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Re: Anse Marcel beach
[Re: ironmanps]
#61008
07/08/2015 11:26 AM
07/08/2015 11:26 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,655 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,655
Brookfield, CT.
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Phil,
The RIU Resort takes up much of the beach area there but if you drive in and at their guard house take the left and keep followingh the signs, you will eventually end up at the Restaurant on Ans Marcel Beach. It has its own parking area so do keep driving until you get there.
Expect calm water with a shallow walk out, great food, excellent beach service, comfortable beach furniture and a very enjoyable day.
Some have said its too pricey but I didn't find it to be moreso than any of the other nicer beachside dining locations across the island and I firmly believe you generally get what you pay for. The beach set-ups were free with lunch and the beach attendents were very nice and very accommodating.
It was one of our nicest days on the island last trip - thanks mostly to Jazzgal and Kim for so highly recommending it. It had been years to this point since we had last been there so it really was a total treat for us.
One caveat, however, if you're one who truly enjoys waves and playing in the rough waters, this beach generally does not take on these characteristics because of the very protected cove at Ans Marcell. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Anse Marcel beach
[Re: ironmanps]
#61013
07/08/2015 02:19 PM
07/08/2015 02:19 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,990 Connecticut
The_Lurker
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Posts: 2,990
Connecticut
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ironmanps said: We have never been to this beach. A few years back, we went there but it seemed like it was all for the hotel there so we left. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Should we go there this trip? What should I know before we go? Thanks, Phil We did the same thing.... We have to try it now that we know where to go and heard all the great reviews. We also have to try Dreams again. We left, a couple of times, because of the wind.
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Re: Anse Marcel beach
[Re: Chicki]
#61014
07/08/2015 02:36 PM
07/08/2015 02:36 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,655 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,655
Brookfield, CT.
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Chicki said: Are you permitted to bring you own cooler and snacks? Is the water clear? Chicki, I don't know if you can bring a cooler or not, but if it helps at all, I do know I wouldn't be comfortable doing so myself, and I bring a small cooler to Mullett often, as well as some of the other beaches. To me, it would be like bringing your own beverages to a restaurant....... but I guess it might be done. Perhaps they would then charge you for the beach set-ups but that's a guess on my part. And Terry, I think, once you can convince Rit the drive is just another 'island experience' - this usually works with John - you will absolutely love the spot in its entirety. The restrooms are lovely and clean; the service staff is totally pleasant and accommodating; the breeze is gentle - and much as I enjoy Dreams for it's convenience and good food - this place gets an extra nod from me because the water has always been easily accessible there - no stones or pebbles, no step-downs or shelves, and you can float on a raft all day on the gentle waters. Dreams is a great full service beach spot but IN MY OPINION, as nice as it is, it's just not always a great swimming beach. But we do enjoy it for long lunches and great dinners.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Anse Marcel beach
[Re: Chicki]
#61016
07/08/2015 03:40 PM
07/08/2015 03:40 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,655 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,655
Brookfield, CT.
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Yes. And the one restaurant is very good.
The beach loungers are well spaced and you're NOT sitting right on top oh your nearest neighbor. Even if you're not in the front row, you still have a water seat, more or less. There may be areas that are separated between this spot and RIU but there wouldn't be any facilities and parking then becomes a hike. The beaches on SXM are all free but I still would not be comfortable in between the two areas trying to set up as an independent visitor. Others might disagree but that's my take on it. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Anse Marcel beach
[Re: 2tannedfannies]
#61019
07/08/2015 04:24 PM
07/08/2015 04:24 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,620 originally Long Island, NY/now...
irish1223
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,620
originally Long Island, NY/now...
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I love this beach! There were several children playing in the water when we were there (twice) during our June trip. The water is perfect for children as it is calm and level. The restaurant is a bit pricey (not sure about a children's menu), but if you can get past that, I think the kids would really enjoy this beach.
Robin & Ed
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller
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Re: Anse Marcel beach
[Re: 2tannedfannies]
#61020
07/08/2015 04:35 PM
07/08/2015 04:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,620 originally Long Island, NY/now...
irish1223
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Posts: 1,620
originally Long Island, NY/now...
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To give you an idea of prices, one of the lunches we had consisted of Red Snapper with rice & chutney for me; Steak Carpaccio and salad for hubby, and we shared a bottle of sparkling water. I believe we had 3 alcoholic drinks between us (I'm sorry, can't remember exactly now). The total for the day (including the chairs and umbrella) was $95. IMHO, it was worth every penny -- the food was delicious, service was great, beach wonderful. Go for it….you won't know unless you try it.
Robin & Ed
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller
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Re: Anse Marcel beach
[Re: irish1223]
#61023
07/08/2015 05:15 PM
07/08/2015 05:15 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,022 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Posts: 83,022
Central Florida!
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If I went there, I would treat it like we do Dreams--our main meal of the day is lunch, and then dinner is something simple like a sandwich or leftovers or cheese and crackers. If I eat that big at lunch, I don't really want a lot for dinner anyway.
Carol Hill
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Re: Anse Marcel beach
[Re: Chicki]
#61024
07/08/2015 09:06 PM
07/08/2015 09:06 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,902 Portland, OR
jazzgal
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Posts: 4,902
Portland, OR
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Chicki said: Are you permitted to bring you own cooler and snacks? Is the water clear? No! They actually had a sign up in June saying no coolers. The water is relatively clear. I found that the day I went to Anguilla/Shoal Bay East that the water was clearer there.
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Re: Anse Marcel beach
[Re: Chicki]
#61025
07/08/2015 09:09 PM
07/08/2015 09:09 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,902 Portland, OR
jazzgal
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Portland, OR
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Chicki said: Thank you Pat. So is there just one restaurant and you are sitting in front of it for the day unlike Orient where there are several bars/restaurants/shops? Actually, I believe there is another beach bar in about the middle of the beach. I confess I didn't walk down there, but it was a structure where people were sitting around a counter. Riu is at one end, and the Anse Marcel Beach Restaurant at the other; but there is something in the middle.
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Re: Anse Marcel beach
[Re: Chicki]
#61029
07/09/2015 11:25 AM
07/09/2015 11:25 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,146 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
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Posts: 13,146
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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They can't prevent you from BRINGING SNACKS, but they could prevent you from EATING THEM. Some people in the past have been asked to leave because they were eating and drinking their own food right in front of the restaurants on the beach. If you really want to do that , it is recommended that you set up your own chairs in an area away from the restaurants on Orient Beach or go to an area with no facilities like Plum Bay Or Longue Bay. The Club O area also has no problem with you bringing your own supplies for the day.I have seen people on the Anse Marcel Beach bring drinks and snacks for their children and later they all went to the restaurant to eat together later in the day. Being courteous and respecting the businesses on the beach is the key.
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Re: Anse Marcel beach
[Re: Chicki]
#61030
07/09/2015 12:04 PM
07/09/2015 12:04 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,620 originally Long Island, NY/now...
irish1223
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Posts: 1,620
originally Long Island, NY/now...
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The beaches may be public, but the chairs and umbrellas you rent belong to the establishment. Agree with what was said above.
Robin & Ed
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller
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