SXM TRIP REPORT (April 24-May 1, 2012)We left home for a quick overnight in Newark before our Tuesday a.m. flight to St. Martin. Weather had our original flight delayed, but we were able to switch to an earlier flight (at no expense) and eventually arrived in Newark at our originally scheduled time! Shuttled to the Airport Ramada and then on to dinner at Assaggini Di Roma, just a short ride from the Ramada. It was a fun evening spent with friends we originally met in SXM who were willing to drive to Newark to meet us.
Tuesday, April 24Tuesday morning we woke early, caught the 8 a.m. flight to SXM with no delays or problems. We landed on time and were met by Lesley Bruce from Kenny’s Car Rentals and we were on our way.
After dropping our bags at Azure Guesthouse, we proceeded to the Sunset Bar and Grille, as is our tradition, were we enjoyed a celebratory 1st beer (Caribe) and lunch, then on to the Maho Market for some basic supplies. We had thought to stop at Karaker’s, but it was closed for a private wedding. So, it was on to Marty’s Dream Bar where we were pleased to meet Marty and see his lovely establishment. Our day continued with a stop at the Pharmacy (for sunscreen!), a beverage or two at Barnacles, a visit to BBB and happy hour drinks/appetizers at the Greenhouse – which served as dinner. As it was a long day we called it an early night.
Wednesday, April 25We woke to an early rain, which quickly passed. After enjoying coffee on our patio, we headed to the Sint Maarten Yacht Club for breakfast. We were lucky enough to see quite a large sailboat maneuvering its way through the bridge, along with another, smaller ship. After breakfast we continued on to Orient Beach where we reconnected with old friends: Dick & Bev, Don & Lorrie, Wayne & Marge, PaulZ (Deb was off shopping), and met David & Elizabeth.
Lunch was spent at the Perch.
Dinner that night was at the Ocean Club for their rib special; all you can eat ribs, fries and coleslaw for $12 while Jimmy Buffet’s Anguilla concert plays on the big screen. Happy hour drinks are 2/1 and fresh baked brownies with ice cream were available for dessert. A fun evening and very well attended. After dinner we headed back to Azure to enjoy the sight and sound of Simpson Bay from our back porch. We met our neighbors, a charming couple from Saba who originally were from the UK and France.
Thursday, April 26We had an early pick up for trip to St. Bart’s, and wanted to be sure to have a little breakfast before making that crossing. Unfortunately, we had trouble finding anything open, and settled for McDonald’s! (I know – not our idea of paradise, either) In hindsight, we would have had plenty of time to grab something at the dock, or should have planned better the night before.
This was our second trip on the Coastal Pleasure, and it is still a first class operation! All snacks, food and beverages are included, along with the fabulous company of both Paul and Peggy. The crossing was pretty much as advertised – rough. But, nobody on board got sick and it is a beautiful sail. We cruised around the island and stopped at a couple different places. Docked in Gustavia and, after clearing immigration, were free to wander for an hour or so. We made it a point to stop at Le Select – rumored to be the home of the original “Cheeseburger in Paradise”. We had only a beer as the grill was closed. After leaving Gustavia we headed further around the island for a delicious lunch prepared by our hosts, and some very interesting, beautiful snorkeling. The return trip was much calmer, and we arrived back in SXM exhausted, but happy.
For dinner we visited Valentino’s. The setting is lovely (cool and quiet), the service attentive and the quality good. However, the portions are small and the price high. In addition, they added a 20% service charge to the bill. We will not be returning.
Friday, April 27We woke to a bit of a dilemma. Upon returning home last evening, we pulled the car a bit too far up the road, and it was stuck in the sand. We called Lesley for assistance, but in the meantime, the landscapers had arrived to deliver the tree for Ray Minnelli’s memorial and was kind enough (and equipped) to pull us back onto the road. We then headed out to breakfast hoping to stop at the newer Zee Best near the airport. Unfortunately, they are carry out only so we passed on it. As we were planning to spend the day at Maho anyway, we decided on breakfast at SBAG. We enjoy watching the planes, and it was a lovely day at the beach. Lunch was a shared pizza at the bar. After leaving Maho, we stopped by for a visit at Karakter for a couple drinks. It is such a beautiful and relaxing setting. We got home just in time to attend the dedication ceremony for Ray’s memorial. It was a very moving ceremony for an obviously loved man (we never knew him). After the memorial service we cleaned up and visited White Flag. I can why people like this place. Happy hour special was 2:1. Dinner was at Toppers, where we enjoyed the brisket and osso bucco – very yummy.
Saturday, April 28Today was moving day from Azure to Palm Court on Orient Beach. This time breakfast was at Zee Best in Simpson Bay. Crowded, but well worth the wait. I love their pastries! As we were too early for check in at Palm Court, we decided to stop by the Ma Doudou “factory”. Unfortunately, it is only open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. It is also located behind security gates which require a code to access. We were lucky that there was someone around to open the gates for us; otherwise I’m not sure how we would get back to it. Upon reaching Palm Court, although our room was not ready, they provided beach towels for us, and chairs are free at Waikiki Beach. We found a lovely, shady spot near the restaurant where we waited until our room was ready. We visited the Snack Bar for lunch, and shared a wrap. After returning to Palm Court we visited their happy hour by the pool, where they serve drinks and crepes (sweet). That evening we stopped by Bikini, hoping to visit with Corina but it was her night off. Frank had to sample their Tom Yung Kum soup, a favorite of his in Thailand – he pronounced it very good, and as close to authentic as he’s found outside of Thailand. It should be as Elisa told us she brought the chef over from Thailand! Dinner was at L’Piment. Excellent service, food and portions!
Sunday, April 29We awoke to another beautiful day. After enjoying coffee on our balcony we had the complimentary breakfast at Palm Court – continental breakfast with eggs and bacon available for an extra charge, then spent the day on Orient. It was very windy – so much so that the umbrellas were only set up closer to the Papaguyo end of the beach. We found the breeze kept it comfortable, as long as you don’t mind a little sand blasting.
Lunch was at Andy and Cheryl’s. Food was good, service was ok (a bit slow, but they were busy), and the price as expected (a bit high). Don’t forget, they do add in a 15% service charge.
Dinner was in Orient Village (again), this time at Safari – a first for us. We enjoyed our meal there and retired early. Vacation is so tiring!
Monday, April 30Enjoyed breakfast again at Palm Court, and spent another day on Orient Beach. Not as windy today. Spent the day with friends from the past – PaulZ & Deb and Tim and Becky whom we’ve not seen in a few years. Lots to talk about to get caught up. Paid our customary visit to Pedro’s for ribs and chicken.
We’ve developed a habit of spending our last night watching the sunset at Calmos Café in Grand Case. It is so beautiful there, and so relaxing. After sunset and a couple drinks, we wandered Grand Case Boulevard and stopped in to the Blue Martini for dinner. We split a couple appetizers and went home early to enjoy our leftovers from Saturday, and a lovely evening on the balcony.
Tuesday, May 1Travel day. Up early, breakfast at Palm Court where we had the company of several little birds who seemed to love the baguette crumbs! Back to the room to pack, a quick stop for some final souvenirs, a final drink at SBAG and then home.
Final ThoughtsWeather, for us, was great. High 80’s most days, but with the strong breeze it was quite comfortable. Very little rain except late at night. Prices everywhere seemed a bit higher than in the past. While we loved the location of Azure and being able to sit on our porch to enjoy the beach, the rooms are very small and basic. Unsure if we will return there. Loved Palm Court, and would definitely return there. Will absolutely plan a return trip with Paul and Peggy. We’ve now done both their around the island tour and the St. Bart’s trip. Our preference is the around the island trip, but both were spectacular! You can’t go wrong with either one.
We have no definite plans for a future trip, but we’re sure to be back before too long.
Pictures from our trip may be viewed at
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...4457&type=3&l=afcaaf8cf6
