First Trip to SXM

As the heading of my post says, this will be the 1st time my wife and I will be in SXM for an extended period. We have been to the island maybe 4 or 5 times on different cruises so we decided to book for a week. We'll be going September 9th through the 16th for our 39th anniversary. Staying at a VRBO in Pelican and renting a car. Looking forward to taking in as many things as we can. Any suggestions would be greatky appreciated. Have been to Orient Beach but only up to Pedro's so this time it's going to be to Club Orient area to get us both out of our comfort zone. YOLO right?

Congratulations on your anniversary and your first trip! Most likely it won't be your last!

First, I personally think you have chosen a great time of year to go to SXM, because it will not be crowded at all. Second, I hope that you know that this is close to the height of hurricane season, so I hope that you have purchased trip cancellation insurance, just in case! I see you're from Florida, so I assume you already know that. We haven't been in September in a while, but we used to ALWAYS go in September and loved it! Some restaurants will be closed, but there will still be plenty of places open. Club Orient the hotel will probably be closed when you are there, or perhaps will close around that time. No worries, the beach will still be open and there will be beach chairs and umbrellas to rent on the beach. I don't honestly know whether the Perch or Papaagayo will be open, if the Club has already closed for their holiday. I think some years they have the Perch open, even when the Club is closed, but not sure this year. Otherwise, it's very easy to pack a lunch and/or drinks and take a cooler to the beach there at Club O. Depending on how you like walking a bit, you should also make the trip over to Happy Bay and check it out.

Otherwise, don't plan too much, enjoy! Let us know if you have any specific questions.

Enjoy Orient! At Pelican, you'll be close enough to walk to some bars, restaurants and a little casino. You'll enjoy it very much in that area. It has more of an American "vibe" on the Dutch side and I think you'll feel quite safe there. September is a great time to go - the water is almost always warm. As long as there's no storm approaching, you should not experience many, if any, rainy days.

Thanks for the replies. I am not sure where in Pelican area the condo is but I seem to think somewhere on Billy Foley Road. Can anyone advise of a nice restaurant to take my bride to for a romantic anniversary dinner near that area?

Regarding the location of your condo, you could post a link to the listing and someone here could probably tell you where it is.

Regarding a restaurant in the general area of Billy Folly Road, some suggestions, in no particular order..

La Patrona Restaurant at Simpson Bay Resort TRADITIONAL Mexican fare, which is NOT!! Tex-Mex, in a lovely setting.

Hideaway Restaurant at LaVista Resort Restaurant with a varied menu, with a lovely view of the ocean. Best check with them, the restaurant might be closed in September.

Skipjacks--sorry, too lazy to find the website--Probably some of the best seafood on the island

So French--On Billy Folly Road--Traditional French, a little pricy

Bajatzu--In Maho, so a bit further, but some of the best steaks on the island.

Enjoy!

You could try Izi which is just down Billy Folly Road to the right on Welfare Road. It is very chic, mostly Italian food but very romantic. They have waterfalls coming down the outside windows, everything in the restaurant is white and the service is impeccable.

Wow that sounds great and we LOOOOVE Italian food

You know, it's funny how different places are different to different people. I think the decor at Izi is very bland!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Different strokes for different folks!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

I've read somewhere that The Stone is nice place too. Is the stone waterfront?

we really like Izi, but wouldn't describe it as "nice" (as in upscale) or romantic...it's bright, usually full including large groups, loud, with the tables pretty close together....i would describe it more as casual italian <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/chef.gif" alt="" />

It is on the Lagoon, yes.

Thank you for the suggestion to post the place we will be staying. Here's the condo listing. www.vrbo.com/658170 and it's called Carisma on the beach. Looks like a nice place and the reviews are good.

I'm not certain, but I think it's pretty close to LaVista Beach. Hopefully someone else can confirm for sure. Looks nice!

As far as other things to take in:

Parotte Ville - a parrot sanctuary where the birds will eat out of a cup given to you and will light on your head, shoulders, etc. A simply wonderful experience!

The Zoo - so much fun feeding the goats out of your hand!

Tijon - also lots of fun making your own perfume/scent (not just for ladies!)

Loterie Farm - zip lining, cabanas around a beautiful pool, restaurant/bar "in the trees"

Passaat - do not miss a sail on the Passaat; they offer half-day sails, sunset sails, and dinner sails. Others will recommend other sailing experiences, but this is my favorite.

