this was our 12th trip to the island but first since Irma. We rented a car from Michael at Unity and have no complaints. We stayed at Bruno's Paradise Bungalows and loved it. They are great hosts and the location and room are perfect for what our needs are.
I mentioned this was our first trip since the hurricane and WOW have things changed. In all previous visits we had a good time and loved the time we spent on Orient beach (Club O Beach) and were very much looking forward to this trip. This trip we spent all our time on Club O beach except for the two days we drove around the island.
These are our opinions - I know they may differ from many of yours but...
First, the nice things about this trip: meeting up with like minded friends and spending time with them; the great location of the room; comfortable room; the opportunity to be nude on this beach; plenty of good restaurants for food especially in the Village; good massage by Fabien; and fun watching the finch birds on our deck.
Second, the things we didn't like this time around: the terrible lines at Miami airport; no English speaking TV in our room only French; cost of food has gone sky high even on the island; too much traffic and lots more people; we loved Willie's happy hour at $5 now happy hour is $9;
overall the vibe on the beach was poor (not exciting, an older crowd, no Club O, no restaurant, Perch food was poor (lots of choices but not tasty), weather was poor (windy, cool, rainy, rough water (few people in the water) , lots of sea weed for several days ( Cedrick had to call in a big front loader to clear it three days), bad people watching conditions (not much movement); and finally having to take a covid test to exit the island.
Overall it was a very disappointing 12 days on the island. We probably won't be back because it has changed so much and in our opinion not for the better. For us it's not fun times on club O beach anymore.
TandP