Flights - US Airways PVD / CLT / SXM Both travel days were very good. Thanks to Marc's status, we were given complimentary upgrades to First Class on three of the four legs. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
Arrived in SXM at 1:00, about 20 minutes early. No lines / no waiting in immigration.
Rental Car was through Empress Car Rental. They have a booth in the airport. Then you wait outside for van to bring you to rental agency on Airport Road.
Rented an i10. It was in good shape, with French license plates. Smallest vehicle we have ever rented, but still fine for the two of us. Spent just under $70 in gas for 9 days.
Stopped by Grand Marche to pick up a few staples. Store closed at 2:00 (due to holiday), so I had to shop quickly! Should've contacted Jeannie!!!
House Rental - Villa Louisa in Point Blanche (Monte Vista)
Here are excerpts from my review sent to TripAdvisor:
This was our fourth stay at Villa Louisa and first time renting with the new owners, Carolyn Buncamper-McIlroy and John McIlroy.
The improvements they have made to this property have made it better than ever.
This spotless three bedroom villa is located in a beautiful, quiet location, high up the mountain in Pointe Blanche.
There is a security gate at the entrance to the development that is guarded at all times.
The open layout of the villa is perfect and is great for those seeking optimal privacy.
It is highly conducive for outdoor living and has a beautiful private pool.
The newly remodeled bathrooms include spacious walk-in showers.
The location provides nice breezes, so the doors were kept open in the main living areas,
avoiding the need for air conditioning.
The views from the second story are truly stunning from all directions.
Restaurants for Lunch and Dinner: <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />
The Palms - met up with friends for appetizers and drinks. Wonderful place with great food.
PanLaan - Thai food. We both had "noodle" dishes, one with chicken, the other with fried tofu. Both excellent and spicy! Attentive service.
Fig - excellent service, food is very good. Prices very reasonable for the quality of food. I had lamb chops, Marc had chicken.
Chesterfield's. Baked shrimp and Chicken/Peppercorn Sauce. Good prices and very good food. Never disappoints!
12-Metre Yacht Club - Bartender wasn't overly friendly, but I think it was a language issue. Didn't get to see Flo or Matt.
I had the meatball special and Marc had the ribs. Both excellent.
Dinghy Dock - still good, but their prices have gone up a bit. I had a salad and Marc had ribs.
Lal's - one of our regular stops each trip. Love the Vindaloo. Good comfort food and nice service.
Shieka's - Back St. - Philipsburg. Packed with locals - we were the only two tourists in the place. Buffet-style food. Very good! Loved the potato salad!
The Rib Shack - Grand Case lolo - beautiful seaside location. Shrimp and chicken. Both good. Service OK.
The Tides Rest. @ Mary's Boon - beautiful seaside location. Nice breeze. Delicious Nicoisse Salad! Good service.
Happy Hours / Bar Stops: <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />
Boca Marina - nice location and pleasant staff. Almost all appetizers were seafood, so we didn't order anything. Staff found some Chicken Nuggets and served them "on the house". How nice was that?
Ocean Club - quiet, but nice. Bartender was friendly. Missed seeing Ken and Jane.
Lagoonies. Dropped by for one drink on our last full day. Wish we had gone earlier in trip! Didn't eat there but menu looks good - reasonable prices.
The Summit (don't know name of bar). Nice bartender. Saw some familiar faces.
Rosie's - dropped by for one drink. Nice breeze that day and the Mullet Bay location is beautiful.
Random Notes:
Most mornings spent on Orient Beach - rented green chairs at Pedros. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> Colin is very charming! Lots of sand mid-week. Great prices.
It was our first trip during "Carnival" and we witnessed part of the Grand Parade. Beautiful costumes and lively music. The islanders surely know how to have fun!!!!
We witnessed the Bridge Opening / Causeway Bridge Section delivery. What a wonderful sight that was.
Enjoyed it from the deck of the SBYC, with "Tequila" by my side. Cute puppy! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Kiss.gif" alt="" />
We never made it over to the other side of the island. Got as far as Porto Cupecoy and that was it.
Really wanted to visit Dreams and/or Layla's, but ran out of time. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />
Weather was mixed - cool at beginning of week / clouds / hot / bit of rain. No complaints, though.
Island was very brown, but a bit greener when we left - some much needed rain fell during our trip, but didn’t ruin any plans.
Saw old friends, made new friends, and missed some other friends.
Thought 9 nights on island was going to be enough. It wasn't…..
Another wonderful SXM vacation!!!
