TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Day 1 Report

I have not posted here for seven years-- the last time we visited SXM. Abby and I are celebrating our fifteenth anniversary. We had two 2.5 hours flights from San Antonio to Miami and the from Miami to SXM on American. All went well. We actually got here early. So early -- with no baggage checked -- that we beat Leslie to the airport. But he appeared quickly. "Quickly" is the operative word for Leslie. He gave us our car in about five minutes. That has to be the fastest rental I have ever experienced. What a nice fellow! Of course, given my name, how could I rent from anyone other than Kenny's. We used to use St. Louis, but they are gone, as I learned from this site. Sharon had already given Leslie our rental phone. It was in the glove box. So off we went in no time flat. What a service combo of Leslie and Sharon!

I passed up the bridge in order to drive through town. It took longer, but it was fun to see all the old sights and get our bearings back. Off we went to Orient and to check in at La Playa -- where we have stayed 4 or 5 times now, albeit under the old name of L'Hoste. Nice to be back. Of course, it is undergoing major renovation under the new owners. We booked a newly renovated suite, which is located in the farthest building from the beach. That is a bit of an inconvenience, but the suite is beautiful. Kudos go to the design team. Very chic, sleek, and new. Kitchen and bathroom are very modern. Wifi is super. When we went to the beach we saw that they are completely gutting the front-most building -- the one we had stayed in every previous trip. A little bittersweet. However, when they are done with all the buildings, La Playa may have to add a star to its rating. Very nice.

Our first dinner was at Astrolabe. For some reason we had never eaten there before. We have driven all over the island to try restaurants, and here is what has to be one of the best right under our noses in Orient. What a meal! The ambience with the tables around the pool is unique. Like Pavo Real in Playa del Carmen. Low-keyed live music from a 2-female combo added to the atmosphere. Abby started with crayfish bisque, and I had a trio of fois. Then she had scallops while I had mahi-mahi. Both outstanding. We chose the 3-course fixed-price menu for 49 Euros. Desserts were creme brûlée and profiteroles. Just wonderful. Astrolabe deserves its high rating.

Our first day began with a really nice breakfast on the beach at La Playa. We just love the French continental breakfast. The bay looked beautiful. The beach is wide and clean this day. Hardly any seaweed. Abby walked all the way down to Club O, and found the beach to be in very good shape. We let sand gravity do its thing for the rest of the day as we unwinded to the sound of the surf and the view of the aquamarine water. The Playa lunch was light and perfect.

For our second night, we will walk over to the village and let Le Pimente and Antoine compete for our company.

Sounds wonderful.
We have never experienced any of the restaurants near Orient <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />------maybe on our next visit.
Looking forward to more reports.

Great way to start your vacation. Can't wait to read more.

Thanks for the day one report! Looking forward to reading the rest of the story!

Thanks for the report and glad you were able to make a return trip.

[color:"blue"][/color]Felt like we were there looking right through your eyes! Please tell Kelly (beauty that works at desk) Hello! She is the sweetest person!!! From Dave and Susie

Thanks for the kind words and do enjoy your stay.

Congratulations on your anniversary. Eagerly looking forward to the rest of your trip and have to agree - the combination of Lesley and Sharon really is the best!

A lovely beginning to your vacation! Enjoyed reading your first report. Looking forward to more. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the very nice first-day report. You're in a wonderful place.

We ate at both Le Piment as well as Antoines on our visit a few weeks ago. Don't forget breakfast and or lunch at Paradise View which you can reach by leaving Orient Village, turning left on the main road and heading up the hill. The restaurant is directly behind the row of novelty shops at the top of the hill on the right. You will love the crepes they prepare.

I'm curious if Hamid ( sounds like Ha' meed) is still at Astrolabe - if you met him or go back. He is from Morocco - and makes some wonderful home brew rum.

Thanks for the report - Astrolabe is one of our favorites.

Thanks for the report

We had thought maybe a one week at La Playa in Nov, but the response back we got was a contruction alert and only std rooms available - obviously not what you got.

Did you book direct and any more room details? what sort of kitchen, how is the bed and ?

Thanks
J&B

The room is done with lots of blonde wood on floors, wainscoting, and headboards. Bathroom I roomy with one sink slightly raised above the wide countertop. Shower is wide open with a glorious rain shower head. WC is separate. Bathroom is has louvered shutters over sink opening into the bedroom.

Kitchen is neatly tucked behind wooden cabinet doors as is the fridge. Quite ergonomic and sleek. All new.

Booked online. Not many renovated room available. Limited supply for now. They are currently offering a construction discount online -- not for us, however.

Hope this helps.

Bed is good. Typical European two twins put together.