This is my first attempt at a trip report. I enjoy reading other reports and thought I would give it a try, maybe someone will learn somrthing new from our experience. My wife and I have been going to SXM since 1991 so we tend to do the same things each trip. However we do try to always find new restaurants each time along with are growing list of regulars.
We arrived US Air on the afternoon flight form Phila. We came within one of being bumped (we always try). We rented from Unity and Michael was wonderful as always. They always meet the plane with a smile and a short ride to the car. Checking in and out is a breeze.
We stay at le Cottages de Lonvilliers a small timeshare in Anse Marcel. It only has 14 units just right for us and the people are great. We have gotten very friendly with Didier (the manager) and his staff and they make you feel like family. There is a small bar at the resort where we meet at for drinks each evening before dinner.
We spend our days reading , walking or driving around the island we put 600+ miles on the car. We usually wait to go the beach in the afternoon. Although we did snokel several mornings.
We went to Happy Bay, Dawn Beach, Le Gallion, Orient, Rogue and our beach at Anse Marcel. We really like Baie Rogue it has been a while since we last went there. The water was perfect. In fact the whole trip the water was very clear.
We ate at:
Villa Pizza in Cul de Sac (outside dining) the first and last night. It was suprisingly good with several entries other than pizza. While there we met Robert the prior owner of Picalos. He was in from Canada for a few days. We had tried to get into Grand de Sel but you needed reservations. I believe since Le Petic Cul De Sac closed due to the owners death in December Grand de Sel has become very busy. We eventually ate there later in the trip. It is very good and reasonable.
Yvette's which we have overlooked our last couple of trips. It is truely authentic island Creole food.
Chesterfields for the first time and thought the view was teriffic.
La Frigate in Oyster Pond nice people and good food.
Talk of the Town for take out chicken & ribs, and a beer while you wait.
Le Ti Coin Creole on harmony Nights which was very good although, we were the only ones there.
The Gut Side which possibly has not been mentioned here before. We discovered it 5 years ago and return each trip. Richard is a wonderful Creole chef and remembers us each visit. However the location can be difficult if you haven't been there before. It is on the road to Friers Bay.
Loterie Farm for the first time. We remembered the chef from Konga several years ago. She is a great cook.
Chez Martine for our dinner on the water in Grand Case was our first visit there and it will not be our last.
Our two surprises were Le Taitu and L' Escape. The first is in Mt Vernon and was very popular (needed reservations). The food was very good. I can see why you needed a reservation. The other was L' Escape in the Columbus Hotel in Oyster Pond, it was fantastic. The set-up allows you to watch the chef prepare the meal. The food was the best of the trip and not expensive.
Well we had a wonderful trip. And look forward to the next.
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