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Trip Report 12/27-1/14 #273603
01/17/2022 11:44 PM
01/17/2022 11:44 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 187
Washington State
Todd_Melinda_K Offline OP
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Todd_Melinda_K  Offline OP
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 187
Washington State
December 27-January 14

Our first trip since Jan 2020. Showed up for our red eye out of SEA on Dec 26. Flight was scheduled to leave at 10:40pm. Flight delayed due to “waiting for crew”. We finally started boarding around midnight and after de-icing we were in the air around 1:00am. Due to this delay and then sitting on the tarmac in FLL for over an hour waiting for a gate, we missed our connection to SXM. After an unexpected overnight in FLL we were off to SXM on 12/28. This flight was delayed as well and we ended up landing at 4:30 instead of 2:30. Nonetheless, we were just happy to be there.

We stayed at Villa Paloma again, this was our fourth time staying here. We like the location, it’s in the first row up the hill above Orient so for us it’s walkable to the beach and the village. It’s private, so c/o sunbathing around the pool is an option. It’s surprisingly quiet, occasionally we would hear some music from Yellow Sub in the evenings, but nothing too late.

Some dining highlights –

Le Bistronome (Grand Case)– This was a new restaurant for us. It’s across the street from the public parking lot, next to the old Calmos Café. We didn’t have a reservation, but they were able to accommodate us on their little outside deck. They have a very creative menu. Hubby had a stewed beef pie with foie gras and I had a Fisherman’s Pot. Excellent food and very gracious service.

Oceans 82 (Grand Case)– One of our favorites and did not disappoint. Definitely make a reservation if you want a water side table. Amazing meal from start to finish. If you are a martini drinker, they make an excellent one.

La Villa (Grand Case)- When I walk into La Villa, I feel so welcome. There not on the water, they are not flashy…but they are so happy to see you. We’ve always had a great meal here. Probably the best lamb we ever had on the island. JC is a treasure and so entertaining (just in case! Lol). Make sure to visit him during the day at Orange Fever on Orient.

L’Atelier (Orient Village)- If you are a meat eater this place is for you. They have an extensive menu of different cuts of beef from different parts of the world. Just order the tenderloin with foie gras, trust me. Alex and his staff busted their butts to make sure you have a great experience. Excellent cocktails as well.

Wai Plage (Orient Beach)- We went here for NYE. They had a fixed price menu, that was wonderful. They did a great job creating a party atmosphere with party favors and fire twirlers. Capping off the night with champagne and fireworks on the beach. It was a great night thanks to Chrystelle and her awesome staff!

La Villa Hibiscus (Pic Paradise)- This isn’t just a dinner, it’s an event. Absolutely amazing flavors and beautiful presentations. Every detail is well thought out and every course flowed beautifully to the next. If you’re already spending the money for the dinner, get the wine pairing; it was spot on. Even though it was dark, the view is incredible. If we go back we will probably do lunch to take advantage of the wonderful view.

We had pretty nice weather, with only one day it was too windy to be on the beach. We went to Happy Bay once and it was just a beautiful as ever. Plus we witnessed a marriage proposal!

We brought the BinaxNOW Ag Card Home Tests for our testing the day before we flew home. They worked well and it was nice to do them from the comfort of our Villa. Travel home went as planned. We like to leave in the afternoon, overnight and fly back to Seattle in the morning. It takes the stress out of getting through customs and trying to make a connection in the same day.

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Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: Todd_Melinda_K] #273612
01/18/2022 02:06 AM
01/18/2022 02:06 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
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SXMScubaman  Online Content
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Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
what airline was connecting through FLL?

Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: Todd_Melinda_K] #273617
01/18/2022 08:03 AM
01/18/2022 08:03 AM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,989
Westchester /NYC
Colour1 Offline
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Colour1  Offline
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Westchester /NYC
Thank you for that lovely detailed trip report!!!! My heart brakes for you guys coming from the west coast!!! Is there no way to get to JFK direct and out the next day?? JB and Delta fly out first thing in the morning. We are on the beach by 12pm at Beachside villa's!! Love the vibe of Orient!! Haven't done that in a while with Bruno (formerly of LaPlaya beach/restaurant) at Paradise O! Glad you are home safe!


