After visiting SXM in the winter for the last five years, my wife and I decided to make an out of season trip this year and take advantage of the low season rates. Booked nine days at Club O, courtesy of Carribean Travel Service. Some differences we observed.
Crowds. None. Little traffic on the roads or on the beach. Club O was only about 30% occupied. Usually there were only about 60-80 people on Club O's beach. The days the cruise ships (not many) came in, there were more gawkers than bathers. Sand. Orient Beach did get some sand back but could use more. A lot of sand at Cupecoy and Baie Rouge is gone. Restaurants. Quite a few were closed. Had to scramble to change plans but always managed to eat well. Certainly did not need reservations anywhere that was open. Food was still superlative. Bugs. More flies and roaches than I've ever seen down there. Roaches at restaurants at Maho plaza, Marigot Marina and Grand Case. Temperature. Ranged low to high, 80-92. Had to use the AC in the evenings. Too hot to be in the sun in the afternoon unless you were in the water or under the umbrella.
Did a few firsts. Visited Pic Paradis and FT. Louis for the first time. (Sand gravity fought us ever step of the way) Took a water taxi over to Green Cay for three-four hours. We were the only two on the island. Snorkeled, beach combed and explored. Including the east side of the island where there is a wreck of a 36' sloop. Misjudgement on the part of the skipper two years ago. There is also a stone hut on that side but I forgot to track down the story on it.
Traveling. Much easier. Made it through Miami Customs & Immigration in 45 minutes. Impossible in winter. Coming home without fighting snow also seems strange.
Great time and glad we went. And really enjoyed the different seasonal perspective.
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