TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Thursday week two

Unlike our 1st week at Divi where we hit their beach only once, we spent all our time at GCBC either on the beach, on the lanai overlooking the curve of GC beach, at the pool, or on the landing overlooking Anguilla and Creole Rock watching boats come and go, snorkels, and plane spotting. Took many photos of planes looking like they would crash into the mountain side only to land at L'Esperance airport. One night walking to dinner a plane came overhead so close. Better than watching at the fence on Dutch side airport!

After the GCBC cocktail party we dined at Hidden Cafe where we met Jon of Tijon Perfumery. He recommended the amores dessert but we were too full. The place is truly hidden on the land side of GC Blvd. You walk through what seemed like a closet of clothing sellers. At back is the restaurant. Hubby had tempura aptzr. I had pumpkin soup. We each had duck breast. Food is served on hot rock where it continues to cook. With wine and service included bill was $80.

Friday we ate ate Piazza Pascal. Donna led us to an upstairs table where we could watch sunset. We shared carpressa salad, I had lamb shank, hubby had lasagna. With two glasses of wine bill $81. Very good.

We walked to dinner every night and felt safe. We carried a flashlight so cars would see us. Road to GCBC well lighted.

Saturday breakfast Sunset Cafe said our goodbyes and checked out. At desk they suggested we wait a bit to be sure our plane had left Boston for SXM because if it hadn't we could keep our room for another night. Unfortunately, for us, it had left.

Airport check-in long line but moved quickly. Used the new machines. My boarding pass ok hubby's had issues but there was someone right there to help. No Pre Check at SXM so that part moved slowly. Plane on time even with storm in Boston. Arrived to rain wishing we were back in SXM.

Best trip we've had to date. I think it was due to the newly updated rooms and new pool at GCBC. Some say it's expensive there but the grounds, location, service beats any other place we've stayed. And since 1979 we've stayed at many places.

Loved your report. We always stay here. We too love all the staff, grounds and location. We will be back very soon. We have never been to Hidden Café and have heard wonderful reports on it. Thank you for your description. Glad you had a wonderful vacation !

Hidden Cafe was recommended by Carole who used to be at L'Estimenet in GC. Timothy greeted us for RSVP and was so happy that Carole had sent us.

thanks for the report. Sounds like some really nice meals.. Do they still have the guy in the golf cart that you can get transfers to the restaurants in town for something like $5 a person?

I've enjoyed your reports, thanks. Hidden Café sounds like a place we'd enjoy.

Is this the same as Hidden Garden? I can only find reviews on TA for "Hidden Garden" in Grand Case - the reviews of it look pretty darn good!

Yes but now it's $6 per person. We saw him traveling back & forth but we chose to walk off the calories lol.

yes, it's Hidden Garden. Did I say Cafe? Sorry.

OK, thanks. It may have always been $6, I didn't know. I know I would use it.

No worries! I just couldn't find "Café" on Trip Advisor and didn't want to go to the wrong place.

I saw on a friend's Facebook page that there's another new place way down the beach toward the cemetery and thought that might be what you were referring to.

So, is Hidden Garden kind of near Villa Royale? Sort of across from the LoLos and Calmos?

I think it was a little further down on the left.