TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Island Time Part 6

We’re doing this report from the frozen North Country so this is obviously the final installment. The high is only 69F today, brrrrr.

We had a nice time on Philipsburg beach with our friends Rich, Mary and their beautiful daughter Hanora who happens to be the same age, within 2 weeks, as our granddaughter. They were in St Maarten for the day on the Celebrity Equinox.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7MHz2Y9VDXMjagEG3

After the meet up with our friends we wandered over to Chesterfields for the sunset and some happy hour food and drinks. The broiled seafood platter was fantastic. We always pick up a wheel of Gouda to bring home at the cheese store next to Chesterfields. Only $25 for 8 lbs.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZVn39MPeXjjCCt7O2

A few days later, we spent a really nice afternoon in Grand Case. Never been to Captain Frenchy’s so we started out there on the beach chairs and then Chicken sate and some Pinot Grigio. The service and atmosphere were wonderful and the staff were extremely friendly but the chairs were not adjustable and the food was not as good as Karakter. (Although the Capt Frenchy food was about half the price)
https://photos.app.goo.gl/HasjOF6zH7zEmBMr1

Upon leaving Capt Frenchy, a stop at the Love Hotel and Bar in Grand Case was in order. Great views of Anguilla and the sun going down. We saw some Kent Island MD (home) graffiti on the wall last year, and it's still there. We decided to add some graffiti of our own.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/u3HzSaEj2dsRoapt2

From the Love Hotel, we headed to Talk of the Town to get some ribs, rice and mac and cheese to take home…. But not before stopping for a picture under the Grand Case Pier. Very cool setting especially in the late afternoon.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/25W5XO9im5onHqe43

Aloha was closing on Tuesday the 29th so we made a stop to say goodbye to our new friends Nathalie, Chris and Caroline. Aloha is now closed until sometime in October. Their chef is wonderful with seafood.
https://goo.gl/photos/KwNh82t8FXsgmLX18

Although we have been driving by it for years we had never stopped on Rancho Del Sol on the hill above Orient Bay. We did not have a chance to eat here but the staff and drinks were great and the views are stunning.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/6Qh1727OgxLh0sdP2

On our last full day we finally made it to Cupecoy to get some of Danny’s barbecued ribs. But alas it is low low low season and ribs were not in the cards. Nonetheless some beaching, swimming along with a few beers filled the bill. The Tango passed by with a load of people screaming and waving to us beach goers.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Lgr4f0ZlQB9uWWgz2

On the way back to Orient Village we decided to make one more stop at Calmos is Grand Case for the sunset. This is a great location and atmosphere late in the afternoon. We decided to pass on a shot of centipede infused rum.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/IVMuQvwsKzX3eFUw1

Our travel day going home was the usual tiring ordeal. We had a connection in Miami with a scheduled 2:20 layover which turned out to be more than enough time since immigration and customs were a breeze. But then our flight from MIA to BWI was delayed. When we finally boarded, we sat on the tarmac for an additional hour waiting for a tech to show up to fix the lock on one of the lavatory doors….. really… Anyway walked into home at 2:30am.

Awesome trip all in all…
Cheers,
Jim & Laraine

Great photos! Like the way you made a comment then attached photo. I felt like I was there with you.

Excellent review with photos

Thank you for the reports and photos.

Thanks guys, it's all fun. We're Looking forward to hearing about your next trips.

Thanks for taking us along on your vacation; I really enjoyed your reports.

At the Love Hotel, the heart "outside the margin" is TTOL's Caribbean Scout and her hubby.

I hope to be able to do photos in November.
Really enjoyed your reports. Thanks.

Thank you for sharing.

Looks as if this is the way I will have to do a trip report with photos as well...thanks Photobucket...NOT!

The places you visited in Grand Case looked relaxing. I often think of trying Captain Frenchy...when we are next door at Rainbow. They have the same uncomfy chairs, different color.

Thanks so much for taking us along and for the pictures! We haven't been to Rancho del Sol for a few years, but it seems like they have gone more upscale, at least in their seating. Really cool setting for sunset drinks..

We enjoyed a day or two at Captain Frenchy year before last, but those chairs have kept us from coming back. It's a shame, because the beach there is very nice.

One thing I forgot to mention was that in the Grand Case public parking lot, at about 7pm after leaving Calmos, I gave an old sickly looking guy a buck who said he was hungry. Within seconds there was a young boy crying for money, with his face and arms pressed against the car window as we tried to pull out. Adults were there prodding the kid on and laughing.

I don't feel like we were in danger but it was creepy. In retrospect it's probably best not to acknowledge anyone in this situation.

Thanks for all of the great replies. We've learned a great deal from you all on TTOL over the years.

We've really enjoyed your updates and photos. Thanks for sharing. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />