This was our 20th trip to SXM after an absence of 2 years – and for the 1st time we stayed for 3 weeks – I love retirement – no need to worry about accrued vacation time! It was so nice to go back, meet up with old friends, laze on the beach, eat fine food, and just chill. Our days were remarkably similar as we had no great need to be anyplace in a hurry. Lots of beach time, driving around the island, a little bit of shopping, reading & relaxing.

We had FF tickets on Delta from PVD to SXM, overnighting both ways in ATL. I just didn’t want to stress Don if we had to rush thru an airport to make a connection. I wanted really to go Jet Blue direct out of Boston but the prices were prohibitively high up till about 3 weeks prior to our departure date – like in the $1100-$1300 per ticket price range. My brother & SIL had decided not to come with us for the 1st week cuz of the ticket prices but changed their minds with the price drop – which I learned about on TTOL! So far between Delta & AA we have never had to pay for a ticket to SXM. In ATL we stayed at the Airport Renaissance – again on Marriott rewards points – easy hotel to get to and very comfortable.

We rented again for about the 12th time from Unity. A bit of a mix up as our name never made it onto their pick up list, but they were at the airport and did have a car for us. We always get a used Corolla and this one had 58,000 miles and ran like it was brand new. Loved it. No complaints.

We used Shop n Drop for the 1st time & will do so every trip from now on. Jeannie went over and above IMHO. The Flamingo front desk mucked up as usual and told her we weren’t arriving etc. and wouldn’t let her in the room. So she calls Sharon (I told her we were getting a phone from her) Sharon calls into the office as I was picking up the phone to see if I had been there yet, I talk to Sharon, she calls back Jeannie for me, etc. I tell you all this so you can really appreciate how both Jeannie & Sharon go out of their way to try to resolve any issues. Very impressive. Anyway back to the groceries – Jeannie delivered what we ordered, got the painters at the Flamingo to help carry our luggage to the room (they were tipped well!) and we spent a few minutes chatting. Love the service, knew about the pricing structure up front, and understand the vagaries of availability on an island – great service. We had beer & coconut Etna ice cream the minute we hit the room!
Rest of our grocery shopping was done at the Grand Marche – the one at Porto Cupecoy remains my favorite – don’t ask me why but they always have what I want. Also used Peli Deli & Market Garden. I don’t get too caught up on prices, I’m all for convenience. We had no trouble finding the coconut Etna ice cream this year but 2 liter Diet Coke was a challenge for most of the trip.

For beaching it we were either at the beach & pool at the Flamingo or on Orient. Don can’t get into the ocean following his fall last year as he isn’t stable enough against even small waves, so the pool at the Flamingo was a great option for him. It’s a beautiful setting with a beach right off the pool so I got sand & he got water. We did go to Orient about 6 times. We parked at Pedro’s if we were early enough to find a spot or in the lot as you drive in. I thought the beach was narrow, but sand was being added as we were leaving. Cheryl & I were chatting about the state of the beach and how horrible it was late 2013. I can remember when the volleyball net at Club O was ON the beach with rows of chairs all around it. That beach has really changed over the years. I wonder if any of the dredging & filling that’s occurred around the island has changed anything up.

I never cook on vacation, although I may change that up next year. I found we were getting tired of food by the 3rd week, so a different strategy may be called for next year. I did a separate report on the new to us restaurants we enjoyed. We eat breakfast in, I usually ran down to Le Sucrierre for baguettes and croissants – still fabulous! We only had lunch out when at Orient & that was at Andy’s & Cheryl’s. The mussels & shrimps dishes were as good as ever – but I must say I thought Andy’s & Cheryl’s was much quieter than in previous years. It was never difficult to get a table. Overall I thought the prices at some restaurants were what I would expect but then others were a bit higher than what we got. Our old faithful’s included Mark’s Place twice– I love the ribs, Pizza Gallery, Skipjacks, Le Belle Époque, Toppers by the Sea, BBB twice – love the burgers & Ronny Santana. Temptations continues to excel, we went with 2 other couples & I had an excellent Seafood Paella & Don a filet. We also went to Pineapple Pete’s once a week. I’ve read some of the comments about Pete’s but they must be doing something right – the place is humming every time we’ve gone there. I think the food is good – not necessarily outstanding although folks do rave about the Lobster Thermidor, the service is great and both Pete & Mark make you feel very welcome.

Misc. observations are:
Traffic much improved with the causeway, bridge openings are much shorter with the new schedule.

Traveler’s checks were cashed at both Atlantis & Hollywood casinos

We got a phone from Sharon Harris – so easy, and convenient.

SSB&G is a zoo most days with cruise ships in. I feel sorry for the folks in live in Beacon Hill. The road at the end of the runway was often backed up when the planes were arriving.

Marigot seemed like a ghost town compared to previous years

TTOL party at the Greenhouse was really fun – thanks Sheila for getting it together again! And don’t forget September!
We didn’t find any mosquitos anywhere for the 3 weeks. I sprayed myself when we went out in the evening.

Weather was great – a couple of cloudy non beach days, a few showers that sent you under the beach umbrellas till they passed, & some humidity.

I lost my iPad charger & finding one was a challenge. I think we got the last one at Blue Point, after being sent over there from the Apple store.

Wi-Fi at the Flamingo was pitifully slow most of the time. And a word of warning for anyone with a Kindle staying at the Flamingo. I have an older Kindle without the web browser but with Wi-Fi but cuz a password is required to access the Wi-Fi I couldn’t download books at the Flamingo.

Our stay at the Flamingo Beach resort was comfortable. We own 2 weeks in a 2 bedroom lockout & did an internal transfer for the 3rd week. I may do a separate report on the Flamingo, particularly for any owners. There’s a whole lot that firing on all cylinders at the resort & still some work to be done in some areas.

Overall, a great 3 weeks and we hope to be healthy enough to do it again next year!