TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Days 1-3

I am making my 1st attempt at writing a trip report. I enjoy reading so many others, that I would like to contribute as well. I have been coming to SXM since I was a kid. My parents owned at Mullet Bay. In thinking about it on this trip, I realized that I've now been coming down at least once a year for 50 years now. Boy has this island changed, but I love it and appreciate every trip.

Started out on Tuesday morning, leaving Windsor Locks CT(BDL) at 6:30AM enroute to Charlotte(CLT), an hour later, the final leg to SXM. Arrived a little early and looking out, there were quite a few jets already there. My 1st thought, the line getting in will be awful. While it wasn't as long as I expected, it moved pretty quickly. On to baggage claim, normal wait time there. It was great to be in the terminal again, but can't wait for them to finish. As we departed the terminal, Lesley from Kenny's car rental spotted us immediately and took us to our car. Lesley provides such a great service. We have been using him for quite a few years now and wouldn't think of anyone else to rent a car from.

We decided to break all the rules and went directly to the Carrefour on Bush Road. Did our shopping and then finally on our way to Beachside Villas. This is our 22nd year in a row, with the exception of spring 2000(Hurricane Lenny). BSV is heaven on earth to me. The beauty, the staff, everything about it just puts you right into island mode. I would never think about staying at any other place. Everyone here is like family and this is our 2nd home. We had friends from Canada that were on their last days here. We met them several years ago here and have stayed in touch. We unpacked and went right down to Villa 14 for our 1st cocktails on the island. Drew and Tracy Mascarin were there and it was great fun catching up with everyone. While I've seen Drew on many trips in between, it had been a couple of years since seeing Tracy and it was wonderful to see her again. After some cocktails on the deck, it was Susan's choice to go to Pineapple Pete's for dinner, it was her birthday. It was a fun night, but being up since 2:30AM, we were back at the villa at 9 and lights out.

Wednesday was spent solidifying island mode on the beach. Morning breakfast was fresh pastries from Jule's Bakery. We discovered Jule's on our last trip in October and it did not disappoint. The beach at BSV is full and wonderful. It was a very hot day, but a stronger than usual wind made it wonderful. Surf was pretty rough and I'm told it's been that way for a few days. Went in the water a couple of times though and it was great. A little snooze late afternoon and our group went to Sale & Pepe's for dinner. While I know there's been debates back and forth, we always found the food and the service to be great here. I had the Carbonara and it was just as delicious as always. Everyone enjoyed their meals. Upon returning to BSV, we got out of the car and the lights all went out. With the exception of the airport, the lights were out from Beacon Hill all the way down to Mary's Boon. We ended up just getting some lanterns in the villa and sat out on the deck with cocktails. The power came back about an hour later. Good ol GEBE.

Thursday started out pretty much the same. Morning stop at Jule's, breakfast on the deck and more beach time. Our friends from Canada left around noon and so glad we got to spend some time with them. Dinner was at JAX Steakhouse. It's the new steakhouse where Bajatzu used to be. It pretty much looks the same with the exception of a piano near the wall as you go into the restrooms. We arrived around 8PM and half way through dinner, the entertainment started. They had a really good piano player. We chose to sit outside on the balcony. They had the doors all open and there were speakers outside, so it was like being in the restaurant. The food was really great. For apps we had a beef tar tare and grilled caesar salad, main plates, a fillet mignon and NY strip. All was excellent. We were a little disappointed with the service though. The hostess was fantastic, smiling, pleasant, upbeat, and friendly. The server/bartender was nice enough, but just not "on top of it". No drink orders were taken when he brought the menus and when he came to take our order for food, I brought up the fact that we'd like a cocktail before dinner. There were many other things that just "lacked" from him during the dinner. Inside the restaurant, there were a couple of servers who were there when it was Bajatzu who I know are great servers, including Kevin the old bartender. So I don't want to bash the whole restaurant on their service, I do think it was the one that we ended up with. I'm sure we'll be going back this trip. Just as we were leaving, we ran into Vinnie from Aquamania. Vinnie was my 1st dive instructor 20 years ago. He's originally from Brooklyn. He has retired from Aquamania but remained on the island. It was so good to see him. After dinner, it was off to the casino for a bit. We'll say it was a draw, neither donating nor coming away with anything. It was good to see the craps table going though. It was a lot of fun.

