This was our seventh trip to paradise. The first trip was for our 30th anniversary; and after that first trip we were hooked. We love it so much that we are going to try coming down twice a year. We always stay at L’Esplanade in Grand Case. However, this year after we had bought plane tickets for Oct 18 - Oct 27, we found out that L’Esplanade was closed until the 20th for some remodeling. No problem though; they arranged for us to spend the first two nights at their sister hotel, Le Petit.

Our flight (DTW, CLT,SXM) down and back on US Air was just about perfect. Going down, our flight out of Charlotte was delayed about 30 minutes, but the pilot made up time and we arrived at SXM just 15 minutes late. Awaiting our arrival was the girl from AAA to take us to the rental car, then off to Le Petit. I know there are several good rental car companies on the Island, but we have always been satisfied with AAA.

Last year it took us over two hours to get to Grand Case (bridge was up, construction, accidents, etc.). So this year we went around through the low lands and Sandy Ground to Marigot. We arrived at the hotel in less than 45 minutes.

Le Petit is a small hotel with just a handful of rooms. It is well maintained and immaculately clean, just like L’Esplanade. The nice thing about Le Petit is that it is right on the beach. We had the beach front suite, where we could walk out of our room right onto the beach.

After getting settled in, we headed over to Auberge Gourmond for our first dinner on the island. Our dinners (Roasted Duck and Grilled Lobster) were excellent.

On Friday (our first full day) we took advantage of the beach front at the hotel. We had breakfast in the room, then walked out onto the beach and just relaxed for the rest of the morning. Around noon, we walked along the beach to the north end of Grand Case (Le Petit is at the south end), ducked under the piers at the LoLo’s and then on up to Calamos Café for lunch. We always enjoy going to Calamos. From our experience, there tends to be a younger crowd there, just having a lot of fun. They also have lounge chairs and umbrellas that you can use for free if you are eating there.

Friday night dinner was at Spicy’s (Sea Bass and Rib eye Steak). Our first time there, and in hindsight, I wish we had gone back a second time. The restaurant is unusual in that it is not open air, but closed in with glass store front. It really cuts down on the street noise and provides a very comfortable atmosphere. Dinner was excellent.

Saturday, breakfast at the hotel again, and then relax on the beach. At noon we had to check out and head up the street to L’Esplanade. We really did like Le Petit. Especially enjoyed being right on the beach. But we were glad to get to L’Esplanade – it feels like we are home.

Kristin, the general manager, met us when we arrived. She had bad news; the air conditioning was not working in our loft (room #7), so we would have to move to room #12, a deluxe loft. No bad news there. The room was beautiful. The room was still being cleaned, so we dropped off our luggage and headed to Bay Watch to see Andy and Cheryl; and Ross and Adrian.

Saturday evening – dinner at Le Tastevins. Dinner was okay, but not as good as expected. Sunday, back to Baywatch for breakfast, then over to Coco’s for a day at the beach. The weather was perfect. Not too windy, as it can often be on Orient. Around noon, we beckoned the beach boy for a menu. We were just too comfortable to get up and walk to the restaurant, so we had pizza and a salad on the beach. We love those margarita pizzas. Mid afternoon we headed back to L’Esplanade for a nap. Then dinner at Bistro Caraibes (we had planned to eat at LeCottage, but they were still closed. I can’t remember what we had to eat, but I remember that it was good.

I didn’t keep track of which restaurants offered 1:1 when you pay in cash, but there were several. We brought more cash this year to be sure we could take advantage when it was offered.

Monday, we had breakfast at Coco’s. They have done some remodeling since last year – repainted inside, new cushions on bench seats, new live lobster tank, etc. After breakfast, chairs and umbrella at Coco’s. As had been previously reported by others, there is no C/O section anymore. We did see one couple nude for a while over by the rock. Later they put on clothes and walked down the beach. When they came back they kept their bottoms on. Did not see any French police, but no other nudity either. It was a little windier today, and also a little more humid. So, early afternoon we drove into Marigot to get lunch at La Vie’ en Rose and to do some shopping. There was a brief rain shower, but then cleared up. Later in the afternoon, back home to nap and then off to L’Escapade for dinner. Sautéed shrimp for me and Beef fillet for Dee.

