Took a few days to get life on the farm here in Oregon back to normal. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> Thought we would give a brief report to anyone interested on our trip to SXM. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/typing.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
After many visits over the last few years, Jill & I agreed this was one of the best. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />
CAR RENTAL:
We were met at the airport by the Unity car rental guys and taken to their lot nearby where we were out of there in minutes. We always rent from Michael & Joseph at Unity and are never sorry. We were told that they are only one of 2 companies that have a lock mechanism on the shifter that prevents theft unless someone actually tows the car away. (not likely)
GRAND CASE:
The 1st 3 nights we stayed at l'Atlantide in Grand Case. We had never stayed on the French side before, so we thought we would give it a try. ''Atlantide is a small older hotel right on the beach. Great view, but an older building that could use some maintenance. The balcony view was great, the bed was comfortable, and the utilities worked. What more could we ask. Enjoyed Ribs at the Lolo's at the east end of town. There are several all close together and they compete with each other. The food at all is terrific if you like BBQ and local fare such as rice & peas, fried plantains, & many other favorites. There are many French restuarants right on the beach that are all within walking distance of just about anywhere in Grand Case. Since our main "hangouts" are always around Simpson bay, Grand Case puts you a little far away for night activities.
Buccaneer Beach Bar:
We met Jim & Tina (jtkpenguin) on sunday at the Buccaneer beach bar. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> We had set up the meeting on TTOL prior to arriving. BBB is new since our last visit. Very nice on Simpson bay next to Indiana Beach. We enjoyed drinks with Jim & Tina and hearing about Ireland. We met Neil, the owner of the bar <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />, as well as JD (rural carrier), and enjoyed chatting and more drinks. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />
Sapphire Beach Club:
The next 7 days, we stayed at Sapphire Beach Club just past Mullett Bay from the airport. This was our 1st time at this resort also. We found the room to be beautiful and spacious. Full kitchen with all amenities. Large bathroom with a large tub and open shower. View from the balcony looks out on the ocean and also has a hot tub which is too hot to use for that climate. Saba is on the horizon. They also have a secured underground parking facility for your car. The negatives <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Mad.gif" alt="" />: The pool is small for the resort size, and the resort has no beach of it's own. This is ok for us as we spend most of our time away from the resort enjoying the island <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drinking.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />
TTOL Party: <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />
We went to the pre-party on monday night at Rics place hosted by JD, where they had 1/2 price appetizers and 1.00 beers for the TTOL people. We met several new people, as well as Max (MadMax) and Barry from Carribean Gems in Phillipsburg. Ric's had the Baseball playoff game on as well as monday night football. Sportsfans, take your choice.
Later that week we visited Max and Barry at Carribean Gems and Jill got a new gold neclace and Dolphin ear rings (she loves dolphins) They are SUPER nice there and will give you a GREAT deal. Go see them for your jewelry needs <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
Tuesday we went to the pary at LaVista hosted by Carol & Eric Hill. They had some very yummy appetizers and also a live band. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/band.gif" alt="" /> We enjoyed meeting more new people, especially Carol & Eric, whom we felt we already knew from TTOL. We danced <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" /> to reggae and had a great time. Thanks!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/thanks.gif" alt="" /><img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />
Beaches:
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Our favorite beaches are Baie Rouge, Orient, & Dawn. There are many beautiful ones, but these 3 stand out for us. Baie Rouge is very accessible and very long with lots of sand. It has a beach bar & restuarant and the water is quite calm and very clear as it is on the leeward side of the island Great for swimming. By the way, the water temperature varies from the upper 80's to low 90's depending what beach you are on.
Orient Beach is clothing optional and there is always something going on. Lots of beach bars and restuarants <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />The swimming is great here also, You will find lots of friendly people on Orient beach. We always seem to meet new friends here. We met 3 couples from Atlanta and enjoyed some time with them. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />
Dawn Beach is a beautiful long beach with lots of fine white sand. Ms B's Ribs is located here and are delicious. Try some! The swimming is great, but the water is not quite as clear as it is on the windward side of the island. Nevertheless, it is a great place to hang out.
Favorite Restuarants:
Even though there are many great restuarants on SXM, we have a few we visit frequently: Turtle Pier on airport road is a MUST for coconut shrimp. Jill looks forward to these each tiame as we have nevere found anywhere in the states that comes close. They have dining on the water on the lagoon. We visit this place everytime we are down here, usually several times. Boathouse accross the road from the cinemas is another. It has great food (seafood & steaks). The service was excellent for us. Bananas was very good as usual, I had prime rib (to die for), Jill had stuffed Mahi Mahi, and Jim & Tina who we dined with that night had filets. We all agreed the food was Wonderful. Say hi to Bob and Dale while you are there. They make you feel at home.
Lees Place: They have an assortment of good food. Ribs, chicken and especially seafood. We had a waitress one night that must have been having a bad day as we wouldn't want her again. Say hello to Steve at the bar, he is a "kick"
Martys Gyros: Lastly we've got to mention Marty's. His place is kind of hidden behind Bananas. He has great Pita sandwiches that are reasonable as well as full bar. He is a favorite for the locals. We have known Marty for several years and hang out there a lot at night. Go by and have a bite to eat or a drink and tell him Carl & Jill sent you. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />
The 10 days we spent were not enough. Next year we are planning 2 weeks. We are going a week or 2 later next year as a lot of places are just opening up after being closed for the slow season. (mainly Sept & early Oct)
Hope we didn't bore anyone, but we love the island. Email us if we can answer any questions.
Carl & Jill
from Oregon
.
