A couple questions for those on the island now or recently

What can you tell me about Sargassum on Orient? Anyone been to Les Mardis De Grand Case this year and was it worth it? Is their live music regularly in Orient Village at any of the restaurants?

Was at Orient a few weeks ago - no Sargassum in the water or on the beach the day we were there, but have seen photos showing a small amount on the beach a few days ago - though most of the places that rent chairs rake it away in the morning. The Les Mardis de Grand Case is free to go - so in a way it is worth it. We didn't stay for the band, but there are numerous vendors lining the streets, some with food, some jewelry , and art items, and had a pretty good crowd the night we were there. If you want to eat at a restaurant, you would want to make reservations ahead of time.

Thanks very much. On the fence about going due to limited number of days and wanting to make the most of them all.

As someone who has done multiple 5-day (2 travel, 3 on-island, prefer 2+weeks) trips, you can guess where I fall in regards to a limited number of days. Just go.