We headed out relatively early this morning for the beach and restaurant at Anse Marcel, utilizing the causeway for a change of pace. It took us about forty-five minutes to get there, mostly because we kept taking the wrong turns every so often, but we got there and that was the main event. Well, actually, the road up and then down to the beach was the main event and our fairly new Nissan protested vociferously but we made it in and out.

I was quite surprised to see the increased number of chairs along the beach and how much closer they'd gotten along with all the new dining alcoves (new to me anyway, but perhaps I just didn't notice them in past visits....). After taking our lunch reservation and our drink order, we were shown to a nice front row location where the four of us could enjoy the view. Lots of gorgeous cats lying at anchor so I'm guessing everyone knows about this spot these days. And isn't there something completely decadent about a glass of cold wine in the hot sun while reclining on your beach lounger at eleven a.m.

At twelve thirty our waiter came to escort us to our table in one of those lovely alcoves. We didn't get too crazy over lunch selections though it would have been easy to do so - salad Nicoise w/seared tuna, and burgers, all of which were consumed eagerly. So very good.......

Back to our loungers for a few more hours of warm sun and periodic swims till we decided to call it a day around four. I was afraid we were going to hit all kinds of traffic but it was basically clear sailing all the way back to the Towers. We took the Galisbay route through the heart of the Marigot marketplace this time and it still took us about forty-five minutes coming through Sandy Ground.

Cocktails with our friends - I'd never had a banana colada before and it was lovely. Too full still from lunch and drinks so we decided to forego dinner and will probably call it an early night, too. Right after my DH has a big dish of Etna Rhum Raisin ice cream, that is. Rain squalls have been blowing through our area much of the evening so probably just as well we didn't head out anywhere tonight.

The breezes have been increasing with each day that passes so I'm guessing this might be the beginning of the Christmas winds I've so often heard about but never really experienced before. One good thing, though, is that all these rain squalls are creating one very green and beautiful island for those soon to come.

And before I forget, someone asked a while back if coolers were permitted at Anse Marcel Beach. There is a sign at the entrance to the beach restaurant very clearly stating coolers are NOT permitted, which makes sense considering the commitment they've made to this beach area and restaurant.

Thanks, such a lovely report! Enjoy your stay!

Glad to hear you had an enjoyable day at Anse Marcel. The views there are lovely especially from the very top of the hill both ways. One week is gone already! Time sure does fly when having fun!

As you know, my favorite place on the island. So glad you had another lovely time.

Thanks pat. Hope the rest of your stay goes well and looking forward to hearing about it.

Sounds wonderful.<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Umbrella.gif" alt="" />
We had a new car this past trip and we couldn't get it going on the flat road!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> All the bells and whistles, but no get up and go. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Umbrella.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

That week sure went fast. Can you slow down time so we can enjoy more of your musings?

OMGoodness - I only wish we could. I can't believe it's been a week already but it's been all good to this point and I hope next week follows suit. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the report! Another lovely day!

Hi Pat,

We almost bumped into you @ Anse Marcel but business & a car delivery
kept us away.

Our daughter & friends will actually be staying @ the Anse Marcel Beach Resort early next year. There will be big time partying! Not really.

Bob knows the manager & her family, going for lunch since the restaurant opened, loved when they built the parking lot. Or fun arriving by boat too.

See you soon.
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Your week has gone fast for me so I'm sure it has gone faster for you. I can't wait to visit Anse Marcel. How bad is the road in? Is it like the steep road to Dawn Beach? I had to close my eyes for that one, no I wasn't driving. Enjoy week 2 and thank you for taking us along with you.

I thought that all beaches on both sides are public. So how can coolers be prohibited on those public beaches. In the restaurant I can understand but not on public spaces. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I honestly do NOT know how they can get away with it, but I guess it's the same deal as one or two places on Orient that do the same thing. All I can say is the sign says very specifically - no coolers. To me, much as it irritates me a bit since they are charging for the chair rentals, I guess they feel if you're using their parking area, their restaurant and their restrooms then they have the right to lay down their own rules? Personally speaking, it's a pretty classy beach operation and I would NOT feel comfortable bringing a cooler there, but that's me and I respect that others might feel differently.<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

The road up and down (in and out) is very steep and winding but it is also quite passable if you aren't feint of heart. We had four adults - sadly, some larger than others - in our trusty Nissan and although she protested at the passage a few times, she acquiesced both ways. I'd say it's comparable to the road at Dawn or Cake House Hill but with more curves and bends in it.

And you're correct - the first week flew and I'm glad you've seen fit to join us. Good things are even better when shared with friends! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />