Thanks everybody here for the help planning before the trip. Asked a few questions and lurked a whole lot! We’re a family with two girls (10 and 13 years). This was our first trip to SXM with only one other previous trip to the Caribbean (BVI in 2007). So, we don’t get away a lot but when we do it’s got to be just right. The first part was land-based from April 13th to April 22 and the 2nd part was catamaran-based around St. Martin, Anguilla and St Barth. We arrived two days before the rest of our gang of 18.

Flights
Calgary to Toronto (overnight) and then Toronto to SXM. No problems at all with flights but the seat-back entertainment is a little bit of a joke compared to Air Canada’s. There was a bit of room on the plane, so we could spread out.

Flight back was full and hot while we waited to takeoff. A little drama with police officers removing a passenger in Toronto.

Arrival
Immigration seemed full but still beat our luggage out on the turnstile. We were met by three people (!) holding our names: car rental, Craig from Packlight and from the condo rental place.

Accomodation
We’re really not resort people, so I had booked a condo with the rest of the group staying at Sonesto Maho. I started with Ray who put me in contact with Jennifer’s Vacation Villas. I picked Heaven at Las Arenas right on Simpson Bay Beach. I had kept the condo a secret from the family so it was a big surprise and everybody loved it. I can’t say enough good things about the location, the view, the terrace, the wireless, the amenities, the air conditioning, the consistent electricity, the beds and the bathrooms, etc! We loved the electric operated hurricane shutters. We would close them as much as possible to reduce air-conditioning need and close all of them at night. In the morning, it was like an unveiling of work of art to see the view of Simpson Bay. One of my favorite activities was researching with my 10-year old every cruise ship that went by, find the cruise line, ship name, where it was going, where it was coming from and then checking out the webcam on the ship.

Car Rental
Lenka, who is amazing, from Jennifer’s Vacation Villas arranged the car rental through Original Car Rental. I asked for a Toyota something but got to pick from a Hyndai car or Ford Explorer. I was persuaded to keep the Ford Explorer – I thought it would be too big but the size actually was great considering some of the ferrying we had to do later with our group. The Explorer was pretty beat up but did the job.

Beaches
Simpson Bay Beach – our favorite by far due to sand, color, convenience and Karacter proximity
Mullet Beach – my kids loved, loved this beach because of the extreme wave action.
Galleon Beach – not my favorite at all and a little dull for the kids
Guana Bay Beach – very quite, secluded, heavy waves and extremely hot
Baie Rouge – Similar to Simpson Bay Beach, very beautiful but more expensive (parking lot “helpers”)
Maho Beach – made sure to get here to watch the rest of our gang’s WestJet flight arrive. Arrived just in time to see the Corsair and Air France. My 10-year old took the best picture of the day of the Air France. I, personally, don’t need to do this activity ever again. Too crowded, didn’t care for the beach or water there
Orient Beach – didn’t get there until sailing week (more in Part 2)

Diving
We all got certified on SXM through Ocean Explorers beside La Bamba’s. Great little outfit and diving was fantastic for us (being newbies). I know the more experienced divers were a little disappointed but extremely satisfied after their trip to Saba. The 10-year old diver was quite the novelty. Every underwater picture by the divemaster has her in it!

Restaurants
I’m not all that interested in spending a ton of money on eating out. (I know - what am I doing goint to SXM?). So we limited our dining out to one meal out a day. Always breakfast on the terrace (best meal of the day with that view!), if we had lunch at a beach bar then we ate in for dinner.
LaBamba’s – drinks were amazing. My daughter ordered a virgin lemon ice daiquiri. And I swear, it was like drinking a lemon meringue pie. Tried it again later – never like that again. Went back for Rock n Roll night – absolutely terrible service because there just was not enough serving staff for the number of people. They were trying their best. My recommendation is eat before going to La Bamba’s
Karacter – I think we ended up here 3 times – so had the coconut shrimp a couple of times (yumm), the brushetta and the calamari.
Pineapple Pete’s – we all loved it the first time – great service and food. So we went back for lunch one time – not quite as rave-worthy the 2nd time.
Izi’s – fantastic
Buccaneers’ Beach Bar – great bartender and drinks in the afternoon. I guess I wasn’t as impressed with the meal – might have been just an off night for me.
Rosie’s on Mullet – best ribs by far – loved the smoky flavor
Café Atlantico – great bakery within 10 minute walk of the condo. Perfect to pick up some breakfast food to eat at the condo
Serafina (Marigot) – amazing bakery with the most interesting lunch items. Best chocolate croissants on the island

We didn’t get to Grand Case the first week but did manage one meal there for the sailing week (Part 2).

Misc
I rented a phone with Sharon. It was essential for coordinating with so many people and worked when we were on the catamaran.
Craig with Pack Light was perfect
The new grocery story by Atrium was fantastic and couldn’t do without it. I had to make one trip over the Le Grande Marche when we had the whole gang over for BBQ.

Absolute Favorite Thing
Home barbequed hamburgers with Etna ice cream (I don’t care what flavor – I’m having withdrawal right now) on our condo’s terrace listening to the waves and watching the yachts.

Notes from a first-timer
Island was little more go-go-go than I prefer for a beach holiday. I think I preferred the slightly less go of BVI but that’s just me. BUT I think almost everybody else in our gang preferred SXM because of more shopping and nighttime entertainment.

Picture sample:
St Marten 2010