Posted By: sxmsandbum
Brief review - 02/25/2017 03:46 PM
Just back from 26 days on island...here are a few thoughts and observations. JMHO!
WEATHER: Very rainy the first few days but after that extremely clear and saw more green flashes this trip than anytime in 28 years of going. You could see details on Saba and several islands often difficult to see. Also thought mosquitoes were not as bad this year but still sprayed everyday as the little buggers love me. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
TRAFFIC: Still there! Crazy as we thought the island was much quieter up until our last week which is always busy as it is Presidents week.
CRIME: Didn't see any or feel unsafe. But we are not out super late and very careful.
BEACHES: Orient water was a little rough the day we were there and not very busy, I was amazed how quiet it was. Mullet we hadn't been for awhile...it was nice but 1 of the chair guys has a bit of attitude as to where their sand starts and ends with the next chair guy. Silly dispute and we probably won't go back as I prefer beaches with bathroom facilities. Karakater enjoyable as always. Spent most days on our resort beach.
FOOD: We have so many favorites hard to try new places but wanted to make sure to do that this time. Here are the new ones we hit. Bar Code neat little place and the Kimchi Reuben was very good as was the burger we tried.Pizza & Co good pizza at a good price Pizza Italy had the pasta and did not care for it. Was told the pizza is very good and it did look like it so will give that a try next time Vesna Taverna We had grouper which was very good and their prices were very reasonable! Also went for breakfast one day. Avantikah good Thai food in a nice setting though no view And the big winner was Sale and Pepe Went twice! Love the Carbonara and chicken Parmesan and they give you this spicy spread for your bread that is delicious. Nice menu. Reservations are suggested as not a lot of room. Shout out to some old favorites still good and must stops for us Chesterfields and Bavaria. There are couple old standbys that disappointed this year and we will take off our list for the future especially with the new ones we found this trip. Too many great places to eat. I know everyone has different likes and dislikes when it comes to food, so JMHO. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />
BARS: Went by Sunset to see all the changes and I must admit they did a great job on it. A bit too crazy for me when they dump the cruise buses and miss the old days when it was small and more of a local flavor. SMYC was always busy when we stopped to see the ships. A side note disappointed with the grouper fingers at SMYC. They seemed to have changed them this year the breading/batter seems different and they were mushy. Gave them two tries same result. Really bummed as these were a big favorite with my family...JOHO. We still love it there and their food so will go back just miss the old grouper fingers toast: Red Piano so nice now that non smoking!
OVERALL: Power outages were way to frequent for this day and age. Island was much quieter this year and locals said not much of a season. Weather was hot and clear for the majority of the time and the ocean warm. Another great trip and good to see old friends and make some new. Sorry to see some favorite restaurants close but discovered some new ones. All in all another fabulous, low key, relaxing trip...time flew by and can't wait to go back!
WEATHER: Very rainy the first few days but after that extremely clear and saw more green flashes this trip than anytime in 28 years of going. You could see details on Saba and several islands often difficult to see. Also thought mosquitoes were not as bad this year but still sprayed everyday as the little buggers love me. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
TRAFFIC: Still there! Crazy as we thought the island was much quieter up until our last week which is always busy as it is Presidents week.
CRIME: Didn't see any or feel unsafe. But we are not out super late and very careful.
BEACHES: Orient water was a little rough the day we were there and not very busy, I was amazed how quiet it was. Mullet we hadn't been for awhile...it was nice but 1 of the chair guys has a bit of attitude as to where their sand starts and ends with the next chair guy. Silly dispute and we probably won't go back as I prefer beaches with bathroom facilities. Karakater enjoyable as always. Spent most days on our resort beach.
FOOD: We have so many favorites hard to try new places but wanted to make sure to do that this time. Here are the new ones we hit. Bar Code neat little place and the Kimchi Reuben was very good as was the burger we tried.Pizza & Co good pizza at a good price Pizza Italy had the pasta and did not care for it. Was told the pizza is very good and it did look like it so will give that a try next time Vesna Taverna We had grouper which was very good and their prices were very reasonable! Also went for breakfast one day. Avantikah good Thai food in a nice setting though no view And the big winner was Sale and Pepe Went twice! Love the Carbonara and chicken Parmesan and they give you this spicy spread for your bread that is delicious. Nice menu. Reservations are suggested as not a lot of room. Shout out to some old favorites still good and must stops for us Chesterfields and Bavaria. There are couple old standbys that disappointed this year and we will take off our list for the future especially with the new ones we found this trip. Too many great places to eat. I know everyone has different likes and dislikes when it comes to food, so JMHO. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />
BARS: Went by Sunset to see all the changes and I must admit they did a great job on it. A bit too crazy for me when they dump the cruise buses and miss the old days when it was small and more of a local flavor. SMYC was always busy when we stopped to see the ships. A side note disappointed with the grouper fingers at SMYC. They seemed to have changed them this year the breading/batter seems different and they were mushy. Gave them two tries same result. Really bummed as these were a big favorite with my family...JOHO. We still love it there and their food so will go back just miss the old grouper fingers toast: Red Piano so nice now that non smoking!
OVERALL: Power outages were way to frequent for this day and age. Island was much quieter this year and locals said not much of a season. Weather was hot and clear for the majority of the time and the ocean warm. Another great trip and good to see old friends and make some new. Sorry to see some favorite restaurants close but discovered some new ones. All in all another fabulous, low key, relaxing trip...time flew by and can't wait to go back!