Sand Gravity, got to love it!
Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: Todd_Melinda_K] #273624
01/18/2022 08:58 AM
01/18/2022 08:58 AM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 574
mahokid Offline
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mahokid  Offline
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Posts: 574
Enjoyed the dining highlights as I can read some reviews and just question when they say it's the best on the island
Each person has their own likes and dislikes and I feel ours are similar, dinning is a priority

Spot on about LaVilla and JC, we go because of how we are treated and the food is good and reasonably priced

Le Bistronome is on our go to new restaurant for next August as it is getting some great reviews from educated diners

La Villa Hibiscus also is on our to go list, yes expensive but if it is good, certainly don't mind the cost

Unfortunately L' Atlier was closed for vacation during our last visit

I would recommend Le Pressoir for you as it is a step above the normal recommended restaurants that we all love

Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: SXMScubaman] #273633
01/18/2022 11:24 AM
01/18/2022 11:24 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 187
Washington State
Todd_Melinda_K Offline OP
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Todd_Melinda_K  Offline OP
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 187
Washington State
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
what airline was connecting through FLL?


We flew Alaska SEA - FLL & Jet Blue FLL - SXM

Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: Todd_Melinda_K] #273636
01/18/2022 11:55 AM
01/18/2022 11:55 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
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SXMScubaman  Online Content
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Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by Todd_Melinda_K
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
what airline was connecting through FLL?


We flew Alaska SEA - FLL & Jet Blue FLL - SXM

We always fly SEA To either MIA or CLT then to SXM on AA. Same on the way back.

Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: Todd_Melinda_K] #273648
01/18/2022 12:29 PM
01/18/2022 12:29 PM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 399
Detroit
bluejacket Offline
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bluejacket  Offline
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Posts: 399
Detroit
Could you please share a web address for Villa Paloma? or other contact info.

Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: Todd_Melinda_K] #273649
01/18/2022 12:34 PM
01/18/2022 12:34 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Central Florida!
Thanks for the trip report. Sounds lovely! Any pictures?? smile


Carol Hill
Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: Todd_Melinda_K] #273651
01/18/2022 12:36 PM
01/18/2022 12:36 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Biturbo Offline
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Biturbo  Offline
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Clearwater, FL
Thanks for sharing - the food sounds wonderful.


I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: bluejacket] #273660
01/18/2022 01:25 PM
01/18/2022 01:25 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 187
Washington State
Todd_Melinda_K Offline OP
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Todd_Melinda_K  Offline OP
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 187
Washington State
Originally Posted by bluejacket
Could you please share a web address for Villa Paloma? or other contact info.


Here you go:
Villa Paloma

Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: Todd_Melinda_K] #273662
01/18/2022 01:55 PM
01/18/2022 01:55 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Obviously, that villa is in what used to be called Green Cay Villas. But it appears to have no view? Is it close to what used to be the office?


Carol Hill
Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: Todd_Melinda_K] #273666
01/18/2022 02:23 PM
01/18/2022 02:23 PM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 399
Detroit
bluejacket Offline
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bluejacket  Offline
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Posts: 399
Detroit
Originally Posted by Todd_Melinda_K
Originally Posted by bluejacket
Could you please share a web address for Villa Paloma? or other contact info.


Here you go:
Villa Paloma



Awesome. Thanks for the great report.

Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: Todd_Melinda_K] #273749
01/19/2022 04:15 PM
01/19/2022 04:15 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
RonDon Online content
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RonDon  Online Content
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Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
Glad to here you had a good time. I just copied your restaurant list for our March trip. I sounded good. Thank you for reporting.

Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: Todd_Melinda_K] #273752
01/19/2022 05:08 PM
01/19/2022 05:08 PM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 334
S
StMartinFan Offline
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StMartinFan  Offline
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Really enjoyed the report…except for the disappointment about your flight delays! Several new restaurants we haven't tried, so will add them to our list for a future trip. Appreciated how well you described the dining experiences.

Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: Todd_Melinda_K] #273780
01/20/2022 08:11 AM
01/20/2022 08:11 AM
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 219
Virginia Beach, VA USA
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barryvabeach Offline
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barryvabeach  Offline
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Virginia Beach, VA USA
Thanks for the report, I am familiar with most of the restaurants you mentioned, and have the same opinons, especially as to Ocean 82 and JC at La Villa. Did you have dessert at Oceans 82. Last year they had a pastry chef that was off the charts - made a lemon dessert that looked identical to a real lemon, and we are looking forward to going back there in February. BTW, the place you stayed at looks very nice.

Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: barryvabeach] #273798
01/20/2022 11:16 AM
01/20/2022 11:16 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
RonDon Online content
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RonDon  Online Content
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Rhode Island
Originally Posted by barryvabeach
Thanks for the report, I am familiar with most of the restaurants you mentioned, and have the same opinons, especially as to Ocean 82 and JC at La Villa. Did you have dessert at Oceans 82. Last year they had a pastry chef that was off the charts - made a lemon dessert that looked identical to a real lemon, and we are looking forward to going back there in February. BTW, the place you stayed at looks very nice.


OH! yes! we had that lemon last year and it was the highlight of the trip. Can't wait for our return. Hope the chef is still there.

Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: Carol_Hill] #273813
01/20/2022 01:30 PM
01/20/2022 01:30 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 187
Washington State
Todd_Melinda_K Offline OP
Traveler
Todd_Melinda_K  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 187
Washington State
Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
Obviously, that villa is in what used to be called Green Cay Villas. But it appears to have no view? Is it close to what used to be the office?


I’m not sure where the office was. It is 4 or 5 villas away from the walkway down to the roundabout. When we were there in Jan 2019 there was a view because the foliage hadn’t grown back yet. This time everything is filled back in and pretty much blocked the view. For us that isn’t an issue, we appreciate the privacy.

Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: Todd_Melinda_K] #273817
01/20/2022 02:01 PM
01/20/2022 02:01 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
I don't know if there is still a gate on the bottom row? If so, the office was right by where the gate is/was. Sounds like you were pretty close to where it was. View is extremely important to me, that's why I asked. We have stayed at several of those units in the former Green Cay and the ones we stayed in all had a lovely view. But we never stayed on the bottom row., closest to the ocean.


Carol Hill
Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: Todd_Melinda_K] #273824
01/20/2022 03:44 PM
01/20/2022 03:44 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
RonDon Online content
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RonDon  Online Content
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Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
La Villa Hibiscus website is in French. If I read it correctly dinner is 100 euros per person for 5 courses; 150 euro pp for 6 courses; 200 euro pp for 7 courses drinks NOT included. You get the menu as souvenir at the end of the meal. That's got to be some great food for those prices!

Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: RonDon] #273940
01/22/2022 02:15 AM
01/22/2022 02:15 AM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Online content
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jazzgal  Online Content
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Portland, OR
You can click on the flag for the site to be translated.

I had lunch there in November. With two glasses of wine, the amount that hit my credit card was around $160 USD. Yes, it's great food and a wonderful experience.


[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report 12/27-1/14 [Re: RonDon] #273963
01/22/2022 10:28 AM
01/22/2022 10:28 AM
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 18
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319expat Offline
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319expat  Offline
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Originally Posted by RonDon
Originally Posted by barryvabeach
Thanks for the report, I am familiar with most of the restaurants you mentioned, and have the same opinons, especially as to Ocean 82 and JC at La Villa. Did you have dessert at Oceans 82. Last year they had a pastry chef that was off the charts - made a lemon dessert that looked identical to a real lemon, and we are looking forward to going back there in February. BTW, the place you stayed at looks very nice.


OH! yes! we had that lemon last year and it was the highlight of the trip. Can't wait for our return. Hope the chef is still there.


Yes I had that amazing lemon dessert in December 2021! I can't believe I forgot to add that to my trip report!


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