TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin First couple of days

We booked AA from Miami as usual, driving 3.5 hours to Miami. And as usual, we parked at The Parking Spot, a few minutes from the airport. Despite there being 3 flights from Miami on this day, our flight was totally full and they were asking for volunteers to re-book, but for another day, which we weren't interested in. We arrived on time with no issues, around 2:30. Unfortunately, no jetway, but ramp in the front and stairs at the back. At least we parked close enough that we didn't have to use the bus. I had requested wheel chair assistance, so we by-passed the lines, but they were not bad at all. There were a couple of other planes on the ground, but they had all cleared immigration, so it was quick. Luggage took quite a while, so it was 3:30 by the time we exited the airport. The folks from AAA were right there Io meet us, so we were off. Around the bend to do our paperwork and off to Beachside Villas.

As we looked out the sliders, the beach was beautifully clean and huge.

Life is good!

Saba was visible, although not very clear, due to the Sahara dust.

So, then it was a LONG trip over the hill to Carrefour for supplies. Traffic was horrible. After some shopping I left Eric there and went over to Mark's and ordered lasagna, salad and garlic bread to go. Eric joined me for a drink soon enough, and then it was back to BSV to unpack, have dinner and a short evening and off to bed. There were two ships in on Wednesday, and we did get 'home' in time to see the RCCL ship come by, although my picture isn't very good.



There will be no more ships until next Wednesday.

Thursday dawned a spectacular day, with a pristine beach, with no need to rake for seaweed. I caught the very end of a rainbow over Simpson Bay.



After a simple breakfast at the "house", and then eventually we headed over to Super U. Super U was PACKED and they were running a great sale, so we stocked up wine and picked up some lamb chops for later in the week.

Eventually we headed next door to D's Beach Bar for a late lunch.



The beach was basically clear there also. There was one other couple in the restaurant and three ladies on the beach. I only mention that because the service was terrible, from one young girl, who disappeared for long periods of time, and took probably 15 minutes to take our food order. I had a chicken sandwich they called the flying pig,



and Eric has a spicy chicken sandwich, both with fries.



The food was excellent. The music was LOUD when we arrived, but they did turn it down at my request. I would go back, because of the proximity and because the food was good, but hope for better service next time. After the late lunch, we had a snack for dinner and again were in bed fairly early. God, we are boring!

Friday we hung around the 'house' for a while. Eric was hoping for some pre-cooked lobster at Carrefour over the causeway, but came back disappointed, although he did get some mustard. We had mistakenly picked up mustard with horseradish (!!) at Super U, so he got some regular mustard. We cooked burgers on the grill for lunch. I spent the day reading my book, finishing my first book of this trip, washed down with my version of a mojito.

I do have some more pictures which I will upload at some point. Dinner this evening is under review..

IlWishing you a lovely trip and a happy anniversary soon come.

Pat--thanks. We're in your favorite room.

Looks like a pretty good start.

It's been a pretty stressful year so far, so it's good to just chill out.

Thank you so much for your report and pics!! So glad that you enjoyed D's, it's one of our favorite spots to visit and yes the food is pretty good.
Enjoy your stay and keep posting.

Sounds like a good start!! Beach looks great!!!! Boring is good!! Sand gravity is good falling asleep reading books is good!!!! LOL!!! Next time you go to D's, ask for Heather the manager, bring it to her attention that service was less than par for a slow lunch shift!! Yes, I've asked to lower the music too!!! Enjoy the boredom of the beach!!! LOL!!!

David--yes, we have had a difficult year, so boring is good. There was no manager there at D's I don't think. I think that perhaps the owner was there briefly at one point, but otherwise just the bartender and the young gal.

Saba is totally gone this morning. But still not a lick of seaweed!

Carol - Just so you know there are 3 managers at D's Beach Bar so there is always one on duty, usually working the bar. Isla (the owner) told us Jake, Jonesy and Heather are all managers and they are all terrific people.

Whale Tail--OK

Carol, did you try the mustard with the horseradish in it? You might like it! It's my favourite, I always have lots on hand.

Sounds like a great start! Thx for the report and photos...how were those fries?😉. Enjoy your boring relaxation...I'd take it in a heart beat!!😎🌴

Prairie Girl--Mustard with horseradish was WAAAAY too hot for me!!

Shelby--fries were good, although we had much better ones at Tortuga today for lunch.

The last four times I have eaten (alone) at D's the service was good twice, poor twice, depending upon my waiter or waitress. The food was always good. It is a favorite of mine, but I wish the service was more consistent. I love the parking provided and the view....

Thanks for the report and enjoy a relaxing stay! Hopefully you make it to the French side for some meals as well!

erb-plan to go to either Orient or Grand Case tomorrow. Today I think will be a 'home' day. Have some more pictures to post when I'm not too lazy. Finished my second book yesterday.

Carol, you sound like me, easily going through a book a day, or two, on days "at home". Thank God for my Kindle. Can't imagine packing all these books. Will be looking forward to hearing more about your visit as the days go by. I suspect we are of a similar age, and have been winding down a lot on our travels around the island.

We used to take our Kindle but now just take a paperback and trade at the Flamingo and LaVista book library exchange. Always something interesting to be found.

Kitkat--I generally bring about 3 books and exchange them out at the library here at BSV. Lots of good reading there.