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Beachside Villas and Trip Report Odds and Ends
#303271
06/27/2023 10:45 AM
06/27/2023 10:45 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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So, wrapping up the trip report with some odds and ends. CAR RENTAL As we do most of the time lately, we rented through Alain Arnell at AAA. Their location is very convenient for us, being on the road to Beachside. We had reserved a Corolla type vehicle. They were low on cars, so offered us either a full sized vehicle or a Kia Picante. Not being wild about driving and parking a full sized car on SXM (and with it being just the two of us), we opted for the Picante. I was a bit concerned that it wouldn’t do well on the hills, but we never had a problem with it, and the a/c was BANGIN’. No complaints. WHAT’S CHANGED AT BEACHSIDE VILLAS? Thankfully, not much. Beachside has what we need in order to rest and relax and rejuvenate. We come for the OCEAN, and there is no place on the island where we feel more in touch with the ocean, than at BSV. ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14454.jpg) The sand has been very wide the past few years, and this time it was even wider when we left than when we arrived. ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14467.jpg) This time we were in #13, but there is very little difference between any of the units. ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14462.jpg) We often spend at least half of our time on island at the unit, just hanging out on the porch, or watching the planes, or spending time at the pool. We have everything we need right there, with the comfy living room ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14458.jpg) The porch and grill ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14457.jpg) And the bedroom ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14460.jpg) Normally we spend our days with the front and back doors wide open, letting the ocean air, sights and sounds flow right through the unit. A few years ago, they took out the open air atrium in the middle of the units, and put in a/c units in the living room. This time we did have the doors closed and the a/c on in the main area, much more often than normal, because of how hot it was. Several of the units now have solid surface countertops in the kitchen. ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14459.jpg) It honestly doesn’t really affect the guests that much, other than visually, but I’m sure it is much easier for the maids to keep clean. When they took out the atrium, it was not exactly the same level as the living room, so there was always a very small step there. Several of the units now have new tile throughout the living, dining room and kitchen, and they leveled the floor, which is nice. Of course, by now I am so used to there being the little step there, I caught myself trying to take another step whenever I went through. ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14461.jpg) One thing that is a change that long time visitors should be aware of, is that it is no longer automatic to have daily maid service. Just make sure that when you arrive, you let Emmanuel know that you want daily maid service. (Or, every other day, or however often you want it.) Although not something new, you do need to let them know that you want a grill on your porch and Emmanuel will take care of you, as will ALL of the staff at Beachside. Whatever you want, they are very happy to oblige you if they can. SO, WHAT DID WE DO? Not much! ![smile smile](/images/graemlins/default/smile.gif) We DIDN’T go to any other islands, take a boat trip, go to the casino, go downtown shopping, and we didn’t even go to any other beaches for the day. ![blush blush](/images/graemlins/default/blush.gif) Years ago, we used to do all those things, and spent a lot of time running around and spent most days hanging out on the beach all day. Since we live in Florida now and fight a constant battle with sand in my house, now, I feel much more comfortable hanging out ‘at home’, with very comfy seating, our own beverages, and our own bathroom. We spent most of our time just hanging out, watching the sailboats ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14252.jpg) And the cruise ships ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14317.jpg) And the yachts ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14254.jpg) And the airplanes ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14464.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14463.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14468.jpg) I read five books, from my usual perch in a chair in the unit ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14455.jpg) Or, from “the office”, out by the pool ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14465.