We have posted a some of this before, but wanted to be more inclusive.<br><br>We had a package from Boston with GWV. Have been using the competition for the last 9 years, but were really impressed with GWV. Here's a tip for Boston departures. The Federally operated security screening at the gate doesn't open until 5:00am, so getting to the airport at 3:45 to meet the "3 hours before departure" rule will leave you standing in line at the top of the escalator for an hour. <br><br>We flew on an IcelandAir charter. This is unquestionably the best charter company we have flown on (and there have been many). Planes are nearly new 757's with comfortable seating, in-flight movies, caring/competent flight attendants and edible food. 4 hour flight was smooth as silk and took less than 3 1/2 hours.<br><br>We rented a car via the internet through Thrifty. Pick up was quick and uneventful. We got a KIA crackerbox with AC and stick shift for $160 per week. It was adequate. We used the car frequently and burned $14US in gas.<br><br>We had booked a room at Mont Vernon. The "Ocean view room" was the last room in the last building (next to the generator). More roof view than ocean. We don't spend a lot ot time in the room (as you'll see below) but we decided to upgrade ($170) from "ocean view" to "ocean front" which put us on the 2nd floor of Antigua. MUCH BETTER.. We purchased the 3 dinner and $100 bar credit option for $99. By the end of the week we had $12 each left on the bar and had used the 3 dinners (they were below par). Buffet breakfast is included for all guests at Mont Vernon. Breakfast was edible.<br><br>During the week we ate at Turtle Pier by the airport (great conch fritters), Zee Best in Marigot (still 'Zee Best' breakfast and pastries). Hanabi, the new Japanese restaurant above Hot Tomatoes, and Il Nettuna in Grand Case (very good food but pricey in a marvelous setting). Some of the others we met said that Sol e Lun and Taitu (both in walking distance of the resort) were fantastic. Of course we hit the April Fools TTOL party at Hot Tomatoes.<br><br>We spent most daylight hours on Orient Beach. Had an occasional snack or sandwich at Pedros or Bikini Beach (all great). We found a little bar just before Pedros called The New Deal. It is run by Celina. She has a knack for getting the party started. All day frozen drink specials and beers are 2 for $3.00. Can't beat that anywhere on the beach. We were pleasantly surprised not to have the constant drone of beach vendors ("hey, take a look"). We were also surprised at the amount of developement that has occurred in the center area of Orient in the last 9 years (we were last in SXM in 1994).<br><br>We took the free shutte to the Casino 2 nites and while in the Maho complex we visited Sopranos Piano Bar (great), Cheri's (fun entertainment) and the Platinum Room (Adult Club).<br><br>We took the Lambada sunset cocktail cruise out of Pelican Marina on Thursday, kind of an overcast sunset, but a fantastic time.<br><br>We had the obligatory shopping day in Philipsburg on Monday - no cruise ships (rings and a good supply of Guavaberry for home) and had to hit the farmers market in Marigot on Wednesday morning (stock up on spices and hot sauces).<br><br>We had plans to see the Unity Jump up fron Marigot to Philipsburg on Sat Mar 29, but it didn't start until 10pm and since that was arrival day, we were beat and missed it. We also missed the pub crawl on the Celine on Wednesday. Oh well, we'll just have to go back on the fall!!!<br><br>The flight home on Apr 5 was delayed because the incoming plane from Boston had to be de-iced (in a week I had forgotten that ice was also possible outside of a Guavaberry Colada). I hadn't turned in the crackerbox when the rep informed us of the dely, so we loaded 6 people and carry-ons inti it and went to Sunset Beach to open the bar up and watch the planes land. There ARE worse places to spent 2 hours!!!<br><br>The flight home was smooth and easy, but there was slush an snow on the ground in Boston (one extreme to the other in 5 hours!!)<br><br>When we got home, we had voicemail and letters from our travel agent asking how the trip was!!<br><br>Photographs, memories, videos and credit card receipts are all that remains. UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!<br><br>Dave and Diane