We have been researching St Martin for the past couple of years, ever since numerous people started telling us how wonderful it is. Thanks for all the help and information we found on this site. This is pretty long, but anyway, here we go.
Fri-7-9-The day finally arrived. Didn't get a whole lot of sleep the night before. Left for the airport at 4:30 pm. We knew that it was going to be tough getting to SXM, but it was a lot worse than we expected. Flew from Phx to Salt Lake City. Two hour layover there, then on to Atlanta. Got about 45 min sleep on the plan and arrived at about 5 am. Layover until 10 am, then on to SXM. Finally arrived a little before 2 pm Sat. Now I know why friends fly to San Juan and spend the night before leaving the next morning. We flew Delta on FF Miles, so maybe worth it? The good news was that the planes were all on time and the flight attendants pleasant and efficient.
Sat-7-10-After arriving, we breezed through immigration and found a taxi to take us to Le Petite Hotel. Our car was to be delivered to the hotel the next day. At the hotel we were greeted by Julie and taken to our room. This hotel is absolutely wonderful. We had a second floor room with a balcony looking over the ocean. The rooms are large, with feather beds, fans, air conditioning, kitchens, CD Player, TV and DVD Player. There are slats by the patio door that allow the sounds of the surf all night long. The staff at the hotel are very friendly and accomodating. Miriam made arrangements for us to do the Pub Crawl and ferry to St Barths. There are beach chairs, umbrellas, snorkel gear, books, and DVD's for the guests use. There is also a breakfast of juice, coffee, croissants, and pastries served every morning. The hotel would be perfect for honeymooners or old married couples like us and we would definitely stay there again. We paid for 5 nights and got two free. What a deal! After checking the place out, we walked to a small store and bought some wine and food to hold us over until we got the car on Sunday. We were so impressed with the wonderful French Wines for $4-$5/bottle. That evening we walked to Balaou and had a wonderful dinner. This place is marvelous and don't know why it doesn't get more notice. They gave us 1/1, even paying with a credit card.
Sun-7-11-Rented a car through AAA Rental. Myra delivered it at 9:30, just as promised. A small Sentra, with air, automatic, and plenty of power. Lots of dings too, which we understood was good. Went to the grocery store and bought food and drink (WINE). We spent some time on the beach at the hotel then decided to go to L'Amandiere for the rest of the afternoon. They give you free chairs and umbrellas. We were more tired that day than Sat, so went back to the hotel and ordered pizza to be delivered.
Mon-7-12-Drove to Friar's Bay and rented some chairs. It was lovely, but there was an awful sewage stench that was almost unbearable. We decided to walk to Happy Beach and when we saw it we began to understand why everyone loves this island. There was one other couple there and the beach was mostly pristine. That evening we ate at Talk of the Town. Yummy and 1/1 again using a credit card.
Tues-7-13-Went to Orient Beach for the day and loved it. It rained off and on all day, but that was okay. That evening we were to attend the TTOL Party at Sunset Beach Bar, but when we got there, there wasn't anyone there. We did meet some nice TTOL'ers named Marie and Bob and chatted with them. Had some great burgers and watched the crab races.
Wed-7-14-Went to Cupecoy Beach and Baie Rouge. That evening we went on the Celine Pub Crawl. Had a great time and met some fun people. Contessa, Neil is preparing for your bachelorette party...
Thurs-7-15-Took the ferry from Marigot to St Barths. Because of what we had heard, we were worried about possibly getting seasick, so we bought some Dramamine and took it. We didn't get sick (or wet), but lots of others did. What a ride! Took a tour of the island, spent some time at the beach and had a wonderful lunch at the Creole Restaurant. When we got back to Marigot we decided to eat there and made our one mistake on restaurants while we were there. Went to a place called L'Arawak. The bartender/waitress was only interested in talking to her friends. We watched numerous people come in, get ignored, then leave. The food was mediocre too.
Fri-7-16-We went back to Orient Beach again. This time is was sunny all day. Afterwards, we stopped at L'Esplanade to use their pool. That evening we ate at California. What a fun place that is. Our waiter was hilarious.
Sat-7-17-Our last full day. We brought wine, cheese, and bread and went back to Happy Beach for the day. Happy Beach and Orient were our favorite beaches. By the way, we were surprised at how temperate it was in St Martin. We expected humidity, like Jamaica or Mexico and were pleasantly surprised. That evening we ate again at Balaou. Steak and Rack of Lamb. Absolutely heavenly.
Sun-7-18-We packed and spent the morning on the beach at the hotel. The snorkeling was great there. At Noon we checked out and drove to the airport, where we met Myra and turned in the car. No surprises, everything exactly as contracted. We flew Caribbean Sun to San Juan for the night. The flight was easy and we were pleasantly surprised. Went through customs and immigration then took a taxi to the Holiday Inn. Had a pizza at an outdoor cafe that was excellent. Went to a bar to have a drink and what was on the tv but the Diamondbacks Game-losing as usual.
Mon-9-19-Got to the airport and boy was it confusing. No one told us we had to go through an agricultural check until we had stood in line for a while. We were there two hours before our flight and barely made the flight. Flew to Atlanta, to Dallas, and finally to Phoenix. Only twelve hours travel time this round.
Sorry this was so long. In closing, we had a wonderful time, but because it takes so long to get there from Phoenix, I wouldn't go back for less than two weeks. I also would fly to San Juan, spend the night, then fly out the next morning.
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