Trip Report from our Quick Trip June 10-14, 2011


We decided somewhat last minute to book a long weekend on the island. Using frequent flyer miles and low season rates made for a reasonable trip.

We left home for Cleveland and had dinner at the airport at the Great Lakes Brewery. During dinner we noticed our flight had been delayed. This continued to happen from an 8 p.m. departure until around 10:30 when we finally boarded the plane. We arrived in Newark around midnight to find no air train was working to take us to the hotel shuttle stop. All the buses they were sending to transport passengers were full, so we walked. Finally arrived at the Wyndham at 1:30 a.m. for our 5:00 a.m. wake up call.

We took the 6:00 a.m. bus to EWR. Flight was on time and actually arrived early in SXM. We got through immigration quickly and picked up our car from Lesley Bruce at Kenny’s.

Checked in at Mary’s Boon (room 14) for our first 2 nights. We’ve always loved it here, and this was no different. Stopped at the honor bar for our first Caribe of the trip and then to the Pharmacie for sunscreen (we did carry on only so no sunscreen packed). We then wandered down the beach to Karakter for lunch and relaxing time. After lunch we lounged on the “imfamous” deck and really enjoyed our afternoon.

For dinner we went to the Greenhouse in Simpson Bay. Excellent meal. We had wanted to go to Kim Sha Beach for the fireball, but were just too tired and only stopped by for a quick look, then home to sleep.

Saturday morning’s breakfast was at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club. Not busy at all, but excellent breakfast and we were there in time to watch the (very short) boat parade leaving the lagoon. Then, on to SBAG and to spend a day on the beach in Maho. It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze and lots of planes. Lunch was a pizza at SBAG. Came back to Mary’s Boon for a quick dip in the pool and then back to Karakter. They were having their 3 year anniversary party and had an excellent singer along with champagne and cake.

Dinner was at Capriccio (old Boathouse location). Still a nice breeze which made it very comfortable. The owner, Joseph, was an excellent host who stopped by several times to make sure everything was ok. Georgie, our server was so fun. Excellent meal; we would definitely return. On our way back to Mary’s Boon we stopped for a nightcap at a new (to us) place along the way. Neverland is right next to Bada Bing. They have a pool which might be nice in the afternoon. In the evening we were the only ones there and the service and attitude were not very welcoming. We won’t be back.

Sunday morning we moved to the French side for a 2 night stay at L’Hoste. On our way, we stopped for breakfast at Sarafina’s in Marigot – YUM! We had about a 45 minute wait for our room, so we took advantage of the free wi-fi in the lobby area. We had stayed at L’Hoste quick a few years ago, and it was much as we remembered it.

After dropping off our bags it was on to Orient Beach. Quite by accident we found some long time SXM friends on the beach. We had no idea they would be there, and it was nice to visit with them and catch up. Lunch at Andy and Cheryl’s was very busy. That evening we just wandered around the village, stopped by Bikini Beach and the Buda Bar and finally had a light dinner at Paris Texas. Then home early, again.

Our last day was spent on Orient Beach. It was a beautiful – perfect – day. Lunch was at Pedro’s (a must do for us, just for the memories). We shared a plate of ribs with salad and rice and a side of fries. Left the beach a bit early to try to catch sunset at Calmos Café in Grand Case. We just about made it! The evening was so beautiful, and we stayed at Calmos for our final dinner with our toes in the sand.

Breakfast our final morning was at L’Hoste (included with room). Had a final beverage at SBAG (another tradition) before heading to the airport. Flights home (through Charlotte) were uneventful, and we arrived home a bit early.

Although it was short, it was just what we needed – a quick getaway with nothing to do but relax. We’re already thinking about another trip back next year.

Frank and MJ