TravelTalkOnline Forums Trip Reports (Read Only) SXM Trip Reports and Photos Trip Report, Week 1, June 8 - 16

Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9

I left Portland on Friday at 5:30 p.m. on Alaska Airlines to LAX. My FF miles are with Alaska, and I usually travel with American. However, traveling American-only requires an overnight somewhere along the way so I thought I’d do a red-eye to avoid a hotel. In LAX I transferred to American, which was supposed to leave at 10:50 p.m. It was a 767, and I was in spacious first class and settling in for the night when the captain announced mechanical issues. We were requested to deplane and directed to a different gate where another 767 was supposed to take us to MIA. Well, it did but didn’t leave until 2 a.m. Talk about an unpleasant wait; understandably cranky and crying children and tired adults.

We finally took off, and I was able to get about two hours of sleep. What was supposed to have been a 4-1/2-hour layover in MIA was now down to 90 minutes. There weren’t any people movers in the terminal and my arrival and departure gates were at the opposite ends of the terminal. I just had time to change clothes and freshen up (in a handicapped stall with its own wash basin  ) and board the plane. We took off on AA 687 at 11:00 a.m. and arrived around 1:30 p.m. in SXM. Since I was in first class, I was one of the first off the plane and was one of the first on the shuttle. I’ve learned where to stand to be first off the shuttle. All the C&I booths were fully staffed and I was through there in record time; the wait was hardly worth mentioning. There was also very little wait for my bags – perhaps 3 minutes. Very pleasant, for once.

Then it was off to hook up with Lesley Bruce. This was my first time using Kennys, but it won’t be my last. What a pleasure to get the car (R 14 licene plate) and phone and just drive off with no stops prior to Divi. Check-in at Divi was relatively smooth, but my room wasn’t ready. It has been ready early in prior years, but they state check-in is 4:00 p.m., and it was only 2:30 p.m. So I stored my bags and headed off to Grand Marche. The only reason I didn’t use Jeannie was that I never know what I want until I see it; I will save the sales slip this time and use that as a basis for ordering from her next year.



Back to Divi to start getting settled in the room. Had a date to meet Scuba1Deb, Jean, and Dave at Café on the Bay. I really enjoy that setting and sneaked in just as happy hour was ending. Their appetizer/HH menu looks yummy, and I hope to get back there and have a dinner of appetizers. There was a very large party there celebrating a birthday, but we were able to get our order in before they did; otherwise, we might have been there all night. Once again, I had the bacon-wrapped, crab-stuffed prawns, which were quite good. Then we headed to Buccaneer Beach Bar for dessert (a BBB), say hello to Bill and Elaine, and listen to Ronnie Santana a bit. When he stopped playing at 9 p.m., I was really starting to feel the lack of a good night’s sleep. After returning to Divi, I just went to bed; I was too pooped to get my netbook set up on wifi.

Divi (repeat of previous post)
There have been a few changes since I was here last year.
[*]The old Gizmo bar, right outside the entrance to Toucan’s, has been removed, and there’s a stage in its place. There is a new raised area right up against the Casita Pool that has an arbor/gazebo with roof to block out the sun; very nice.
[*]Toucan’s is still serving buffet style breakfast and dinner with a different “theme” each night.
[*]The sports center is now run by Aqua Mania. Additionally, Aqua Mania has opened a beach apparel shop in a portion of the space formerly occupied by Jewel Masters. [*]The Divi “grocery store” now seems to include a full array of liquor. Don’t ask about prices; I can’t compare as I drink very little.
[*]There are new plantings in front of Bldgs. D, E, and F. I think it will partially block views of the Bay from some ground-level units; in the case of my unit, it will provide welcome relief from the sun while on my balcony.
[*]At the managers’ party on Monday, the managers of several departments were introduced, including the “acting” general manager. Her first name is Celine (can’t remember last name), and she has been at Divi for three years in an HR capacity. She said her first couple of months as Acting GM were pretty overwhelming because she was still doing her HR job, but she’s feeling more comfortable in the position now and they are recruiting for an HR replacement for her. She mentioned that there are slim pickings on the island for candidates because so few have a hospitality background. I wish her well as that position needs some stability.



Sunday, June 10
Slept until time to go to the Divi orientation party where there was no more guavaberry punch, but mimosas are still being served. It was the usual introduction of some staff (sorry to hear that timeshare salesman Raymond has now gone to the Westin), presentations by various water activities vendors, and raffle awarding. Right at the end of the presentation, there was a heavy downpour, but it lasted only a few minutes. The new covered area was a convenient benefit! Hung around Divi for the day until time to go to Sunset Café for the sunset.



