This was our second trip to St. Martin and are looking forward to our third.<br><br>We flew Air Transat out of Toronto, and must say, it was the smoothest flight I have ever taken.<br><br>Weather was mix of sun with some rain showers. When it did rain, it only lasted a hour or so.<br><br>The mosquitos certainly liked my husband and I. My number one recommendation is bug spray- day and night!<br><br>Stayed at Alizea Hotel, thanks to Contessa's recommendations. The owners were very gracious hostesses during our visit. Alizea is perched on the top of the hill overlooking Orient. We drove to Orient not wanting to climb the hill after sunning all day. Contessa, you were right, every pothole on St. Martin is located on the road to Alizea!<br><br>Our ideal vacation is:<br>Beach/ sun<br>(French) food and wine<br>Ice cold caribes with lime<br>reggae/ carribean music<br><br>Dinners: Le Piccollo's (they serve only appetizers now) four stars (out of five). Bistro Caribe (five out of five), Portofino's (four out of five) and L' Alabama, the only slight disappointment (2 1/2 out of five stars). Service at the above restaurants was the best we have ever experienced. <br><br>Ate lunch at Pedro's twice, and had there 'Dirty Banana' drink (excellent) and Coco's (three stars). Located Dawn Beach, which we loved, and ate ribs at Mrs. B's (five stars) <br><br>Wandered Phillipsburg, just browsing the jewelry stores. My husband liked the fact that a free Heiniken was offered while he waited for me to try on the necklaces. I do not believe that the gold prices are much better than on a certain shopping channel at home, so we left empty handed (except for the free beers....!)<br><br>My husband loves pastries, so we visited a few pattesieries to satisfy his craving.<br><br>As everyone recommends, a car is a good idea. We rented ours from St. Louis, a kio rio, which had a hard time with the hills, but we were on island time, so that worked out ok.<br><br>all in all, we had a wonderful time and are already thinking about our third trip<br><br>Lynn<br> <br>