Just a few observations...we were there 10 days and will try to keep this brief. It was a very low impact vacation and many things we planned on got cancelled due to my husband getting a nasty head cold the day after he arrived. He is fine now but being sick in paradise wasn't much fun.

Weather: It was very windy and there were a couple of days that were VERY rainy. Haven't seen it rain like that there at this time of year in a long time. Still found plenty of beach time.

Food: The Good Toppers by the Sea Nice setting and good food.Tutta Pastaalways a good standby for basic pasta with a large variety to choose from.Boathouse...still best grouper in my humble opinion, Think the ribs at Bucaneer BB were better than Lidos this year. Pizza Galley great pies as usual. The SO SO experiences this year...surprised but ate at Pineapple Petesand have always been a fan, but this year we ate there twice and it was so so. Veggies tasted like frozen out of the bag just thawed with no flavor and fish was mushy like it was frozen and reheated. Skip Jackswas decent.

Shopping:As always Majestydid right by us and P'burg looked good. We didn't spend much time in Marigot and to be honest it looked a bit rough this year. Groceries at Le Grand Marche next to Port de Plaisance was our favorite stop for stuff at the condo.

Island:Think they have done a great job of getting things back in order after Omar but it didn't seem as clean as last year. More trash and stuff on the sides of the road. Last year there seemed to be banners everywhere talking about independence, SXM pride, etc and things were neat and tidy...not so much this year IMHO.
Traffic:Really bad from airport to SB especially around 4-6 pm. Resort was busy one week and then slow the next and heard that it has been that way all over the island all season.
Safety: Never felt unsafe and was cautious but felt fine the whole time. Was just smart and careful.
Car Rental:AAA and AlainAs usual good scraped up (by request)car and no problems.
Bars:BBB a favorite, Lady C,Guys Boat Bar were the most popular stops for us. Never got to Karakters as parking was a nightmare when we tried one day. Sunset ok but staff and attitude has changed so much...prices are so much better elsewhere.

Well that is it for now. Tried to keep it short...ha! As you can see no fancy meals, or exciting day trips this year other than the sunset cruise which is always a great time we were extremely casual and low key. Just my observations and I am sure some will disagree with my assesments. Sorry to leave and miss it already. Have to wait until next year...it went way too fast! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />