actual walking route to the beach and restaurants before choosing a place.
Keep the rest of the island in your plan
Your base does not have to cover every activity. Arrange a taxi or rental car for days away from the neighbourhood, and confirm transport costs before setting off. Neither choice needs to be a promise that everything on your wish list is within walking distance.