While the island has 37 beaches, I am partial to a few on the French side:

Anse Marcel - a beautiful beach with gentle water and a beach bar with wonderful food

Friar's Bay Beach / Friar's Bay Beach Club

Petite Plage - beach associated with Grand Case Beach Club

La Playa - restaurant and bar on Orient Beach run by Bruno Lemoine

Dreams - great beach bar on Nettle Bay. The beach isn't that great, but this is another wonderful food establishment run by Bruno Lemoine

This should give you a start! Have a great trip!

I though I read here that Tijon was closed.

If you love Italian, you might want to try Sale y Pepe. It's very near you at the bottom of Billy Folly Road.

I don't think so. They are selling the business, but I don't think that has yet happened, and even if it does, I doubt that the business will close; it's much too successful.

Again, thanks for all the information. I have read quite a few posts about Cupecoy beach being nice. I see it is "secluded" so does that mean we would need to bring chairs and shade or is there somewhere there to rent them?

Dany rents chairs and umbrellas at Cupecoy, and also sells lunch and drinks there. His rum punch is excellent.

If you want lunch, you need to:

1) arrive before lunch
2) tell him that you would like lunch when you arrive

He cooks to order.

JazzGal Thanks for all your recommendations!
We are going to add these to our list!

Tijon - also lots of fun making your own perfume/scent (not just for ladies!)

Passaat - do not miss a sail on the Passaat; they offer half-day sails, sunset sails, and dinner sails. Others will recommend other sailing experiences, but this is my favorite.

My pleasure. I like your countdown! My next trip is still a few months away.

Jazzgal, Our trip is August 5-19th. Our first 10 days are at Club O, until they close for the season. We have nothing booked for the 15th thru the 19th. We are thinking about touring the place you put a link to (Mecasa). If we do that, we will let you know what we think. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks. I'm booked there for November. The pictures are very nice, and it has great reviews.

You will quickly learn that SXM is small and you can be anywhere on the island with your rental car in a very short time.
Enjoy, welcome aboard!

Sale & Pepe is the best Italian restaurant on the island. When you're leaving Pelican Key, take a left onto Welfare Rd by Burger King. The restaurant is on the left after Market Garden. I live on Billy Folly Road, pretty close to where you'll be staying. You'll be within walking distance of The Hideaway restaurant at LaVista resort. Nice romantic atmosphere. Enjoy!

I think that would be an energetic walk to say the least.

Not at all. He is staying about five houses down from LaVista.

RE: La Patrona at SBR. We stayed there for 2 weeks of our 3 week visit & tried La Patrona twice, were not happy. Breakfast was lackluster, lunch was just OK. Service was the worst we experienced in SXM...multiple people taking our order, food not coming out as we had ordered, overpriced for the so-so quality. While the view is spectacular, I believe you can make a better choice. Enjoy your trip & anniversary. Have fun getting out of your comfort zone at Orient beach...remember, you'll never be with <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />those other people again (maybe!)!

I am really thankful for all of the suggestions. I am printing these places out and I will hopefully be able to review our trip when we get back.

Have a great trip! Looking forward to hearing all about it!

WE peeked at the breakfast buffet last week and decided to go to Bon Appetit. I'm not into huevos rancheros... and there really wasn't anyting special there.

We went to La Patrona, but for dinner not breakfast, and found the service and food to be really good. Not looking to start a war but offering another opinion.

If you'll be driving to Club O you may want to try breakfast at Paradise View Creperie Restaurant. Sits high on the hill above Orient Bay and you can see Club O from the place. Great views with fantastic crepes. We were visiting for 3 weeks this year and stopped there for breakfast or lunch half a dozen times. It sits at the end of a row of tourist shops at a place called Paradise View.

Paradise View has delicious crepes! Our first trip was 2 years ago in September and they were closed for the month. I was very disappointed. I love that the water is warmer during that time but sometimes miss that many restaurants close then. There are so many that remain open, though, that it doesn't make much difference.

I am so looking forward to this trip! Any information for September would be greatly appreciated.

We used to go in September a LOT. Haven't been in September for a while, but I can't think it's changed that much. Weather is warm and humid (but I live in Florida, where it's HOTTER than SXM in the summer anyway!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />). There is very little traffic. There should be no crowds at local beaches, except possibly on a Sunday, when many locals go to the beach. You do not need a reservation at pretty much any restaurant on island. Some restaurants will be closed, with usually more restaurants closed on the French side than Dutch. Some restaurants may not be closed entirely but only open limited days. So, don't get your heart set on a particular restaurant unless you have confirmed with them that they will be open when you go.

While it's unlikely, since September is the height of hurricane season, at least a tropical storm is POSSIBLE, so make sure that you buy trip insurance. If a storm is brewing, do take pro-active measures yourself and keep yourself informed and if necessary, stock up on some essentials like bottled water, candles, etc. Like I said you shouldn't need it, but just in case you might print out a list of hurricane supplies and preparedness tips at home and throw it in your suitcase. Can't hurt.

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks Carol. I am all too familiar with September weather living in Sarasota but I am hoping it'll work out. What's the worse that could happen, I have to extend my time on the island, haha!!

Sorry, I didn't pay attention that you are from Florida, so you know all about hurricane preparedness.

Like I said, we used to go to SXM in September for years. Some of our best trips!

I have to say!!! I went in Sept. and it was so hot and humid, I changed my ticket and came back home. I do not live in Fl. But I believe it takes a certain body to tolerate certain kind of heat... The air was stagment, and felt thick.. I never went back that time of year, or in the summer months...So of cource there are those that thrive on very hot... also, found the ocean was so warm, it was not refreshing... found myself going into air conditioning during the day for relief, as we only had bedroom air... But that's me. Every body is different. that does not make me right or wrong... An opinion... Nope I could not live in Fl. in the summer monthes or after may...

Don't know where you're from but I was born and raised in Long Island, NY. I worked for the post office as a mailman and then transferred to New Hampshire. Left NH again for transfer to Tampa, Florida. Finally left the USPS after 13 years and retired last year from law enforcement after 21.5 years. While the summer can be quite hot, I have to say that it beats shoveling snow in the winter. I used to have to start my car 20 minutes before I wanted to leave to defrost the windshield, then worry about black ice. Working in the cold, once my feet got cold I was done. I can ride my motorcycle all year long, the winter is 3 days long and very rarely gets below 40 degrees. While I agree with you about stagnant air, ridiculous humidity and thunderstorms, to my wife and I it outweighs the negatives of the cold northeastern winters. As you said, just my opinion.

Ah come on, deputy--here we have at least FOUR days of winter! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> I agree with your assessment though--much rather be hot than cold! ..and, as I said, it's generally COOLER in SXM in the summer than here..

Well ok. your one of lots of people that can tolerate the heat... I and many others can not... I have friends that live in fl. and tell me that some people visit in the summer and can not tolerate the heat. Also, people here in Pa. have summer homes in fl. and leave due to extreme heat after may... I am not saying I love snow and Ice. but obviously, there is no perfect... and sorry, but fl. is not perfect for all. But happy for those that love it... I have 4 best friends that live in Fl. I am only happy that they love it. I personally do not want to close windows and live in air condition. Again, that me, and that you.. You should not take offence... Some people love chocolate, some love vanilla... Did I make my point?

I don't think deputy took offense at all. As you said, chocolate and vanilla. For sure, Florida is NOT perfect, but for us, I wouldn't live anywhere else now.

Ok. and that's good for you. there are people that physically can not handle hot... that's the way it is... Glad you can. If they could, than everyone would be in fl.

As you said, that's why they make chocolate and vanilla.. No problem.

IZI is way down the list on good places. Tropicana in Marigot is OUR favorite. Hope they are open when you are there. Very small,elegant and fabulous food.

No I took no offense at all, I was just pointing out my view. I like vanilla! When I first moved down here and experience my 1st summer I said wow this is nice. My second summer I said Holy Crap it's HOT! On the third summer I asked if I had died and gone to H-E double hockey sticks!!! I'll admit winter is about a month long but I really prefer to ride my Harley all year and not shovel snow. If I was able to afford it, I too would be a snowbird and spend June-September in a cooler climate. So I guess I have to ask: Did I make my point?

You sure did... And although we do not live all year long in a hot climate, we are able to get away the bad months of winter to our home In St.M... So long as we have our health. I have been in St.M. all time of the year, but can not be there between june and Oct... So we usally go between December and March.. I wish my body could tolerate very hot, but I get physically sick... So, no I do not like winter snow and ice, but we are luck to have both worlds.