This was our sixth trip in two years, and still not enough.
[color:"blue"] Flights: [/color] USAir FF flights BDL – CLT – SXM and return. Same flights as always. No problems or delays. We flew Tuesday to Tuesday with carry-ons only. Off the plane, thru immigration and into our car provided by AAA in no time. Waited about 5 minutes for Alain’s rep to show up. But we ran out of the terminal, so I guess we can’t expect them to know we would be waiting within 10 minutes of touchdown!! Picked up our gently used Corolla and were on our way. Once checked in, walked over to Buccaneer Beach Bar where Neil and then Curtis did their best to make sure I was unable to leave the bar under my own power.
[color:"blue"] Accommodations: [/color] This was our first time at the Atrium and we would highly recommend this resort. Everything was immaculate and well maintained. So far our favorite. The first place we have stayed that we didn’t have to call the front desk for any maintenance issues. What a breath of fresh air! We had a one-bedroom “mountain view” room #309. This meant our balcony overlooked Simpson Bay and the hillside beyond. Nice size bedroom with mirrored double closet with safe. The cleanest, mildew free bathroom we have seen on the island with no water issues and a hairdryer. Very well stocked full kitchen with a GAS Stove! (If I planned on cooking on vacation I would be in heaven in this kitchen.) A spacious and comfortable living/dining area. Another large closet with iron and ironing board. I think the rooms must have been renovated fairly recently. The tile, paint and furniture were in very good shape. Abundant towels were replenished daily and every other day the bedding was changed and the rooms cleaned. The common areas were very nice. We did not use them, but the pool and beach areas also looked very nice and were well maintained. Indiana’s is still closed, but it seems someone is doing some renovations and Neil says it will open sometime before high season – island time. The staff was friendly and helpful and we look forward to staying at the Atrium again.
[color:"blue"] Diversions: [/color] We spent every day at Orient Beach in front of the Perch. Period. That’s all we did. We finally met up with some TTOLers on the island. (Except for Carol and Eric in February, that had never happened before.) Bob and Pam (Bob_and_Pam) and then Sue and John (lovesbeaches) and their beautiful daughter Marissa. We had a lovely time visiting with them off and on during the week. Orient was, as ever, beautiful. We swam, lounged, went to happy hour (Willie was on vacation), dipped into our cooler for lunch of bread, cheese and sliced meats (from Bounty in Grand Case), swam, lounged, napped……
The only exception to our daily routine was on Sunday when we finally got to take the Tiko Tiko Cruise around the island. One caution if you are considering doing this. Shade is at a premium and you are out on the ocean ALL day, with the exception of the lunch stop. Bring lots of sunscreen, hats and cover-ups. And if you are fair skinned like me, prepare to move around a lot to follow the shade. This was very different from the Tintemarre trip. Philippe and Melanie are as always wonderful hosts. The open bar is the same. But the difference on this trip is no one really drank much. Sure a few rum punches, but we were guzzling the water. Our new friends Bob and Pam joined us on the trip, which we had been planning for months, along with a very nice German couple and a Frenchman. The sail around the island is wonderful. The views you get to see!!! A stop at Friars Bay where you could swim or be ferried to the beach. The relaxing lunch at Friars Bay Beach Café was very good, if a little pricey for us. (Lunch is not included in the ticket price). It was a nice trip and we really enjoyed it. You get a whole new appreciation of the beauty of the island. It was a nice relaxing day with wonderful company. Bill loved it. But I think the Tintemarre trip is a lot more fun!
During our trip in May we met Jack T. Shepard, a Scottish musician who played at Turtle Pier. We hit it off and via email, promised to bring him a CD we really like. Got to Turtle Pier on Thursday night only find out he no longer plays there. As we were turning to leave, we saw Neil on the dock loading up the Celine for the Pub Crawl. So we joined in and had a wonderful evening with Neil and a bunch of very nice crawlers.
Friday night we decided to try Sunset Beach Bar for music again. This time we were not disappointed. Music was great and we spent a wonderful evening there dancing in the aisles. Went back again Saturday to hear the same band, but the place was mobbed. Not our cup of tea. So moved on to The Wharf to sit at the bar and listened to the very nice band they have there.
We stopped by Kissing Fish happy hour one evening. Great to see Chloe and Thierry again. And they always have the nicest people to talk to. Chloe introduced us to fellow TTOLers (and new additions to the Rainbow club!) Ron and Gina (Beachbumz). Had another great evening.
Last but not least – our hangout most evenings either early or late – Buccaneer Beach Bar. Neil, Dar and especially Curtis took very good care of us. The food was great, the company was special and Neil always greeted us with a warm (or should I say cold) handful of ice being thrown at us! These are special folks here and, like Kissing Fish, we are always made very welcome (except by Neil).
[color:"blue"] Dining: [/color] Well folks, this is going to be a disappointment. We just were never really that hungry. Had a great meal at Pineapple Pete’s on the one night we really felt like a real meal. Tried Lee’s again. We were not impressed on our fist visit and found the fish overcooked and dry. Went for the ribs this time. They were ok, but not great. Other than that, it was appetizers or something from the lunch menu at Peg Legs, a great Buccaneer sandwich or two, and a burger at SSBB.
[color:"blue"] Shopping: [/color] Breakfast stuff from Food Express in Maho. Cheese and meats for lunch from Bounty. Bread, pastries and on our last day at the beach a sandwich for lunch from Café Atlantico. This was our only new stop, and we love it. Thanks to everyone who posted about this place. Did not go into Philipsburg this time. If we do, I have to go see Deepti, and then Bill starts to sweat!
[color:"blue"] Mini TTOL Party: [/color] Had a small get together on Monday 8/15 at Buccaneer Beach Bar. Bob and Pam and their family, Sue and John and Marissa, and Bill and Pat (wildbill069) and their family met us for a few drinks. We spent a very nice few hours chatting. Amazing how much everyone had in common (besides our love for SXM)! Pictures are posted at
http://groups.msn.com/sxmphotos2/minittolpartyaugust1505.msnw. Somehow, we did not get a copy of the group shot Dar took for us. So if anyone else has pictures, please feel free to add to this group!
In general, the weather was sunny and hot with rain only at night, except one beach day we had to huddle under the Perch for 20 minutes. The island is as green as it was in May. I was a little concerned after all the crime posts that I did not see one single police officer during the whole trip. Some security guards, yes. And some ‘Sheriff” cars driving around. But where’s the cops??????
Checked email several times at Bill Edwards place in Cupecoy. Great prices, excellent connection. Thanks Bill (and Daisy!).
Now we have to wait 37 weeks, 2 days, (261 days) 06h 49m 48s until our next visit. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />
Some pictures are posted at:
http://groups.msn.com/sxmphotos2/sxmaugust05.msnwThose of you interested in Rainbow – see my post from Sunday.
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