In the nineteen eighties, it was common to see the average tourist, genuinely interacting with islanders. Then came all-inclusives (and the fear and coercion inspired by ubiquitous news networks), and we all stampeded to sterile resorts.
Today, if you want to plan your own vacation, wake up on your own time, manage your diet, catch a bus to Marigot, for the St. Bart's ferry, or to Maho for a beautiful walk on the beach, if you want to sample the best St. Maarten barbecue, Joshua Rose Guest House is the place for you.
If you want to stay around people who look, think, and consume exactly what you do, if you want to be waited on hand and foot, only to return home without having seen the authentic St. Maarten, by public transit--then you're missing the Joshua Rose experience.
I highly recommend this guest house. My children experienced the 'working man's vacation,' and the 'Back Street posse,' was extremely helpful, very friendly. As one resident insisted, "You're in St. Maarten! Never a problem."
Nadia at the Joshua Rose front desk is very friendly. Please extend thanks.