Trip Report-April 10-17, 2016

Our recent vacation to SXM was just as fabulous as our 5 other vacations here! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> One of the things I like about returning to the same destination is being familiar with the area. We had no worries suggesting places to go to or things to see. We traveled with 2 other couples, it was one couples first time to the island.
We rented a van from Empress Car Rental. They picked us up promptly at the airport and after 10 minutes or so doing paperwork we were on our way to the Villas at Simpson Bay. We did consider renting 2 smaller vehicles, it would have been cheaper, but the van worked out great for us.
We enjoyed the Villas. We all had our own 1 bedroom units. They are spacious and had everything we needed.

Beaches:
Mullet is definately a beautiful beach and a favorite of ours! The water was so clear and calm and such a gorgeous shade of blue.

Orient is another favorite of ours. Just love to people watch. We stayed at Kontiki but ate lunch at Aloha. We felt the lunch prices were very high at Kontiki but do love their chairs, sitting areas and bathrooms. Aloha was a lot of fun! Great hamburgers and service. They do have an interesting way to give you your check! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> Nice rum shots too!

El Zafino was very quiet the day we went. Some seaweed in the water but after an hour or two it went away. It’s a very nice beach with a great bar area. Service is attentive and not intrusive at all. Lunch was enjoyable.

The beach at the Villas is also a beach we enjoyed. The only thing I would say about this beach is that the sand is not as soft as the other beaches I mentioned.

Restaurants;
Bon Appetite. My husband loved his pork filet but my chicken cordon blu was just a dry chicken croquet and not very good. The singer was really good and service was friendly.

Toppers by the Sea. This restaurant was not crowded at all the night we went. As a matter of fact no restaurant we went to was crowded. With a party of 6 we made reservations but clearly they weren’t necessary anywhere. Our server at Toppers was in training so some things got mixed up but we are a jovial group and hopefully didn’t traumatize the man to much! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> We were surprised our drinks came in plastic cups but our meals were on plates and very good.

Skipjacks is a restaurant we always seem to go to every trip. I like the atmosphere and the service is good.

Cugini was a new restaurant for us. I enjoyed this restaurant. Again, not that busy but certainly other tables were occupied and only 2 women serving everyone so in our opinion service was very slow. I had the lasagna and thought it was my best meal so far. I would recommend this place.

The Stone is a unique place. Our steaks were very fatty and since it continues cooking on the stone – be careful or your meal will be overcooked. The service was friendly but only 1 of our party really enjoyed their dinner.

Lee’s Roadside Grill is another go to restaurant but maybe not anymore for us. I like the location, atmosphere, music and the food but the attitude of the servers leave something to be desired. This is the second time I’ve been there, where, while taking my order the server was totally bored out of his mind! He was looking everywhere except at me. Everything was just a “yep” or “un hun” and forget it if you asked a question! Very disappointed and doubt that we’ll go back.

I’tuno (next door to Hollywood casino) was my favorite this trip! Place is attractive, good location and very friendly service! The only thing that left us scratching our heads was that our server said when we asked if we could have separate checks she didn’t think she could do it but would try. Huh?? Not sure if it was a paper issue or addition…we just didn’t know but in the end she did it! We loved our meals and dessert, tiramisu, was fabulous! A very enjoyable night! I definitely would recommend this restaurant!!

Weather was perfect except for one morning of rain. Always fun to go to Sunset Beach Bar to see some planes. That place is huge now. Did a sunset cruise on the Lambarda. So beautiful and relaxing! Traffic coming home from Orient Beach was HORRENDOUS! Enjoyed the casinos every night! All in all it was another awesome week in SXM! Can’t wait to go back! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />&#61514;