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BEERMAN Trip Part 4-2
#45500
03/13/2015 11:02 PM
03/13/2015 11:02 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,466 VIRGINIA
BEERMAN
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,466
VIRGINIA
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SXM Part 4-2 (February 21-28m 2015) I think we finished exploring every square inch of Marigot at this point, who am I kidding, there's always special hidden spots to discover, we even found the PRESIDENTE and Vice PRESIDENTE'S parking spaces! It was just after noon on this warm sunny day so we quickly motored out of town and back to the villa to grab our beach stuff. NBBC was a great location for this trip, so convenient to just swing in and grab what we needed. ![[Linked Image]](http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q778/BEERMANRICK/St%20Martin%20Part%204-2/IMG_6239_zps50ofxbk5.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q778/BEERMANRICK/St%20Martin%20Part%204-2/IMG_6246_zpsm5fag0nb.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q778/BEERMANRICK/St%20Martin%20Part%204-2/IMG_5895_zpshoo7qijz.jpg) We soon proceeded on towards Simpson Bay. Once again we had no real plan, we were really winging it this week! We drove past the airport and turned into what we think are the neighborhoods of Simpson Bay? We drove all over looking at villas and stopped at a few scenic spots along the way and actually got turned around a bit in those neighborhood streets, fun time really. ![[Linked Image]](http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q778/BEERMANRICK/St%20Martin%20Part%204-2/IMG_6268_zpsh7wcl1du.jpg) As we often do....we drove around until something catches our eyes..... "those who wander are no lost". Small signs lead us through tight streets to Simpson Beach where we saw another sign for Karakter, OK let's stop and see what we can see! OUTSTANDING! Our kinda of place kinda? There was a nice reassuring security guard at the parking lot paved with sand and shaded by palm trees. When we saw the funky old bus converted into a bar/kitchen we knew this would be a great place. We walked onto the beach and a young man asked if we wanted chairs and we replied not just yet thanks. ![[Linked Image]](http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q778/BEERMANRICK/St%20Martin%20Part%204-2/IMG_6270_zpsvomz8rw7.jpg) We normally check out our surroundings, so we kicked off the flip flops and walked the water's edge. There are a lot of nice looking places to stay along this wide soft sand beach here. We walked almost to the far end and realized that Karakter would be the place for us and turned around. Perhaps a regular can tell us where other bar options are along this beach because we didn't see any? Carol had recommended Beachside Villas to us and I wanted to check them out, no luck on that initial walk. We were however lucky to enjoy several island dogs playfully running circles around us. ![[Linked Image]](http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q778/BEERMANRICK/St%20Martin%20Part%204-2/IMG_6278_zpsrtotdgl5.jpg) The young man at Karakter approached us again and asked if we enjoyed our walk, with a smile we said yes we did! I asked how much were his loungers today and he said they're free and asked if we wanted a drink, without hesitation we replied certainly! He was very attentive all afternoon, great service here! Karakter was fairly busy this day, but the waiters and waitresses were outstanding. We reclined in our beachfront chaise lounges watching the activity around us, people have a good time here! Some were recording themselves dancing on the beach, young kids and some adult kids were enjoying the feisty surf, many would turn to watch for departing flights and others like us were content with chillax'in in the sun watching the yachts anchor off shore in the deep blue waters of Simpson Bay. ![[Linked Image]](http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q778/BEERMANRICK/St%20Martin%20Part%204-2/IMG_6297_zpssqsrrjfk.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q778/BEERMANRICK/St%20Martin%20Part%204-2/IMG_6281_zpsketighfn.jpg) [img] http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums...in%20Part%204-2/IMG_6283_zpslnjtgrv4.jpg[/img] [img] http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums...in%20Part%204-2/IMG_6291_zpsn4f2qnte.jpg[/img] The sun was starting to settle in for the night and we decided to watch the entire colorful show from our comfortable 1st class seating on the beach. We decided to eat light tonight, so we ordered a variety of tapas hors d'oeurvres that were very tasty and sophisticated, at least they made us feel sophisticated being catered to right on the beach! We never drink wine and eat like this on the beaches we frequent, this was a treat! I can't say enough good things about the service we received at Karakter! [img] http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums...%204-2/Donnas20legs20SXM_zps7ufpxzds.jpg[/img] After I changed to a zoom lens I noticed a long villa complex at the other end of the beach, were these the allusive Beachside Villa's? My wife actually jogged to them and said she didn't see a sign? After speaking with Carol these were indeed her secret hideout, nice! Carol these sunset shots are for you! [img] http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums...in%20Part%204-2/IMG_6315_zpspktkprez.jpg[/img] [img] http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums...in%20Part%204-2/IMG_6323_zpsahujtwva.jpg[/img] [img] http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums...in%20Part%204-2/IMG_6330_zps9j3ev8cc.jpg[/img] [img] http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums...in%20Part%204-2/IMG_6332_zps8mcxfppl.jpg[/img] Fantastic Day! To be continued.....<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />
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Re: BEERMAN Trip Part 4-2
[Re: BEERMAN]
#45503
03/14/2015 12:08 AM
03/14/2015 12:08 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,353 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,353
Brookfield, CT.
