During our first visit to SXM in March of 2003, we stayed at Maho beach Resort and rented a car from Tropical-Tropicana. We toured the island and took note of possible resorts for future stays. We decided that we might want to try Oyster Bay Beach Resort (OBBR) and began advertising for an unused timeshare week for September 2003, Well, someone only about 25 miles from our home in Southeastern Massachusetts gave us a deal we could not turn down.
After a week in St. Kitts, we flew by LIAT to SXM. LIAT was outstanding. I was worried after all the negative postings on the internet (Late In Arrival & Takeoff, Luggage In Another Terminal) None of these turned out to be on the mark, and it was an enjoyable experience flying with LIAT. Mickey from Tropical was waiting with our car at arrivals and we were on our way. We arrived at OBBR, after lunch at Buccaneer Bar and a few stories from Neil Rooney.
OBBR- For what I paid OBBR was a bargain. The folks who work here were very nice and very accomodating. The studio we rented (#2910) needed some drastic rehab and a new mattress (although other folks complained that their bed was like a rock), also the shower was constantlyout of hot water. Being heated by propane, they needed to switch bottles constantly, but continuously, 4 out of the 7 days, they forgot. The pool was beautiful, the restaurant on site, Jade (owned by Indiana's) was just OK, breakfast prices were out of sight, ($4.50 for a small bown of cereal). Needless to say we ate there only one time. OBBR is very remote and due to the fact that most places between there and Orient were closed for vacation, we had a hell of a time find a place to eat. In addition, the roads north of OBBR are treacherous at night, what with the stupid speed bumps, pot holes, and kamikaze drivers. I would give this place only 2 1/2 stars (** 1/2). Sorry OBBR timeshare owners, maybe its better in season.
BEACHES- Spent a day on an empty Orient Beach, how different from when we visited in March, there had to be less than 150 people on entire beachfront. We also beached for a day on Isle Pinel, this was a wonderful experience, its truly exotic and far-away feeling. Dawn Beach, next to OBBR, was wonderful and had nearly as many people as Orient. We visited Anse Marcel (what a view from the hill), Gallion Bay, and discovered by accident Guana Bay Beach. We met the owners of Boardroom, its a neat place and is on our list for next visit.
ACTIVITIES- Took a day trip to Anguilla. Rented a car at the ferry terminal and explored the island, stopping for the day at Shoal Bay at Uncle Ernies. Again, hardly no one in attendance. This has to be the most glorious beach in the Caribbean (we have seen many, but few compare). The trip back resulted in a late afternoon in Marigot, checked out the West Indies Mall and had a drink at the Ahrawak Cafe, a little sidewalk cafe across from the Market Place.
PLACES WE ATE- Jade at OBBR gets 2 stars (**). Buccaneer Bar was a nice place for a quick lunch. Chris the grillman does an excellent job and supplies a mean hot dog. Barefoot in Paradise next to OBBR was okay for breakfast (** 1/2). Ms B's still retains its reputation. Great food, reasonable prices, and excellent staff. (***). Mr. Busby's was wonderful, had both dinner and lunch there. Good food, fair prices, excellent service (*** 1/2). Bikini Beach Bar has great beach fare and service. Crowded because was one of 2 restaurants on the beach open. (***). Dinghy Dock. This place is full of yachtie flavor. Great food, low prices, good portions. Staff very friendly and even sat with us over a drink. (***). Elodias Bakery just down the road from OBBR by a couple of minutes. Elodia is personable to the point of if you don't see it on the menu she will make it for you anyway. Great French pastry (***). Uncle Ernies at Shoal Bay had good beach food at low prices (***). Da Livios is the best place on SXM for Italian that I have tried. Danny was in attendance and was a lot of fun, even prepared a special shrimp creole for my wife (****). Indiana's. Great as usual. This exotic place is full of ambiance. Good food, excellent service, and more than enough to eat (****). Chesterfields was a good discovery, we will certainly go back there next trip. Good selection, big portions, good quality and service. (****)
Our next trip is months away and we are planning to visit on the Dutch Side. We are interested in the Simpson Bay area or Little Bay. Have a timeshare you are not using in the Spring?
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