We completed our second trip to SM last Saturday March 3. The prior trip we were located at Mt, Vernon, this time the Saffire at Cupecoy. Another very nice week. Love the island.
We had concerns about the Saffire after reading many complaints but there were also complimentary reviews as well. Be it known we do not require pampering, just a decent room and reasonable service. The rate was almost too good to believe and included a “continental breakfast.” I had no real expectations of anything but toast and coffee but we were pleasantly surprised to find it included not only high end coffee but an entire breakfast that was simply excellent. Nice to start each morning with eggs, croissants, fruit, cheese, juice and ham or bacon quick and free. Big wow here as the unexpected is such a bonus.
The location was not an accident as it allowed bypassing the congested Simpson Bay in the morning and evening if we choose. Started the week by going to Karacter Beach which was a first. Nice lunch and my wife absolutely loved her aloe massage. That evening we went to Le Cottage for the first time followed by our favorite, Calmos. Le Cottage was excellent. They are obviously in need of customers as the sort of hawked us off the street. Calmos was Calmos. We reconnected with the staff or at least my wife did (gregarious and female)and had a very late evening. 21 again!
Next day was a first, Mullet Beach. What a great beach. Very nice lunch and pleasant day all the way around. How this beach does not get it’s due is beyond me. Just great. That evening we ate at Pineapple Petes and ended up at quite the party just down the road. La Bamba next to the Atrium. Another late night. Felt like Spring break. $1.50 Heinekens. Like MTV Spring Break. 21 again. Thank God for the breakfast service with strong coffee!
Wednesday brought our first venture to Happy Bay. We asked the workers at Friars Bay who gladly advised us we were young enough to hike the path and that it is worth the trip. It was. Absolutely gorgeous. Strangely much nicer than Friars. Also one comment, the garbage on the street entering Friars. What the hell, doesn’t anyone have any pride in their neighborhood? I find myself wondering how I can be drawn to this island when you see such a disgusting area near homes and on a traveled path. Oh well, it didn’t ruin our day. That night, Italian in Maho. Pizza Pasta. Kind of off the road and not too impressive service wise but the food was off the charts. Didn’t expect this and had leftovers for our fridge to boot. Went to Sapranos Piano Bar. That was good for about an hour but we cruised to Simpson Bay and after finding all bars mysteriously empty we came across the Gay Bay Rum bash at the Soggy Dollar. Talk about some drunk sailors. Wow. Cheap Heineken products and a band. As much as we are 21 again we failed to last until the wet t shirt contest. My rocker wife did get a Heineken tattoo and was quite the attention getter of drunken Dutch men. Most were respectful , one almost went too far. My fist was cocked to bring a quick end to this guys evening right when he woke up and realized he had his hands on my wife. Not worth it and she was going to kick his [censored] anyway. Personal trainer and kickboxer.
Thursday. Bai Rouge. Another St. Martin gem. The day seemed to fly by. My only complaint was the service by the beach boy and the restaurant which is Gus’s. For $15 you would think the youthful helper would carry at least one item from the car to the beach but he was content to watch us carry armfuls of items and his tip reflected it. The food service was slow and not very tasty. Good thing they have the nice beach to balance out the deal. That evening we reconnected with Donna and Pascal in Grand Case. Pizza Pascal is excellent. For the money I believe this to be a value rarely matched. I would be thrilled if we had a place like theirs in our neighborhood. Back to Calmos for another late night. Blissful food and entertainment. I highly recommend this restaurant.
Our final full day brought us to the beach near La Bamba. Saw lots of Regata boats and had a great afternoon. Ended up at Skip Jacks for dinner. This place has the best seafood I have ever had. Our first trip and this trip included orgasmic fish dinners and appetizers. Very Very good. I will patronize this place more often next trip. Another night at Calmos but the Regatta took the wind from the sails of not only Calmos but all of Grand Case. It seems Calmos catered about 300 people in the afternoon and were all worn out. We probably needed a break anyway so early to bed.
Final day. Breakfast and the remaining beers from the fridge at the Saffire pool. Had lunch there and did not realize how good the food was other than the included breakfast. Simply terrific fish. Got a ride to the airport by car rental guy and noticed we had two hours after checking our bags. Taxi to Sunset for the finale. Very good time as place was rocking big time. A beautiful girl opted for free drinks while topless immediately next to me. What confidence as the place was packed. Barmaid hit on my rock star wife and 6 beers later we were bound for Atlanta. Missed our connection due to delay in San Juan filling up. Delta was pretty god about overnight.
Can’t wait to go back! Hooked.
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