November 7 – 15, 2004

Arrived on Sunday direct USAir flight from Philly, only 40 minutes late, Mickey (Tropical-Tropicana Rentals) was there with our car. Off to the Summit Resort to settle in for our leisurely stay. Dinner at JIMBO’s, amid grand discussions of Woodstock and Newport Folk Festivals, and the music from that era. This is our brief vacation, so we need to get all the relaxing in we can before the holidays. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
Monday spent on Mullet Bay Beach – extreme sand gravity!
Tuesday pouring rain- this is an opportunity to SHOP. Coffee at Kissing Fish, then into Phillipsburg for breakfast at Barefoot Terrace. We watched the tenders like so many little flies, shuttling out to the Queen Mary II. She is too deep to fit at the cruise ship pier, so she took up a portion of the open harbor and disgorged her passengers via the little Water Taxi tenders. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/dancingmonkey.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/dancingmonkey.gif" alt="" />
To Kay’s Jewelry for the obligatory purchases. Our guy – Sam Karani - was out at the cruise ship pier with everything I had asked for in my emailed earlier “wish” list. The new cruise ship landing area is lovely, found a parking space and went to spend some greenbacks! After seeing Sam’s children’s pictures and meeting his lovely wife, we made our purchases and an appointment to come back on Thursday when everything would be sized. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Love.gif" alt="" />
Spent the afternoon at Orient, with a stop at Baywatch. Snorkeling off the reef at Club O was very relaxing.
Wednesday – Sailing on Random Wind. Met Marten at the BBB for check in and instructions. It did not look good initially, but the hardy crew expressed their desire to sail anyway – we’ll get wet one way or another. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/titanic.gif" alt="" />
Sorry to have missed the Michigan Couple – Bill and Karen- maybe next time! Eddie and Helen took very good care of us as we sailed around the Dutch side – saw the America’s Cup yachts out for a race, and 4 cruise ships at the big pier – to Tintamarre. Golden Eagle and Tiko Tiko were already there. Golden Eagle left as Random Wind arrived. Snorkled, swam, explored the island, then sailed over to Creole Rock for luncheon. Rain clouds came up, so we ventured further down the French coast to Long Bay for a swim off La Samana’s beach. With threatening weather, we hugged the coast, at one point slowing down to wait for the 3:15 AA jet to come roaring out of the clouds just over our heads! WOW, they do come in low. Back into Simpson Bay and another wonderful, cloudy, but fun day, has come to “make a choice for dinner” – time. Rain had canceled the planned cook out at Kissing Fish, so we tried HALSEY’s. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/hungry.gif" alt="" />OMG, this is a must do every trip!!! Ann had the Asian Tuna (sushi lover that she is, she wanted it rare!) Steve had the Swordfish. Both were excellent. Side salad had tangy house dressing, Ann ate both!! Bread came with nicely flavored “green” herb spread and butter. Too full for dessert.
Thursday – St Martin Day – rained all night, we feared another washed out day, but another excuse to go to the other side of the island to Orient, because Thursday are mussels at Baywatch!. As usual the mussels a la Andy were fabulous, the liquid sunshine and wind were not as conducive to conviviality. But we all squeezed under the tarp and had a good time anyway! Hi to DavidIL and crew! From TTOL. Later in the afternoon we returned to Kay’s to pick up our sized jewelry then returned to Summit for a dip in the pool and naps….
Dinner at LE CHAROLAIS in Maho. We have loved this place, but been turned off by poor service of late. Tonight the food and the service were great. Love that Hot chocolate cake, and the Tuna Tartare. Steve adores the beef. Caught up with Karin, but her folks were on vacation in Canada.
Friday – more rain at night. Kissing Fish for breakfast is the best, roll out of bed and down to see Chloe and hear Thierry singing away. Looking over the lagoon, scan 360 to determine where the sun will be today. High wind and surf advisories are in effect so we head for Mullet – surf is too heavy, then over to Pelican. Ah, sun and less surf in the Bay. Sun moved to the center of the island, so we moved back to Summit and the pool. Also did a little tour of the area and found the DELFINA HOTEL. A small, very intimate little hotel run by a
German, Michael, and his dog Nero. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/greendog.gif" alt="" />Nero and Ann had a love at first scratch affair. Nifty little place with continental breakfast included in the very reasonable price. Hotel has its own pool and Jacuzzi, is clothing optional. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />
Dinner at MONTMARTE, owner Karen greeted us.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/hungry.gif" alt="" />Food is spectacular and you don’t have to drive to Grand Case. The parmentier agnew - (Shepherd’s pie with lamb instead of beef) was wonderfully seasoned, but too much for one person. The Rack of Lamb was delicious with wonderful veggies! Save room for dessert here – the Crème Brulee Framboise was the best ever. We will definitely do this again.
Saturday – Mullet Bay early, but only surfers are here. The waves were up to 6’. The pool at Summit and the lovely view of the lagoon will be perfect today! Dinner at Peg Leg’s Pub, tried the lobster special, good,but we’ll stick with the beef which is always outstanding. Service is slow as the wait staff knows all the customers and we all have to talk to them! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Checked Le Piccolo @Zee Best in Simpson Bay Marina, we were sorry we did not come here first as they are closed on Sunday nights and we have to leave Monday. Had desserts, what a choice!!! And Zee Best coffee. We will return for heavy appetizers when we return in April. The choices looked awesome.
Sunday –Breakfast croissants from Citru Market at Cupecoy) Lounged at Mullet and back at Summit. More SXM relaxation therapy! These folks are wonderful! Chloe and Thierry, ooh la la c’est bon! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/chef.gif" alt="" />
Monday – Have to return to reality tonight, boo hoo, went to the airport at 10:00 to check in for our 5:00 flight, heavy traffic in the Maho area as the road is being repaved. Once we checked in, got boarding passes and paid the departure tax, we went back to the Summit to be lounge lizards for the day. Returned to the airport at 4pm. Flight left on time and we were on time in Philly. Thru customs in record time and home by 10pm (uups, change that clock back, 9pm)
Altogether a fabulous trip. We are already counting the days til we return in April. The island was very green, and though the weather was overcast, we were able to get at least 5 hours of sun every day. We came home very relaxed.
Hope this wasn't too ramblin', its our first report.
Ann and Steve