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Mardis de Grand Case update SXMScubaman 35 minutes ago "Good evening to all,
We are forced to suspend Grand Case Tuesdays until further notice.
Despite the announcements and commitments made by the Collectivité, to date, we still have not received confirmation of the grants announced and promised for February and March.
This lack of response places us unable to continue organizing the event under responsible conditions.
This situation is unfortunate given the impact of the Mardis de Grand Case on the territory, its economic players and its attractiveness.
We will keep you informed of any developments.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and support."

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A final word..... rayleone 6 hours ago I wasn't sure I was going to post this but .....

Let me preface this by saying my first trip to the Island was 1978 as a vacation .Stayed at Mullet Bay and had a ball. Several trips during the early 80's, then in '86 bought a time share at Pelican, two weeks in heaven every Jan. From that point on we were there in either Jan or March as work and school schedules allowed every year through 2010. Spent extra time on the French side when we could. We brought the kids, parents friends etc., everyone loved it. 2010 retired bought a beach house in FL and made one last trip. The issues at Pelican and the fact that I had the beach vibe caused me to sell/relinquish the two weeks. 2024 we were victims of hurricane Helene and Milton, like 49 inches of water in the house. 18 months of demo , construction, rebuilding, dealing with contractors we decided a couple of weeks in our favorite Island was just the trick.

I have to tell you I was absolutely shocked by how bad Marigot and Grand Case were . I know there are restrictions on the natives on rebuilding but looked like the hurricane was recent not 9 years ago. I remember walking down the main street in Grand case and there was a restaurant or hotel at almost every location. There were some great restaurants open just not as many as there used to be. Also it took almost an hour to get from Baie Rogue to Grand Case.

The beach bars at Baie Rogue have been gone a while and the beach was virtually empty. We looked up Raymond @ Chez Raymond and talked to him for a while. Apparently he was not allowed to rebuild because, according to him, the property owners around the beach asked the Govt not to issue permits as the beach bars were too noisy.

Very disappointed to see the state of the island so many years after Irma. I know what rebuilding should look like as every third house on my block is being raised or demolished. It is obvious that the place needs a major infusion of capital.

The tour busses are new to us. We stopped at Toppers so friends could do the Rum tasting, there is a sign n the men's room saying "No washing Feet in the Sinks".

Having said that we had a ball at the place we rented, great meals at Mezza Luna (highly recommended) along with Cigale and Bistrot Caribes.

Ray

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Clothing Optional Catamaran Day Trip Diega 6 hours ago My wife and I would like to take an all day clothing optional catamaran charter. We can't afford a private charter so a small group of fun, freedom seeking people is fine with us. We would like to go to Tintamarre and some secluded beaches on the French side.

Any recommendations? We will arrive on 4, April and depart on 11, April.

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Next island to visit Megannsamuel 18 hours ago My wife and I have visited Saint Thomas and Saint Martin and we are looking for our next Island to visit we would like something comparable what is the next spot we should visit.

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Made It Home Whale Tail Yesterday at 10:36 PM This trip was our longest visit to the island for a 5 week stay. Why is it that when you get home from vacation you are so darn tired? This year was our first time staying as owners of a timeshare at SBR and it couldn't have gone better. Lots of friends there and a lots of restaurants close by. Thank you Leagle49!!

We actually finally branched out a little bit and tried 5 new eating establishments, in addition to all of our regular favorites, which are hard not go to every visit. Some were really good and some not so much. We went to Catch 21, Lagoonies (couple of times), FeestCafe, Bovin and Pelican Beach Grill.

Now Carol, you know that I love me a good cheeseburger

and the winner is: Orange Fever, followed by a very close 2nd from Catch 21.
The best fries on island are from The Tap and Still. Yes Carol, they come in a paper bag and you fill out your order form with a pencil at your table. Carol, bite the bullet and get yourself a bag of fries

The flight home was on time and was a smooth flight back. Departure was a bit of a problem. We were seated in the first row and a young man came down the jetway in a hurry and straight to the forward washroom to hurl for a little bit. His mother said it was anxiety. The passenger was eventually seated and the washroom was cleaned. Upon arrival in Toronto people were getting their carry-on baggage down and the flight attendant announced to stand to the side as the young man would be first one off the plane. It took the emergency personnel awhile get to and attend to the passenger.

Now this is the good part!!
While all this was taking place I kept looking at the open door of the cockpit. Then the Flight Director said to me "Do you want to go up to the cockpit and say Hi". Well I"ll tell you this is what it's like to feel like a "Little Kid Again". So off I went to the cockpit and said Hi!! and the flight crew were very friendly and turned the instruments lights back on. Wow!! Then I asked the pilot where the steering wheel was

He pointed to a fist sized joy stick on the armrest. Wow!!

Also I do have to say that I did see The Jetway Jesus perform a another miracle

We were surprised to see a semi-senior couple get wheeled into the gate area, who we know from another resort on island. Now, no offense to seniors because that's who we are. We all have our aches and pains as we age. We know that first hand. As a matter of fact, we offered help to the passenger right beside us throughout the flight as he was bandaged from thigh to ankle from an injury he experienced the day before. But I know that this couple have no trouble getting into and out from the pool to loungers and then on to the pool bar and then a restaurant or shopping on Front St.
Hallelujah!!

Another Great Vacation In The Books.

I added a couple of pics from take off and only 1 streamer of Sargassum that I could see.

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Few questions for our upcoming trip... steve74 Yesterday at 12:59 PM I hope everyone is well! We are headed down for a few weeks in the 2nd half of May, and I'm hopeful that you all have some thoughts on the following:

1. We really like grabbing a ball in Kelly's Cove (Norman) because it is calm in there in the summer and the snorkeling is pretty good. We also like Long Bay, VG for similar reasons (we cook on the boat these nights). I've always wondered about Little Harbour, Peter, but I recognize that most of the boats are charter boats and they rear tie to the shore. What are your thoughts on this anchorage? Also, we are comfortable anchoring after 10+ charters, but we have never rear tied. For those who have done it, is it worth the effort? Last, with all the charter boats in there throwing scraps overboard, I wonder if there are large baracuda in there under the boats. My wife and daughters don't like it when they are right under the back of the boat, so this would actually affect things for us.

2. How is the restaurant in the new Peter Island resort? I saw Matt's notes about staying on the dock, which is appealing. However, it would add to the experience if the restaurant is worth it that night. We like good food, but we are turned off by overly expensive prices. For example, Wonky Dog is not cheap, but it is totally worth it to us. We also love Hendos. However, we are not a $100 per plate family.

3. Last, we typically go in the 2nd half of June. However, due to my daughters' summer activities, we are moving the trip up a month. I realize the weather is difficult to predict, but what has your experience been with weather and crowds in late May if you have visited during this time of the year?

Thank you so much for any replies!
Steve

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Damaged car rental Megannsamuel Yesterday at 08:10 AM I rented a car from budget. After returning i was told we were good. Now they are trying to charge me $500. Is this normal for this rental place.

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Day 7 and 8 eilandmens 03/28/2026 09:35 PM Same old, same old from morning to late afternoon, beach time and G & T on patio. Went to Palapa for dinner. As you probably know it is a pretty setting -low light tropical feel. Had a 7:30 PM reservation, got there at 7:21PM. Was told to take a seat. At precisely 7:30PM on the nose, we were led to seats. I thought a bit pretentious, but I guess that is their thing. There were a number of empty seats. A small matter. I ordered Jack Daniels on rocks and got Jack Daniels Honey. Too sweet for me, sent it back for regular JD. My wife ordered lobster thermador and I ordered rack of lamb. I asked if they were lollipop ribs, and the waiter assured me they were not. But they were. I am done ordering rack of lamb in St. Maarten. They are always lollipop ribs. Tasty but small. My wife’s lobster was deemed good.

Friday repeat the routine, for dinner we went to Greenhouse. Always, wholesome food not fancy but consistent. The wait staff were fun to deal with, a pleasant evening. My wife ordered French dip and I ordered a Ruben. Both were good. I had two of those big Heineken glasses of beer. A good night.
,

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Little J Shawarma Manitoulin Island Girl 03/28/2026 07:24 PM I inquired via email with Little J Shawarma and they responded within 3 hours stating they are open every day, except Wednesdays, and hours are 12 noon-330pm and 5pm-1030 pm. Abe's youngest son has taken over as chef.
This place has always been one of our favourites and we eat there several times during our 7 week stay.

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Suggestions on SJU to EIS flight louismcc 03/28/2026 07:23 PM We're coming in mid-July on what will be, I think, our 16th Moorings charter. Maybe we're in a rut, but it's a helluva nice rut!

Our flights are on Delta to SJU and I'm inclined to use Island Birds like we did last year. However I thought I'd get feedback on puddle jump options to EIS. Cape Air would be my first choice but they're expensive and flights don't mesh well with our Delta flights, especially on the return home.

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