I took the Sucker Garden/Orleans route. There was no construction on Sucker Garden Road, but it was a Sunday. Took some pictures, but clouds rolled in before the sun hit the horizon so we were off to Calmos Café for dinner. I had shrimp sate with the potato zucchini gratin, both of which I thought were just okay. This was the second time I’ve eaten at Calmos, and I wasn’t impressed with the food either time. Back to Divi to read on the deck until time for dreamland.



Monday, June 11
After breakfast on the deck, it was a Divi Day, primarily hanging around the Infinity Pool, which is my favorite spot on the property. I had the pool to myself for much of the morning, but it started filling up mid-afternoon. Met some nice folks, including a couple who are getting married on the beach here at Little Bay Friday afternoon. Attended the Managers’ Party and then off to Grand Marche. I hadn’t seen any cats for the first day or so and wasn’t sure if there were any still around. I don’t know if it’s Divi or a cat nonprofit, but there has been an active neutering program (females only) here at Divi. I haven’t seen any babies for at least two years. But I started spotting cats yesterday afternoon so purchased some cat food. Within 5 minutes of putting some out in bowls on my deck, cats had arrived to eat. I’m all in favor of the neutering program; that said, I miss sharing my deck with lots of felines. I’ve seen perhaps six that are identifiably different.

Tuesday, June 12
Attended a water aerobics class at Divi in the morning, then more sunbathing; must get started on the tan! Assembled name tags, then off to The Dream Bar at Caravanserai for the party. It was Marty’s day off but he was there for awhile anyway. There are two pools in the area, the view is wonderful, and the weather couldn’t have been more cooperative. About 30 folks showed up, and we were able to gather under a palapa area by one of the pools since there were too many of us to hang around the bar.



Due to a miscommunication (not mine), we almost didn’t have the promised munchies; we were, however, given extremely nice drink prices. Wonderful bartender Denise stepped up to the plate and provided some yummy hors d’oeuvres. Thank you, Denise! And thanks to everyone who attended; it was nice meeting all of you!

I dropped by Café on the Bay for a chicken mango salad before heading back to Divi. I was glad to see that Café on the Bay was doing a steady business.

Wednesday, June 13

Started out for Orient Beach, via Oyster Pond. Was able to meet up with Marie Moine to speak with her about a mini art tour I’m trying to put together for the last week in June. Every time I went by her place last year, no luck. This year, she was there so we’ll be including her on the tour. Spent a few hours at OB, both in the water and reading on the beach. Met Snorkeller, who had intended to come to the party the previous night; since Neil has changed the free lagoon cruise from Sunday to Tuesday, he and his wife opted for that instead of the party. Back to Divi to change for dinner at the “all you can eat” rib night ($12) at Ocean Club. The owners have returned to Canada, and the restaurant is being run by kids from the University. By all appearances, they are doing a good job, and the place was full. Was nice to see DonLinda again, as well as more folks from Ocean Club, some of whom Don persuaded to come to the party last night. After dinner, Don and Linda graciously showed us their room at OC. What a great location they have – just steps from their pool! Back to Divi for (too much) computer time.

Thursday, June 14

Again had breakfast on the deck, followed by water aerobics class, followed by snorkeling (didn’t see much in the way of fish). Decided to spend some time at Mullet, as I hadn’t been there before; very easy to get to. All the first-row chairs the entire length of the beach were taken, and it was very hot that day without much relief from a breeze. The water was delightful, but I have to say that getting up and down the sand bank was a bit of a struggle for me. I had Rosie’s ribs for lunch. With apologies to those who think hers are the best on the island, I think they are dry albeit a good flavor. I liked the ribs at OC the night before better. As I was feeling a bit exhausted from the heat, I had a stay-in evening at Divi, with cheese and fruit for dinner.

Friday, June 15

The day started with breakfast on the deck, followed by water aerobics. Then headed to OB for several hours, where there was quite a bit of difference in the temp/winds from the day before at Mullett. It actually seemed a teensy bit cool after coming out of the water, despite the sun. Briefly met Baycruiser and chatted with fellow Oregonians Rick and Deb. Then it was back to Divi to shower before going to Karakter for their tapas and jazz.

Connis was playing to recorded instrumentals. It wasn’t mainstream jazz (which is my passion) but was from the “smooth jazz” genre. The food was good as always. Service was on island time. Thanks to the waiter who noticed that my waiter was taking too long to take my order and stepped in to take it himself.

This has been a very relaxing week, allowing for much-needed decompression. I’ll try to pick up the activity level next week, or not....