TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Random musings on my first full week here

Michael and I arrived last Saturday December 7 on Jet Blue 1877. We deplaned by stairs despite two jetways being unused. And unfortunately, had to be bussed to the immigration area.
This had to be the fastest arrival for us yet. From touchdown to out the door was 20 minutes! The new arrival process was delightfully easy! We were met by both Lesley and Shirley from Kenny's car rental at the door. Lesley noticed that I was having some mobility issues so went and got the car while we waited. Off we went! Again, the service from Kenny's car rental is unmatched!

Off we went for a short visit with Sylvain at Select Wine Cellar for wines for our trip and we were off to Divi. Sylvain is always our first stop. I cannot recommend his shop highly enough!

The arrivals process at Divi was slow. There was quite a long line at the check in. We waited probably 20 minutes with the line barely moving. At long last it was our turn. Ann Marie, the general manager herself, checked us in. Unfortunately, she was pulled in a million different directions and I think our check-in took longer than normal because of that.

There was no shortage of bellman to get us to our room. Edrick was wonderful as always getting us to our room. The resort looks beautiful as always. The room had been stocked by Jeannie of Shop and Drop SXM. What a wonderful service she provides. To be able to get to our room and have cold water waiting for us is a treat. Both of us were fairly exhausted so we had some cheese and crackers and went off to bed really early!

Sunday was a lazy morning where we could eat some of the selections that Jeannie had brought for us. Then off to Carrefour to properly stock. Carrefour was JAMMED! It took us forever to get through the lines that snaked through the aisles!

Sand gravity has really taken over. We have been very lazy this trip. It's been a very difficult year with Michael losing his mother at the beginning of April and my father losing his battle with cancer at the end of April. So, relaxation has become a high priority!

We went to Roma last night for our first time. OMG, I am so glad to report that everyone's high rating of this restaurant is correct. We arrived at 4:58 (they open at 5) and Shanna was sitting eating her own dinner. She asked us to sit anywhere we liked and said she would be right with us. She presented us with menus and we told her to go finish her own dinner as we were early!
Perusing the menu took us a bit. There are so many great things on the menu. When Shanna returned, we asked if they had real truffles in the pasta tartufo. She proudly told us that they imported lots of wonderful things from Italy including truffles. She was very knowledgeable about the food on the menu. Michael ordered the pasta Tartufo while I got the gnocchi with gorgonzola spinach and walnuts. The food arrived so very quickly. The aroma coming from the truffles was mouth watering and from my plate as well. So good!
We enjoyed our meal thoroughly with incredibly attentive services from Shanna and Michelle. For dessert, cannoli and semifreddo! Both delicious! Once again, WHY do all inclusive if you can eat at places like Roma???

The island is looking beautiful from all the rain. That's it for now! More later.

Sounds like a nice beginning. Enjoy!

Sorry about both your losses, I hope you really enjoy your trip.

Do enjoy your vacation visit once again 😊

Great start to your vaca! Sorry to hear of your losses and hope your down time on the island helps you both. Thx for your share!

Losing a parent is never easy. My deepest condolences to you both

Enjoy your vacation!