AA flight from JFK-NY through San Juan was uneventful. Was impressed with new SXM airport; passed quickly through immigration, but had to wait 1/2 hour before luggage arrived. Met by Mickey from Tropical-Tropicana Car Rental and then headed for Pelican Resort. Used advance check-in procedure and were in our unit soon thereafter. Resort looked good, room was clean, and several housekeeping requests were met cordially and promptly to our satisfaction. Only disappointment was with the construction noise associated with the new Marina Residences (which will eventually block beautiful D-Building views of Simpson Bay). <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />

Beaches Visited: Pinel Island, Friar's Bay, Le Galion, Boo-Boo Jam, Mullet Bay, Pelican, Kim-Sha

Restaurants and Bars: all good

Dinner: Mini Club, Pineapple Pete's, Topper's, Lal's
Lunch: Captain Oliver's, Talk of the Town, Buccaneer Beach Bar
Breakfast: Spinnaker's

Happy Hour: Rancho del Sol, Cliffhanger Beach Bar, Peg-Leg Pub

Traffic around the island was a bit heavy, depending upon time of day, but was mostly bearable. Weather was excellent, with only a few rain showers from time to time.
People were generally friendly and helpful; no incidences of crime.

Direct flight back to NY was delayed, since the plane coming down was two hours late due to frigid temps (de-icing required) and high winds. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> We made up about an hour of flight time, but this was negated by having to wait an hour for our luggage in NY. Had a similar occurence returning from SXM in Sept., when luggage took two hours to appear. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> Hope this isn't the beginning of a trend.

All in all, another great SXM vacation. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />