TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin January Trip Report #4

We moved from Les Terres Basses to a villa outside Grand Case on Monday. As I read on here often happens with others, sand gravity kicked in and we have not ventured too far. We did go one day to try out Anse Marcel for lunch and beach lounging - it was wonderful. My husband had a big steak with excellent fries and I had tuna carpaccio; both were good. I can see why everyone loves it there!

The following day was a morning on Happy Bay, where a Canadian gentleman was giving massages on the beach. I’ve never done that before, but I tried 30 minutes and he was excellent. Afternoon spent lounging by the pool and light dinner at the villa.

Most early mornings have been rainy, followed up by some spotty showers here and there. So, we decided to just hang out again at the villa pool. Dinner with Chantal at L’Auberge Gourmande. We dined on the terrace. It was lovely, better than the last time we tried it. We had caesar salad, fried goat cheese & apple salad, lamb chops, scallops & shrimp (tried for the lobster pie, but they were out), and shared a Crème Brûlée. Everything was perfectly prepared - this was my favorite meal so far this trip, start to finish.

We were a little apprehensive about Grand Case. We parked in the $5 parking lot and exited by driving by Spiga and the airport to leave. Between security, police, and gendarmes we saw at least 12 – 15 on the street and several corners (two posted outside Bistrot Caraibes and several at the barrier at the bridge entrance). And saw a car full of Gendarmes patrolling 3 times during our dinner on the terrace. They are trying, but although the restaurant was full, there did not seem to be as many people walking around as we typically see in January.

Thanks for the report. Looks to be a villa above Happy Bay. Really nice area to stay in, and so close to Grand Case.

Thanks for the security info in Grand Case.

So glad you enjoyed Anse Marcel; my favorite, as I've said several times. Glad to hear the food was good. I've heard some reports about it being less than due to a change in kitchen staff. I did not have that experience when I was there in Nov/Dec. Same great quality as always. Thanks for your report and pictures.

Anse Marcel never disappoints, and that massage at Happy Bay? Total vacation goals. Appreciate the update on Grand Case security too, good to know they’re stepping it up.