Thanks to many recommendations here, we enjoyed our first visit to Anse Marcel today. What a great beach, outstanding lunch and service by the staff, and the best mojito I've ever had <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> a huge thank you for the directions as well--I think we would have turned back had we not read the comments posted previously.

I have never been to the beach there but on a recent Celine trip when we went by the beach was loaded with cows. Thought that was very cool!

Are you sure that was Anse Marcel and not Happy Bay?

Laurel,

That was my thought, too - can't imagine cows in the particular area of Anse Marcel, but have often seen them (or their calling cards <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />) on the way to and actually on the beach at Happy Bay.

With all the roads and development in and immediately around Anse Marcel Beach I just can't imagine cows there and those same cows being seen from the water. The cove at Ans Marcel is very protected and generally speaking, the boats go right by it as opposed to entering...., but it's SXM afterall, and all things are possible, right?!

But whatever, it is one gorgeous beach location and absolutely is a delightful place to spend the day. Its much like Dreams but so very far from us at the Towers.

We had a great day there last week, except for a problem with lunch, and also me thinking the chairs were free if you had lunch and drinks (was sure I read that here.) The lunch thing will be in my trip report. Phil

Wouldn't it be nice if we paid for chairs and lunch was free? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> In the past I think we always paid for chairs even if we had lunch in the restaurant there.

I agree with you on almost turning back. Had to downshift a few times to make it up the hills but, so glad we kept on going. What a wonderful beach, chairs, lunch and service. Can't wait for next trip to sit back on Anse Marcel Beach. Never saw any cows. Maybe I didn't drink enough. (LOL)

Can someone share the link w directions, please! I think we'd like to go there!

Take the road to the Pinel Ferry, but turn left at the sign pointing to Riu before you get to the ferry. Go up and down the hill. Turn left into the parking lot just before you get to the guard house. Go through the parking lot to the road that parallels the parking lot and turn right. Then just follow the signs to Anse Marcel Beach and/or Anse Marcel Beach Restaurant. You won't be sorry you made the effort!

We drove out there in April to check it out on our way to OB. Missed the left-turn before Pinel, but found it the next time! Got to the parking lot, but didn't know about going through it to a road, so we gave up. Fun drive tho! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Don't feel too bad, Windy. We had been to the beach there several times over the years but long prior to this new restaurant opening, and we weren't aware, until we parked and started walking to the restaurant/beach area, that we could actually drive all the way through and park right there.

In the past we'd always schlepped ourselves and our belongings from the parking right at the guard house all the way out to the beach. Thankfully, my DH was kind enough to leave me and our assorted beach stuff at the restaurant parking area while he went out and brought the car in upon our calling it a day. He really is among the very best of the best!! : <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Anyhow, now you know so do yourself a huge favor and try it next time there - pricey as lunch goes, but so very nice and worth the money and the drive. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Thanks so much.Looking forward to our revisit. It's been a looong 11yrs!

Thanks Pat! Is the water there dead calm, or is there a little wave action there to play in? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

The water there is calm with not much wave action. That is what is attractive for many about that beach.

There were two or three cows that made their way to the water. Created a great photo op for many of the folks on the beach. i didn't see where they came from, and initially I thought I was seeing things. The cows were there for a few minutes, had a drink in the ocean and then left. They were to the left of us, beyond the Anse Marcel Beach area at the very end of the beach. Pretty sure my daughter took some photos in case the mojitos blurred the memory.

Cows?! At Anse Marcel?!

Were they PINK cows? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

..and if they drank sea water, then they were probably sick shortly thereafter..

Pretty sure Tamara/Dave told us that it was Anse Marcel when I asked which beach. Happy Bay was were we did the mud bath- no cows. Also, pretty sure when we did our dune buggy tour that there were cows wandering around the streets near Anse Marcel.

I don't have time to post it now, but I have a picture of Neil swimming a bucket of mud to the beach at Happy Bay with a cow awaiting his arrival. I've never seen a cow at Anse Marcel (not saying it doesn't happen), and have seen cows at Happy Bay many times. Just saying . . . .

[quote]ironmanps said:
We had a great day there last week, except for a problem with lunch, and also me thinking the chairs were free if you had lunch and drinks (was sure I read that here.) The lunch thing will be in my trip report. Phil [/quote

Am I reading correctly that chairs are not free with lunch? If so, what is the charge?

When we were there the chairs were put on our lunch tab but I think the full set up for two (including chairs, umbrella and table), was about twenty dollars and worth every cent. Or perhaps it was Euros? But still worth it for those comfy padded chairs and big umbrellas. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

We usually do not eat lunch (big breakfast). Can you just buy drinks? Can you buy appetizer ?

Yes and yes.

With so many beach fronts (Dutch/French side) that will forgo the chair rental if you eat at there location it burns me to pay for them!! I'm sorry but I'm the breakfast guy, but Fabila loves lunch and sexy cocktails (BIG$$ for those)and at the end of the day between cocktails and lunch we went for a heavy number!!! I'm not ashamed to ask!! Why not!!

I agree with colour1

Nothing to lose by asking but don't be disappointed if they charge you.....at least you know, and who's to say - maybe you'll get lucky! Just don't count on it......

And in the end you always have the option to leave and go elsewhere. But this spot is so heads and shoulders over Karachter and FBBC and with a flat beach and easily accessible and swimmable ocean, I honestly don't mind the chair fee. To each his own. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

We took our own chairs and umbrellas there 3 years ago and no one said anything....and also had lunch at a little tiki bar type place - can't remember the name. it is a cool beach and the drive there is something else!

We don't mind the chair fee either. FBBC was our favorite place before discovering Anse Marcel last trip. The service is top notch, the comfy chaise cushions and large umbrellas are high end, and the setting is beautiful. I would rate the food better here too. I am sure it cost them a pretty penny to build, operate and staff the facility (have you seen those bathrooms)and we understand the need to charge for chairs. Others may disagree. That is what is so wonderful about the island - lots of choices available.

I so agree with you. I used to really like FBBC, but this last June the smell was just awful. At Anse Marcel, I'm more than willing to pay for the chairs for the ambience, food, service, wonderful water, and yes, the restrooms. It's just a win-win all around.

Where can we find directions? We tried to find it once but we DID turn back convinced we were not headed the right direction.

Most of the establishments on Orient charge for chairs even if you dine in their restaurant, so I don't see where this is any different. We've not yet been to Anse Marcel in many years, but are definitely planning on going later this year!

We saw several people take their chairs and set up under the palm trees and there was no problem. It is a public beach.

Perhaps we will bump into you at Anse Marcel next trip.

I personally prefer it over Dreams (but for the drive....) - because the beach isn't on such a slant and the water is almost always very gentle and without both the waves and seaweed, along with the basic beach set-ups being equally comfy to those at Dreams.

I have a great respect for Bruno and all his endeavors, but we don't have the ties many seem to have and while we're not foodies as so many of the November group seems to be, anything we've had at A.M. was excellent.

If only it was a little closer, but purely due to basic geography, Dreams will probably still get most of our business and the Restaurant at Anse Marcel will be reserved for our special days. But that's just my perspective. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Maybe we'll plan a day there with all the gang, Pat, especially if this will be your last regular November trip!

A day with Pat and John? Absolutely!

Looking forward to spending a day there.
Cheers!

We agree that AM is a very special beach. Lovely, calm water, terrific service, and two of the best meals we had on island back in June. Well worth the price of the chairs in our opinion. YMMV.

Explained earlier in this thread.