Our Trip Report – May 19-30, 2004

The 4 of us recently returned from our 7th visit to SXM. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> Overall it was a wonderful trip. Be prepared for a long trip report.

Deb and Frank arrived on Continental on 5/19 with no problems. They were met at the airport by Marius from St. Louis Car Rental, completed the paperwork and were on their way very quickly. They then met the villa representative and were soon on their way to our new “home”. Our villa was located in the Pelican Key Estates, and it was quite a drive up the hills each time we ventured out. After checking in and unpacking they did a little shopping for essentials. That evening they met some island friends for dinner and drinks at Jimbo’s. An enjoyable evening.

Thursday morning D/F woke to rain. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> They went to breakfast at Zee Best – delicious pastries. Picked up a few more essentials and then went to Sunset Beach Bar to wait for Frank/MJ to arrive. They did, also on Continental and also with no problems. D/F met them at the airport with a warm welcome and cold Caribs. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> A great way to start our vacation. We all returned to the villa to unpack and enjoy our own little bar. That evening we stopped at Sunset Beach Bar, then on to Bliss. We were a bit disappointed at Bliss as the pool was in the process of being repaired and cleaned, and the drinks were very expensive. Frank R. managed to get himself invited to the roof of Bliss to hit some golf balls into the water. He impressed the young guys up there with his driving ability, but his ascent/descent was not such a pretty picture. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Overall, he survived his adventure with just a few scrapes from climbing off the roof (no ladders). We moved on the Bamboo Bernie’s for dinner – BBQ chicken and ribs, sushi and a burger. Everyone enjoyed their dinner. Afterwards we moved on the Casino Royale, but there were no winners. On the way back home we stopped into Mary’s Boon and joined a wedding in progress. What a beautiful night and a beautiful setting. Stayed only for a short while and then continued towards home. Made one last stop at Splash. Although the kitchen was closed (only open from 6-9 p.m.) we were able to enjoy a few drinks on the patio. Met Bill, the owner, who was very nice and provided us with a few snacks from the kitchen.

Friday, 5/21 – We woke up early to rain, rain, rain. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> Decided to try going to the beach anyway and stopped first for breakfast at Zee Best. Again, delicious pastries, omelets and crepes. Next stop found us at La Samanna just to look around and have a drink. It’s a beautiful place, but very expensive (which we knew going in). Made a quick stop at the MaDouDou factory <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Madoudou.gif" alt="" />. It really wasn’t open, but he let us browse and shop quickly before he had to leave. Finally, beach time. Orient, here we come. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> It was still cloudy and very windy and even a little rain, but we stayed anyway. Very few people at Orient this day. Stopped in to visit with Andy and Cheryl at Baywatch for lunch (always a pleasure). Prior to going into Phillipsburg for dinner at Los Gauchos, we stopped at the Hideaway for a quick look around. Another lovely place we had never visited before. At Los Gauchos we had an excellent meal (steaks and beef kabobs) but no entertainment. The St. Martin Week (French newspaper) had a photographer who wanted to take our picture for the next edition. We of course, said OK and found ourselves feeling like “celebrities” <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/King.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Queen.gif" alt="" /> when the paper came out a few days later. After dinner we visited the Boardwalk. What a lovely addition to the Philipsburg area. There were quite a few people at the restaurants/bars and just wandering around. We stopped at the Sint Rose Beach Bar and enjoyed the live entertainment until the rains started again. Then it was time to call it a day.

Saturday, 5/22 – A repeat of Friday morning with RAIN again! We ate breakfast in at the villa and decided to spend the morning in Philipsburg doing our annual shopping expedition. As always we stopped in to see Sunni and Mickey at Grand Jewelers (A TTOL SPONSOR) and were warmly greeted. We have been shopping with them for about 10 years now and have never been disappointed in a purchase or the service we have received. As Mickey told us, “you are closer than family by now.” This year Deb and Mar both walked away happy – Deb with a gold/onyx/diamond bracelet and matching ring and MJ with a new diamond tennis bracelet and also a blue topaz/diamond bracelet. Because of our repeated business and the fact that Frank/MJ were celebrating their anniversary that day, Mickey offered to buy our lunch while we waited for the jewelry to be sized. He escorted us to Taloula Mango’s on the Boardwalk where we enjoyed an excellent meal. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> Afterwards we stopped by the Guavaberry Emporium to replenish our guavaberry supply and to pick up a “Lulu” doll. Frank G. also left Phillipsburg happy with his new camera. On our way out of Phillipsburg we made a quick stop at the Heineken Airplane. A cute idea and we’ve always wondered about it. Had Heinekens, of course, and then headed towards home. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drinking.gif" alt="" /> Made one more quick stop at Joe’s Grill and Ribs just across from Hot Tomatoes. We were the only ones there although we did notice a few more people in the evenings as we drove past. Our final stop on the way home was at Buccaneer Beach Bar. For the second year, we were unimpressed. The bartender was too busy talking to the other 6 or so customers to even notice or serve a drink to us. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Mad.gif" alt="" /> After about 15 minutes of waiting at an almost empty bar we finally got 1 drink, but the others declined and we went home. That night dinner was at La Gondola in the Atlantis Casino. WOW – what a fabulous meal of lobster ravioli, osso bucco, and veal parmaigana. The staff must have overheard us talking about our anniversary, and we were very surprised when the waiter came out of the kitchen after our meal with a surprise “birthday” tiramisu. The staff sang and wished a happy birthday to ???? Still a nice touch. After an hour or so in the casino (again no winners) we stopped into Temptation for coffee and dessert. At first we were disappointed that the kitchen was closed, but when we informed them we only wanted dessert and coffee they said it was fine. The crème brulle sampler was awesome and the wet chocolate gooey dessert sinfully delicious. After all that it was time to go home! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" />

