It took 6 months of research and the help of this board for Barbara(me) Greg (husband) Dick and Kris (friends and traveling buddies) to have the most perfect vacation ever.(except for the flight down1)

Flights- American out of Boston to JFK no problem. JFK to SXM big problem. Long stort short our flight was supposed to be at 11:30 ,,We left at 4:45. Not a good start. Arrived at at 8:15. Everone was there waiting,Michael from Unity and a driver to take us to our Villa. Quick stop for a few supplies. Wine beer and milk. all the essentials.

Villa Bell'Mare in Dawn Beach Estates. OMG We were practically in the Ocean <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />Worda cant describe this Villa. Check it out online at gobeach. It is better than the pictures. We floated in our pool looking at the Ocean 40 steps away. We hung around the villa most days,having drinks reading ,relaxing and floating! .

If you are on Dawn Beach look to the end and its the one with
a red roof. We could walk to scavengers Ms B's Mr Busbys and the Oyster Beach Hotel. And we did .

The new Hotel. We saw pictures of it at Scavengers Not very pretty 3 stories and takes up the entire end of the beach, from Scavengers to the tip where we were. They started clearing while we were there. Noise wasnt bad because of the wind but I think when they get into full swing next year our Villa will be a bit noisy during the day, let alone the view. Glad we went this year. They are also building 15 ocean fronthomes that we assumed will take up the beach where Ms B's is.

Food
- We ate at Friars Bay Sunday for breakfast. Forgot about the Euro, Learned fast though. Breakfast was $87 plus tip $100 <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" />

Scavengers- burgers were good also the many drinks we had there were great.

Marks Place- Sorry guys, not so good. Had to send back the ribs, slow service, and Kris declared the bathroom not so good either

LeVie La Rose in Marigot. Very nice place to stop for a drink. Met Patrick the bartender, he was a native born and his family went back to 1650 on the island. Also made a great margurita!9which seemed to be the drink of the vacation. BBC was my favorite. Does anyone if you can buy the banana mix here?

Turtle Pier- Had a great lunch there. Kris had several Ceasar salads and declared this one the best. Coconut shrimp were excellent Lunch for 4 $50.00. We had coupons for free bottles of wine

Los Gauchos- TTOL party was here. Dawn did a great job planning and had a good turnout. Everyone was so nice. Just as they are on this board <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> The owners Leasa?? were very hospitable had a good time.

La Gondola-Great Italian food 2 appt. 4 dinners 2 desserts and 2 bottles of pouilly fusse wine, with tip $266. Not bad for a great meal.

Sunset Beach Cafe at the Grand Case Beach Club- This was the best meal we had on the Island, Thanks to Larry and Melony who we met at Scavengers. We wont give out the name of the other favorite of yours. The setting was perfect for watching the sun set. 4 appt 4 dinners 2 desserts and again 2 bottles of Pouilly Fousey with tip $270. Worth every dime

Dicks Kitchen- Yes our own Dick cooked us a meal with flaming Filet Mignon, finger potatoes and green beans and a killer Ceasar Salad that he is famous for(with his friends) that was to die for. It was our favorite meal till we went to Sunset Cafe

Bananas- Always our last meal on the Island. The fried Oysters were delicious, melting in your mouth.

General observations
Lots of Construction everywhere
Lots of crime. while we were there a man was abducted and beaten and robbed.
3 men where beaten and robbed while walking at night
A woman had her purce snatched while walking by a man on a scooter!
I think you must use common sence and dont walk around at night alone!! And leave your good jewelry home. I did

We had a wonderful 10 days relaxed alot read books and generally chilled out <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

Thank You All!! I printed out all your favorites All the coupons and had them in an accordian file that we checked daily <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/typing.gif" alt="" /> Dick called it my thesis. It was

Barbara