Thank you for sharing your trip report. On the note about places to stay with in reason. We have stayed so many different places over the 20 years on SXM. IMHO. It's about what kind of vacation you want. Do you want quiet laid back Caribbean feel? do you want to be near as many restaurants as you can. Have more night life??? So for us, when we come down in April, we stay at Bruno's Paradise Bungalows in the Orient beach area. His rates are very reasonable year-around! We love that French infused vibe. Then some 10 years ago, we found Beachside Villa's. We became family from day one and still family now that the second generation is at the helm!! IMHO. If you are traveling to any of the Caribbean islands during high season, you have to except those higher rates. I believe that Tracy Mascarin does a great job accommodating everyone's needs with there 2 and 3 bedrooms villa's on the beach. No water slippers needs ever!!