I’m losing track, but this must be close to our 50th visit to SXM. A recent posting reminded us of the changes at Orient Beach since when we first arrived at Club Orient - the only resort along the 1.5 mile beach.

The island was as green as ever following recent rainfall that also left back roads along the beach with landing-craft puddles. The road to Club Orient benefited from grading, but the hardtop off the main road was something else with potholes that would swallow up a motorcycle of two. However, there was much evidence of roadwork elsewhere with some traffic delays. Efforts to clean up the island were obvious. There was notable increased presence of gendarmes who were making random traffic checks including us, asking for passports; but accepting driver’s licenses. Note that the French will be enforcing passports requirements on July 1 .. presumably ?? more for those directly entering the French-side rather than from the Dutch-side.

Club Orient – New lower rates for studios and mini-suites go into effect December 26 plus an extended long-term stay discount program next May 16 to July 31. Along with the lower tax rate, the resort is less costly than some believe. We have no advance information on any possible dollar rate reduction should the dollar continue to strengthen against the euro. The owners have initiated efforts to increase security and privacy within the resort proper. The Papagayo restaurant is now off limits to non-guests after 6 pm. as is the manager’s wine and cheese party. Other policy changes affecting day visitors are likely to occur later this year and will be posted on the web site. The beach is of course open to all and the resort will continue renting lounges and umbrellas with new ones already on order. We enjoyed an excellent dinner at the Papagayo with pleasant, efficient service at a comparable cost to similar local restaurants.

Internet Updates – Some hotels that have not had good internet access have made recent arrangements. Hotel La Plantation now has a high-speed kiosk at the reception for guests, similar to the Esmeralda. Noting, if traveling with your laptop, la Plantation can pre-order prior to arrival for a direct local connection at $24 per week. Green Cay Village and the Esmeralda also have installed wi-fi, but with reliability problems to some units... so, if needed,
be sure to request that feature at time of booking. At Club Orient, plans are underway to install phone-internet lines
to all units latter this year.

Specials – Several hotels have authorized new deals for the summer and fall seasons. Some have unique restrictions, as Hotel L’Hoste must be booked by July 15 for a stay between September 1 and October 15. Others apply only to specific weeks. Keep in mind that so far most of the private villas in the Orient Bay area can still be rented though Caribbean Islands Travel Service with the dollar at par value to the euro.

Eating – Best dinner... Spiga with par value cash. Best lunch... Loterie Farm. Best deli... Le Bounty.

Crime – We were not aware of any significant problem involving tourists; the increased presence of gendarmes may be responsible. There was a situation last week when a person falsely presenting himself as a security guard attempted to enter rooms at two Orient Beach area hotels.

Beach Attire – No anti-nudity signs were posted at Orient Beach and for those who prefer the absence of attire, beach use appears to be unchanged from recent years. No problem for those who use common sense by not offending others beyond Club Orient.

Finally, AA flights and check-ins were unexceptional, except at San Juan when my Mary and I were given the full treatment as potential drug dealers or worse. Interesting that our frequent flyer fares had only $53 in tax including the $30 departure fee. If that was a mistake, I’m not telling AA.

Jim