Sunday, 5/23 – No rain this morning, but still a bit cloudy. Marius delivered a second car to us early that morning, again minimal paperwork. We made a quick trip to the Peli Deli for bread and breakfast pastries and finished up leftovers from our dinner the night before. Then on to Orient Beach. This day was a much nicer beach day and we met up with friends from a previous visit (Rose and Ray, Betty and John). We spent the day just enjoying the sun and the company of Dave at the Perch when the sun got to be too much. Had a late lunch at Pedro's (ribs and a burger). Excellent as always. Headed for home, a swim in the pool and blender drinks. That evening dinner was at SSBB. The shot of the day was cranberry kazi which was excellent. They had a band that night which was quite enjoyable. Frank and Deb went home early and Frank/MJ made a quick visit to Ric’s and to Hot Tomatoes.

Monday, 5/24 – Today we went in separate directions now that we had a second car. Frank/MJ stopped at Hot Tomatos for breakfast – Rum Jumbie french toast (wonderful) and eggs benedict. Then on to Friar’s Beach and a trip over the hill to Happy Bay – what a beautiful location. Only 3 other couples while we were there. Stopped in Grand Case hoping to go to Calmos for lunch, but they were closed. Stopped instead at L’Amandier. Very nice. On to Orient and lunch at Boo Boo Jams. Walked the beach for a bit until the rain came again, then back home.

Frank and Deb spent the morning at Baie Rouge after also stopping at Hot Tomatoes for breakfast. Rum Jumbie Toast and an omelet for them, both excellent. After the beach they stopped at SSBB for lunch.

We all returned to the villa for a quick swim in the late afternoon before heading out for the evening. Dinner tonight was at Pizza Pasta in Maho. Excellent food in a small, quaint restaurant. Afterwards a visit to Soprano’s. Unfortunately, the piano man was off that night, but we were treated to an excellent duo (guitar and drums, etc.). Very entertaining, but a bit pricey. Soprano’s has expanded since our last visit and is now about twice the size it was. We all enjoyed the evening and headed for home.

Tuesday, 5/25 – Today was the day of our 3rd Annual Orient Beach Bar Crawl <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drinking.gif" alt="" /> As always, we started the day at Coco’s with breakfast. Our crawl this year included 12 stops, with some notable highlights:


Oasis Bar (got a free beer koozie with 2 beers)
Bikini – home of the strapless bikini (really 2 SXM Oval stickers, strategically
placed!) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" />
KKO Bar – Remembered GP from our previous visits and finally found a Bud
Light! Had to stay for a 2nd round here
“Friendly Bar” for lunch and another Bud Light beer special. Chicken kabobs
and chicken wraps – excellent – and it was time for some food
Papagayo’s where we met again with Rose, Ray, Betty, John and 2 new friends
from the island, Horst and Heike, a german couple

Dinner that night was from Lido – chicken, ribs, rice, potatoes, and salad. We made the mistake of ordering 4 dinners. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Oink.gif" alt="" /> Had trouble finishing 2 that night, but it provided great leftovers for the next few days. Also picked up some Haagen-Dazs ice cream to have with coffee after dinner.

Wednesday, 5/26 – We had breakfast at home – leftovers again. We went separate ways again today. Deb and Frank visited the market in Marigot. Picked up some spices and sauces. Stopped at Layla’s for lunch – a very nice beach restaurant. Then wandered through the Royal Islander Beach Club, a trip to the liquor store in Maho, a grocery restocking trip and tried to visit the Tiki Bar at LaVista which was closed.

Frank/MJ started at Mullet Bay. Very nice. Good waves and not very crowded. Moved on the visit the Kissing Fish Bar at the Summit. They were just closing as we arrived, as the bartender was taking some guests to the airport, so we only stayed a short while. Went to the Cliffhanger for lunch. Good food and an excellent view (especially nice at sunset, but it was lunchtime). We also wandered through the Royal Islander and stopped in the liquor store. One final stop at the Driftwood Bar at Maho, just something we do at least once each trip. Back to the villa – pool time.

