Spent sixteen wonderful days at Club Orient, our third stay on SXM and at Club O. Flight to and from was on AA; no problems either way. Immigration/Customs in SJU took about 1.5 hours - so much for our 2 hour layover.
The stay at Club O was terrific. The beach is beautiful, and the accommodations (a studio) were perfect.
We spent most of the 16 days at the beach. Our primary objective - rest and relaxation - definitely achieved!
We did rent a car, right at Club O, for 2 days. The first day we went to Philipsburg and bought a pair of earrings from Deepti at DK Jewelers. As others have said before, you can't find better service or a nicer person to deal with. We had lunch at Kangaroo Court (behind the courthouse) and would definitely eat there again.
The second day we devoted to Marigot. We always go to the market at the marina. I thought that there was more variety this year. There were several watercolorists and artisans working in local gems, minerals, and woods, in addition to the usual pareos and souvenirs.
I'd have to say that the find of this trip would not have occurred without an unexpected change in my husband's personality. He hates shopping! And this was the second day he was doing it, and on his vacation! But after we were done at the marina, he suggested that we take a look at le West Indies shopping mall. Since he had never suggested going to shopping before, I had to agree!
In addition to the high end shops, there is a restaurant on the second floor. Now here's the find: take the elevator to the second floor to get out on the balcony. (You don't have to enter the restaurant.) You can take photographs from there either of Marigot harbor and city or use them as a background.
That day we had a nice lunch at the Sunset Beach Bar.
We always go to Grand Case for dinner at least once. This year we celebrated my birthday at L'Escapade, and later in our stay had dinner at Le Tastevin. Both have waterfront dining rooms and great food, but this year I'd have to say I enjoyed the food and atmosphere at Le Tastevin more.
Had lunch twice within walking distance of Club O. Saw Cheryl at Baywatch - great food and reasonably priced. At KonTiki I had crudites and dip (US$12) -nothing else appealed - and my husband had salmon (US$25), plus a 20% conversion to the Euro. But we were hot and the setting was very pretty, so we didn't look any further!
As for our other meals, we made breakfast and most lunches at the studio. We ate most of our dinners at Papagayo's, Club O's restaurant. The food was consistently good, the staff nice, and the dress code very forgiving!
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Shocked.gif" alt="" />
.
