Paradise Peak in St. Maarten safe or not?

Question

I have heard bad stuff about Paradise Peak in St. Maarten/St. Martin. Approached by guys with machetes, etc... Anyone who went there recently ?

Answer 1

We were there in March & had no problem.  So folks at our hotel went later same week and had their rental car broken into.  They weren't very smart & left some bags laying in the back seat.

Answer 2

Like any tourist destination, there is always somebody that will take advantage of tourists that make poor decisions...overall, it's a safe island, however, Paradis Peak is a secluded hike to the top and individuals by themselves could possible find themselves victims of a robbing.  Typically these encounters are nonviolent and they just want your personal items.  The best advice is to go with a group of people, even if it's three or four in your group.  Local thieves don't want to deal with any type of hassle whatsoever; they are looking for the one foolish person that goes by themself and someone they can intimidate quickly rather than get physical with.

Also, many times the potential robbers are walking amongst you and are looking for things that are of value before they "liberate you of your possesions".  (They are known to "scout you out")  Hint; Leave your watches, necklaces, rings, etc in the safe at your resort...it's real simple: thieves are not going to bother with a sweaty, dirty, breathless hiker, that is wearing an old t-shirt, gym shorts and tennis shoes!!!  Simply put, avoid the temptaion to look like a tourist by wearing that fake Rolex you bought in Phillipsburg the day before...it screams "tourist"!!!

Other hints:

Don't leave possesions in your car if at all possible...rental cars break-ins are fairly common. (Park in a busy, visible place whenever possible)

Don't get s....t--f....ced drunk and trying walking home alone..the few robberies that do happen are usually late at night and the victims are usually bombed...

Don't be "flashing cash"....remember that it's expensive to get to St. Maarten and expensive to stay there.....everybody there has money to some extent.  Trust me when I tell you that the average resident or "regular" to the island is not impressed by the $743 dollars in your wallet....all you do is make yourself look like a goofball to most and a target to potential thieves.  

Again;  Don't get out-of-control drunk....it's when most of the robberies do happen. (Or do it at your hotel)

There is PHENOMENAL shopping in Phillipsburg for luxury goods, electronics, etc....but make sure you know what you are buying.  Most places on Front Street are reputable but they are not going to absorb the cost of shipping an item around the globe if it needs to be returned.

Last, but not least; if it your first time to a European island, be aware that on the beaches (except on the beaches like in Maho or Phillipsburg) many women will be topless....Do not scream out loud "I'M AN AMERICAN TOURIST" by getting out your video camera and start panning up and down the beach acting like you are just taking in the scenery.  You will look like a loser and it's just plain rude.

Have fun and just be smart...it's a safe island but things do happen when people make stupid choices.

Have fun at Sunset Beach Bar and say "hi" to Norbert...