okay. I wrote a one hour report yesterday,hit the wrong button and wiped it clean. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/smashpc.gif" alt="" /> This may not be as long. This is our third time in SXM but first report. It was the other couples first time. It was a great as before.
Flights
Four of us (two couples) flew USair direct from Phila. No problem going down. Coming back,about 5 months ago the cancelled the flight and rerouted thru Charlotte. Going home, checked our bags and went to gate 2 hours early. There was a direct flight to Phila. leaving in 20 minutes. They said they had just reinstated the flight. It was obviously empty but the could not let us on because our luggage was already tagged for Charlotte. Instead of home at 5pm, we arrived at midnight.
Accommodations
Own at La Vista and got a second unit for our friends. Staff just might be the nicest people on the island(and that's saying alot)They greet you with "welcome home" and the place has that feel about it. Our friends also immediately fell in love with the place. The one negative is the construction, a condo is going up in front of the timeshare. It partially blocks your view from the infinty pool, a view I look forward to seeing every year.
Car Rental
As always Michael at Unity. No problems with the car, i had requested a older car so as not to worry about dents and scatches. That's what I got, allowing me to be a little more aggresive in my driving.
Traffic
I come every year in December. This was the worst ever. Even the roundabouts were not helpful. It's a product of growth and I just grinned and relaxed.
Crime
Never experienced a problem or heard of any problems. I excercised due diligence, nothing in car,aware of surroundings etc. and was never uncomfortable or uneasy about my surroundings
Beaches
Orient-was Orient,always enjoy the beach but not my favorite. In order of favorites-Friar,Rouge,Mullet(first time-Rosie's=YUM!!as to the ribs),Orient and Dawn. The only one I wasn't fond of was Dawn.The westin was not nearly as obtrusive as I thought it would be,but the units being built on the beach next to Mr.Busby gave a bad feel to the place. There was no Full Moon party on Friars but they was a Dark Moon Party.Jabba convinced us that it was for teens and twenties and not for the likes of us upper fifties so we passed, although we always enjoy the full moon party.
Ice Cream
Thanks to all here,Etna entered our lives this time around. The Cafe and the coconut were outstanding.
Shopping
Visited our friends at Touch of Gold(for spouse) and at Gulmohar's(for me)Great successes at both places, although spouse managed to buy at Gulmohar's and one of my purchases came up cheaper at the airport. the people at both places are great to deal with and always try to help you find what you are looking for. there was no point in shopping on the French side, I couldn't afford it.
Restaurants
Visited many new restaurants, but without question my favorite new restaurant is Saratoga.On Dutch side but with the quality of the French side. Gorgeous setting on the the Lagoon,great food and wonderful service. Chatted with hthe owner and learned the history of the restaurant and well as enjoyed a short video of his new born son, taken immediately after birth on his cell phone. Way Cool!!
Other new entries included Uncle Harry's (best lobster I had on the Island),La Petite Auberge (Marigot Marina)Rosie's (see above)Halsey's and La Sammana (with a gift certificate- food is excellent but the prices are REALLY high).
Old favorites included Zee Best,Pineapple Pete, Lee's (the only bad meal i had but my companions all loved their food. My lobster was overgrilled, and Lee's did make some amends, Claude's Mini Club (I love this place),Bistro Nu(fast becoming my favorite, but not yet) and my favorite Alabama.
The food was the best, but it is also becoming expensive( they no longer do 1=1, it is now 1=1.2).
At least half of the beaches, restaurants,shopping,supermarkets etc. etc. i would not know about without the help of this board. to all of you, thank you. I don't know what SXM used to be, but I know i love the place and a large part of that is the help i receive here (and the couple we came with are converts as well). Change is inevitable(except in vending machines)but I anxiously look forward to my next trip