TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Almost time to leave...

The dreaded full last day has arrived. Why is two weeks still not enough vacation on SXM? Oh well, if we don’t leave we can’t come back so that will be my mantra for today and tomorrow.

Yesterday was a return to Orient, our third and last this trip. Once again we spent it on LaPlaya but we did not have a big lunch, shared cod fish fritters. We went for a short walk to Palm Beach. They have resumed building Coco but other than that we saw no rebuilding toward I believe what is the North end of Orient. I am directionly challenged! We walked around KKO which looked very pretty; it was early so they were just setting up.

Hello to TednJan who we’ve run into several times at LaPlaya.

We cut our beach time a bit earlier than normal to avoid the near 40-minute traffic crawl we were caught in the day before coming through Marigot to Cole Bay. I won’t complain as it was the only traffic we hit in near 2 weeks.

Decided to stop at the Yacht club for a drink and Grouper fingers. Still fluffy, moist and delish as ever. Frozen Lemon Drop ain’t bad either. LOL.



There were some issues with the drawbridge so it took several closing down the road with the gate, reopen to traffic, repeat, repeat twice more as the catamarans lined up inside the marina to leave. Eventually success with the drawbridge opening as we watched a small succession of boats go by.

We are now down to four (insert sad face) so while we missed our other friends we did manage to have a small intimate dinner at Frenchy Ludo's with Mike and Billy. We dined there many years ago when it was Saratoga's restaurant.

The view of the marina is so nice and with the cool breeze we opted to eat outdoors. Service was very good as was the food. David had the scallops on top of a crab risotto and I had a tuna encrusted in coconut panko and deep fried. Even though fried the tuna inside the ball had a tartare like consistency. No room for dessert for me.

Frenchy Ludo

Mike and I


Scallops with risotto


Caribbean Tuna encrusted in coconut panko -- as described on their menu


Early night for us as eating, drinking, sun has caught up with us.

Plan to spend today lounging at beautiful Beachside Villas.

And we haven’t even gotten to say much more than a wave and a hollered hello. Are you here or elsewhere today?

We are around all day, Pat. Probably see you throughout the day by pool although right now there's a lot of clouds. Rain, sun, now clouds. That's SXM for ya.

Ah, no matter how many days you have on island, that dreaded last full day still arrives! Thanks for taking us along on your trip. Safe travels home tomorrow!

I'm going to miss you---that food looks so good!!!!

Enjoy your last day!!

And that was our last dinner here on SXM until March. As Louise said, we really enjoyed dinner. So at 2PM we leave the villas for the airport. Instead of posting, I'm heading out to the pool to get some last bit of warmth and sun. I'm told it's getting really cold in CT right now. Not looking forward to leaving.

I've really enjoyed your updates & photos. La Playa looks and sounds very inviting. Thanks.

I can't believe two weeks gone. Enjoyed your posts.

Thanks so much. Yes, and if you ask me, I'm ready to go home although David would definitely beg to differ.

Safe trip home. Thoroughly enjoyed you trip report and photos!

Lovely report Louise. Missed seeing you again. You always just leave before I arrive. Guess I will have to go earlier next year!😀

Thanks for all the lovely reports and interesting pictures, Louise. They have really gotten me in the mood for my upcoming three weeks. I leave Tuesday morning and arrive Wednesday afternoon.

Safe travels home Louise. I saw David waving from the deck while taking off. Brrrr, get ready!!!!

Wishing you safe travels and reasonable weather to come home to. It was so very nice to have spent some time with you and maybe we’ll get to do an instant replay next year.

Thanks Pat. We almost went to Bar Code last night. Be well and enjoy

Pat, you and John could not have planned your trip time any better. Arrived on Friday evening in Hartford to 26 degrees. Yesterday never got above 36. I had a chill in my body all day, couldn't seem to warm up. ENJOY the rest of your trip in the sun and warmth in paradise.