Just a short trip report from our recent vacation. Thank you to all the people that post messages here and answer questions. It really helps others (like us) plan their vacation.

About Us: mid 30’s wife/mid 40’s husband from Maine. We tend to be frugal, and relaxing on the beaches (preferably c/o) while enjoying adult beverages are usually our top priorities while on vacation in the Carribean.

This was our 2nd trip to SXM. Last year we went for 12 days and stayed the entire time at Residence Le Plage at Orient Bay.

12/28/12 Flew n.s. into SXM from MIA on AA. Arrived early. No Problems with AA. Got a rental car from Empress rental, the car was fair, the employees could have been much nicer when we picked up the car. However when we returned the car there were different employees that we dealt with and they were better. Next time we would possibly choose a different rental company.

Stayed at Turquoise Shell in Simpson Bay for 5 days before moving to Club Orient. Turquoise Shell was as expected. An older hotel that is very clean and well operated by an American, at a reasonable rate. Also a great quiet beach is across the street which offers excellent sunset views. We would stay again at this property.

Ate twice at Lee’s Roadside Grill both times were good. Also tried a few different bakeries for Croissants in the morning. Le Sucrerie = Fair, Taste Factory = Fair. A little French Bakery (forgot the name) next to the Daily Supermarket in Simpson Bay had the very best croissants we have ever found on the Island. And they are the least expensive. Also, the Daily Supermarket has the very best prices on beer.

Purchased some take out Chicken and Ribs from one of the Lo-Lo’s, which we prepared in our room a few evenings. Had a few lunches at Sunset Bar and Grill, which were very good, and my wife being a good sport, her drinks were free

Cupecoy beach had enough sand for one full row of chairs and a partial 2nd row. But that did not last more than a few days after we arrived, as the waves were carrying out the sand.

1/2/13 Moved to Club Orient

We reserved Club Orient through a sponsor of TTOL. His name is Jim Ruos and his company is CARIBBEAN ISLANDS TRAVEL SERVICE (CITS). Being our first stay at Club O, booking through Jim worked out very good. Prior to making our reservations, Jim answered our many questions, and provided us with some insight about Club O. Booking through CITS, is the exact same price as booking through Club O direct. But having an American we could call or email with questions prior to the trip was invaluable to us. Once we made the reservation, we were sent an extremely detailed packet of information, confirmation voucher, exactly what the remaining balance would be at Club O, and even a card for two free drinks. Jim also put in a request for an early check in, as well as a request for a range of certain units that we were interested in staying in. We will definitely use Caribbean Island Travel Service in the future.

At Club O we were met by some of the nicest employees and guests we found anywhere on the Island. Everyone had a smile, said hello when passing, and were very helpful. We will stay there again in the future.

The Orient Beach was slightly smaller then what we remembered from last year due to erosion. But as has been discussed here many many times this is common for SXM.
We had a couple lunches at Chez Leandra on Orient Beach. They were good, although both times the order was not correct. Also, it seemed that size of the wraps are a little smaller then last year. We also bought a chicken from the rotisserie at Tap 5, that was very good as well. Tap 5 also has good croissants and baguettes that they bake throughout the day.

One of the best meals we prepared ourselves. Drove to the Simply supermarket between Grand Case and Orient, purchased a baguette, few different types of French cold cuts, butter, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. Cut the baguette the long way, buttered it with some of that good French butter, grilled each half of the bread in a frying pan, and then made a simple sandwich with the cold cuts, lettuce and tomato. It was an awesome cheap meal!

The winds on Orient Beach seemed to blow pretty hard every day. Not quite to the point of being sandblasted, but almost. I know it is just the time of year. We still had a great time and were sad to have to pack up and leave on 1/9/13.


One thing that would really be nice is if Club O would install lights on their portion of the beach. That way couples could go walk or sit on that section of the beach and enjoy the starlit sky over the Carribean Sea. With safety being such a concern on the beaches at night, it seems the combination of Club O 24-7 security and a lit up beach, that more people would use the beach in the evening, and by default the beach would be safer for everyone…….