Hi all. We just returned from 2 weeks in our favorite 2nd home. We have been going to St. Maarten since 1984, when Mullet Bay was not only in operation, but the casino was actually on the ocean side, before the first hurricane! I will break this report into sections for easier reading. Enjoy!


FLIGHTS/NEW AIRPORT
Usually take American Airlines direct flight from JFK, New York at a whopping $1000 - $1200 per ticket!!!! This year got a great deal for less than half of that to travel on Delta through Atlanta. No problems going down, but took over 25 hours to get home, after missing Atlanta connection due to a series of Delta delays and mishaps (should have had a 2 ¼ hour layover between flights!!!). Delta also couldn’t locate the luggage for 2 days. Why do I think the 3 letters I just wrote to Delta execs and the Atlanta airport will lead nowhere?

The new SXM airport is much larger than the old, but they seem to have the same 6 people working there! It took us over 45 mins to get through immigration. I thought, ok, at least our bags will be waiting for us when we get through. No such luck! Waited another 45 mins for the baggage to come off the carousel. Unity Car Rental was outside to meet us, and when I mentioned how long it took to get thru, I was told that they are finding they are waiting longer for everyone than they used to at the old airport.,

ROYAL ISLANDER LA PLAGE / MAHO area
The resort was great as always. We never have to worry about things being in disrepair from one year to the next, and the front desk staff is always friendly and helpful. The beach was actually in existence our entire stay, and wider than it’s been in years. The waves were the calmest we have seen them in the last 10 years—just perfect swimming conditions.

We enjoyed using our laptop, and were even able to pick up a couple of wireless networks, thereby saving the connection fee. Most of the time, it worked perfectly in our room, or on the balcony, or just sitting by the pool or beach. If you don’t have a wireless laptop, it will cost you $50/week at the front desk for the hook-up.

Parking in La Terrasse was a pleasure --we never had problems finding a parking spot in the La Terrasse garage across the street.

In addition to the “Good Life Spa” and gym that we always use in the Maho Hotel, there is now a brand-new beautiful state- of- the-art spa in La Terasse across the street. I didn’t have any services there, but it looks like a very relaxing way to spend a couple hours, with a stunning whirlpool, cold plunge pool, sauna, etc. Unfortunately, they are charging a hefty fee to use those facilities, even if you book a massage. I had a wonderful massage at the “Good Life Spa” as usual, and I don’t quite get the competition with themselves with the new spa across the street. They even used Peter, who is a part owner in the “Good Life Spa” as a consultant on the new spa project.


RESTAURANTS
Temptation -- One of my top two on the island! Great food, great service, and nice
décor; the wet chocolate cake is to die for
Mario’s –Back to the old Marios! The last two years, my favorite duck was dry and
disappointing. This year was fabulous again; Escargot is always delicious
Spiga – first time ever here; usually go to Sebastiano, but sadly is closed; Spiga did
not disappoint; excellent red sauce just like Da Livio used to have (her dad)
La Belle Epoque (Marigot Marina) – went twice for the best escargot on the island,
and great pizza
Turtle Pier – always enjoy their ribs; friendly waitresses
Moulon Foo (Maho area) – opened last year, but went this year for first time;
Excellent French restaurant—good food and service
Mary’s Boon – shrimp night – delicious as always; be aware that they have
changed shrimp night from Tuesdays to Wednesdays
Pizza Pasta – went twice – excellent traditional Italian food and pizza; owner,
Ilde, is currently on St. Kitts. Daughter Selena is now running restaurant;
Le Saint Germaine –we dream about these crepes!! (Marigot Marina) – went twice
Passangraham Hotel (Philipsburg) – always a great breakfast on a beautiful setting
overlooking the boardwalk and sea
Sunset Beach Bar – 2x for dinner, and once for lunch; had swordfish sandwich, hot
dog, hamburger and steak sandwich—all excellent, and all served w/ french fries


NEW YEARS EVE-- Maho
Private casino party in old Maho Hotel. Some friends were able to secure a table for our group of 11 at this party through the Casino Royale host. A nice buffet at $75 per person, but mediocre food; great view of the Maho fireworks which were shot off a barge just off the property in the water; the street in Maho and the Casino Royale were the emptiest we’ve ever seen on New Years. Had no trouble getting a seat in the casino just after midnight; blackjack tables were still $10 minimums, where in the past they started at $15, and seats were 3 deep. Nothing like that this year. Most of the locals seem to go to Phillipsburg instead these days.


MISC.
Star sightings – Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kornikova were in Casino Royale third year
In a row
Golf course in decent condition, though still some weeds on fairway
Loterie Farm Fly Zone – did this series of ziplines for first time; tremendous amount of
fun—highlight of trip this year; open 2 years now, and they are planning to expand;
lunch at the restaurant there was excellent as well; surprised that there were no
mosquitos here (or at least none that bothered me!)
Horseback Riding at Bayside Stables -- Have ridden at Lucky Stables where you just
walk in the mountains overlooking Great Bay; in this sunset ride, we were able to
do a lot of trotting and cantering, and walked along Le Galion Beach, which I
had always heard about but never seen—extremely calm shallow beach for kids;
definitely recommend Bayside Stables over Lucky – very organized and clean
Sopranos Piano Bar – have always heard about this fun place in Maho, but never went-
Great place to have a drink after dinner, and sing with or listen to a talented piano player.
Spent a day in Phillipsburg meeting friends off cruise ship; sat on beach behind Facconable;
Got a great deal at $5.00 p.p. for a chair, umbrella, and one beer-- had a lovely day
Weather - warmer in evenings than ever -- never needed jkt;
more rain showers than usual



Overall, we had another fantastic trip. Spent a lot of time on Maho Beach, which is usually prohibitive due to the undertow. Thoroughly enjoyed our vacation, until the 25 hour trip home, which of course, negated the relaxation factor.

That’s about all I can remember. Post any questions here, or feel free to e-mail me privately. Sorry for the long post, but I hope this report will be of help to some future travelers. Happy New Year to all!