OK, I got in about 1am last night, and am really tired, but want to do this while everything is as fresh as possible.
VITALS # of times to island:17
Travel CompanionsThe usual-friend Leslie, and She314 and her sister Susan. My mom and her friend are there too.
Car Rental:Claude Arnell-brand new Hyundai
Lodging:One night at Atrium, and the rest at our place at Royal Islander
Flights: USAIR-no problems at all
Beaches Mullet - my favorite
Le Galion - very nice!
Maho - well, no sand at our end, but hey, our pool is great! Just walked down toward SSBB for fun waves and great sand-no problem.
For some reason, we just didn't beach hop as much this year.
Dining Pizza Galley<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> We love their pizza. Cannot say enough about it!
Moulin Fou <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Went after already eating a bunch of appetizers at a party for Sheila's birthday-probably would have enjoyed it more if I was actually hungry! Escargot great, Coquille St. Jacques with shrimp good, but I just wasn't hungry. Great Caesar salad too! Wait staff excellent.
Jimbo's <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Very sketchy service. this was regatta weekend, so I know they were busy, but waitress was a flake-sorry, best term I can think of to describe. Food good though.
Lee's <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> OK, we ate WAY too much lobster (if that's possible) They only had 2 and 1/2 lbs. and up, so what the heck, we splurged! It was out of this world.....Chi Chi was working the grill every time we went past (on our way to Lady C) Never seen him on that duty, but he did not disappoint.
Anotine <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> An old time favorite. Jean-Pierre (owner) was stretched a bit thin that night, as he parked our car, took drink orders and waited on us most of the time-very busy. Food was really good-not great, but really good.
BBB <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Awesome burgers-and a great place to camp during the regatta finale party!!!!!!!
Bamboo Bernies <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Great for sushi. Others enjoyed their ribeyes.
The Wharf <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> OK, I noticed there was an issue with the place that has been remedied. We have always liked Bernard from Paris Bistro, so when we found out he had a new place, the Wharf, we went to try. My mom had heard of the issue on here, and when we walked up, Bernard came right for us. The first thing he mentioned was how terrible he felt about what had happened, and asked if we had heard. We talked at length about it, before even being seated. We met Elvis, his business partner, and all I can say is they were very concerned. They felt terrible there had been an issue to begin with and felt bad that people might have been turned off. They paid due respect to Toothdoc, and wanted them to be satisfied with the way it got resolved. Just wanted to pass that along. Though many business owners on the island don't post, I KNOW they read the board constantly.....they take it very seriously, and really take things to heart. So, glad things got straightened out.
Our experience was great. They got busy quickly after we arrived, and I think it put a bit of strain on the staff, but they scrambled to make sure everyone was taken care of. Bernard helped wait tables too, and they had a nice band with strolling singer who was very nice. My mom spoke with several other diners (she has a habit of making conversation with others-she can go to the restroom and meet 10 new people on the way) and all gave rave reviews of whatever it was they had eaten. Our food was good too!!!! The atmoshpere is great, and the views of the lagoon and big yachts was nice. They have live entertainment nightly and a big dance floor, so if you feel the need to boogie, you can. Also, the prices were VERY reasonable. 4 of us ate appetizers, meals, drinks and dessert for $140.00. That is less than 2 of us spent on lobster and Cokes at Lee's (not a complaint-just a comparison). Good luck Bernard and Elvis, you have a nice, fun place!
Partying and Activities OK, it's no secret we love the Lady C! And we love it even more this year with the addition of their lagoon cruise!!! What a blast! They are Wed. 2 to 4 qand Sun. 3 to 5. We went Sunday (she314 and few others went on Wed. too). The cruise is FREE-you just pay for your drinks. The DJ is on board too. There were about 30 people or so, and the day was pretty much a rain out. In fact, about an hour into our cruise we couldn't dodge the drops any more- a torrential downpour ensued, so what did we do? Why we came out from under cover and danced in the pouring rain.....we had a ball! Young and old (including my 77 yr. old mom!) were dancing away to the disco beat in the rain....our clothes and hair were plastered to us, and it couldn't have been more fun. We all said this is what you call making Lemonade out of Lemons......highly recommend this as a fun afternoon, rain OR shine!
Our night were pretty much filled with going to the Lady C. As we have said for a long time, we get the best service here, and love the laid-back atmosphere. Colin is still the greatest bartender and always makes us feel welcome, and treats us very well. Thanks Colin, for your great hospitality-see you next year! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />
Muchas Gracias to Andrea (beaconhillandrea) for arranging our Sat. morning sail on the Lambada to watch the regatta. What a blast! In all my years of going to SXM, this is one of the best things I have ever done.......up close and personal to the action.....VERY COOL!! Thanks so muh for doing the organizing-next year again for sure!!!
The Regatta party was great as always. We didn't stay as long this year, but still had a great time......it was hotter than blazes though. Sheesh, the lack of wind and high humidity was not good. I melt like an ice cream cone.....
Thanks to Kevin (mmartinfan) for the GREAT TTOL gathering at the SMYC. What fun! And so many people showed up! A good time wa had by al, and thakns for remembering the name tags! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />
Miscellaneous Trip Notes Maybe I am crazy, but other than regatta weekend, I found little to no traffic problems in Simpson Bay. Maybe I just got lucky and hit it at the right time, but I was pleasantly surprised.
My friend Leslie got very ill late Monday night after the TTOL party. She was up all night, in bad all the next day, and finally I took her to the doctor on Wed. She had Gastro-enteritis. I ahve never seen someone so sick. she had a 102 fever, and it wiped her out for 3 days...we did basically nothing. I stayed close by to keep an eye on her, which is why were MIA for several days/ nights. Doctor said something was going around. Kevin was sick, Leslie got sick, and a few other people at Royal Islander got sick with various similar maladies too- weird year for getting sick on vacation.
Didn't buy a damn thing this year.....did not shopping whatsoever, but the new Italian outlet shops in Maho had some VERY nice stuff in it.....
Big buzz was about the Marriott project at Dawn Beach-at least one bombed out place is getting the new life it deserves. Hopefuly Mullet wil be next?
Speaking of Mullet, this is one of our most favorite beaches. A few years ago we did a beach cleanup there (only about 6 of us showed up, so we could hardly make a dent). I am sorry to say the trash situation there now is abominable, mostly along the shrub and scrub areas behind the beach and old boardwalk area....there were some places where trash bags had been filled and then left to rot, being opened up by wind or animals, and the trash everywhere.......it was so sad to see it like this, especially knowing that if the resort was revived, the beach would not look like that. It was just horrible......very disheartening.
Loved meeting new friends and seeing old ones! Cole and Michaela (coleinkc) it was SO great to see you guys again-we had a fun time with you! Kevin NYC, JamieB and Danny were a blast too......it was great hanging out with you-and can I just say, " Are you getting in the suitcase, or do I have to cut you up first?" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
And of course, the usual cast of characters we hang with during March-JD, Kevin, Andrea, Wendell (Lois is just LOVELY by the way!). Cheryl and Ted, Augie and Sue, Marybeth and Don, Deepti and Jeff, Neil, and I am sure I have forgotten a few-great seeing you all too. We have such a nice group of people in March <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> BobD and Bette we missed you!
Werid timeshare calendar thing going on. Royal Islander is apparently adding an extra week, Week 53 at the end of '05, meaning Week 1 of '06 will begin on Jan. 6th or something like that. As we understood it, no other timeshares are affected by this, but at the end of '06, all the rest WILL add a week 53 and Royal Islander will not, supposedly putting everyone back on the same schedule again. Very confusing, and could mess you up if you have back to back weeks at any other resort and Royal Islander, as our friend does......worth checking into-anyone else know of this?
Only 353 days to go till my next trip!!!
