First of all – a MAJOR thanks to all who contribute to this board. The info and responses were invaluable in helping us plan our (first) trip and maximize our enjoyment of SXM. We had a week of perfect weather, though on the warm side.. isn’t that what we wanted!!?? One evening we had a 30 minute rain-shower, perfectly timed during cocktails on the balcony!!

Flight down fine – immigration a breeze – finding our bags – a 50-minute nightmare.. Really wished we’d spent the $40 to have the VIP treatment!

When we finally got our bags, AAA rep was waiting for us – however b/c of traffic, we had to wait ~ 30 minutes for their vehicle to make it from their location (3 minutes away!!) to pick us up – another reason for VIP treatment – have car folks meet you at Aqua!! AAA gave us a great car – very recent corolla. Next stop – Royal Palm to pick up phone from Sharon, who was patiently waiting in the lobby as promised.

Stopped at both Rams & Grand Marche (both near P-burg) – Grand Marche – much better choice. Was surprised by the ‘bag boys’ who without asking will cart your bags no matter how few or light, to your car. Assumed correctly, that I should tip them. Based on all I read, I minimized the food I took with us. For first timers, I’d recommend - take more, for the following reasons: 1) Not knowing where to get things 2) not being comfortable with the exchange rate and pricing 3) being tired from flight and getting up at oh-dawn hundred to allow the 3+ hour wait time now ‘suggested’.

Arrived at Oyster Bay around 5:00 pm. It IS a beautiful resort. I had emailed and called to request a 3rd floor unit (we had a 2 bedroom) overlooking Dawn Beach. To my surprise and great pleasure, we were assigned 2232 – 3rd floor above Beau Beau’s overlooking Dawn from the balconies – kitchen and entry way windows have a gorgeous view of the marina. We quickly turned on the AC – as it was way beyond our tolerance – both temperature and humidity-wise. The only way this unit wouldn’t be perfect, is if you go to bed early. The nightly live entertainment from Beau Beaus is clearly audible, even with windows closed. Most nights this was not an issue for us. The staff is very friendly and the daily towel service, bed making and Wednesday's full-service housekeeping were wonderful bonuses atypical of time-shares.

Craig/”Bob” packlightsxm@hotmail.com arrived exactly at 7:15 Sat evening (as promised) to deliver the chairs and umbrella. In addition he provided several cards for local restaurants with discounts for drinks – never got to use them but an unexpected extra.

Tuesday we did the 12 Meter Challenge – as Nike would say – JUST DO IT!! It was all everyone had said and more. Despite my attempts at advance planning – it’s a futile effort. Apparently, the Challenge continues to exist because the majority of its business comes from the cruise ships who book years in advance. Availability for ‘non-cruisers’ is determined by what’s left-over. When I called, as requested, on Sunday, naively expecting to ‘confirm’ our late-morning sail on Tuesday, I was advised our 2 choices were 8:00 am Tuesday and 1:00 pm Friday. Small matter - go whenever they can take you. Can’t say enough good things. – and you don’t have to do anything, if that’s a concern .. there are several non-physical jobs.. being bartender for example ~)

Meals – (I am a food – aholic and really appreciate good food)

Mrs. B’s – lunch only . very fun and the ribs are good.

Mr. Busby’s beach bar – 2 dinners, largely b/c it was convenient – ok – our least favorite – given the prices, IMHO, food should have been better. Appeal.. you are practically on the beach!

Sole e Luna – Cul de Sac – beautiful and fantastic food – not inexpensive but worth every penny. – a must do.

Le California – Grand Case .. we went Harmony nights and to my amazement they had our reservation for 8 at 8 (hooked up with some folks we met on the 12 Meter Challenge) – table by the water as requested. Service was slow, but food worth the wait. Fois gras appetizer incredible. Near the top of our list for dinners.. 1 of 8 reported their meal was just ‘ok’

L’auberge Gourmade – Grand Case - another wonderful meal and charming restaurant. Chose after Le Tastevin wouldn’t give 1 for 1 despite the fact they were virtually empty! Not inexpensive, but again worth the price!

Captain Olivers – again picked for convenience & b/c first choice restaurant across the street was closed - surprised to learn it’s on the Dutch side.. wonderful setting – food good – reasonable value.

Turtle pier – b/c we were in the area dropping friends at the airport – went mid–afternoon.. knowing it was likely my only opportunity – had the coconut shrimp AND the French toast.. both fabulous as reported – great setting!

L’Escale – restaurant attached to Columbus Hotel – across from Captain Olivers – had not seen anything about this on the board – recommended by folks we met on the 12 Meter who were staying at Captain Oliver’s – our top pick!! Almost left b/c they didn’t do 1 for 1.. but b/c prices were so reasonable we stayed – I chose everything recommended by the owner and couldn’t believe how good everything was.. Salad with a warmed creamy balsamic vinegar dressing coconut encrusted red snapper and crusty bananas for dessert.. and a white wine – can’t remember the grape variety – but owner’s suggestion – reasonable and delicious … Atmosphere nothing to get excited about, but the food more than compensates!!