That evening we met R&R, J&B, H&H at SSBB for dinner and drinks. Then a visit to the Paradise Plaza Casino. Frank G. finally won at blackjack.

Thursday, 5/27 – Frank R. spent the morning at the villa. He welcomed the quiet and solitude. Deb stopped in Phillipsburg to shop and sun at the beach. Frank G. and Mar made a visit to the zoo. It was an enjoyable morning. We stopped back at the villa to pick up Frank and head to SSBB. More friends were arriving on the Continental flight. R&R, J&B were leaving that day and also came to greet the newcomers (Chris and Bob). H&H also joined us. The ladies (who were all drinking free) gave the flight a SSBB free ladies drinking welcome as they landed <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> Rose and Ray left immediately after the flight landed and we then took John and Betty to catch their flight. Waited to greet Chris and Bob at the airport, again with cold Caribs. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> We went back home so they could do the quick tour and unpack.

Thursday evening found us at Friar’s Beach. There we found one of our favorite bar tenders from Orient – Dar. It was nice to see him again. Stopped in Sandy Ground at Chili’s to watch the sunset – beautiful! Dinner tonight was at Hot Tomatoes. Pizza, pasta, pork chops, shrimp, mahi, and brisket. All meals were good. We enjoyed sitting outside on a beautiful night, with a beautiful view.

Friday, 5/28 – Breakfast was a visit to the bakery and deli brought back to the villa. Visited Baie Rouge and again the water was very calm. Lunch was at Gus’s – a bit disappointing based on reviews we had read - I guess we had higher expectations. We had 3 cheeseburgers and 1 chicken. From there we stopped at Cupecoy. By then it was very hot and we were getting ready to head for home for some relaxing pool time. Pre-dinner drinks were at Mary’s Boon. Made us wonder why we weren’t staying there again this year. It was really beautiful. Met Thomas (husband of the activities director), a charming Irishman. Dinner reservations at Uncle Harry’s. Excellent meal – steaks, mahi and shrimp. It was a bit warm there while in the restaurant – not much air circulation. On our way out, Harry pulled up on his bike and stopped to chat for a moment. Made one last attempt at visit BBB, and again, were disappointed. Sorry, don’t think we’ll be back. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/sorry.gif" alt="" />

Saturday, 5/29 – Breakfast today was take out from Zee Best enjoyed around the pool.

Frank G. and Bob drove in to Phillipsburg to shop for a camera. The rest of us took Chris to check into their room at L’Esplanade. From there we made our way to Orient (again). One last visit to the Perch’s Happy Hour. Dinner was in Marigot at Arawak. Very disappointing. The location was nice, although being right next to the street made Frank jump a few times! When the waiter informed us they were out of so many items, we should have moved on – our mistake. (No chicken of any kind, no pizza). We settled on snapper, mahi, beef kabobs, prime rib, and fettuccine (with shrimp and plain). Very average meal and for the same price we paid at Harry’s for an excellent meal.

Sunday, 5/30 – We were all up early. Had to pack and head to the airport for the trip home. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> Stopped at SSBB (of course) for one last island lunch and drinks. Chris and Bob met us there and saw our plane off. Flights home (through Newark to Cleveland) were smooth and on time.

Random thoughts: Although our villa was beautiful, with all the amenities one would expect (full kitchen, full laundry, pool, wet bar outside) we found the location – high in the hills of Pelican Key – to be a disadvantage. The view of Simpson Bay was beautiful and on some days we could see Saba in the distance (although with all the low clouds on the horizon we swore it had sunk into the sea!). We, however, miss the camaraderie of other vacationers and guests that we experienced our last 2 trips at Mary’s Boon. In the future, I think we will return there.

Although we never got a chance to stop in, it appeared that the Iron Horse was quite popular, especially on Saturday night. Maybe next time!

As does everyone, we have our favorites which just can’t be missed. But we did try quite a few new places, at least to us. It’s unfortunate that we’ve experience such disappointment at BBB. On every trip to or from our villa we had to drive right past and it could easily have become our “regular watering hole.” Neal, are you listening?? Your staff is doing you no favors!

The weather was much rainier than we’ve ever experienced, but at least we got our share of sunshine later in the week. The water temps were also much cooler than we remember, except by late in the week when the sun finally stayed out.

Very few sunsets as it was so cloudy. I know some time back I posted a question about places to view sunrise. We had all good intentions of doing that one morning, but it just never happened. Guess that gives us a reason to return! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

Can’t say when our next trip will be. Next year’s plans are for Frank/Deb to head off on a Hawaiian adventure while Frank/MJ plan to visit the beautiful beaches of Thailand. But who knows, we may find a way to make at least a quick visit back to paradise.

Frank/MJ/Frank/Deb