We have been traveling to SXM for about 30 years, two trips per year in April and October. Due to weather, COVID, and health issues for both of us, we have not been back since 2019. We own at Sapphire (audible groans heard). Although it has had its issues, we are generally OK with it. Following a six-month stint in two immobilizer boots, my wife needed a vacation, and I agreed. I contacted Janine at Sapphire about using two of our banked weeks, and she took care of everything very efficiently.
We flew down Saturday on JetBlue, non-stop from Boston. The flight was uneventful, even though it was very full. We opted for extra space seats which gave us earlier boarding. We were pleasantly surprised to have the row to ourselves. The fun began after we landed and saw four other aircraft had landed ahead of us and were in various stages of deplaning. No jetway, but the new airstair ramps are an improvement, not stairs, but a wraparound ramp that allows you to roll your carryon. Probably not anything new, but new to us. We were then herded onto the buses and driven to the reception area. It was bedlam to say the least. It appeared that no one was in charge, and several people were directing groups to go this way or that. We were directing to a doorway and when we got to the end an officer asked the group “How did you get here?”. One of the women told him that we were sent in that way (there must have been 200 people waiting on the ramp leading to the lines for immigration). He shrugged and told us we would have to wait but did let us into the line a short time later (apologies to the people on the ramp). About 20 minutes through the line, then onto luggage.
The belt was full of luggage, but not from JB, all Delta and AA. The luggage handlers were unloading bags from the belt and putting them on the floor so people could retrieve their bags. There had to be 400 bags lined up. Luckily the area was cool, so it is air conditioned. After about another twenty minutes the JB bags started coming out. After getting our bags we headed out to find Lesley (Kenny’s Car Rental). Shirley showed me the car and explained some of the features, and instructions for the return. Fifteen minutes later and we were on our way.
Arrived at Sapphire and check -in was fast. We were assigned our own unit, which was a surprise. The lobby has been re-done with new furniture since our last visit. The elevators in Building 3 have been refurbished, but still island slow. The unit is in good shape, but since it overlooks the old Ocean Club, it is a bit of a downer. We have many fond memories of barbeque/pasta nights there, going back to when Bert ran it.
Tired from our travel day, we decided to check out Jordan Village for dinner. We ended up at Tao Garden for Thai food. We ordered Gyoza and when we couldn’t decide between vegetable or chicken, they offered to split the order with two of each. We also ordered Red Curry Chicken (a little spicy), Beef Pad Thai, Stir fried vegetables, and Jasmine rice. We had a bottle of water and one cocktail. The bill was $74.00, and the dreaded 15% service charge added for a total of $85.10.
On Sunday we had breakfast at Sapphire, no options except how you want to have your eggs cooked, apparently this is the Sunday menu. The eggs came over with toast, one slice of bacon, ½ small croissant, a slice of a sweet pastry, cheese, and a mini crepe. There was a slice of watermelon, cantaloupe, orange slices, two pineapple wedges that she brought later (because she forgot to put them on the plate) , jelly, butter, and chocolate sauce. It also included coffee and orange juice. The cost was $10.00 each! All in all, a decent breakfast for the price. Then it was off to Orient. Two chairs and an umbrella $25.00. The sargassum was there, but not too bad. It was quite breezy, but we have seen it worse. The new restrooms are operational. The woman outside told me that it was $2 to use them.
Dinner was at Roma in Maho. Very nice inside, although we were seated in the secondary seating area away from the street. They seat diners with reservations in the main room near the bar. Service was prompt and the waitstaff was attentive. We shared the Arancini with Gorgonzola dipping sauce. It was very good. Main courses were Rigatoni Carbonara and Pappardelle Bolognese. Two cocktails and a bottle of water. Bill was $128 with the tip.
