St Maarten trip notes and attached pictures (below)
Jan 18 to Jan 25


Sat....American flight from Philly, smooth, hard landing, Check in at Simpson Bay Resort (Villas) two bedroom unit, very nice, after checkin went to Toppers for drinks, same good time as in past. Topper had significant personal losses but his bar looked the same as pre- IRMA

Sun...shopping, Carefore (cole bay), walked along beach to Mary boons, beers at yacht club, dinner at Lees, Lees ok but don’t like the new location, watch end of KC football game.

Mon, Philipsburg, , pool, lunch at jimbo’s - very nice and good food, walked by Royal Palm - lot of activity about 75 plus workers, still a lot of work needs to be done, don’t think it will be ready in early 2021.

Tues, orient beach,,few pot holes, looked about same as pre IRMA, beach has some minor erosion, very good weather, Le String, small bars almost ready but waiting for water, the collective very slow in issuing permits, dinner at Rancho del sol.. good and nice view.

Wed. Hang out at hotel pool, dinner at le Petrona.... very good meal, excellent service

Thursday back to orient beach, rain, pizza at rancho del sol ok but undercooked, toppers dinner and show- we had lobster and prime rib, both excellent- good value

Friday, visited Marigot the small marina still has extensive damage, less than half business have re-opened, this was depressing as we have stayed in Marigot on some of our early trips (over 20 years ago) went to Loonies bar/ restaurant on Cole bay for lunch, nice place good food, highly recommend. Dinner at Izi, excellent meal and service, prices reasonable.

Back home on Saturday, had lunch at sunset prior to flight - up and running - beach was packed, airport experience was slow but manageable, good flight back tp Philly

Overall, had a good time, the island has made progress but still has a way to go especially the French side. It appears tourism has taken a hit but most businesses we talked to said things were slowly coming back.