Now that we have been back for a few weeks and had a chance to reflect, here goes our latest trip report. In the past, I have always dealt directly with the hotels in SXM. This year I used Caribbean Islands Travel Service and will never go back to the old way again. Ed Roman (800-388-9153 or [email]edroman@townisp.com)[/email] is the most knowledgeable and helpful individual out there. His information and availability is excellent. I also found that the prices he quoted were less than those quoted directly by the hotels. My advise…..use them. The past few years we have stayed at l’hoste because of there two room deal (prior to 12/15) since we could not find a second couple this year, Ed Roman suggested Cap Caraibe at Orient Beach. Since this is located next to l’hoste and uses La Playa, it was a great suggestion. We left Boston on 12/1 and took an AA flight to PR at 9:30 AM. For some reason, there were less than 40 people on board. We will definitely take this flight again next year. Arrived in SXM on schedule, rented our car and headed straight to the hotel. I have read some of the recent review of Cap Caraibe and l’hoste and could not agree LESS. I would stay at either place again. My feeling is that the people who wrote the unfavorable reviews are first time visitors and expect stateside hotel accommodations. It’s a laid back island and you are on vacation, so lighten up. The lobbies are not fancy, the people may not be the friendliest (although I have never found that to be the case) and there are no face cloths (really……..is that enough to spoil you vacation?). As far as the traffic goes, I look at is as being part of the flavor of the island and one of the reasons we keep coming back. You go to SXM for the beach, the food and the “island ambiance”, so relax and enjoy it. We prefer La Playa because it does not get the large crowds on “cruise day” and the lounge chairs are not set out in neat rows. You can sit where you want and rotate your chair to follow the sun. Had a relaxing massage from Francois on the first day, and that set the mood for the rest of our 12-day stay. The weather was perfect with no rain at all during the day and the usual downpour in the middle of the night. Our days on the beach were spent relaxing, walking, reading and drinking. This is the first year we stopped at Baywatch and cannot believe that we were never there. Andy and Cheryl are perfect hosts and the food is delicious. Any of the other beach spots for breakfast or lunch are also all winners. Our rundown of nighttime restaurants is as follows:
Sol e Luna (Cul de Sac) – romantic and fantastic
Tropicana (Marina Royale)
Bistro Nu (Marigot)
Marrakesh-new Moroccan restaurant in Marigot-beautiful décor and excellent food
Loiterie Farm (Pic Paradis)
St. Sevarin (fresh mussels from France on Friday night)
Boo Boo Jam ( a Sunday night must)
BDLG (Marina Royale)-always good for pizza and salad
Spiga (Grand Case)
Rainbow (Grand Case)
As usual, we never had a bad meal and the restaurants that we had visited on past trips remember us and welcomed us with open arms.
All in all, this was our best trip ever to SXM and we are already planning for next year. I strongly recommend the first 2 weeks in Dec………….less costly, and smaller crowds. See you next year.
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