Open note to Jazzgirl and Kim.....

Thank you, thank you....

Did the beach at Anse Marcel yesterday not having been there since its pre-Radisson days. No blaring music, no seaweed, great attentive service from charming but not over-bearing beach attendants and we weren't packed in like sardines in a can! Not inexpensive but more than worth the money.

What more could you ask for......TY both for the repeated suggestions. It was all you said it would be and then some. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

We went there to show our friends around the island and they wanted 75 euros to walk through the lobby , that was for a day pass to the beach . We left

I couldn't agree more!! Our first experience at Anse Marcel was this past March. The beach was beautiful. I have read a few comment that folks felt it was expensive. But there was value for your dollar. Service, quality of food, and clean bathrooms are worth a little extra. We can't wait to get back next year.

Just a quick clarification. We were at the Anse Marcel Beach Club not the Riu Resort ( which I understand is expensive) it is the area with the brown umbrellas. Just a wonderful day!!

That was the Riu, presumably, which is an a/i.

Gee--that's all the report we get from yesterday?? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Mad.gif" alt="" /> Glad you had a good day though! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Hello Pat,
I have been going to SXM for 11 years and sometimes twice a year. We will be there for two weeks in June and we want to visit Anse Marcel beach because we have never been there. My question to you would be: Did you settle down the RUI or Anse Marcel Beach Club. I like your description of your beach day.
Thanks,
Bob

You definitely went to the resort not the beach club, beach club is the left before the gate. Just looked on my credit card, spent 51 U.S. For the day there, had a nice lunch and a bottle of wine (51x3) and we each had a drink at the beach. Pretty sure chairs were included

We spent 12 days out of 16 there. It is really the very best.

We kept talking about going there, with all the beach problems, but never made it. Did you have food and drinks?
Next time.

We did enjoy Orient. We had 3 beautiful days there and 2 at Kim Sha--other alternatives to huge waves and seaweed.

Must mention all the beautiful days at our favorite Mullet--before the waves. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Hopefully BSV will be calm and seaweed free for you Pat!!!
Can't wait to see how you like it. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

I'm so glad to hear this, Pat. I really think it's one of the most under-rated places on the island. I have always found the folks at the "beach shack" (on the left as you face the water) to be friendly and accommodating and the food worth the price. Love being able to walk quite a ways into the water with it remaining very, very calm. 36 days until I'm back on island!

So glad you had a nice day there.

I'm pretty sure they were not included the times I've been there. But no matter; it's still one of the best beach places . . . for me . . . on the island. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

your correct, I was mistaken.

Glad you enjoyed it there Pat. We have spent a few very relaxing days there at different times, sometimes by ourselves and sometimes with friends. The food and drinks were always good and the calm water is a delight! There is a nice private area so you don't have to be near any of the hotels.

If the chairs are not "free", is it ok to bring a cooler?

I wouldn't, but that's just me

No they will put you all the way on the left near end of beach.

I bring my own chairs and cooler and umbrella, but sit down from the Anse Marcel Beach club chairs...that is always an option if you want to bring your own cooler, but as others have said, I would not bring one and use their chairs...

Patty,

If you bring all your own provisions don't you have to park way out almost by the guardhouse? The young man who greeted us the day we were there indicated the cobbled drive and parking area close to the restaurant is strictly for their beach chair and restaurant patrons, otherwise we'd have to park in the first lot. I don't think I'd want to schlep all my stuff in that far if that's truly the case, and it would make sense to me he knew what he was saying, but perhaps not? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

The close-by parking is new since I was last there; can't wait to see it. I've always had to schlep from the guardhouse, and it's a bit of a hike.

There's a TTOL member here who shall remain nameless who must have nice "facilities" at her beaches. This was from the Anse Marcel restroom a couple of years ago. When I was there last year, there was a sign saying "under renovation." I thought the bathroom was beautiful as it was; am interested to see what the renos are next month.

Very nice!

Soap and paper towels? And I assume a flush toilet somewhere?? Wow.. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

It really is a perfect beach in every way. Unless you need/want BIG waves, that is. The food and drink are wonderful and the service is exquisite. That 'nameless' person will be very pleased. For all the things we want and love this is the best location I've found on the island, but another of those 'not for every day' locations. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Yes, two rooms/toilets with doors on either side of the sink. And if memory serves, there were also sinks in the loo rooms, but I'm not positive about that.