This was our 9th trip to St. Martin in the last 10 years. Still our favorite place even with the ridiculous amount of traffic.
We stayed on Orient Beach this year at Cap Caraibes Hotel. In the past, we have usually went with a group of friends and rented a villa in the Terres Basses area on the beach. This year, we were going alone, so we picked Cap Caraibes. Wonderful choice!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
LOCATION:
We loved being on Orient Beach. Before, we were on beaches that were difficult to walk and had no restaurants, etc. This year, we enjoyed early morning walks on Orient. We would then either stop at one of the restaurants for breakfast or buy a baquette at the store and make our own toast in the room. During the day we could go down the beach further or take advantage of the free, comfortable lounges with umbrellas in front of the hotel. Staying right in front of the hotel allowed us to be able to access the room quickly for rest rooms or new drinks. The beach was beautiful except for a large amount of seaweed down around Pedros for a few days.
In the evening, the village atmosphere of Orient Beach really came alive. The beach bars close down for the most part, but the square area comes alive. They offer numerous, excellent restaurants and bars with music and live entertainment. After a few days, you would run into the same people and began to feel like part of the community.
HOTEL:
Cap Caraibes Hotel is great. We stayed on the second floor for a week, and we were having so much fun we extended the vacation 2 more days. We had to move up to the 3rd floor for those 2 days since our room was taken. Both rooms were very nice. They are large and have a small kitchen. The bathrooms are clean, efficient, and have great showers. The balconies are a decent size, but could use new cushions on the second floor room. The third floor had an amazing view out over the beach (building #3). The service from the maids and from the desk (Thank you Madeen) was great. We will definitely stay there, again. The price was also appreciated. They offered 2 nights free if you were staying for 5 nights.
BEACHES:
We really only used Orient Beach, but we did stop to see Dawn Beach and Cupecoy. The development on Dawn Beach has really taken away most of the beach. What a shame! Cupecoy Beach was actually in good shape, but all the development around it has destroyed the feeling of a being on a secluded, romantic beach.
RESTAURANTS: <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />
For breakfast:
We usually either ate in the room or had a small breakfast at one of the beach bars. One morning we decided to go to the Sunset Cafe in Grand Case. It has a lovely location, right on the bay. What a mistake! We waited 15 minutes before a waiter asked us if we were staying in the hotel. We said we were not, and after another 10 minutes he returned with a menu. After another 10 minutes he brought my husband a coffee cup, but no coffee. Finally, we were able to beg a cup of coffee, but no cream or milk. Another 10 minutes brought us our O.J. and water. Meanwhile, we watched numerous other couples walk in and actually be served while we were ignored. We were being very patient and pleasant, but eventually we gave up. After one hour, we walked out.
Lunch:
Went to the Sunset Beach Bar, of course. Their menu has been expanded, and I had the grouper fingers. They are breaded, deep-fried grouper. Loved them.
Tried Mr Busby's on Dawn Beach. We had a very good lunch and were impressed with the menu. We had planned on going back for a dinner because of the great menu, but we never did make it.
Best find was Baywatch. We had read about Andy and Cheryl's restaurant on the website, but had never tried it before. What wonderful food and fantastic people!! During our morning walk, we stopped to see what the lunch menu would be. Andy greeted us and told us about his specials. He was very proud of his fare. We went with another couple for lunch and wished we had found them earlier in the trip. One special was New Jersy beef au jus sandwich which was so good. My husband had French Onion Soup which he said was better than any he had on the entire island, including the gourmet restaurants in Grand Case. We will definitely return. They also have a great breakfast menu.
Dinner:
The Village of Orient Beach has some nice restaurants.
Taichi is a Thai restaurant that had a very nice atmosphere and excellent food.
Our favorite in the Village area was Planet Orient. It had wonderful food, great bar, live music, and beautiful servers.
Near the beach, we went to Cafe Plantation which is a very small,intimate setting. Their menu is just what is on the chalkboard, but that was more than enough. The food was great.
In Grand Case we first went to L'Escapade. The server was very friendly and entertaining, but the food didn't appeal to us totally. The French Onion soup was poor, but the steak was great. We are not gourmet diners, so if you are, I think you would enjoy it.
We also tried Spiga which definitely was amazing. Very tastefully decorated, great service, and wonderful food. We will return.
Le Fish Pot used to be our favorite restaurant when we first came to St. Martin. Two years ago we had a very poor experience and skipped it last year. We decided to try it, again. It still is not worth the trip. The only thing we really enjoyed was the live fish in a bowl on every table.

Car rental: We always go through Leslie at Kenny's Car Rental. Good prices and decent cars. No hassle.

Can't believe we have 11 more months before we return. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />