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Trip Report: Final Days and Departure wabid 6 hours ago Our final week was restful and wonderful. Plenty of swimming, snorkeling and relaxation.

I guess that is one reason we still enjoy Simpson Bay Resort. Given, we have been committed to SBR for 25 years (wife and parent bought highly discounted weeks from Pelican), but as I have said in previous years.... the resort improves with every visit and the staff is great. With five pools and a well managed maintained beach it is so easy to find a place to relax. In fact, 2 of the pools (A&D) we mostly had to ourselves every time we visited. My only ding (a small one) with SBR is the rooms are getting a little dated since the last major renovation. TVs are showing their age and certain areas need a coat of paint and retiling. Very minor, but I was happy to see the process has begun in two rooms in our building and I assume will continue though the low season.

We cook most of our meals but in our final days we dined at La Patrona. The service and meal were fine, but somewhat underwhelming.

We also had carry out from Shiv Shakti Indian restaurant next to the resort. Outstanding. I love Indian cuisine and this place was recommended to us years ago by a local. During my professional life I spent much time in the UK and the Netherlands. If I had a long day I knew I could always find a decent "curry". This place just hits the spot. Homemade pampadams (chick pea :"tortillas") and phenomenal curries. I had the mutton(goat) Korma which is goat in a cashew, curry, creamy sauce and the we also ordered lamb and chicken curry with homemade naan (flatbread). To me Indian food is a "rainbow for the tongue" .... they certainly fit the bill.

My wife and daughter also went horse back riding at the Seaside Ranch. They loved it. One fun part was my wife's horse was named "Indy". Same as our dog! I could not ride because I am 6'1" and weigh an even 200#s. Too big for the horses.

Our travel home was surprisingly easy and seemless. Dropped off our car for Leslie (Kenny's car rental) at the airport, and were through security in 10 minutes. Had a quick bite and a farewell cocktail and our AA flight to Philly took off in time. MY only complaint is why does AA refuse to use any jet bridges?

PHL arrival was soooo much easier than Miami (I hate Miami) and the Mobile Passport App actually worked this go around. So we were though immigration, customs and bag drop off (excluding walking times) in about 15 minutes. We will definitely route through PHL next time if convenient.

That's it for now. We will definitely return at a minimum in 2 years, but negotiations are in progress for next year ;-)

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts & advice over the years. This site is our go to reference point.

Cheers!

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Happy Canada Day Whale Tail 8 hours ago Wishing all the Canadian TTOLer's a Happy Canada Day

Stay cool and hydrated if you are located under this heat dome.

It will feel like 118F this afternoon in my area

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Starlink Mount MiamiJay 19 hours ago Looking though the threads here and don’t see anyone posting about the best mount to use on a Moorings 464PC, or any mounts for that matter. I assume that many people bring Starlink and I am planning to bring my Mini in a couple of weeks to use on the boat. I was thinking of using one with suction mounts to place up under my cabin hatch/portlight but not sure if that is big enough to accommodate the suction mount.

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Date change to SXM Shelly C 06/29/2026 09:58 PM I changed the date going to Sxm after I filled out the Sxm entry form. I went in and tried to edit the form to change the date but it wouldn’t go through.
So is it necessary for me to change the date on the entry form? If so what is the process?

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Captains Compass Marilyn 06/28/2026 10:16 PM Does anyone know if The Captains Compass is still in business? I’ve sent several emails lately and haven’t received any response. Thanks

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Isola mbwl 06/28/2026 04:13 PM Does anyone know if Isola is closed permanently? On island now and was surprised to see the closing - was open in January when we were here last. Thanks!

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new fee? RonDon 06/27/2026 03:54 PM to enter Aruba there is now a fee "sustainable Fee" on the entry form. Could this be soon coming to SXM?

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Jai`s is for sale SXMScubaman 06/26/2026 10:10 PM I inquired about a restaurant for sale in St Maarten and got this response on Messenger.

"Thank you for your interest in the restaurant sale!

The restaurant is Jai’s, located in Simpson Bay. You can check out some photos and get a feel for the space on our website: https://www.jaiscontemporaryfusioncuisine.com/

We’d be happy to set up a time to talk in person and show you the restaurant. Please note that viewings are by appointment only, as we are open for service every day and cannot accommodate walk-ins.

Let me know what date and time works best for you, and we’ll make it happen!"

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Info needed golfguru6 06/26/2026 09:08 PM Hi All,

I stay at Royal Islander and arriving end of July. We haven't been back to the island since the hurricane. Can you give me some ideas of where to rent a car for a few days and any good restaurants in that area. Not sure what is around after the hurricane. Is pay parking still available at the Sonesta hotel?

Thanks for any help!

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SXM airport BillDauterive 06/26/2026 04:31 PM I stumbled across this video that just dropped

Inside the fence at SXM

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