TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Just back...trip report

Just back from another wonderful 3 weeks on island. It went by way too fast this year. Here are some observations, and highlights of our trip.

Travel: US Airways...no problems and love the schedule.

Car Rental: AAA Alain always provide great service.

Place: Flamingo Beach Stayed in a villa. They have updated all the furniture, and window treatments. Much improved but the wifi was NOT the best this trip. Actually talked to them about it. They said they are looking at getting a new system and know they need to improve. Will see. Lost power at least once a day also very unusual. I thought the grounds were in good shape. Still love the location.

Food: SBYC (love the grouper fingers), Skipjacks, Chesterfields, Tutta Pasta, and Bavaria (one of my favorites) all get high marks. Also ate at Toppers, BBB, Bon Apetit (for breakfast)Ethnic, and Alexanders. A few others as well.

Super Bowl: Had an awesome time at BBB for the game and they did a great job for the beach party the following weekend as well. This is our favorite bar in the area and spent a good amount of time there. Love the staff, good pizza, and great atmosphere.

Weather: A little strange this year. Very windy I thought. Humid and hot one day, rainy and cool the next. Just different from most of the previous 25 years on island this time of year. Saw 3 green flashes though!

Traffic: Love the causeway. Thought traffic from airport to SB in afternoons still bad.

P'burg: Only went one day but all looked good.

Beaches: Orient rebounded from storm and you wouldn't know that it even happened. Sad to hear rumor that they plan to build a boardwalk and make all the shops/bars look the same out of concrete block. IMHO this will take away from the charm of the beach. Not to mention plan on prices going up. Pinel: Price went up for boat ride to $12/person and chairs were $25 for two...pricier than I have paid in the past. It was not as in good shape as the past with sea weed, etc but food was good at Yellow Beach.

Crime: Didn't see any nor did we feel unsafe but have radar up and are not out late or in areas that could be an issue.

Skeeters: They were there but sprayed before we went out and all was good.

Island looked good saw tons of yacht traffic especially Vallentine's weekend and Monday after.

Odds and Ends: Thought it seemed busier than last year with more people. Got to be apart of a renewal of vows for friends which was awesome, saw old friends that we haven't seen in years, and made lots of new ones along the way. One of the reasons we love it there so much is the people. Overall, a quiet, relaxing trip, that we wish we could have extended. Until next year...

Hope you had a great time in spite of the 'strange weather'

Thanks for a nice concise report.
It sounds like a most enjoyable three weeks!

Great report. Right to the point on each topic.

Thanks we did have an awesome vacation. Weather was still waaaay better than at home so no complaints here. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> Also had a great time dancing to the music at La Bamba on Sunday night. Good to see Norm and talk to him for a minute.

Can you clear up for me what bbb was in your Super Bowl part. Think you mean. Buchaneer? Is that right?

Sorry...yes Buccaneer beach bar <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Three weeks - WOW!! Someday I hope to convince my DH to stay that long but sadly, after 10 - 12 days, he's generally done.. It sounds like a lovely trip so thanks for sharing the details. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Haha sounds like my spouse. We talked about things to pass the time once fully retired so the other doesn't get bored. Possibly volunteering while on island. For now I have more vacation so I stay longer and it is fine with my better half.

Good to see you guys again. Also love the Grouper Fingers at SMYC.