Just back from our 4th trip to paradise! A few points.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Jim Ruos and Caribbean Island Travel. Everything at Esmeralda arranged exactly as he said it would be - no surprises. It's great to eliminate sources of stress. Highly recommended.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Esmeralda: Stayed in unit 48. Great room, location, pool. Very comfortable. The kitchenette is smaller and less equipped than Club O's but we still managed to cook a terrific shrimp and pasta dish with the provided tools and appliances. Responding to one of the posts: the fridge is small and no real chance to make ice. The lobby has an ice machine, but it isn't huge, don't count on it for filling coolers (be considerate of other guests, it empties fast! Leave some for happy hour!).
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Orient beach: What can we say, still the best beach in the world! The sand comes and goes, or better said, re-distributes down the beach. Plenty of sand in front of the Perch at Club O, and in front of Pedro's but beginning to thin by the end of the week in front of Baywatch.. it doesn't matter!! it will come and go, the experience is always great.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Reception at Club O: Despite some contentious posts a couple of months ago, we were treated very well. We were outsiders (staying at Esmeralda) and even though the beach was as crowded as we ever saw it, we never had trouble renting a chair or umbrellas. Pedros rented as well, but we stayed farther down. Personal umbrellas integrated well with yellow ones.. no problems!! Security was a bit more lax though. We saw one guy boldly videotaping without attracting attention. I don't think he was a creep, just videotaping his own group.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> DK Gems: We visited Deepti one morning as they first opened. Came away with a nice pendant for my wife that continues to attract attention. She hasn't taken it off since.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Tiko tiko cruise: Went on Tuesday with a great goup of folks. Phillipe and Florence were the crew. They did their normal great job. I had the beef this time, which was a steak. A very tasty and tender one! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/chef.gif" alt="" /> For those who haven't tried this and may be on the fence, it's one of our best days on the island... agreed to by all on the boat!!
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Fish Pot in Grand Case: Why did it take so long for us to find this? Fabulous meal. We had the two fresh catch dishes, snapper and mahi. Wonderfully prepared and served. We pre-ordered the chocolate soufle which was light as air and delicious. The guy at the parking place will give you a card for a free drink a piece. For us it was a generous glass of Chardonnay which we repeated once. It was about a full bottle of wine's worth for 12 euros.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Tap 5 in Orient Village: Great Pizza.. plenty for two for about 12 US dollars. You can take it to go and drink your own cold beer!
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Delta Airlines.. sometimes you just love things by comparison. We walked directly to security and the counter when leaving as we gazed with sympathy at the US Air queue which was hours deep. We used the $20 lounge again.. worth every penny. I probably shouldn't advertise this, since it was a bit more crowded than last year, but hey for TTOLers.. cool, comfortable and you can have a resonable lunch worth of food there.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" /> TRAFFIC!! Never saw it this bad.. Took us nearly an hour to get through Marigot on first arrival. Looking at the new airport and new development indicates this is going to get worse.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" /> Rams quit carrying Cuban Rum!! Luckily it's still at SuperMarche in Marigot. I'll look into this. I hope it's not some policy thing.
Well on the balance another wonderful trip! St. Martin is a very special place. Other than the side effects of the whole world finding this out, things seem to be getting better rather than worse!
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