Posted By: JimandBeth
We are here! - 02/23/2021 01:40 PM
Well we made it. PCR tests on Tues with results back on Thursday. We had the St. Maarten approvals back very quickly. Flew on AA from Albany NY to Charlotte on Sat evening but not before having to taxi back to the gate to remove 2 very drunk people from the plane. Why the airline ever let them board was beyond us. We were overnighting in CLT so the delay didn’t effect us but several folks on the plane missed their connections. It was eerie to see CLT so empty. Gate agents checked SXM approval letters and negative test results and after a delay to switch aircraft 40 people headed to SXM. We have never passed through the SXM airport so quickly even with the added step of checking approval letters and test results. Our taxi driver told us that it has been very hard on the residents but in a typical SXM way she was optimistic that it would approve. Hubby paid$30 for a $15 cab ride. It is our intention to tip generously as it is clear these folks have to be suffering from the lack of tourist trade. Check in at Simpson Bay Resort and Marina was quick after a temperature check and sanitizer. Resort looks great and we are guessing at about 30% occupancy. No fist fights over available palapas! Flamingo looks great with beautiful plantings. It appears that several units are occupied. We ate at Isola the first night where the service was slow and confused but the food was wonderful - tuna tartare, beef carpaccio and a Margarita pizza. Last night we enjoyed the lobster special at La Patrona. Everyone is so happy to see you. We have felt very safe regarding all the sensible Covid protocols. Employees at the resort and in restaurants are taking the mask mandates very seriously. Snowing at home and darn cold so we are grateful to be here.