Just got back after 2 wonderful weeks on the island. Weather was good the first couple of days and then it was overcast and rained for 3 days after that the sun came out and it was beautiful until the day we left. We traveled to SXM via nonstop JetBlue from Boston and I have to say we will probably never go any other way. We did pay the price at $900 per ticket but it was well worth it to not have to get up early and step off the plane in SXM, great flights both ways. We rented our car from Unity and as always very good and efficient. I will say that the driver who took us back to the airport was in a bit of a “rush” and was passing buses and cars on the bend on the airport road. I thought my number was up! We did make it safely.
First week we stayed at the Atrium which was clean and friendly as always. They were nice enough to let us switch our lagoon view 2 bedroom to a 1 bedroom Oceanside which was very nice. It was definitely a different feel to the vacation. Our second week was spent at the Royal Palm and that too was very clean and well maintained. I will say that for the high maintain fees we pay they should at least provide beach towels earlier than 9:30 AM. We like to get up and go. Their response was to get them before they run out the day before which was around 3:00, ridiculous!! Other than that it really is a great resort and a great location.
Beaches – we spent many days at Pedros but did venture to Mullet Bay 2 days. First day there was absolutely beautiful second day we had a huge cloud over us for a good part of the day and also had a shower, from what I hear the rest of the island was beautiful. There were huge swells this day too. Still a beautiful day and finally had a chance to meet “Crabman”. We also went to Pinel Island our second week. We had friends with us who had never been there so it was a nice change. Haven’t been there much but it is a great place to spend the day, it was very warm, sunny and the water as always very calm. Also spent a day at Karacters for the first time. What a great spot! Loved the walk down to Beachside Villas! We spent two days at the Atrium Beach because the weather was not the best. Really don’t like that beach but I have to say it wasn’t as bad as in the past.
Day Trip - besides beaching it every day. We had a group of 12 so we chartered the Celine for a day. First time doing this and I have to say what a first class operation. Capt Neil is a true professional and provided us with an absolutely WONDERFUL day!!! We got on the Celine at 8:30 and Capt Neil had a wonderful spread of quiches, croissants, yogurt, French Bread, jellies and lots of beverages. We went under the Simpson Bay Bridge at 9:00 and it was so enjoyable to see Simpson Bay from the “other side.” We sailed up the coast to Long Beach, a beach we had never been to and have wanted to go to for some time. Anchored off the shores of La Sammana and snorkeled, swam ashore with the cooler following. Spent a few hours swimming and consuming many rum punches and Presidentes!! When it was time to go back the Capt blew the whistle and we all headed back to have lunch. WOW we were not disappointed. The food was amazing, ribs, grilled Mahi, Seafood Paella, pasta salad, green salad that was not your typical salad and the French bread….my mouth is watering! We certainly did not expect anything like this. After lunch we sailed up to Baie Rouge and had a brief stop for a quick swim and then headed over to Sandy Ground for the 230 bridge opening btw the rum punches and beers were still flowing!! We docked back at Skipjacks around 3. It was definitely one of the high points of our trip and comes with nothing but the highest recommendations
Restaurants Lee’s – went there a few times. Red Snapper and Tuna was good one night then another had Mahi and Tuna and both were not good. Service that night was horrible
The Stone - a dinner there each week. The food was wonderful both times we went. the Stone has become one of our must go to each visit.
IZI - had a dinner here each week. I just love this place and this too has become one of our must go to each visit.
Boathouse – I say it every year I won’t go back and always do. This place is just ok and the service was terrible.
Toppers - Had a Grilled Tarragon Chicken Mango salad for lunch one day which was yummy. Also went to dinner there twice mainly to see Christina who is so sweet.
Buccaneer - Grilled Mahi Sandwich YUM and a cheeseburger double YUM <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
Tutta Pasta - haven’t been here in a while. Service was kind of slow, food was ok but I like Pizza Pasta and IZI better. Warren and his son are very nice.
Andy and Cheryl’s – had Chicken and Grouper Caesar salads which were very good
Pedro’s – love the fish sandwich
General Observations - thought the island to be very quiet this year. Never waited anywhere, traffic wasn’t bad. Maho area was a ghost town one night. Saw the police more this trip than ever. Police were checking cars one afternoon in Cole Bay and we even stumbled upon a drive by shooting in the Dutch Quarters on the way home from Orient one afternoon. It must have just happened since there were police everywhere and they were putting up the “yellow tape”. Some local was shot in the leg and the shooter fled the scene and torched the car. They blocked the road right after we went through. Also saw a lot of po unmarked police cars scream through Simpson Bay on Thursday afternoon my guess is they were going to a robbery at the Atlantis Casino.
Great Trip and can’t wait until next April if not sooner.