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THANK YOU!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: BEERMAN Trip Part 4-2
[Re: BEERMAN]
#45504
03/14/2015 12:22 AM
03/14/2015 12:22 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,081 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,081
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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We love Beachside Villas too and those sunsets are amazing! I never tire of Sxm sunsets and am forever chasing them on our island visits.
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Re: BEERMAN Trip Part 4-2
[Re: BEERMAN]
#45505
03/14/2015 06:01 AM
03/14/2015 06:01 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,049 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,049
Ohio
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Another great read with pictures!
J.D.
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Re: BEERMAN Trip Part 4-2
[Re: BEERMAN]
#45508
03/14/2015 09:12 AM
03/14/2015 09:12 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 80,435 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 80,435
Central Florida!
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Yes, indeed, Beerman, those are MY Beachside Villas. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" /> Those sunset shots surely bring a lump to my throat! Sorry you didn't get to explore BSV in detail, but Karakter is certainly a lovely place to eat and drink and sun, for sure! As someone else said, the only other bar option on that section of Simpson Bay Beach is Mary's Boon, right next door, and they don't have a beach bar.
Carol Hill
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Re: BEERMAN Trip Part 4-2
[Re: BEERMAN]
#45509
03/14/2015 10:07 AM
03/14/2015 10:07 AM
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,129 St Louis, MO
SXMNorm
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,129
St Louis, MO
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Thanks again for a great report and pics. Love your wandering adventures.
Next SXM visit - January/February 2022
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Re: BEERMAN Trip Part 4-2
[Re: Elisabeth_nj]
#45512
03/14/2015 11:45 AM
03/14/2015 11:45 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 80,435 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 80,435
Central Florida!
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It's actually Karakter, singular. Although I'm not sure that they serve breakfast? They didn't use to. Great place to hang for the day, but they USED to open at 10..
Carol Hill
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Re: BEERMAN Trip Part 4-2
[Re: Elisabeth_nj]
#45516
03/14/2015 12:39 PM
03/14/2015 12:39 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,081 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,081
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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I don't think that reply was directed at me. I think you meant to reply to another poster. In any case enjoy Karakter as it truly is a nice place to spend the day!
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Re: BEERMAN Trip Part 4-2
[Re: Elisabeth_nj]
#45518
03/14/2015 12:43 PM
03/14/2015 12:43 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 80,435 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 80,435
Central Florida!
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Huh, OK, they open at 9 now. Learn something every day!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />
Carol Hill
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Re: BEERMAN Trip Part 4-2
[Re: MamaB]
#45520
03/14/2015 01:15 PM
03/14/2015 01:15 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,353 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,353
Brookfield, CT.
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I didn't realize Karachter was serving breakfast either. Good to know for future reference.
This has been our experience, too, regarding Marys Boon and beach service, though truthfully, we prefer going into the dining room to enjoy lunch out of the sun and off the sand. Good food and good service. Then it's back to the beach.....with drinks on the beach - no problem, Mon. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: BEERMAN Trip Part 4-2
[Re: jazzgal]
#45522
03/14/2015 02:01 PM
03/14/2015 02:01 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 254 Canada
Birdwatcher
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 254
Canada
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Must add breakfast at Karakter to the list for next year's visit.
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Re: BEERMAN Trip Part 4-2
[Re: Elisabeth_nj]
#45524
03/14/2015 07:37 PM
03/14/2015 07:37 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 80,435 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 80,435
Central Florida!
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No problem, not a big deal, it's just that is a very common mistake here. Hope you enjoy your trip.
Carol Hill
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Re: BEERMAN Trip Part 4-2
[Re: BeachKitten]
#45528
03/15/2015 03:49 AM
03/15/2015 03:49 AM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,632 Portland, OR
jazzgal
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,632
Portland, OR
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BeachKitten said: That breakfast looks delish!
Is it as yummy as the yacht clubs drunken pancakes with coconut and the rum syrup? Don't know because I have never had the drunken pancakes at SMYC. Guess I should put them on my list.
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Re: BEERMAN Trip Part 4-2
[Re: BEERMAN]
#45530
03/16/2015 09:42 PM
03/16/2015 09:42 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 30
JoeandLori
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 30
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BEERMAN,
Shhhhhh - Karakter's is terrible!!! Each day I go there on our vacations, which is almost daily, the drink of the day is terrible, well by the third one they are great. The food is terrible, especially the Tapas, which we've tried each one several times. The dates wrapped in bacon is horrible, at least the 20 times we've had it. OK, it is a wonderful place and we stay in a VRBO condo a couple of hundred yards down the beach. In fact we absolutely love Simpson Beach as it is sooooo quiet and uncrowded. Glad you got a chance to get to that end of the island. Thank you so much for posting you wonderful pictures and dialog - they make me "second" home sick!!!! 82 more days and I'll be having a horrible time in Karakters for 2 weeks:) Joe & Lori
Joe & Lori Key West, FL
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