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://www.traveltalkonline.com/gallery/40/medium/14473.jpg) Overall, Beachside has everything we want, in order to be able to relax and enjoy. TRAVEL IN THE (SORT OF) POST COVID ERA It is so nice to not have to worry about getting a Covid test, either on the way down, or the way back. What is NOT nice is how crowded the airports are now! ![shocked shocked](/images/graemlins/default/shocked.gif) Miami was an absolute disaster area in the terminal when we left to go down. I have NO idea how long the security lines were going to take, but the lines were astounding. I had booked wheelchair assist, so it wasn’t that horrible, as far as timing, but it still took us well over an hour to get to the gate. This did not include any lines at the counter, as we were able to check our bag outside. AA at Miami at any rate, has this available now. I have no idea whether other airlines offer it or not. AA wants you to pay for checking your bag when you check in online. So far, they are not charging MORE if you don’t pay for it when you check in online, but I figure that is probably next. We were able to by-pass the HUGE line at immigration when we arrived in SXM, due to the wheelchair assist. My guess is that the line was probably at least 45 minutes. Upon arrival in SXM, there were no immigration forms to be filled out. The immigration ladies just ask you where you are staying and that’s it. Upon leaving SXM, we didn’t try to check in online, as we didn’t have access to a printer, and we knew that we had to stand in line to check a bag there anyway. They do send you an email a day or two before flying and want you to fill out a contact information form, before you can check in. You don’t have to go to any other website, etc., to do that, just fill it out on the AA website. As I recall, all they wanted was your address and your phone number in the states. THE DREADED ‘SSSS’ ON THE BOARDING PASS I hadn’t even noticed it, but I received the dreaded ‘SSSS’ on my boarding pass, as we were leaving SXM. We had booked separate tickets, as Eric paid with miles and I bought my ticket. I don’t know if that is the reason why I got it or not. As they were getting ready to board, they called me and a few other folks up to the gate. The only question they asked me was if I was travelling by myself. I was carrying only a beach bag, with my purse and a couple other items in it, and a plastic bag with our food in it. They didn’t even look in my purse, and didn’t even open the food bag. The lady in front of me got her bags thoroughly examined, so I guess maybe after they saw me, I didn’t look like a terrorist? Anyway, it wasn’t any deal at all. WHEELCHAIR ASSIST As has always been the case before, the folks in SXM did a stellar job with wheelchair assist, which I just used on arrival, not on departure, as there was no line for immigration as we were leaving. I had made no secret in the past about how POOR the AA wheelchair assist was in Miami. When we were leaving Miami, we had to wait over a half hour to get a wheelchair, but otherwise, there were no problems, and we were able to avoid what I could estimate was at least an hour wait in the security line. Upon arrival back in Miami, there was actually a wheelchair waiting at the gate, which was shocking, based on recent past experiences. Maybe AA has finally fixed the wheelchair experience in Miami! I do intend to send a complementary letter to AA regarding the wheelchair service in Miami. Too often, we are all quick to send a letter of complaint when something goes wrong (which I have done several times regarding the Miami wheelchair service), so it’s good to send a complement also, when deserved. MIAMI PARK AND FLY Speaking of highly deserved complements, we have used Miami Park and Fly for parking at Miami for several years now and I cannot recommend them highly enough. I would recommend that folks make a reservation though, as the last couple of times, the sign at the gate said there was no parking available without a reservation. You do have to pay up front for the reservation, but if circumstances change, you can always cancel and get your money back. I appreciate that there always seems to be a shuttle waiting when we arrive, to go to the airport. I appreciate that they greet us when we arrive and help us get the bags out. I appreciate that the shuttle driver helps with the bags at the airport. I appreciate that we never have to wait very long for a shuttle upon our return. I appreciate that the car is ready for us upon our return, open and ready to stow away our stuff. One feature that I didn’t know until really recently, is that there is a bathroom inside for your use, which can come in handy. My one complaint is that before they went out of business, we used to use Miami Fast Park, and they gave us free bottles of water when we came back after the flight. I REALLY wish Park and Fly would offer that. Otherwise, I can find very little to complain about. So, that's it! We did less this trip than any other in recent memory, but I have very few regrets.
Carol Hill
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Re: Beachside Villas and Trip Report Odds and Ends
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#303273
06/27/2023 11:22 AM
06/27/2023 11:22 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,671 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Sounds perfect to me but in all honesty, if I have to connect to get home, based on past experiences and even with wc porterage at Miami, the last place I’d choose would be MIA. CLT might not be great but it beats Miami by a long shot.
Happy your trip was as you wanted it to be. Now! Get back to work!! 🙃🙃
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Beachside Villas and Trip Report Odds and Ends
[Re: pat]
#303276
06/27/2023 11:36 AM
06/27/2023 11:36 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Posts: 83,552
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Don't blame you for wanting to avoid Miami. I am not sure I mentioned it here, but there was basically NO line for immigration on the way home in Miami. Stunning!... But then of course we had to wait 45 minutes for our luggage..
