We’ve been traveling to SXM since 2003, usually with several other couples and then meeting up with beach friends once we get there. This year, we met up with one couple so it was a much “quieter” visit.

EHAS paperwork approval was temporarily problematic and honestly, there were a few moments when I seriously doubted that we could go. All was resolved eventually.

We started at LAX with a red-eye. Our flight was delayed by several hours when a passenger on the incoming flight refused to wear his mask- plane was diverted to DFW where the passenger was removed. That whole situation was mess because we didn’t really know if or when our red eye flight would be made available, whether it would be canceled or take off shortly after arrival. At any rate, we would miss our MIA connection. We re-booked on next MIA flight so only delayed into SXM by 2 hours. Feeling very fortunate for that given all the delays and obstacles.

SXM arrival is always emotional for me. When I step off the plane and take my first few deep breaths of SXM air, I tear up, thankful that we can visit one more time. Because we expected our bags wouldn’t be with us (given the bag tracking app info), we went directly to report our delayed bags. It was less than an hour from landing to rental car meet up. We rent a car from Michael at Unity- always there waiting for us as we come out, cars are clean and in good shape, price is reasonable.

Next stop is Simpson Bay Resort Marina Building. Beautiful room with water view but sadly, this location didn’t provide the sunset view that we love so much. Marina Building parking is close to our room, peli deli, The Buc, etc. We like that!

ShopnDrop had done their thing , so we had groceries delivered and put away before we arrived. It costs a little bit more but for us the convenience and time saving are well worth it.

First dinner upon arrival is traditionally Bistort Caraibes. Traffic was crazy but we made it for our reservation. Filet Mignon and Scallops were fabulous. BC has always been good for us!

During our stay, we visited Orient 6 times. The road to the beach was one bumpy pot hole filled ride! Holding a cup of coffee is not recommended.  Seaweed in the water and on the beach was a struggle, especially down on our end of the beach. Toward Coco, it wasn’t as challenging.

Our friend, Charles, celebrated his grand re-opening on our second visit. Goodtime Charlies is back! Drinks and chairs right next to Le String. If you are able to swing through his place, ask for Charlies Special. It’s delish!

At Orient, we ate at Le String 3 times and Aloha once. Food at both is excellent. Service at both is excellent. For our meals, we definitely needed reservations for Le String but not for Aloha. Probably due to our choice of days. We also visited Zee and Chez Leandra for a few Rum Punches- love that place.

I would say Orient is back. Chairs were busy, restaurants were busy, and parking lot was full!

We had beach days at Karakter, Mullet, and Rainbow as well. Garlic shrimp, Mahi Mahi, Ribs, Mussels- all really good. Will probably return to Karakter and Mullet but will sub in Temps de Cerises next time. Beaches at Simpson Bay and Mullet had big wave action on our days. Actually, at Mullet watched a chair guy run from the back to help scoop an older man and woman out of the surf- it was a scary few moments. Grand Case beach was the most calm with an easy walk into the water. All were beautiful…

We had meals at Isola, Ocean 82 and Greenhouse. We made reservations for each. Isola was the highlight of these. Pizza and wine served promptly with a smile! Greenhouse prime rib night was okay. Service was slower than expected and beef was not cooked to order. At Ocean 82, we felt very rushed. Server spoke too fast. He declined our request to order salad and then entrée after a few minutes. Actually, I had never had a meal where I felt I needed to chew faster so they could have the table back. The lamb special was overdone. Lobster fettuccine was good. We won’t be back- too many other choices in Grand Case.

Sunset Beach Bar and The Buc- are they owned by the same person now? Menus are the same. Service is slower than I remember. Drinks are weak. Servers overwhelmed. Food was eh.

We used Binax proctored Covid tests for our return home. I learned about this option on this thread- thank you for that! Test was easy, results were fast, and cost was very reasonable.

Great weather, mostly easy traffic, visited with locals, ate well, relaxed, and now we’re home. Only 343 days and counting til next time…

Thanks for the report. Sorry you didn't have a good experience at Ocean 82. I have always loved it there. And yes, Buccaneer and Sunset are now owned by the same people.

Was your luggage waiting for you? You indicated that the app said it wasn't going to be there. What happened? So you couldn't order salad and an entree for dinner?

Nice report! So glad to hear Charles is back! Many fun days spent at the beach with him over the years, glad he's back in business.😎

Great report

WOW!!! glad you made it, what a ride! I know that feeling of the air rushing out of your body when you finally land!! I was so relived, we left the luggage back at the carousel ! LOL!! Sorry to hear about Ocean 82! Off night, over booked??? Yes, many good places in "GC". I'd give it another try. Yes, not happy that the same owner now owns Buc's! We were there with our group Halloween night, not much was very good, my burger was good. There is a different vibe there that I'm not thrilled about, same as going to SSBG!! Thanks for sharing your trip report. 17 and a wake up to paradise!!

Hi! Our luggage was not waiting for us, so we went directly to the baggage folks to report the delay. We did some paperwork and were quickly on our way. Luggage was delivered the next day. With regard to ordering our food- we prefer (generally speaking) to order and receive our salad and then to order our entree. This way, our entree isn't served before we finish our salad. When we tried to order salad first, we were told very plainly that we had to order both salad and entree at the same time. And yes, our entree arrived before our salad was finished. Thanks for asking for clarification!

Charles at Goodtime Charlies serving up his speciality-

Thank you for your kind comments... I have been a follower of this forum for a number of years and have definitely benefited and enjoyed reading about your experiences!

Thanks. Good that you got your bags delivered and it wasn't indeed lost. I'm suprised they wouldn't let you order entree later. Couldn't have been to difficult to accomodate that for you. I'm a slow eater and I hate it when the entree comes and I'm still eating my salad or appitizer. I get your drift.

Nice to see Charles, it has been years! Thx for sharing the pic!