While our arrival was absolutely abysmal,the rest of our trip was wonderful. We spent most of our days on orient beach. There was no sargassum issue at all and we only were pushed off the beach by wind/rain once. We spent a day in GC and one at anise marcel. Both of those days were excellent. Had a wonderful dinner at L’Auberge Gourmand week one,and returned in week two with daughter and her husband. Everything was fabulous again. The two of us had lunch at Aloha on orient and were completely blown away. Food was GC level quality,but nowhere near the cost. We also returned there with daughter and they loved it. We really enjoyed seeing the island at the greenest it has ever been in our 15+ trips. Traffic could have been worse except for our arrival when it took over 45 minutes from airport to orient. We had rented a three bedroom villa that is a one minute walk to the sand at orient and two minutes to orient village. The villa was named Silove and we went through blue ocean villas. Sonja was very helpful in finding the right property for us. That wraps it up for this year. Looking forward to continuing next spring. Thanks to all on ttol for all your reports that contribute to what we do while on island. Thanks also to our favorite lady on the island for contributing to our happiness.

Thanks for the report. How was your departure? Any pictures you could share?

Sonja from Blue Ocean Villas is wonderful and responsive

Sorry,Carol, I forgot to add the departure. Based on advice from many,we arrived at noon for a 3pm flight. AA was just opening their counter and we were done with check in in 20 minutes. The departure hall is very nice,with some shops,liquor,perfume,misc,open and more to come. There were a couple of places selling pre made sandwiches and Dominos is open. Bacchus looks almost ready. Boarding was by bus from first floor. I found it pretty funny that they sent you to the bus by seating assignment then you just stood a the tarmac waiting to board. Boarding was from front and back and was a mad dash when they said “go.” Overall it was easy as could be.

OK, sounds like a good experience over all. Were you flying to Charlotte? Disappointing not to have a jetway. Did they not have a stairs at the back also?

Yes we flew to Charlotte. It is frustrating to be in the departure area and see open jetways and have to board from the ground. Boarding was from both ends. We also had a friendly iguana in the bush next to our patio.

OK, thanks. I don't know what it is, something about the AA planes, that some of them can't connect to the jetways?

Regarding iguanas, I am afraid of them. We had one between the screen and the slider one time at Beachside. I have no idea how he got there! Scared the cr*p out of me! We had Emmanuel come and get rid of it.