My wife and I just returned from our 4th visit to the island and due to all the info we have accumulated from this forum, I feel compelled to attempt my first trip report. Flew USAir from Norfolk Va through Philly with an on time arrival. Luggage and immigration no problem and we were met by a representative from Lucky’s. Complete paper work in parking lot and we are on our way to the Pasanggrahan for the first leg of our trip. Check in was quick and we are room #26 in no time. Room and view both outstanding. Unpack and make our way over to the Greenhouse for the first of many Happy Hours. Dinner at Chesterfields (very good) and we call it an early evening due to the early start from Norfolk.
Day 2- Spent walking boardwalk and shopping on Front and Back Streets with lunch at Taloula Mango’s and dinner at Fusion (fantastic best dinner of the trip).
Day 3- Spent on beach in front of the Pasanggrahan with lunch at Oualich and the dinner show at L’Escargot (food ok, show ok, but we had a blast?)
Staff at the Pasanggrahan was terrific especially Janet the bartender at the beach bar. Great location and 3 days was perfect for enjoying Philipsburg and starting our trip.
Day 4- Breakfast at the Pasanggrahan then off to the Pelican for the remainder of our trip.
Check in at the Pelican Marina Residence was quick and by 12:00 we were in our studio # 208b. As stated by many the new building is beautiful and we were very pleased with our accommodations and the view. Unpack and off to Topper On the Beach for lunch(good) and spent the rest of our afternoon familiarizing ourselves with the resort. Dinner at the new Italian restaurant Ciao was good and another early evening with some wine on our balcony.
Day 5- Beach day at the Pelican and had lunch at the beach bar and grill(great burger).Clean up and head to Happy Hour on the Lady C, enjoyed the atmosphere and then had dinner at Skipjacks. Second year in a row that the food was good but the service was lacking. With so many good options available I am not sure we will return.
Day 6 –Pool day at the Pelican. Had lunch in our room with provisions from the Peli Deli and met Tony the bartender at the swim up bar, great guy and great drinks. Dinner at Pineapple Pete’s lobster thermidor for me and grouper for my wife, excellent as always. This has become one of our favorites on the island. Late night entertainment at the Red Piano and the casino.
Day 7 –Off to Zee Best for breakfast and on to Marigot for the day. My wife enjoyed browsing through the market and the shops. Back to the Pelican for a dip in the pool bar, I mean pool and then to dinner at Valentino’s (good). More Red Piano before calling it a day.
Day 8 –Off to Orient Beach. Secured a couple of chairs and an umbrella in front of Baywatch. Unlike last year when the wind was howling the weather was beautiful. Being originally from New Jersey we were looking forward to enjoying lunch at Baywatch. It did not disappoint. I was planning to try Andy’s mussels but Andy Recommended the special, Drunken Clams. The wife and I decided to split the clams and a chicken parm sandwich, outstanding. Andy and Cheryl are great hosts and we had an enjoyable day. Back to the Pelican to clean up and off to Lee’s for ribs(average). Another evening on the balcony watching the stars and I begin to realize its almost over!
Day 9- Breakfast at the pastry store at the Pelican then off to Karacters for the beach and lunch. The wind chased after an hour so we decided on the Peg Leg Pub for lunch(great sandwiches) and back to the Pelican’s beach. Head to Maho and Bamboo Bernies for sushi and Sopranos for entertainment. We enjoyed both places.
Day 10- Breakfast in room with more pastries. Morning was Pelican Beach afternoon Pelican pool. Started the process of packing and then went to dinner at Ciao again( not as good as first time?) Last trip to Red Piano and last glass of wine on the balcony.
Day 11- Time to go home. Check in easy security a nightmare (long line). USAir did their job and home in Virginia Beach by 11:00pm
Observations- Many we talked to said that tourist traffic and spending was down about 30% despite this traffic was bad. We never had any safety issues and never felt uncomfortable anywhere we went on the island. We planned to do some island hopping, dinner in Grand Case, and exploring more beaches but we ran out of time?? I guess the ability to walk to so many good places from the Pelican helped contribute to our sand gravity. I hope this report provides some insight to anyone who had the patience read through it and I would be happy to answer any questions if I can.

Walt