Posted By: Todd_Melinda_K
Trip Report 12/27-1/14 - 01/18/2022 03:44 AM
December 27-January 14
Our first trip since Jan 2020. Showed up for our red eye out of SEA on Dec 26. Flight was scheduled to leave at 10:40pm. Flight delayed due to “waiting for crew”. We finally started boarding around midnight and after de-icing we were in the air around 1:00am. Due to this delay and then sitting on the tarmac in FLL for over an hour waiting for a gate, we missed our connection to SXM. After an unexpected overnight in FLL we were off to SXM on 12/28. This flight was delayed as well and we ended up landing at 4:30 instead of 2:30. Nonetheless, we were just happy to be there.
We stayed at Villa Paloma again, this was our fourth time staying here. We like the location, it’s in the first row up the hill above Orient so for us it’s walkable to the beach and the village. It’s private, so c/o sunbathing around the pool is an option. It’s surprisingly quiet, occasionally we would hear some music from Yellow Sub in the evenings, but nothing too late.
Some dining highlights –
Le Bistronome (Grand Case)– This was a new restaurant for us. It’s across the street from the public parking lot, next to the old Calmos Café. We didn’t have a reservation, but they were able to accommodate us on their little outside deck. They have a very creative menu. Hubby had a stewed beef pie with foie gras and I had a Fisherman’s Pot. Excellent food and very gracious service.
Oceans 82 (Grand Case)– One of our favorites and did not disappoint. Definitely make a reservation if you want a water side table. Amazing meal from start to finish. If you are a martini drinker, they make an excellent one.
La Villa (Grand Case)- When I walk into La Villa, I feel so welcome. There not on the water, they are not flashy…but they are so happy to see you. We’ve always had a great meal here. Probably the best lamb we ever had on the island. JC is a treasure and so entertaining (just in case! Lol). Make sure to visit him during the day at Orange Fever on Orient.
L’Atelier (Orient Village)- If you are a meat eater this place is for you. They have an extensive menu of different cuts of beef from different parts of the world. Just order the tenderloin with foie gras, trust me. Alex and his staff busted their butts to make sure you have a great experience. Excellent cocktails as well.
Wai Plage (Orient Beach)- We went here for NYE. They had a fixed price menu, that was wonderful. They did a great job creating a party atmosphere with party favors and fire twirlers. Capping off the night with champagne and fireworks on the beach. It was a great night thanks to Chrystelle and her awesome staff!
La Villa Hibiscus (Pic Paradise)- This isn’t just a dinner, it’s an event. Absolutely amazing flavors and beautiful presentations. Every detail is well thought out and every course flowed beautifully to the next. If you’re already spending the money for the dinner, get the wine pairing; it was spot on. Even though it was dark, the view is incredible. If we go back we will probably do lunch to take advantage of the wonderful view.
We had pretty nice weather, with only one day it was too windy to be on the beach. We went to Happy Bay once and it was just a beautiful as ever. Plus we witnessed a marriage proposal!
We brought the BinaxNOW Ag Card Home Tests for our testing the day before we flew home. They worked well and it was nice to do them from the comfort of our Villa. Travel home went as planned. We like to leave in the afternoon, overnight and fly back to Seattle in the morning. It takes the stress out of getting through customs and trying to make a connection in the same day.
Our first trip since Jan 2020. Showed up for our red eye out of SEA on Dec 26. Flight was scheduled to leave at 10:40pm. Flight delayed due to “waiting for crew”. We finally started boarding around midnight and after de-icing we were in the air around 1:00am. Due to this delay and then sitting on the tarmac in FLL for over an hour waiting for a gate, we missed our connection to SXM. After an unexpected overnight in FLL we were off to SXM on 12/28. This flight was delayed as well and we ended up landing at 4:30 instead of 2:30. Nonetheless, we were just happy to be there.
We stayed at Villa Paloma again, this was our fourth time staying here. We like the location, it’s in the first row up the hill above Orient so for us it’s walkable to the beach and the village. It’s private, so c/o sunbathing around the pool is an option. It’s surprisingly quiet, occasionally we would hear some music from Yellow Sub in the evenings, but nothing too late.
Some dining highlights –
Le Bistronome (Grand Case)– This was a new restaurant for us. It’s across the street from the public parking lot, next to the old Calmos Café. We didn’t have a reservation, but they were able to accommodate us on their little outside deck. They have a very creative menu. Hubby had a stewed beef pie with foie gras and I had a Fisherman’s Pot. Excellent food and very gracious service.
Oceans 82 (Grand Case)– One of our favorites and did not disappoint. Definitely make a reservation if you want a water side table. Amazing meal from start to finish. If you are a martini drinker, they make an excellent one.
La Villa (Grand Case)- When I walk into La Villa, I feel so welcome. There not on the water, they are not flashy…but they are so happy to see you. We’ve always had a great meal here. Probably the best lamb we ever had on the island. JC is a treasure and so entertaining (just in case! Lol). Make sure to visit him during the day at Orange Fever on Orient.
L’Atelier (Orient Village)- If you are a meat eater this place is for you. They have an extensive menu of different cuts of beef from different parts of the world. Just order the tenderloin with foie gras, trust me. Alex and his staff busted their butts to make sure you have a great experience. Excellent cocktails as well.
Wai Plage (Orient Beach)- We went here for NYE. They had a fixed price menu, that was wonderful. They did a great job creating a party atmosphere with party favors and fire twirlers. Capping off the night with champagne and fireworks on the beach. It was a great night thanks to Chrystelle and her awesome staff!
La Villa Hibiscus (Pic Paradise)- This isn’t just a dinner, it’s an event. Absolutely amazing flavors and beautiful presentations. Every detail is well thought out and every course flowed beautifully to the next. If you’re already spending the money for the dinner, get the wine pairing; it was spot on. Even though it was dark, the view is incredible. If we go back we will probably do lunch to take advantage of the wonderful view.
We had pretty nice weather, with only one day it was too windy to be on the beach. We went to Happy Bay once and it was just a beautiful as ever. Plus we witnessed a marriage proposal!
We brought the BinaxNOW Ag Card Home Tests for our testing the day before we flew home. They worked well and it was nice to do them from the comfort of our Villa. Travel home went as planned. We like to leave in the afternoon, overnight and fly back to Seattle in the morning. It takes the stress out of getting through customs and trying to make a connection in the same day.
