Have been traveling to the island since 1995. This was our 17th visit to St. Maarten. This is my first ever trip report.

TRAVEL--Flew from Jacksonville, FL to Miami to St. Maarten on American. No problems going or returning.

CAR RENTAL--Rented for the first time from Safari/ACE. Great rate and car was in good condition. No problems and would definitely use again.

DINING:
LUNCHES--Had lunch at Pineapple Pete's, Sunset Bar & Grille, Bikini Beach, Karakater, and Skipjacks. I believe Karakater was the wife's favorite (first time there) but I like seafood so Pinapple Pete's and Skipjacks were my preference.
DINNERS--Lee's (this is a place that has grown on me. When we first went there, I thought it was somewhat ordinary. Only go there if you want something grilled such as fish or ribs), La Rosa (one of our favorites. Very romantic and consistently good food), Pineapple Pete's (as others have said, good food--not great but love the atmosphere and music--especially on Tuesday night during House of Blues. More on that later), Sunset Cafe (actually attended a Rotary Club meeting there. Had a wonderful time and met several wonderful people), Granduca (first time to eat there. Cozy, romantic atmosphere. Thought food was good but not great. Will probably try again at some point), Le Mini Club (enjoy the buffet but the older I get, the less I eat and it continues to get more expensive--particularly with the dollar to euro conversion), Skipjacks (had the seafood platter which I thought was very good--my wife's shrimp & scallop pot pie not so much).

ACTIVITIES--My wife had a bum knee this trip so we were limited on what we could do. Spent one day at Orient Beach (too busy for my tastes but a great place to people watch). Otherwise went to Baie Longue which is close to Sapphire where we stay. We love Baie Longue because it is a long beautiful beach with very few people. A great place to relax. As mentioned earlier, we went to Pineapple Pete's on Tuesday night for House of Blues (actually went twice). If you love good music, this is the place for you. There is a great variety of music and other than the regulars, you never know who is going to show up to perform--there were numerous differences in the two nights we were there. I actually got to sing Mustang Sally with the group which was very special for me (perhaps not so much for those listening). Also, Pete really works hard to make his customers feel welcome and the service there is second to none--even on busy nights.

SAPPHIRE--For those who own at Sapphire, I was impressed with the changes/upgrades that Jan is trying to make there. He is frustated with the support he is getting from the Verdiers but otherwise is doing all he can to restore the Sapphire. He needs our support and encouragement.

All in all it was another great trip to St. Maarten. We look forward to returning next summer.