We've been going to SXM for 15 years now and have stayed at Mt. Vernon before. Most recently, we had a wonderful Christmas in SXM at Mt. Vernon. The extent of devastation is incredible, but we were told that work on Mt.Vernon will begin in January. We had a wonderful trip though. At Mt. Vernon, you have to be in billy goat mode--tons of climbing up/down hills.
Here are a few notes.

Definitely need a car. You mentioned this is your first trip to SXM? Let me just bullet point a few things and then maybe you’ll have some more specific questions.

Orient Beach in general:
1. Awesome beach that is still on the rebound from Irma.
2. Bikini beach is one of only 3 beach bars open when we were there for Christmas/New Year.
3. By beach bar, I mean a bar on the beach that also offers chairs for rent.
4. Orient village is buzzing with places to eat and hangout, literally steps from the beach. Yellow Sub is great and so is le piment.

Bikini Beach
1. We didn’t visit but walked by and saw that they did a wonderful job reconstructing.
2. They rent chairs and have a great menu.
3. There is also a water sports rental place very near. jet skis and etc.

Kontiki
1. Another bar near Bikini.
2. Opened while we were there, so everything is nice and new.

Club O Beach
1. Only officially authorized clothing optional beach. You can do au natural at a handful of other beaches on the island, but not legally sanctioned. The Gendarme is known to ticket. North of Club O, past the rocks (you’ll see the rocks for sure), clothing is not optional—legally anyway.

2. Club O, all of the cabins and chalets, was completely destroyed and is not cleaned up yet.

3. Still, the beach is amazing and the Perch lite is operational. Great burgers and drinks.

4. 2 chairs and an umbrella are $20. Be advised, Perch bar and chair rental is cash only. Most places do accept credit though.

5. Get there by 9:30 or 10:00 and you will have your pick of locations. It does fill up though.

6. We have been all over the island and have settled on Orient beach—club O as a favorite spot. We usually stay at Mont Vernon on the far north end and drive to club O parking lot in the morning. That’s a typical day for us.

7. Bathroom facilities are rustic—to be kind. They do clean it during the day, but you have to use it right after they clean or else it could be a mess. Drunk people using basically and outhouse is not a recipe for cleanliness. There is a toilet that flushes and toilet paper, but no sink. Bring purell wipes or something like that.

Marigot
1. You should go for sure. Wednesday is market day and you can have a great lunch there.
2. Roses lolo is very good.

Grand Case
1. Gourmet capital of the Caribbean.
2. Must visit Bistrot Caraibes. They own the studios that we stay at in Mt. Vernon.


Mt. Vernon—2 must visit places
1. Sol e Luna—most beautiful restaurant on the island IMHO. Had a wonderful, late almost 3 hour lunch there. It was raining so no beach day. The chefs are amazing. Gourmet experience for sure. Bill for both of us was just over $100. We ordered a few extra drinks though, since we were hanging out for a while.
2. Mt. Vernon pizza. The best pizza. Super thin cracker crust. They offer a 4 cheese with chorizzo that is amazing. All french cheeses.

I’m glad to answer any other questions. I hope you have a great trip.