TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin First week report and observations

First off if you are able to find affordable flights and can find suitable lodging I would not hesitate to come on down, we have had a great time so far but more importantly we have been thanked so often that it is obvious that we are indeed welcome.

American air from MIA last Sunday was full, fair number of locals returning and students ot the Medical School, short walk from plane to arrival tent which is quick and off to pick up rental car from Empress. Waiting for us at La Vista Beach where we stay for three weeks. The Beach part of the resort looks great, rooms have some new appliances and furnishings and smelled of fresh paint. Even the the thatched umbrellas have been repaired as of yesterday and Hideaway officially opens Tuesday for breakfast and lunch.

We toured the island a bit, nothing we did not expect as there have been more than enough pictures of the devastation and in some areas it is heartbreaking. Other areas however have either not had too much damage or have rebuilt quickly. Pelican and Simpson Bay Area probably are the best areas at the present time, lots of restaurants, grocery and entertainment options. Breakfast at the Yaght Club and supper at Palms, just Greg and Jo at Palms doing it all.

Other restaurants were IZI, Sale e Pepe, Toppers Pineapple Pete and tonight was Avantika, all were great. We also enjoyed a few breakfasts at Gigi's after our morning walk of the causeway.

Used to avoid Phillipsburg when cruise ships in but now it's better since stores are sure to be open and there is a pretty good vibe there. They have really done a good job turning the beach area into what you used to see at Orient, bars on the beach, lots of chairs and umbrellas. Holland house for example was offering two chairs one umbrella and four drinks for $20.

Trafic is very light most of the time but there is a lot of construction going on, have to say we are very impressed with the pace, not like the old days where " island time" meant you would measure projects in years, these guys are getting it done. That said though there is still a lot to do.

Need to bring a flashlight if walking after dark many street lights still out, wearing sandals at night also not a good idea as I stepped on a broken beer bottle ( no flashlight yet) and cut my foot.

Having a fabulous time so far will keep you posted.

Very nice. TY for sharing and hoping there will be more to follow. 😊😊

It’s good to be hearing GOOD old trip reports again. Thanks.

I am an owner at LaVista and anxious to hear about how the property is coming along. Any details would be appreciated.

As an owner you should have received an update as our friends did that are owners.

Thanks for your report.

There seems to be conflicting information regarding traffic as some reports indicate is it heavy and you found it to be lighter.

It has lightened WAY up in the past week or so. The month or more leading up to that was pure gridlock every day!

La Vista BEACH is amazing, comparing my view from our deck of Carnival Sunshine approaching is practicality identical to my screen saver picture taken several years ago. No TV yet but free internet to compensate. Laundry machines and ice maker are apparently on site but not yet hooked up. La Vista ( upper portion) is a different situation, still a lot to do before any units ready for occupancy there is a lot of roofing material laying in the parking lot. Apparently some engineering reports and insurance stuff still to resolve but the offices, hideaway restaurant and the pool and pool deck are nice and as of tomorrow all open. We will report any new progress or any news before we leave in a few weeks.

Thanks for the report and the headsup regarding a flashlight.

Thanks for the great reports! We will be at LVB in June, though with airline prices the way they are, we might have to walk to SXM. Glad to hear things are progressing on the island. Also glad to hear IZI is open, as we really like it there.

Reading the most recent reports is helping us to get through a VERY cold winter.

Brand new laundry and ice machine now in place at La Vista but not yet hooked up, progress every day.
Another favorite Piazza Pascal opened Sunday so we went there last night, Donna and Pascal hard at work and will be waiting for you.

Please check your private messages. I sent you one. thanks.