Carol Hill
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Re: Beachside Villas and Trip Report Odds and Ends
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#303280
06/27/2023 12:24 PM
06/27/2023 12:24 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Posts: 83,552
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I didn't pay any attention to the GE lines, as the regular lines each had maybe THREE people in them. Weird.
Carol Hill
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Re: Beachside Villas and Trip Report Odds and Ends
[Re: fabila]
#303286
06/27/2023 02:59 PM
06/27/2023 02:59 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Posts: 83,552
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Louise--we used to stay down at that end the first couple of years, but now we prefer the short walk to the pool! ![smile smile](/images/graemlins/default/smile.gif) And yes, I think every other villa has the floorplan 'flipped', so it can be disconcerting to begin with.
Carol Hill
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Re: Beachside Villas and Trip Report Odds and Ends
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#303294
06/27/2023 05:13 PM
06/27/2023 05:13 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 177
mgh
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Posts: 177
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It sounds to me that you still managed to have a good, relaxing time despite not doing all of the things that you used to do. There's nothing wrong with hanging out sipping cocktails, reading a good book while watching the waves of the ocean. We have mastered the "art of chillaxin" and can't wait to do just that in February for 2 weeks!
mgh
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Re: Beachside Villas and Trip Report Odds and Ends
[Re: Uksimonusa]
#303302
06/27/2023 07:57 PM
06/27/2023 07:57 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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You're welcome. With regard to Miami Park and Fly, I think you will be pleased. BTW, pay attention to where they tell you the pickup is, upon your return. It is from DEPARTURES. So, you need to go UP from where baggage claim, etc. is.
Last edited by Carol_Hill; 06/27/2023 08:14 PM.
Carol Hill
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Re: Beachside Villas and Trip Report Odds and Ends
[Re: marksxm]
#303308
06/27/2023 10:03 PM
06/27/2023 10:03 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,180 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
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this isn’t about the beach side villas, but I’m going to an Airbnb that looks like it’s behind them, it looks nice but I’m wondering if anyone has been there… And what would be the name of the place?
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Re: Beachside Villas and Trip Report Odds and Ends
[Re: marksxm]
#303319
06/28/2023 08:59 AM
06/28/2023 08:59 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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marksxm--I'm not sure what you mean by "behind" BSV, as it is at the end of the road and there is nothing between BSV and the ocean. Do you have a link or something?
Carol Hill
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Re: Beachside Villas and Trip Report Odds and Ends
[Re: lcote]
#303333
06/28/2023 10:10 AM
06/28/2023 10:10 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Hi. I've never had that on my boarding pass before, so hopefully it's not going to be a regular occurrence. If so, I may look into that. Everyone has their 'happy place'. If it was BSV for everyone, then we couldn't get a reservation! ![smile smile](/images/graemlins/default/smile.gif)
Carol Hill
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Re: Beachside Villas and Trip Report Odds and Ends
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#303377
06/29/2023 02:12 PM
06/29/2023 02:12 PM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 193
panman
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Just booked a return visit to BSV for December. Looking forward to "going home...." Thanks for the trip report and great pictures!
Last edited by panman; 06/29/2023 02:13 PM.
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Re: Beachside Villas and Trip Report Odds and Ends
[Re: Joecool]
#303594
07/04/2023 02:04 PM
07/04/2023 02:04 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Joe--I assume, without knowing, it is Roxxy. We've never had that problem there, but haven't stayed there since Roxxy came.
Carol Hill
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Re: Beachside Villas and Trip Report Odds and Ends
[Re: marksxm]
#303600
07/05/2023 09:09 AM
07/05/2023 09:09 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Beachside is 40 White Sands Road. It's possible it may be at the former El Zafiro, as I believe they are renting out one unit there. Do you have a link to the listing?
Carol Hill
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Re: Beachside Villas and Trip Report Odds and Ends
[Re: SXMBND]
#303606
07/05/2023 09:36 AM
07/05/2023 09:36 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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SXMBND--I think I know where you're talking about, but I thought those were just apartments for locals. Hopefully mark can post a link.
Carol Hill
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