It rained quite a bit during the night and in to Tuesday morning. The rain quit but it was cloudy, so we thought it would be a good day to drive into Philipsburg to see Deepti – it’s our 35th, so a new ring for Dee was in order. We found a great little restaurant called Kangaroo, where we had lunch while waiting for the ring to be sized. Also took a walk along the boardwalk. To be honest, we had not been to Philipsburg since our first trip down. So this was the first time we had seen the boardwalk. They really have fixed it up nice. The only problem is still the lack of parking. Got back to Grand Case in time for the usual afternoon nap. Tonight we had planned, again, to eat at Le Cottage but they were still not open. Kristin suggested that we try Sol’ e Luna in Mont Vernon. We had never been there so gave it a try. It is a wonderful little restaurant that is somewhat hidden away. They had just remodeled, adding a full bar and secure parking. We sat out on the deck as the weather had cleared up and it was a perfect evening. Dinner was excellent – sautéed shrimp/scallops for me and Lamb for Dee.

Wednesday morning we had continental breakfast delivered to the room and sat out on the balcony overlooking Grand Case. That’s one of the things we love about L’Esplanade – it sits high up on the hill and the view is gorgeous. It was somewhat overcast and there was a brief shower while we were eating. We sat there and enjoyed the cool breeze that was generated by the rain; and the beautiful rainbow afterwards. Overall, the weather has been great. I don’t mind occasional rain. It’s the wind that I hate, and this trip it was surprisingly calm. JUST A REMINDER: Don’t forget the mosquito repellent.

Looks like weather is clearing, so off to Coco’s again. Turned out to be a perfect day at the beach. We had lunch on the beach again; salad, pizza and wine.

Tonight is opening night for Spiga’s – Reservations at 7:00. When we arrived, we were greeted by Lara. We had heard that she is pregnant, and she is. She is due in December with her first. Dinner was excellent as always.. Also, saw Andy and Cheryl from Baywatch, so we had a very enjoyable evening.

Thursday, breakfast at Baywatch, then over to Club O for a day at the beach. I have to admit that in all the years we have been coming to SXM, we have never been to the Club O section of the beach. Not that we intentionally avoided it, but have always been very comfortable at Coco’s. However, with no C/O at Coco’s this year, we thought we would try it. From Baywatch, we drove along the wall to the Club O entrance and into their parking lot. As we had not been there before, I stopped into the reception to ask about the procedure. I told the lady we just wanted to use the beach for the day. She said just walk down to the beach and find a couple of lounge chairs and someone will be around to collect the money. The sign we saw at the entrance said $20 for the day, which included two chairs, umbrella and parking. However, when they collected the money, they only charged $18. The Perch was open, so we had drinks from there. At 12:30, they rang a bell that announced happy hour. Unfortunately, a very long line quickly developed. So, we decided to walk down to Baywatch for lunch and a few more drinks, then enjoyed the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the beach and watching the people. We probably picked the wrong day to come to Club O, as there were several cruise ships in and a lot of people on the beach. But, it was our first time, so we enjoyed it. A lot of the cruise ship people just walked the beach, checking out the sites, but quite a few rented chairs and took advantage of the C/O opportunity. Although there were a lot of people, we did not encounter anyone being rude or obnoxious. Everyone just having a good time.

Finally, LeCottage was open, so it was there for dinner. I guess I spoke too soon about the weather, as about 4:30 it down poured. Looks like an all night rain. Should have called a taxi, instead of driving. When we got into town the $5.00 parking lot was closed. So I dropped Dee off at the restaurant and drove around trying to find a parking place. Finally did, but had a long walk in the rain. Anyway, it was worth it. Dinner was excellent, and the rain let up enough to make it a very enjoyable evening.

Friday, our last full day, was the only day that we got rained out. We were going to go to Baywatch for breakfast, but with the rain, didn’t think the roads would be passable. So, instead went back to Coco. There were only a few people there so we had a quite breakfast. While we were there, a group of people came in for breakfast. Apparently, they were from a cruise ship. They had rented a minivan. Unfortunately, they broke one of the basic rules of the island; never leave anything in your car. While they were having breakfast, someone broke into their van and stole a backpack which contained several cameras. I felt bad for them, but nothing could be done.

After breakfast, we went back to the hotel and just chilled out. I think we needed a rest, so it was okay. That evening, we went back to Spiga’s for our last dinner. The rain had quit by then, so the evening was very enjoyable.

Saturday morning, up early to pack, then off to Baywatch for last breakfast and to say goodbye to Andy and everyone. Then back to hotel to check out. Our plane didn’t leave ‘till 4:30 in the afternoon, so we drove to the airport and checked our luggage and got our boarding passes. Then, drove over to Sunset Beach Bar for lunch and a few (too many) drinks. Around 2:00 we took the car back to AAA and they drove us to the airport. Flight home was uneventful. It must have been a good vacation; we were disappointed that it was over, but glad to be home. We are already on the lookout for good airline tickets for March.