I've visited this board so many times and gotten so much helpful information that I need to post a trip report (even though it is a little late) so I can be a participant, not just a voyeur!![Linked Image]<br><br>We were in St. Martin during the last week of Feb. and the first week in March. We have a timeshare at the Sapphire Beach Club and this was our 5th trip to paradise!! We intended to go to a TTOL party while we were there but, alas, sand gravity took over.<br><br>We flew USAir from Central PA into CLT, then to SXM--no problems. The return flight was late leaving SXM, sat on the runway in CLT, then sat at the gate is CLT. Consequently, we ended up spending the night in CLT (wish is would've been in SXM!)<br><br>It's easier for me if I organize my thoughts around what we did:<br><br>[color:blue]Beaches</font color=blue><br>We were so glad the beach was back at Cupecoy. We really like it there. The surf was pretty rough though.<br><br>It seems like our favorite beach is Friar's Bay--quiet, laid back, gentle beach. We went there several times.<br><br>We also went to Baie Rouge several times. A little livlier than Friar's bay, but still quiet. The vendors are a nice diversion, too.<br><br>We spent a day at Orient Bay (a day when there were no cruise ships in port!) We always have a good time there.<br><br>We also spent a day on the beach at Grand Case and really enjoyed that too. It's just about impossible to find a bad beach though! We also went to the beach at Mullet Bay. We really enjoyed the water there, but the beach itself seemed to have a lot more trash on it than the other beaches we frequented.<br><br> [color:blue]Restaraunts</font color=blue><br>As is our tradition, went to Bar de la Mer when we arrived on Saturday. Unfortunately, we were really disappointed. They no longer have pizzas and it wasn't as lively as in the past. Our new favorite pizza place is Le Belle Epoque.<br><br>Had dinner at Le Cigale in Nettle Bay. What a wonderful setting. Great food and warm hospitality.<br><br>Hot Tomatoes was great for an easy dinner, as was Lee's and Lobster night at Turtle Pier.<br><br>We also had a nice dinner at Bliss (in the Caravanserie compound). Their roast chicken and mashed potates is better than Mom's!<br><br>We had great fun at Uncle Harry's. The lobster was great and the people were extremely friendly (staff and diners!).<br><br>We went to Poulet d'Orleans. We loved Christian's curiosity! He wanted to know all about our digital camera! Other diners there had seen the restaraunt on FoodTV. The ribs were really good!<br><br>We ate at Pizza Pasta one night and it was OK, but we enjoyed it more last year.<br><br>We also went back to Piccolo's. We love to order a bunch of little plates and share. It's such good food.<br><br>Our last night we went to Le Tastevin. The food was marvelous and the oceanfront setting/table was even better.<br><br>Usually we take our own lunch to the beach, but we did have lunch at Buccaneer Beach Bar once. I'm still dreaming of the grilled tuna sandwich I had.<br><br>We had a Sunday lunch at Loterie Farms. Thank you all for mentioning it on this board. We LOVED IT! We'll definitely go back there. Such wonderful food and reasonably priced.<br><br>We went to St. Germaine for crepes the morning we left. Needed to savor that French cuisine one last time...<br><br>[color:blue]Activities</font color=blue><br>We did a sunset cruise on the Celine. It's become a tradition. We love the quiet sail around the lagoon and watching for the "green flash". Has anyone ever seen it??!!<br><br>We did a hike on our own at Loterie Farms -- not too difficult and we were rewarded with some wonderful vistas!<br><br>On Saturday, we did the Marigot Market and climbed around Fort Louis. No matter how many times I Look out from that Fort, I'm always awestruck by the view!<br><br>We did an all day sail/snorkel trip on the Random Wind (thanks again for suggestions on this board). It was a wonderful day. Martin was prepping for the Regatta, and Leah (I think that was her name) captained the boat. She's from the Netherlands and a very warm, interesing person. She even shared the recipe for the mango chutney that was served with lunch! We really enjoyed the low key atmosphere. It was a great day.<br><br>[color:blue]Shopping</font color=blue><br>We didn't do a lot of shopping, but...I knew we would be making a large jewelry purchase, so I did my homework (as recommended by TTOLers) and went to Philipsburg on a day without cruise ships and did some business with Jay at Shivas. He was very good to deal with and obviously strives for repeat business and is concerned about the reputation and clientele he has built over the years. In fact, we returned later into our stay and made another (smaller) purchase!!<br><br>We also went to Rima's (across from the Salt Pond in Philipsburg) and found it be a great place for visors, coverups, magnets and other stuff!!<br><br>We rented our car from Kenny's. We had some problem with the trunk locking and staying closed, but we got quick response every time we called Leslie.<br><br>In case you can't tell, we had a great time! (But then we always do!!) Each year, those two weeks in St. Martin help us get through the winter -- particularly this snowy winter!! Actually it's snowing today, but writing this trip report has me thinking warm sunny thoughts!![Linked Image]<br><br>Thanks again to everyone who participates on the Board and makes it such a wonderful resource for all of us who love St. Martin[Linked Image]