I hope this isn't too long. I'm also sorry I don't have any pictures to post. I keep forgetting my camera when going out. This is my 3rd trip to SXM since Irma. I've been very impressed this trip to the progress the island has made. Maho looks almost ready to burst again. The casino and Sonesta came out beautiful. While Sonesta is not done completely, the front is and it's magnificent. I just love the new look. Little by little the shops there are opening. So great to be back. I'll try and get some pictures and continue to post.

Thanks for your efforts to report. Enjoyed the read. Any prices on steaks at Jaxs?

Great report. Thank you.

Thanks for the report. Looking forward to more. Enjoy your trip.

50 years you've been coming?! That's fantastic. You may have the record among those of us who post here. Anyone out there that dates back to the 1960's as St. Martin visitors? Thanks for your report.

Thanks for the report! Sounds like a great beginning!

Thank you for taking the time and doing such a good job on your trip report. I love it when people share at all but particularly so when they use paragraphs and punctuation. It makes it so much easier for these old eyes to read, and that’s not meant as a criticism to those who might not, as I enjoy them all. I will be looking forward to the rest of your stay....and living vicariously through your efforts.

Once again we will miss you as we don’t arrive on the island for another two weeks. I would have loved to reminisce about those old Mullet memories. We date back to November of ‘73 for our first trip. Of course, we were justt kids........ would love to compare notes on SXM back in the day. Please say hello to your sister for me.

Re JAX, if you know, is Anthony still there? He also dates back to those Mullet days and always took very good care of us.

Anyhoo, thank you for sharing your trip and I sincerely hope you will continue to do so as your time permits. It’s been a great read!

Norm--the online menu I found had the following prices:

12 oz. New York Strip. $32
8 oz. Filet Mignon. $39
18 oz. Rib Eye. $65
24 oz. Porter House. $70

Nice start to a great time.

And what a fantastic trip report it is Mike. Kudos to FINALLY writing one and doing it so well. We miss being there with you and Billy this year. Can't wait until October. If you have the time love to hear more about your trip as it progresses but won't hold you too it for now. Keep enjoying.

Thanks for your trip report... My first trip to St. Maarten/ St. Martin was 1982 🌴

I am back in New York already and writing full reports are hard for me. I will say I was disappointed with National/ Alamo when quoted a price at the airport and when shuttled to the rental car agency they charged me $10 a day more but before I sign the contract had a dispute with the manager and had N/A take me back to the airport. I found empress rental gave me the price I was looking for and rented a very nice car from them and will rent from them again.

Ah yes, the $10/day courtesy shuttle from the airport fee. Never fails. If I'm not mistaken, most of those counters on the island are not in fact owned by the banner they wave, but by franchisees. We went in circles with Hertz and Avis a few years back and corporate was as helpful as an Ikea instruction book written in translated Chinese.

Wow, how did they explain the difference between the airport and their office? We always get a quote in writing before we leave home and print out the email to take with us. (Although we have never had any problem with someone refusing to honor the price they gave us on the internet.)

There was no charge for the airport shuttle from the airport but I did tip $5 for the ride. The problem was in the office of National/ Alamo when the manager was writing the contract with no reservation and his representative at the airport quoted me a price which was NOT honored at the office. I gave the manager every opportunity to correct the agreed price but finally told him to take me back to the airport.

I just wonder if that $10.00 a day fee was for add on Liability insurance that most island companies don't include in the quote.

Wow, that's just not acceptable. I would have told them no also.

Thanks for the report on your first days; very enjoyable reading. Looking forward to sharing more of your trip with you!

A most enjoyable report! Thanks for sharing your time with us and enjoy the remainder of your trip.

Keep it coming Wingman. I'm already having withdrawal.

Excellent report..I look forward to writing my own in June.

Mike, I was so excited to turn on the computer and see your report!!!

Thanks so much, I can't wait for more!!!

Have a FANTASTIC time!!!!!

P.S. Have a Nutella Croissant from Jules for me!!!!

That is correct. To some, that may seem high, but the steaks were great, prime certified angus. Well worth it.

Pat, so sorry we will miss each other again. I know who Anthony is and did not see him around.

Anxious for the next report!

Thanks for the tip Terry. Picked a Nutella Croissant this morning. Delicious!!!

I agree. The Sonesta lobby is stunning.

Great trip report Mike!! You are making me homesick! We have 3 weeks until 80 and balmy!! The time will fly, I know as we get our business ready for our break! Enjoy BSV! Still hoping that one day our paths will cross!!