Wow, we had a great first trip to SXM and can't wait to go back. I learned so much about the island from TTOL and other online sources that I knew what we wanted to do and it worked out great. Thanks to all TTOLers!
Day 1 - flew in non-stop, arrived early, picked up a rental car (Avis, which was great) and went right our hotel. We were lucky enough to stay at La Samanna. We got a great discounted low season rate so we could afford it. It's an absolutely beautiful resort with the nicest people working there. We had a little lunch pool side and then hit the beach. Spent the day on the beach with a long walk, swimming and snorkeling. Cocktails on our terrrace followed by dinner at Le Reserve, which is La Samanna's fancy restaurant. While dinner was very good and the setting spectacular, it's pricy and I don't know that I would recommend it for a special trip if you're not staying there.
Day 2 - got up early and hit Gourmet Marche at Porto Cupecoy for some snacks and beverages for the room. After breakfast we swam and kayaked along Baie Longue. Then we packed up the car and headed to Baie Rouge. Thanks to TTOL knew to say hi to the gents "supervising" the parking lot and tipped them $5 up front. We headed left for a short walk to the CO section and relaxed there for an hour or two. Then we took our snorkeling equipment back to the cliff side of the beach and snorkeled around the corner to see David's Grotto (a bit too rough to try to swim through it) and the very private little beach that's there. I highly recommend this little snorkeling trip. Not spectacular snorkeling but great scenery. Then back in to Chez Raymond's for a tropical drink and some photos. Note we had no lunch because of big buffet breakfast at the hotel (which I sort of regret because we had no appetite for lunch). For dinner we ventured all the way from the Lowlands to Grand Case for Le Ti Provencal. A great seafood dinner ( I had fish soup and parrot fish, I believe) but that's too long a drive at night for dinner. I wouldn't do that again.
Day 3 - We had to hit the pharmacy in Maho for something and then stopped to peer over the cliffs at Cupecoy Beach. Awfully small and not too private! After swimming and snorkeling at Baie Longue we headed for Friar's Bay and Happy Bay. Friar's was easy to find and easy to park. Immediately headed on the hike to Happy Bay. Having seen that there have been some safety issues on that walk I had my eyes wide open but everything was fine. There were a good number of people enjoying Happy Bay, almost all nude. A very happy group from a boat tour (P&P?) were enjoying lunch, games, mud, beer, etc. We relaxed on the beach, and got some beers, chairs and chicken from Danny. Swimming was pretty good. Back to the hotel for spa and long beach walk, followed by cocktails. Then very special dinner at La Cigale in Nettle Bay, which was very convenient to La Samanna. Olivier and his brother are excellent hosts, and it was one of the best meals that we have ever had. We had requested a table on the sand under the palms with a view of the boats and lights of the bay. Amazing dinner and I recommend to all for a special evening.
Day 4 - After a swim followed by another big breakfast, we visited the Wednesday market in Marigot to buy some gifts, and then drove to French Cul De Sac where we rented a two -person kayak for $20 and paddled out to Pinel Island. The water was calm and it was much more fun than taking the ferry. We first paddled around the left side for a private swim, and then returned to the main part of the island where we swam, shopped at the boutique and had a drink at the Yellow Bar. Again, we had no real lunch appetite so no restaurant review. We had our snorkel gear so got back in the water and followed the snorkeling trail that's set up which was pretty good.
Paddled back to French Cul De Sac to return the kayak and then drove to Orient Beach where we hoped to take a walk, check out the scene, swim, and have some drinks. We were surprised that everthing was shutting down at 4:30 -5:00 and there was so little going on. We didn't want to be the only people sitting at a bar so we walked down to Club Orient. I would have thought that the younger CO set would still be hanging out on the beach at Club O but that definitely was not the case! Made me feel young and I am just north of 49! I did jump in the water there and must admit that is one spectacular beach. Best sand, water combo I saw on the island. We walked back to our car at Bikini and then drove to Palm Beach where we hoped to find a bar scene, but it was completely shut down for the day. So we'll have to return to Orient Beach mid-day on our next trip to get a better feel for it.
Since it was our last night at the hotel we had drinks and a casual dinner there, followed by a late night swim in the pool.
Day 5 - Had time for a nice swim before breakfast and then headed to the airport for our flight, Traveling mid-week, out of season made the logistics very easy. Ariived home right on time.
General impressions:
1) I found the people on the island to be very helpful, friendly, and engaging. Sensed not a trace of hostility or resentment anywhere.
2) The island is generally a little scruffy looking, but that wasn't a surprise.
3) As an experienced, confident driver I had no problems. As noted above, however, I would try to minimize the distances drivng at night.
4) We did leave some things in the trunk of the car at times, but were careful not to open the trunk at our destination - only before we set out on a drive.
5) I never got any Euros, just used dollars and credit card for major items like dinners. Based on the exchange rates being used (from $1.20 to perhaps $1.40) you would be at a disadvantage if you buy Euros from a bank at $1.45-$1.48.
All in all a great trip, and I would love to go back again next year. I know a lot of people stay for 1-2 weeks, but with kids at home and a non-stop flight, four nights is fine for us.
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