We got back very late Friday night or very early Sunday morning - depending on how you want to count it.<br>A great Spring Break!<br><br>We were at Mont Vernon from 3/2-3/7. This was the first time we had stayed there. And... it was what it was- an inexpensive resort that caters to large packages and groups. Very utilitarian and tired looking (the furnishings) but clean and staff were friendly. Only real probably was that we never got a full set of towels delivered. One day we got two bath towels and two bath mats but no handtowels or face clothes. I went to the front desk, everyone was polite and understanding and new, clean towels were delievered promptly even though it was late in the day.<br><br>The rooms have large comfortable private balconies.. the one we were in faced the ocean and was about a 2 minute walk from the beach. Mont Vernon does have the best view on the island for a hotel! Trust me on this one.<br><br>We didn't eat there- even though our package came with a breakfast. Too much else to do. One more thing- although unit came with a 'frig, a sink and a 2 burner range... there were NO utensils at all. Not even a cork scew. Very strange. Oh and a plus-- Nice fairly cheap internet terminal in the lobby! Enough said. <br><br>First night we walked down to the shops in the French village (Behind Bikini Beach) and picked up some provisions. Then we spent three days walking down to Club Orient every morning, often stopping for breakfast at Coco Beach. And, walking back about 4:30pm. One day we rented a car and visited friends at The Summit on the Dutch side. The final day we stayed at Coco Beach. Here's the restaurant report:<br><br>Bikini Beach- Shrimp caesar salad and dorado for dinner. Adequate but wouldn't really recommend it. Didn't go back- too many other really good places to try!<br>Papagayo for lunch: They have changed their menu slightly. Its more in keeping with light meals and beach food. Tuna fish sandwich was good, excellent ceasar chicken salad and ,as always, enjoyed the smoked fish plate and the fresh fruit plate. Service was iffy though... they were real busy and seemed to have the same amount of help they have in the summer.<br>Coco beach for dinner: Lots of fish. Their "Fish Pot" was delicious. Good wine list. Nice restaurant/bar cats. Terrific service. Second dinner at Coco beach consisted of ceasar salads and their Les Quartres Saisons (sp?) fresh pizza. Again, outstanding. <br>Kontiki for lunch: Chicken creole, fish stew and lots of those little things that kon-tiki puts on your plate but your are not sure what they are... just that they are delicious. My spouse said that the rum punch was very good.<br>And, the big dinner out at Le Vie en Rose in Marigot. Sat outside on the balcony. Lobster bisque and lobster salad (shared) for starters then red snapper and yellowfin snapper each prepared differently. Variety of creme brulees and chocolate fondant 'cake' for dessert. Great bottle of white borgeaux. Why bother eating again after you have had perfection?<br><br>And, a surprising find: One day we stopped for a late lunch at the Sugar Cane Cafe at the Altantis Casino. Sat outside, could see Mullet Bay beach. Had great chicken fajita wraps. Good service and very cheap for SXM. <br><br>Went to Happy Hour at the Summit/The Kissing Fish Bar with Chloe and Thierry. We are there in the summer and couldn't be in SXM without saying hi. Great, fun place with a terrific view. <br><br>Flew US Airways and had a fine flight... not too crowded on time etc... until Philadelphia. And, enough about that.<br><br> All in all, this was a bonus for us. We usually don't go away in March but its been such a hard winter we just had to get out and now ... back to winter in Western PA. <br><br>Four more months til we go back!<br><br>Beth K<br>
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