Trip report. 2/1 through 2/10

Arrival was matched by two other US flights and the dreaded KLM. Despite the worst case scenario they managed to get us processed and I like the fact that they dropped the form stuff and basically rush you through. Parking lot situation a bit of a challenge as I went for rental car leaving wife to deal with luggage and returned to a new and confusing situation. With the help of a George Washington we were able to get out of the lot I entered which required a ticket which required cash prepaid. Thank god the people behind me were patient as I bottled up the line for a few minutes.

Off to Cupacoy which handled Irma as well as any other spot. The Shores was a perfect fit for our needs and the restaurants were great for daily breakfast and one great meal at Mario’s. Also got to meet Rick who owns Fat Tony’s. A great source of info on the days following Irma. The Dutch side rolled up their sleeves and got the job done. What a nightmare as imagined but the real description was amazing to hear. Rick cooked for over 100 a day while they (Dutch government people) helped the locals get back to livable conditions. Ocean Beach Club completely gone but the other places not so bad for just 18 months post Irma.

Karacter. Did the place really get hit? Same service (great) Same menu. Same awesome view. Several days here. No regrets.

Anse Marcel and I mean the beach club . Ditto Karacter description except you could see new structures. The rest of the area not so much but what a great three visits. Ate and drank too much in appreciation
We timed our Orient Beach trip to least in port cruise ship day. This was the disappointment day. Bikini Beach went the way of Applebee’s as food goes and service stunk. Pre formed calamari resembling an onion ring and I can’t even remember the other items. Disappointment maximum. Price ridiculous. No return to Orient this trip.

Drove through Grand Case on the way back and decided we would not be traversing the island for any evenings. I hope they fix this mess as we love the area and the offerings that used to be.
Maho. It has some life and is clawing back. Just like Grand Case I hope a full recovery ensues.

Simpson Bay. Wow. We had a decent to good experience at Skip Jacks and our old standby Toppers but the young crowd that attends the area is amazing. As is the case often with us, we love to stay out the same late hours but 55 year olds can’t comfortably be around those in their 20s. The crowd changes big time at about 10 and the area around Toppers was Mardi Gras like. Impressive but a bit intimidating. I speak of Friday and Saturday nights only for the crazy crowd.

The gem of the trip was our return to Baie Rouge. It was a 5 minute drive and perfect. $20 for chairs and umbrella and very few people. The sand was plentiful and it was heaven. I hope Gus can survive on what little customers are there and I do not understand the problem with those that don’t want him there but the place restored our 100% commitment to not go to other islands. SXM is home away from home. Not having a sign has to make it tough for Gus. We have been there many times in the past and I had trouble finding the entrance.

Sunset Bar and Grill. What an upgrade having such a large area and a pool. A bit pricey but well worth it for the experience.

Our departure was fine despite the conditions that are present.

Now the wait until next time. The sand moves so slow through the hour glass when you just got home and are looking forward to the return trip.

Enjoyed your trip report. If I understand you correctly it's okay nightlife up to 10 pm then the "kiddies" move in?

I have yet been able to find my way into Baie Rouge---directions would be helpful. Know the island and the area of the lowlands but can't find a turn into Baie Rouge.

I can help with Baie Rouge

Suggest you pull up SXM on google maps and follow along. It's easiest to explain as if coming from Marigot. At some point, the lowland road takes a hard left - this happens maybe a km from the old Dreams location. If you don't stay on the road for the hard left, there is a little path in front of you. You've just arrived at Baie Rouge, a little bit in and you can find parking. Coming from Cupeoy, it's about halfway to Marigot - and you make a hard right and the entrance road is on your left - easy to miss if coming from Cupecoy. If you see the ocean on your left, turn around and find the hard left!

To the original poster - Skipjacks, did you see them selling fresh fish like before Irma?

J&B

Start up the hill on French Side towards Marigot. Go bye Le Teresse Villas keep going till road bears right to Marigot. At that right there is a trash dumpster i thing yellow rather large. Pull in on left then your there. Park car and go down steps to best beach you will love it.

The Simpson area transitions is from 8 to 10 and by 10:30 the place next to Marty's and Toppers is kids. Crazy Red Bulled up kids. We were at the sushi place across ... Bamboo? and that too has a bar attached and it was pretty crazy. And excuse me if this is off base but some of the girls were working and that was confirmed and obvious. It is kind of like repeat SXM people in the 45 - 65 range and then younger kids. Not much in the middle. Lots of strong marijuana smells as well in these spots and many many others. That is fairly new as well in the degree of usage.

Skip Jack question. My wife and I ate at the bar the first time and the fresh fish was visible on your left just like in the past. The carpaccio was excellent and the Mahi Mahi above average. Still great to be back and see the same folks at the bar and table waiting. The second time she had stomach issues so I was alone and decided on a lobster. The waitress went over with me and took the one out I pointed out for my own dining pleasure. 4 pounds was smallest there and it was not that great and too much. Every 5 years I convince myself it will be good and it is not like Maine lobster which I should have waited for in terminal C at Newark!

The Baie Rouge entrance is so not obvious. I almost could not find it the second time and I pride myself on directions. When coming from Cupecoy I just remembered when you make a sharp right and it goes to a slight decline then a very straight road, you just missed it. Signs indicated it is not safe to park there and park at your own risk.

Kind of got the Willys knowing someone possibly near us at Karacker yesterday met with misfortune after we left. We recommended the Sunday afternoon/evening party to the crew members of the beautiful mega yacht we met at Baie Rouge just Saturday. It is the blue one across from Simpson Bay Yacht Club.

On google maps it shows Chez Raymond and I know that is no longer there. Is Gus's place close to that? Use same parking area?

Yup those two places were side by side.

Thanks for the reports.

Thank you.

Thank You! Wanted to try a new beach on our next visit.

thanks for the report. I need to get to Anse Marcel Beach Club one of these days!