Flights: scheduled to fly to SXM on US Airways from Providence through Philadelphia on Sunday, August 2, but that didn’t happen due to a lengthy ground hold in Philly and then mechanical problems with the airplane in Providence. We were “pulled from the plane” and spent our first day of vacation at home. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> We flew out on Monday through Charlotte, and another ground hold delay caused some anxiety, but we made it. Flights back home were uneventful and ontime.
Met Lesley Bruce of Kenny’s Car Rental in the airport parking lot and drove off in our “R16” white rental car. Good car, and quick, efficient service from Lesley. Great guy! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
Lodging
Checked into The Wyndham Sapphire for the first four nights – Unit 366. The unit was large and clean, with a balcony facing the lagoon and construction sites. We didn’t participate in any of the scheduled activities at the resort, but did enjoy one nice afternoon lazing in the pretty pool area and one of the resort’s happy hours. Met a few new people and bumped into some old friends. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Kiss.gif" alt="" /> Kudos to the housekeeping staff, who are very pleasant and helpful!
We had originally planned on staying at Club Orient for five nights, but when we found out that Papagayos was closed for the month of August, we changed our plans and booked Unit 1 at The Beachside Villas in Simpson Bay. It was our first stay here. Yolanda, Telly and the entire staff are absolutely wonderful. The property is very well maintained and well equipped. The only complaint Marc had was the lack of air conditioning in the living room and kitchen. There wasn’t much of a breeze the first few days, so it did get quite hot in those rooms. I, however, spent a lot of time on the balcony, overlooking the turquoise waters of Simpson Bay, watching the pelicans diving for fish and the local dogs frolicking in the sand. Our unit was not booked on the day we were leaving and Beachside allowed us to stay as long as we needed to. I could go on and on about the positives of this place. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
Dining – too many options, not enough vacation time
Our new find: PJ’s located on Middle Region Road. For years, we have driven by a nicely maintained local neighborhood bar on the southern end of Middle Region Road (painted brown, overlooking Philipsburg and the cruise ship pier). I have always wanted to stop by for a cold beer, so we did. We were warmly welcomed by the bartender “The Doctor” and then by the owner, Paul Joseph (“PJ”), and spent three hours chatting with them and another customer. PJ, who is a trained chef from St. Lucia, opened this place about a month and a half ago. Lovely local art work, which is for sale, adorned the walls. We returned the next day for lunch, accompanied by Bill and Elaine. PJ and his assistant Sheldane prepared a wonderful lunch for us – generous portions of fried fish, pork chops, pasta with shrimp along with rice and beans, peas and ham, deep fried plaintain, and salad with homemade dressing. This meal was the dining highlight of my trip. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />
Dinghy Dock – excellent food and service. The ribs and salads are very good.
Peg Leg Pub – we were warmly greeted by Shawn, who provided us with excellent service for the evening. Both of our steak dinners were excellent. After dinner we enjoyed a drink at the bar, listening to Cover to Cover.
Pineapple Pete – I ordered the lobster thermador, which was very good. Marc had the chicken parmesan. Also good. Service excellent.
La California – Cindy from Dinghy Dock highly recommended the Mussels with Roquefort sauce, so that’s what I ordered. The portion was huge! Marc had an excellent Cajun pork dish special. Service was excellent.
Le Montmartre – the service was excellent here, but the food was mixed (my salad and Crème brulee were disappointing). Although I prefer to dine outside while on the island, the air conditioned dining room was a welcomed change.
Mark’s Place – food and service were both excellent, as always. Prices are very reasonable.
Buccaneer Beach Bar – good pizza. Bill, Elaine & I split a pizza with extra anchovies on it – YUM!
Lal’s – good Indian food at reasonable prices. We found out that Lal’s will be moving to a space in the Grand (or is it Gourmet?) Marche building in Simpson Bay in November.
Most of our mornings were spent on Orient Beach at Club Orient. Our time spent at the beach was as great as ever. Overall, the weather was great. Hot, hazy and humid for the most part. A tropical wave did pass through at the end of the trip, but it didn’t ruin any of our plans. We didn’t shop very much, but did stop by to say Hello to Deepti at DK Gems.
Bill and Elaine – thanks so much for your hospitality. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Kiss.gif" alt="" /> We truly enjoyed our time with you – lots of laughs, good food and drink! Happy hour at Mary’s Boon was really fun. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
It was another wonderful trip! Can’t wait to start planning the next one…..
