Anniversary Apr SXM trip recommendations

We are celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary in SXM the week of April 22 staying at our usual La Vista, but of course renting a car from Lesley. I typically don't worry too much about reservations given the time of year/season but given the special occasion trying to lock in a few things. Curious for any suggestions you may have to make this trip extra special or feedback on the below. We have already added a few days in Anguilla beforehand so hopefully we arrive to SXM extra relaxed :-) Thank you to everyone on this board for all the excellent information as always!

Beach club days: Anse Marcel, Orient/Coco Beach, Mullet/Kalatua, Karakters, Pinel
We missed Anse Marcel last visit because we ended up not realizing they were closed the day we headed over - are reservations advisable for beach and/or lunch and does anyone know their schedule?
We haven't spent much time historically in Orient so thought we'd check out Coco Beach - do we need reservations there? I saw a post they are closed Mondays (website says they are open) - does that sound right? Silly question - what is the best way to park at Orient, is there a different way to go to go to Coco?
Lastly, wanted to check out the new place at Mullet Kalatua - how have experiences been there?

Activities: Planes @ Maho, jetskiing, cheese tasting
We've never actually watched the planes land at Maho - want to dabble in the experience without sand in the face - thinking of going to Tortuga - is this a lunchtime/early afternoon activity?
Rhino Safari's snorkeling tour to Creole Rock sounded like fun - we usually bring our own gear and just look around at whatever beaches we are at - thought this might be a fun way to see SXM from the water, I am thinking it is relatively easy and we get to see a new snorkel spot
My husband and I are foodies, he loves French cheese - heard from you all about Le Comptoir des Fromages in Marigot - thing is my husband doesn't drink so curious how much time is spent on the wine pairing - he is ok to skip but if a focus we'd prob just buy some to have on beach with a baguette instead

Food: We are also excited to eat all the French food - for dinners - La Cigale, want to try L'Atelier/Ocean82 for first time, Le Cool Heure sounds fun for lunch - need to pair it with a Friar's/Happy Bay day though, Jai's, Bamboo House, Nola are all new to us, never been to Mario's Bistro and I am a sucker for a beautiful view, but tend not to think of SXM for Italian... the hubby love Jax's (got the tomahawk there once - he still talks about it). Lee's used to be our first stop on arrival but it wasn't as great in the new location - not sure what would fill this need though?

Lastly, we are early risers - thinking we could do some light walking/exercise in AM then have breakfast - any good routes/breakfast spots? Our typical spots are La Sucriere, Reveil Matin - sounded like Vesna Taverna should be in the mix; never been to Top Carrot actually - wondering if that is a good fresh juice/smoothie spot

For sure make reservations for Anse Marcel for lunch and Pinel for seating up front.

Thanks SXMScubaman I have actually never made reservations historically at either but will definitely send some emails this time - thanks!

Pinel has a whatsapp number and so does Anse Marcel. You can also message them on Facebook too.

Carialle--we do NOT make reservations on island, except in very rare occasions. We generally travel off season also, so that does make some difference. We always make an exception for Anse Marcel Beach Club and do make reservations there. I find eating in one of their gazebos on the beach to be a decadent experience that is definitely worth making a reservation for. It depends on the season, but even with a reservation, they often limit the gazebos to parties of 4 or more, but they have allowed just the two of us, when we said ti was an anniversary celebration (which it was). I would probably make a reservation for Ocean 82 also, to ensure that you get a waterfront table. The view from a waterfront table there is stellar, as is the food.

With regard to reservations on Orient, no. Never made a reservation there yet anywhere. I don't honestly remember where Coco is in particular now, as they seem to have done musical chairs and moved around where they all are. Are you talking about lunch or dinner? A couple of the restaurants there are open for dinner, but not many. For those you might need a reservation.

As far as Kalatua, not sure many people here have tried it out, as I don't remember many people commenting on it, other than the parking situation. When they got permits to build there, they said they were going to build parking, but they did not. Many people at the beginning were parking on the sides of the road there, which makes for a dangerous situation. Not sure what's going on with that. Ultimately, I personally have zero desire to go there, because there beach loungers are laying literally ON the sand, which would make it difficult for me to get up out of.

As far as Mario's, it is not really Italian. I would describe it more as a 'continental' cuisine. Since they moved to the Cliff, the consensus seems to be that the prices have gone way up, and the experience is not necessarily worth it. You definitely need a reservation at Mario's because the venue is MUCH smaller there than when they were in Puerto Cupecoy.

Hopefully someone else can chime in on your other questions.

I always text Orange Fever on Orient to reserve front row loungers. Otherwise tough to get if coming in later in morning.

I have not made reservations for Coco Beach in June, but it couldn't hurt. It's a lovely experience comparable to Anse Marcel, except AM's beach is better. You get a towel and bottle of water with your chair/umbrella at Coco, which is a nice touch. I don't recall the cost. You get there by turning left just before the Esmeralda left turn (I think). It has its own parking lot right by its entry sign. A great experience.

I have not been to Kalatua yet but will be going during my June trip. I would make a reservation there. You park in the casino parking lot across the street and they shuttle you to Kalatua. If you make a reservation, I assume they would know to expect you and have the shuttle waiting. If not, however, call What's App 721-522-1231; that's the number for Claude Kalatua.

And it wouldn't hurt to check Facebook pages for both the above for possible dates they are closed and then confirm via calling or FB message.

We have not returned to Le Cigale as they tried to get additional money by "mentioning" tip is not included.
Can't remember if it was on the bill or verbal, but left a bad memory.
Food was good but maybe a bit overpriced and I have no limit on food spending

Close to Orient, I would recommend Les Galets opposite the main entrance to Orient.
Much like Astrolab situated around a pool with a cheese trolley of over 20 selections
Prix fix menu changes weekly, knowledgeable service, elevated food.

Yes Mario's is pricey but portions are big enough for leftovers for another meal
We have always enjoyed his food going back to Sandy Ground

Agree the tomahawk at Jax's is one of the best we have ordered anywhere

L'Atelier is still on our list but always closed for vacation during our visit

Thank you Carol for all the info. Made a reservation for dinner at Ocean 82 - very easy/quick response via the website.

Thanks for all the tips of reservations all - I am not sure where to get WhatsApp numbers in case you folks know for Anse Marcel or Pinel?

Thanks for the info on Orient - hard to believe we’ve only been there 2x in all our trips. For Coco I’m thinking lunch (beach day/lunch) - want to try L’Atelier so might go crazy and pair with that for dinner.

Thank you Jazzgal for all the info - super helpful!

Mahokid - thanks for the suggestions in Orient and that tomahawk from Jax’s definitely lives on in infamy 😄

Anse Marcel is +590 690 26-3850
Yellow beach at Pinel is +590 690 33-8833

We always make a reservation for a beach day and lunch at Coco. It may not be necessary, but I feel like they appreciate it.