Sat- flew nonstop from Toronto to SXM customs was a breeze. Arrived at Le Meridien and stayed in Le Domaine section, our first room had a problem with th elock on the sliding patio door- ground floor so we changed rooms again ground floor but much better view, gardens, flowers etc... Also this room was in a very convenient location to the beach and pool.

Front desk helpful and polite as was every employee we met. The grounds were very well kept with nice walkways, lots of flowers and different types of plants.

WE did stay on the All Inclusive plan but went knowing that we would eat off property alot. Honestly it was only a little bit more for the AI and we figured a couple of meals with wine and drinks during the week we would definately get our moneys worth. We had a small fridge in our room so we would always order extra bottled water an Caribes to pack in the cooler for beach days spent around the island. One particuarily late night spent partying at the pool with a couple of girls from CT and Rhode Island- not to mention the bartender who eventually joined us more then paid for the AI option. Should also mention that Bottled wine was included on the AI which I have not seen at too many resorts and the selction was quite nice.

OK on to the beaches
Dawn/Oyster pond nice beach good snorkeling and really cheap Caribes $0 .75 WOW!

Cupecoy- our favorite, very quiet and relaxing day in a beautiful location. We loved the cliffs and caves and the overall atmosphere.

Orient- same ole same ole,

Friars- nice beach but Happy Bay is better and worth the hike.

Maho- always a thrill!

Mullet- nice but busy the day we were there two catamarans with tons of snorkelers. Also not happy with a few of the people from these trips as when they were called back to the boat they threw all their bottles and cans at the shore line where they are eventually going to go into the ocean, I went and picked up their mess but I get so mad when people litter like that. They come to the island for beautiful beaches and then they leave trash on them, the garbage can is only a few feet away what is wrong with people?????

Baie Loungue ( not sure if that is spelled correctly) real nice and quiet hardly anyone on the beach and it is a big beach long and wide.. Also good snorkeling here.

Baie Rouge ( again not sure of the spelling) Busy lots of locals bands playing very windy but nice especially it was our last stop on that day.

Anguiila day trip- Crocus Bay and then on to Little Bay via Calvin and his boat. This was an awesome way to spend the morning on a secluded beach with great snorkeling and the cliffs all around. We then went to Shoal Bay East for the afternon which this beach is just amazing, no other workd to describe it.

Ok on to the restaurants

Mr Bugsbys- Oyster Pond, lunch grouper filet excelllant chicken and ribs good but not the best

Le Testavin Grand Case- Unreal, great food, service, had a nice table for two right at the railing nice view just a perfect evening.

La Locanda Anse Marcel- This little gem at the Marina is a wonderful little Italian retaurant with absolutley the best gnocchi I have ever had. also had the lasagna which was excellant both dishes homemade very nice.

Talk of the town Grand Case Grilled lobster for both of us with a couple of sides. Carnival night so they were busy but it was worth it Lobsters were excellant.

*** also not sure of the name, SORRY but I had just left DK Gems where my husband bought me a beautiful diamond ring- combination of rounds and baguettes to compliment my already stunning wedding set so I was a little preoccupied although I do know it was in Marina Royale in Marigot and we had couple of caesars and then split a delicous pizza with shrimp and mozzarella, really good.

Uncle Ernies Anguilla nice lunch ribs chicken fresh snapper, no complaints here other then my bathing suits seem to be getting smaller, must be the salt water <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

Cupecoy market- take out for the beach, A feta and spinach stuffed pastry that was awesome and a small pasta salad to share.

Agian we were on the Ai plan at Le Meridien so we did eat a few meals there, all of which were good quality but the goat cheese salad at Le Belle France deserves to be mentioned, mixed greens in a light vinagaureet and goat chees baked in phyllo so good I could have made a meal out of it.

All in all we had a great time and I want to thank everyone for the tips and all your great advise, we did mention TTOL at DK Gems and were treated like royalty. I was originally dealing with one of the brothers until I mentioned TTOL and then he immediately left and brought back Deepti who is very nice and we had a great time selecting my piece while enjoying a nice glass of wine and great conversation. Also want to mention that they gave us a really good price on my ring and we will recommend them to anyone visiting SXM.

We have only been home a few days and we are already looking into our next trip, thanks again to all of you.

Gretchen & Dave <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />