TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin More AXA Questions

We are long-time fans of AXA but for the past few years most of our trips have been daytrips as opposed to stay-overs, so I'm wondering if anyone knows:

We were told Gwens was forced, after they rebuilt from the fire, to relocate and rebuild again because of all the beach erosion that was taking place in that area of Shoal Bay. Are they in the same general location or did they totally relocate and if so, where are they now? The last time we were there, but after they'd rebuilt from the fire, many of the Palms were up-rooted and the little spa building had totally collapsed onto the beach.

We were also wondering about Zara's restaurant. We enjoyed several excellent meals there over the years on evenings the chef saw fit to open and on a few he didn't we were able to enjoy Serenity, right next door. I wasn't too surprised to learn Zara's had closed but I didn't hear if it was a temporary closure or a permanent thing. Has anything reopened in the Zara's building? I'm guessing the Allamanda is still open since I haven't heard otherwise but I'm sure they were greatly impacted by the loss of both Zara's and Gwen's.

TY in advance for any information re the above. We hope to have more time to wander next trip but want to reserve it for other locations if these places are no longer there. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Gwens is now on the main part of shoal bay east. google maps shows it's location.

TY.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I'm happy Gwen's moved over since the old locale really was a tough go with the erosion. Seating kept getting more scarce. Look forward to checking out the newest one

Pat...the restaurant has closed as well....Gwen relocated beside a new hotel Zemi Beach Hotel...some new places to dine on SB, new hotel Monoah Hotel has just opened as well...where you used to stay, is stand alone now. If you really do not want to drive, the new hotels are very nice & priced high as well, though Zemi does run some specials....there is also the Fountain Resort....for the last few years you can not walk around that beautiful point....kate <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />

Pat, we tried to go to Zara's when we were there in late November, but found it closed. We didn't realize it had closed permanently. After trying another place that was also closed (Todd will remember the name), we ended up at Tasty's, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The food, service, and friendliness of the folks there, were all just perfect. As far as where it is and how to get there, I'm clueless, as I was in the back seat behind the driver (David), and navigator Todd was in the other front seat

Gwen's was a blast on Sunday.

GaKaye,

The reason we first started staying over on AXA as opposed to the typical daytrips was because we always hated to leave Gwens on Sundays in time to catch the last ferry back to SXM. We had done many daytrips over when we finally got around to checking out the old Allamanda and decided it was the perfect place to chill at the beach and at the same time, it was very reasonably priced so we weren't breaking the bank. Between Gwens and Zara's and the price of Allamanda, they all made it a lot easier to leave the Towers for a few days to stay there.

I hope the staff was able to find homes with the new management there. They were all so very nice to us over the numerous times we stayed there. And one of these days we'll have to make another stay-over trip.

Pat, I think you should try Meads Bay for your next trip - Turtles Nest Studio, you are within walking distance to many great restaurants, and Sunday is Omalie 360 at Ocean Echo - they are terrific. I truly believe you will not be disappointed.
Ellen

Ellen,

Meads Bay - isn't that wher Malliouhana (I never could spell that name....) is located? I ran across a photo from a few years ago - quite a few - that was taken in the steps down to the water there.

Not planning any stay-overs in the near future but will keep it in mind.

TY and appreciate your suggestions.

Yes, "Malli" at one end and Four Seasons at the other, lots of good restaurants and beach bars in between. All within easy walking distance, no need for a car. I hope you can make it over for a few days.
Ellen

We always start with such huge plans and then sand gravity sets in....... I know we won't be over-nighting on AXA this year but I love to day-trip over, too.

Hope things are okay with you and that maybe a trip is on your horizons in the NOT too distant future?. Remember, Spring, like so many other good things, is just around the corner. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Pat, no, no trips, I cannot imagine going without Pete, maybe that will change, but right now I cannot fathom the thought, we had such good times together, it would not be the same without Pete.
If you ever overnight again, do think about Meads, it is a great beach.
My best to you always,
Ellen