I returned from St. Martin a week ago. I am really not good at trip reports, but I promised that I would provide info on La Provencale.

The trip down was uneventful. We were met at the airport by a smiling Peter, who helped with the bags and drove/led us to the villa.

My friend retired this year and spent an entire month on the island. The first week she spent with her family except husband. On the second week we (including her husband) joined her for the last 3 weeks as her family left. I can truly say that 3 weeks are not enough. So, hopefully, I will be there for a month next year. The problem is that I am not retired yet. So, vacation time is a factor.

We stayed at La Provencale in Terres Basse. This was our second stay there, but they had done some some renovations, since our last stay—most notably the swimming pool and view. Our last stay was 3 or 4 years ago and the pool was to deep at all dimensions to fully enjoy. They update the pool by creating a shallow part, adding stools, and tables in the more shallow area to sit and read in the pool. They trimmed the shrubbery to allow an even more fantastic view of Baie Longe. All rooms in this villa are master bedrooms. All except one have their own sofas and three have their private decks. There are multiple areas outside to sit read, eat, play cards, drink etc. This is truly a magnificent villa.

Mary Louise, I can’t imagine that there will be any thing that you will not enjoy. The maid Rossman is outstanding! She even remembered us and the rooms that we stayed in the last time that we were there. The rooms, the pool, the kitchen, the various outside areas are superior. Personally, however, I would not recommend this villa for toddlers or the downstairs rooms for anyone who may be physically challenged by steps.

We ate at several restaurants. Sorry, just could not jog my memory to remember all of them. I have listed some of the notables below. I totally regretted not being able to get to Claude Mini Club for the buffet nights for the second year. We just could not get organized. I even posted while I was there to get the night correct. Thanks to those of you who replied.

1. La Montmarrie – great assorted Foie Gras appetizers
2. Temptations
3. Rare – My friends birthday
4. La Gondola – My birthday
5. Pineapple Petes-Several times, love the lobster thermador
6. Moulin Fou-Several times
7. La Chanteclair-Lunches
8. More restaurants on the Marigot Waterfront-2 other don’t remember the name
9. La Main De Pate
10. Greenhouse-Love those 2 for one drinks
11. Le Tastevin-Only Grand Case restaurant this time
12. Turtle Pier-several breakfasts. Just gotta love that sloooow service
13. Port De Plaisance-brunch
14. Greenhouse-lunches
15. Several stops at Lido for Chicken and Ribs – take back to the villa
16. Cheries (the traditional stop)

I tried to do Le Bec Fin for my birthday, but it was closed on Tuesday.

Probably 7 days out of our 3 weeks stay, it rained practically all day long. So, because of the rain I:
• Shopped and gambled too much in Phillipsburg
• Ate most dinners closer to Terres Basse (Note: we hit all 4 of the restaurants at the Atlantis Casino are)
• Had much less beach time than desired
• Have to do this all over again next year
• Spent waay to much money at Rimas.

A rainy day in St. Martin is better than no day in St. Martin. Honestly, it appears that the Washington DC area had some of the worst weather while we were there (hot hot hot) . Glad I missed it.

Until next year,
Mary