The reasons for my lack of enthusiasm are many, but mostly I believe my major problem with it was we were booked to go again to St Maarten and the Towers in November of 1995 and there was this little storm that did some damage there........... Our flights were cancelled and instead of spending an extra week at the Towers at MB we were forced to settle for Aruba, and I think my heart was just in SXM.

But beyond that, I'm an ocean or mountain person and Aruba was just too desert-like for my tastes. I didn't think it was pretty like so many other of the islands.

But the truth is, I've come to notice many people either absolutely love Aruba or they go the full swing in the other direction and I guess I went the 'other' route. We did find the people to be nice, the water was warm and the food was good if not up to SXM standards, IMHO.

I agree heartily with Carol re the Bahamas and while we only went once, it was in the fall and the water was already taking on a decided chill. I might also add the BVIs and the USVIs to that list. We stayed on St. John once for a post-Christmas/New Years trip and both DH and I thought the water was cold but that may have been purely mind over matter.

So I guess I would fall into the group that thinks perhaps you should have taken the Simpson Bay Resort option.

You said there was a Towers hit so I'm wondering if they gave you a unit number. We own there and I think we have one of the most incredible views of SXM from our main #709 balcony that you could ask for, but honestly, all the rooms from #-04 through #-09 have very good views. Not beachfront but there's definitely something to be said for coming home to that peaceful location after a day spent anywhere around the island and the pool is lovely with a happy hour that runs from 3:00 to 6:00 every day. Some days we never get around to leaving....<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />