TravelTalkOnline Forums Trip Reports (Read Only) SXM Trip Reports and Photos TRIP REPORT PART I MAY 17-24 (long)

I've finally completed part of our trip report, sorry it took so long<br><br>This was our third trip to St. Martin in less than 18 months. This time we decided to do things differently…we stayed for two weeks, we invited another couple (Cathy & Bill) and we rented a villa. All three modifications were a success! In order to get the report done, we’ve divided the trip into individual weeks…part I is the first week on the French side, Part II will be the second week on the Dutch side & day trip to St. Barth.<br><br>FLIGHTS: Travel to the island was easier this year than last. We flew from STL to MIA to SXM and the flights down were a breeze. We had a delay in MIA on the return flight, but it wasn’t a big deal.<br><br>WEATHER: We landed in a rainstorm, which continued the rest of Saturday afternoon. But, it still felt wonderful when the doors of the plane opened and we felt the wonderful warmth of the island we love. For the rest of the week, the weather was wonderful with the exception of an occasional shower and some high winds. Because of all of the rain, the island was incredibly green this year. In addition, there were beautiful flowers and lots of butterflies.<br><br>ACCOMODATIONS: We rented a villa, Maison de Miki from WIMCO. We selected this villa after an extensive internet search and all four of us were intrigued by Miki because of its location and amenities. We were not disappointed . Miki is located on Mount Rouge in the French lowlands and we were able to see from Baie Rouge to Cupecoy. The villa itself was also beautiful, it has been renovated recently and the upgrades were quite nice. Miki had two master suites with king-sized beds. There were two additional bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms as well. The villa had an open living and dining area, a very nice kitchen with granite countertops, a media room with a plasma screen TV with a DVD player and satellite system. We also had a pool with two adjacent patio areas, and another area of outdoor seating on the point of the mountain, with unobstructed views of almost the entire island.<br>http://groups.msn.com/sxmphotos/jackampnanmay2003.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=4459<br>http://groups.msn.com/sxmphotos/jackampnanmay2003.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=4458<br> There are two caretakers living on the property, daily maid service and a gardener/ pool care person 3 times a week. Needless to say, we plan to return to Miki<br><br>FOOD/DRINK/FUN STUFF:<br><br>The only negative aspect of staying on Mont Rouge is that it is not very convenient to grocery stores and restaurants. For those who are not familiar, Mont Rouge is located roughly between Cupecoy and Sandy Ground. We did most of our grocery shopping at the Supermarche near the French bridge in Sandy Ground and had most of our meals in Marigot and Grand Case.<br><br>SATUDAY…champagne, cheese and a baguette were in the welcome basket at the villa upon our arrival. After we consumed the welcome basket, we went shopping at the Supermarche for additional provisions including more wine/champagne, cheese, pate, bread and other essentials. We hung around the pool and ate and drank until evening. http://groups.msn.com/sxmphotos/jackampnanmay2003.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=4436<br><br>That evening we went to Grand Case for dinner at RAINBOW. The meal was wonderful and the location was even better. Nory showed us the upstairs room, which had an incredible view and that would be a great place to watch the sunset.<br><br>SUNDAY…Nan insisted on breakfast at LA CROISSANTERIE…home of the best croissants on the island. Nan and Bill had the special crepe with ham, egg and cheese, Jack had the american breakfast and Cathy had Pain au Chocolat. We ordered additional croissants fresh from the oven, yummy!<br><br>After breakfast, we gave our friends a quick tour the island and dropped by SCAVENGERS at Dawn Beach, where Cathy and Jack had “umbrella drinks” while the others enjoyed a cold Presidente. The view at Dawn Beach is one of the most beautiful the island has to offer. While sitting there you realize why you save all year to return to this place We then took our friends to Orient Beach for John's TTOL get together at BAYWATCH. We met Bill & Linda, John & Toddy, Jbroderick and others. Had a great time. Bill and Cathy were introduced to the clothing optional aspect of Orient Beach and they took it in stride<br><br>That evening we had dinner at the villa, Bill cooked a wonderful beef tenderloin on the grill and we enjoyed it with veggies and some cheap French wine[img]/images/icons2/thumbsup.gif[/img]<br><br>MONDAY…had croissants and coffee for breakfast at the villa. Went to Marigot because Nan broke the crystal on her watch and damaged it with water and Goldfinger was the only place where it could be repaired. We had lunch at LE GALION at the Marina. Cathy had Lobster Bisque, Jack had escargot, Nan had salmon and Bill had Tuna with seaweed and coconut milk. All of the food was delicious. We shared a dessert Ilet au Chocolat with rivers of Vanille Cremon Glaze and Vanilla Ice Cream, it was wonderful!<br><br>We had dinner at LE TESTAVIN, one of our favorite restaurants on Grand Case, and we were not disappointed this year. Nan started with the Lobster Soup and had Porc for the entrée, Cathy had a Cucumber soup and Crab Cakes, Bill had Pumpkin soup and both he and Jack had Lobster for entrees. We all agreed that the location, food and service made for a wonderful dining experience. By now, Bill and Cathy are already talking about a return trip[img]/images/icons2/cool.gif[/img]<br><br>TUESDAY…Bill (aka Cabana Boy) made omelets at the villa for breakfast. For lunch Jack and Nan went to TROPICANA at the Marina in Marigot. Nan had the lobster bisque and a seafood salad. Jack really enjoyed the shrimp with garlic sauce. Both meals were very good, but a bit pricey. That evening we headed to HOT TOMATOES to meet Dickey and others from TTOL. We started with Dicky’s special rum drink in coconuts and had a great time getting to know Richard (Dicky), Diane (mypearly), Tim (Timo), Ed and Sandra, Deepti, Jeff and Martin(Random Wind). We stayed for dinner and Jack really enjoyed his filet, Bill and Cathy had ribs, which they really liked. Nan had the Brisket Negril, which was okay but not as spicy as described. Overall it was a wonderful evening.<br><br>WEDNESDAY…Nan made reservations at MARIOS BISTRO about two weeks before the trip, so we had a waterside table for dinner. After hearing glowing reviews of Marios, we were prepared to be disappointed. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Marios was an incredible dining experience.[img]/images/icons2/thumbsup.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/thumbsup.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/thumbsup.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/thumbsup.gif[/img] Jack had the scallops, which were deep fried and delicious. Nan, Cathy and Bill had the half-duckling cooked on the bone with a honey-garlic glaze, garlic-flavored mashed potatoes, and a sweet-and-sour sauce. The only “problem” with the duck was that we had too much, but it made great leftovers for the rest of the week. Thanks to all on TTOL who have suggested this wonderful restaurant.<br><br>THURSDAY…We decided to follow up with the TTOL friends we met at Orient on Sunday and invite them to the villa for a cocktail party that evening. We met Diane & Tim, John & Toddy and Bill & Linda and gave them directions to the villa. Then we went to BAYWATCH for lunch. Bill and Cathy shared the seafood pasta prepared with Andy’s famous marinara sauce. Jack had the infamous mussels ala Andy and Nan had the grouper burger. Diane and Tim had the mussels and we all had lots of garlic bread. Wow, the food was superb! Once again, to everyone who has posted about how good the food is at Baywatch...we owe a debt of gratitude.<br><br>That afternoon, we shopped for party provisions. Jack and Bill prepared an assortment of cheeses, french bread, sliced duck (from Marios), pate and lots of liquid refreshments. Diane brought quiche and we had a great time sharing our little corner of paradise. The guests included Bill, Linda, John, Toddy, Bruce, Dana, Beth, Ron, Diane and Timo. Photos from the party http://groups.msn.com/sxmphotos/may1024photos.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=4400<br>http://groups.msn.com/sxmphotos/may1024photos.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=4401 http://groups.msn.com/sxmphotos/may1024photos.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=4402 http://groups.msn.com/sxmphotos/may1024photos.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=4403<br><br>FRIDAY…Jack & Nan went sailing Random Wind sailing trip with Martin, Martin, Richard and several others. We had breakfast at Indiana Beach Bar before hand and let Bill and Cathy explore the island on their own. The sailing trip was very laid back and relaxing. We went from Simpson Bay to Philipsburg then to Little Bay for snorkeling then we proceeded to Mullet Bay where we had lunch and an opportunity for more swimming and snorkeling...we then proceeded past Cupecoy then back to Simpson Bay. The Random Wind trips tend to be unstructured, depending on well...the random wind.<br><br>That evening, we ate at an old favorite LA ALABAMA in Grand Case. While the food was very good, we realize we prefer the ambiance of the waterside restaurants. <br><br>SATURDAY…we take Cathy & Bill to the airport and prepare to leave the villa for our second week at our timeshare at Royal Palm….<br><br>TO BE CONTINUED…we’ll cover shopping, beaches and more food in the installment of week #2<br> <br>Nan & Jack