Went PHL thru Charlotte to SXM. Originally, it was a non-stop from PHL. Always think we won't make our connections but had plenty of time. Went from concourse "B" to "D" by the moving walkway that helps. Nice airport. A lot of kids & families going. I thought I was on a flight to Orlando. They were all well behaved <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/thanks.gif" alt="" /> The immigration line was very, very slow <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> Talked to a woman traveling with son & daughter who were winging it to find a place to stay for 2 nights. Went to Hertz and we were off in a brand new car with 18 miles. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> It took us 20 minutes from Hertz to Mary's Boon, which is a 5 minute drive. Traffic was backed up from volume I guess. We usually stay at L'Hoste but with the Euro $'s and some of the negatives, I didn't want to deal with it. So we stayed in an ocean front studio which compares to L'Hoste 3rd floor rooms. The continental breakfast is not included though. The price is cheaper at Mary's too. The room is big with cathedral ceiling with a big king size 4 poster bed high off the floor with portable steps if needed. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" /> The view is fantastic of Simpson Bay & beach. You can see Saba & Nevis out there. They have an observation deck overlooking the runway. My husband thought that was neat thing to get some good pictures of planes taking off & landing <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> Nice bathrooms with double sinks and showers. They have ceiling fans and kitchen also. We were in the main building and below us was the dinning room and bar which overlooks the beach and water. So, we got our bathing suites on and went to the beach for a swim and check out their honor bar. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drinking.gif" alt="" /> Since it was our 1st night we ate there. Each night they have something different. We had the duck dinner which my husband liked but I had better. I was tired and wanted to climb in that big bed and relax. The next couple days were spent on their beach. I must say when the planes are quiet, this place is quiet and laid back. Ther is hardly anyone on the beach. It's a good walking beach. Had beakfast & lunch there also. Both meals were very good and they serve both all day. Friday night we had dinner at Saratoga. We go every year and it still has great food. Also, the handsome owner/chef was the host that evening. We came back to Mary's Boon another day and had lunch and spent the afternoon on the beach. You don't have to stay there to enjoy the beach or their lounge chairs.
Saturday we moved over to Royal Islander and checked out the new market across the street in the new timeshare building, Le Terres. You could tell they we still setting up but had a lot of nice things. So, get beach towels and back to the beach. I must say Maho beach was bigger with more beach chairs being set up and the water was very calm that week, nice <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Umbrella.gif" alt="" /> We ate dinner across the street at Cigals. It has a few names. Use to be near Bananas. The food was good but because it was so busy the help staff were overwhelmed and it didn't make for an enjoyable evening. If you are in the Maho area around 9pm they have a street show that lasts 20 or 30 min. There are about 7 dancers dressed for "Carnival" that come out of the casino and dance thru traffic to and open area and perform.
Went to Orient for the day and plopped in front of Bikini. No one approached us for money for chairs and umberela. Had dinner at Bikini since Baywatch was closed on Sunday. Had their lobster special. It was very good but the flys and nats were relentless. Had to eat fast. It was expensive and the quickest dinner I've ever had. We ate in for breakfast and lunch. Dinner:
1. Lee's - There red snapper filet and fish sandwhich were delicious. Their meals are simple and I like that.
2. Pizza Pasta - Their Veal Parm with eggplant & ham is delicous
4. Paris Bistro - Had Beef Wellington, which was very good but it came with potatoes and no vegetables. I thought that was odd.
5. Turtle Pier for Lobster night. Lobester Vonka is very good.
6. Antiones - After Lobster at Turtle Pier and Bikini, I just couldn't get their Lobster Thermador. I settled on a combo snapper and salmon in a mustard cream sauce. Very Good .
Antoines has Valet parking and when we were finished, we decided to drive down their main street. Yes, everything was closed but I thought it was kind of neat to do.
7. Passengenearian (excuse spelling) - stopped for lunch. Noticed the new walkway along the beach. It doesn't look like it is finished, but I like it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Since I didn't want to deal with Euro's, we tried new places on the Dutch side for eating.
Since my husband lost his wedding ring (inside ring "Tim&Sandy") he had won a $50 gift certificate at Mirage jewlers. This was his Christmas & birthday present & I bought a pair or earings and bracelet for my son. Can't say whether we got a good deal or not. Bought my perfume at Penha. Usually, I by at Oro Del Sol in Marigot but they were getting ready for Christmas and they were to busy for customers. Bought placemants at Mr. Tablecoth. We were going to Anguilla but had to change our plans. So, we went into Marigot and looked around. Didn't buy much and I think because of the Euro I made a good decision to do most of shopping in Phillipsburgh. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
One last thing, we did take a tour of Le Terres across the street. The rooms are new and beatifully decorated with a great pool area and jaquzzi and the view <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/titanic.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drown.gif" alt="" /> They are having a special for Royal Islander owners. If you have someone who wants torent a week at Le Terres throught a RI owner the prices go from studio to a 4 bedroom from $500 to $1,000/wk. Obviously, this person has to go on a tour of the place. The weather was fantastic. During the day it was in the low 80's and at night in the high 70's. It didn't seem as humid or muggy. Our flight home was fine except from Charlotte to Phila. I must way they inspectors had a field day with my pocketbook and carryon bag. Had to take our shoes off to <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Argue.gif" alt="" /> We did stay in line to go thru customs and you take the same route reversed, concourse "D" to "B". As the pilot described some chop like going down an old country road. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />
.