In summary – thought Dawn’s beach the best on the island – have nothing but wonderful things to say about Oyster Bay Beach Resort – don’t believe you can get a bad meal on the island – almost everyone we met were incredibly friendly and helpful. Found it interesting that very few ‘islanders’ seem to be employed by the services – restaurants – trades etc. Though far from a scientific study, most of the wait staff and retail folks were talked with were ‘imports’ - found this curious and sad.

Regrets 1) limited shopping and virtually no jewelry shopping – largely due to time restraints – while I know I don’t need another trinket, it is killing me that I likely missed some wonderful buys. (though know I’ll be happier when the cc bill arrives) 2) Didn’t bring back any gouda – already felt like a pack mule – but am still salivating over the memories – couldn’t get enough! 3) Never got back to the Grand Marche in Marigot to buy some of the French chocolate candy bars. 4) Not having more time – there were about 20 more restaurants I had on my ‘must-do’ list. 5) Didn’t find any of the hand woven baskets. 6) Didn’t take any other ‘excursions’.. Saba, St Barts etc.,..

The hassle factor I referenced before was high enough to make us wait a while before returning.

Several items SXM can control:

1) Elimination of petty crime – when you fear for your car and personal belongings unless it is under constant guard we, at least, weren’t comfortable trying the various beaches. We settled for a quick look and didn’t even attempt Pic Paridise. Despite the many warnings about this we were still hopeful until ……our search for the perfect secluded beach. We spent most of Wednesday ‘scouting’.. and thought we had found it in Baie Lounge. We were there about 2 pm. The scouting party of 3 returned to the 4th waiting near our car. The 4th was walking back to our car, when he saw a couple opening their trunk.. he asked the woman if she realized her back window was broken. She said yes, apparently everything had been taken (passports, cruise ships tickets, wallets etc etc etc) and they’d been gone less than 20 minutes!! We were very glad we had our (rented) cell phone so they could call 911. We agonized for them, but then skedaddled back to the safety of Oyster Bay where we happily stayed for the remainder of the week.

2) Improved airport facilities - which are on the way though completion date seems vague!! – arrival – customs a breeze – finding your luggage – almost an hour – it was 5 deep to each of the 2 small belts. The waiting areas for departing flights approach ‘prison’ conditions when flights are delayed – which happened to us and seems to be routine.

3) Improved roads – what exist are barely adequate for 2 compact cars to navigate (going in opposite directions) – when you add charter buses from 6 – 7 cruise ships, fuggedaboutit… not to mention bridge openings..

4) improved pride in their incredible island. There exist numerous buildings obviously damaged from previous storms.. They are left to continue their deterioration while bigger better is built next store. We past mulitple lots of decaying construction equipment and vehicles.

Items beyond SXM control:

1) Cost of airfare – can go to Europe for cost of ticket to SXM.
2) Travel delays and re-entry into US
3) Exchange rate for Euro…

Recommendations – If there are more than 2 cruise ships in – stay put!!!! Avoid driving anywhere… We made the mistake of going to Marigot for their Wednesday ‘market’ naively thinking the 7 cruise ships would impact only P-burg – boy were we wrong!!.. While I think the market is worth the trip, would only do it when there are 2 or fewer ships in port.. which likely means after the ships relocate to Europe!!

Avoid the ‘coastal’ road between Dawn & Orient Bay – especially at night.. do during the day to see the views (spectacular) – but use Bishop Hill road to get to Grand Case or Marigot – much less stressful!!

P-burg for shopping – especially for ‘first-timers’ – folks were the friendliest and didn’t have the Euro issue. Am sure that there are quaint boutiques in Marigot and Grand Case, but I didn’t have a list nor the time to learn and discover. Perhaps folks could make recommendations towards this cause! Lipstick for perfume – seemed to have best selection and prices.

Dawn Beach, Dawn Beach, Dawn Beach!! Our friends who’d been to SXM several times in the early 90’s arrived with the plan of us spending most of our time on the Caribbean side – From their memory, the beaches were more secluded and waters calmer. What we found, likely b/c of the hurricanes. was the beaches they remembered were gone (microscopic compared to their memories) and the waters rougher.

Guavaberry daiquiris – have one wherever they’ll make one for you!

If you can avoid travel on Saturday’s DOOOOO!!! We like most folks, don’t have that flexibility which contributes considerably to what I term ‘hassle factor’.

Do Harmony nights – very fun and festive.

Do have a phone – rent one if necessary, for the convenience -

Take snorkel equipment – it’s nice to have the flexibility and comfort of your own mask and snorkel. Take rafts, inner-tubes. We have those ‘fold-able’ rafts from Costco (big!) – were perfect.

Do spend an early afternoon at Maho Bay enjoying the experience of jets landing within feet of your reach!! – HONEST!

Make the drive to Grand Case for meals… and go to the restaurants you find recommended most often by this board.

Take lots of cash – travelers checks ($50 denomination worked well for us). Much easier on the FR side, and in many places on Dutch– prices increased for CC transactions.