Our return trip was a good one even with 3 days of rain, a precursor to tropical storm Noel that that subsequently flooded the Dominican Republic. Many changes at Orient Beach hotels - highlights…

Hotels...

Club Orient – For those liking green space, it is the oasis of Orient Beach. The units have been recently painted; many with owner enhancements, but all will have microwave ovens in the near future. Papagayo has been expanded and improved with air circulation fans and better sound system. The manager’s breakfast was a nice compliment to the weekly wine and cheese party. Grocery almost fully stocked following problems with the primary supplier. Plans include providing low cost VolP service to all units with free internet connection. Beach narrow with 1 to 2 rows of lounges at Club Orient.

La Plantation – Significant renovations were underway with trimming of vegetation to open up sea views. 5 villas upgraded with new décor and furnishings; others to follow within the year. Pending installation of new phone system, WiFi will soon be available in the reception-pool area as will 2 high speed internet terminals in the lobby. The exercise room is currently closed. L’Hoste – Return of former manager has brought new life to hotel. The original 28 units have been nicely redecorated with some sea views from the 3rd level. The complementary breakfast features expanded offerings. If planning to visit before the holidays, contact us for new welcome back rates. Palm Court – The completely refurbished hotel has now added a new pool and deck. Continental breakfasts at the hotel will be available within the next few weeks at a reasonable cost. Palm Court has also added one of the 2-bedroom Menorca townhouses with full hotel services and is also the 4-bedroom villa Coccinelle. Green Cay Village – With 14 of the 16 villas now in private ownership, some owners have added new enhancements. Administratively, the village will continue to operate as a single complex for the foreseeable future. Rates for 2008 have been maintained, but with breakfasts at additional cost. Cap-Caraibes – The 3rd level suites have new furnishings and trimming of vegetation has improved the water views from those units. The Caribbean Princess continues to offer one of the best sea views from the 2nd level. Alamanda – Exterior freshly painted; new plantings and trimming have again opened up the sea views from some units. Esmeralda - Fine condition with beautiful landscaping.

Villas & Townhouses – In December, the Cap-Caraibes real estate agency will be under new ownership; no change in rental operations is anticipated. A 5th bedroom has been added to villa Belle Mer; the new owners have also completed additional upgrading. Villa Eden View in the French cul-de-sac area is the newest addition for those seeking deluxe features.

Restaurants…

Papagayo - We had several excellent meals along with entertainment too loud for conversation. Suggestion made to manager that guest survey include dining music and volume preferences. Our best dinner for the price was at Cote Plage, now under new ownership by the management of Hotel L’Hoste. Coco Beach is a pleasant and normally quiet location for lunch that we enjoyed. While we did not dine there on this trip, the L’Astrolabe at the Esmeralda has received exceptional fine reviews. Considering the currency exchange, we did a lot of eating in from groceries at Grand Marche at Cole Bay along with chocolate croissants at Club Orient.

Island Observations…

Roads – Re-pavement in Marigot required detour. For those going to Orient Beach, it’s a toss up whether to go via Marigot or Philipsburg. As for first section of road going to Club Orient and le Galion, after more than 50 trips in past 20 years, I can only say that it exceeded expectations for potholes. It’s still passable for astute drivers with 2-wheel drives and tracked military vehicles. The recent heavy rain no doubt contributed to the current situation.

Orient Beach Construction – The low open area between Club Orient and Kontiki located behind Bay Watch is being filled; our understanding is that this will be the site of a new hotel.

Euro – The decline in dollar is a serious problem for not only hotels, but restaurants and everyone else. Two hotels at Orient Beach are now pegging the dollar to the euro, although significantly less than bank rate. As we expect dollar costs to increase, book early to lock in current hotel rates. For Francophiles, please continue to support the French side – they need you.

Nudity – Walking Orient Beach in the all-together is ok before 8 a.m. No nudity seen at Coco Beach. Other than Club Orient, at least 2 hotels have formally objected to the anti-nudity enforcement beyond Club Orient. It is possible that economics may win over the political issue.

Butterflies - The abundance of rain has brought about a storm of these critters. Most prominent are native subspecies the yellow Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae) and the Great Southern White (Ascia monuste).

... Jim