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Owners Comments This is a new section with information from owners on St. Maarten and the Pelican Resort
Last Updated August 2002
From: "Susie & Ben SILLIMAN"
Subject: Trip Report
Date sent: Fri, 9 Aug 2002
Hi Judy, et al,
Thanks for keeping this list going! We’re a little late getting this to
you, but newest, one year old, granddaughter and her parents visited us
four days after we returned from SXM. We spent four lovely weeks in M418
totally redone due to Lenny. Took our own fitted bottom sheet and
convinced the board to look into replacing sheets with fitted bottoms.
House keeping thought it was a great idea. The resort looks great! Packed
Peli deli sandwiches for the beach most days - best price on the island.
Grocery shopping was done at Rams and Cost-U-Less (a Costco subsidiary)
and the best prices on coke and drink mixes at 3-D Market across from
Tomatoes. Rams is readying to open the old Food Center store in Cole Bay.
Attended three of the four Owners Meetings while were there. In each case
there were three key issues discussed: 1) getting the receivers to come up
with a final, once and for all, amount that we owe them. If and when
this happens and the lien on the Marina property is removed, then 2)
We will again consider building on it. Then, 3) We are looking
(still) at building our own laundry. As Janet DeCesare already said, there
were members at all three meetings who didn’t have a clue about voting
rights vs. use rights. This came out as board members wee encouraging
owners to vote in coming elections. We didn’t eat out as much this year,
but we did have very good meals at: Bananas, Boathouse, Hot Tomatoes,
Turtle Pier, La Petite Auberge, Le Gallion, and Tropicana. Also, when you
go to Marigo, do park in the Marina Royal large lot. If the guy is there
helping you park your car, it is a dollar well spent! Speaking of
cars, we got the best price and a very nice car from Claude Arnell of
Summer Set Car rental. He has his cell phone with him all the time
(011-599) 55-70155.
.
From: Al Porter
Date sent: Mon, 12 Aug 2002
Subject: SXM
Dear Fellow Owers:
Just back from three great weeks in SXM. I heartily agree with
recent reports about the improving condition of the resort, the
positive spirit of the employees (lots of 'hellos'), and owner
meetings without whining and complaining. Chris and Kismet still
put in their 11-hour days to keep the beach users happy.
Unfortunately, that includes picking up the litter left behind at the end
of the day. The restaurant on the great house balcony-- now called the
"La Veranda" -- was a disappointment. When we tried the breakfast we were
greeted with a grunt. French toast costs $1.50 per slice, hardly a
bargain, and the place gets the award for the worst coffee on the island.
We did not try the 'Captains Cove' (new name for the steakhouse on the
marina), but I fear no improvement there either. The on-site restaurants
simply cannot compete with the great options and competive options
elsewhere on the island. Tutta Pasta was great as usual and the fixed
price meal at Tropicana did not disappoint.
Crime on the island is getting plenty of attention in the media and
on the street (e.g. police are much more visible). Three casinos
(Dolphin, Hollywood, and downtown) were targets in the last 6
weeks, all with the same M.O. (after 1 am by fast moving masked
bandits brandishing weapons). Tourists were not harmed and, as
we understand it, were not victims (with the exception of one item
dropped by a patron during the episode at Hollywood. These and
other reported crimes did not seem to deter tourists or locals from
enjoying the evenings. I thought activity level was quite high for the
low season. We saw no evidence of criminal activity.
Pelican was at 80% occupancy. We were told that's better than
most other places on the island. Royal Islander is building a huge
complex just across from the existing structure, but no progress on
the Mullet Bay property. The Mullet beach area seems cleaner.
Someone said the cruise ships pitched in to clean it up. I'm
skeptical. But there are more cruise ships visiting SXM, a major
factor in the high traffic volume.
GEBE is putting all electric lines underground, a project that only
added to the horrible traffic at certain times of the day. The old food
center on the road to Marigot will reopen as a RAMS food market. We
shopped in MATCH (Marigot).
New to us on this trip:
Random Wind, a marvelous sailing experience with Marten, his
wife Saskia, and (sometimes) one or both of their kids. Unlike the
big catamarans, his boat (also docked in Simpson Bay) has charm
and character. We did the half day (twice) at $50 each (includes
lunch, beverages, snorkeling gear, and intimacy (He keeps it to 10-
12 passengers). He also offers full days and charters. To book, call his
cell at 599-557-5742; home phone: 599-544-5418. We booked in advance by
e-mail: randomwind@sintmaarten.net.
Loterie Farm (Hidden Forest), a 150-acre mountainous preserve of
unmatched serenity and beauty. I recall when it opened a few
years ago; I regret waiting so long to visit. To get there, start up the
Pic Paradis hill and watch for the entrance on your right approx 1 mile
from the main road. BJ and his staff will let you explore on your own or,
perhaps, provide an eco tour. Try lunch. If you go for dinner, expect a
special treat prepared by Julie. Very intimate in a marvelous setting.
This is a very special place. At $5, it's also a bargain. Skip the beach
and shopping and discover a different side of SXM. The place needs our
support. Now if someone could figure out how to get rainfall for the
island. Everything is very dry -- the salt ponds are hard-packed and the
hills are barren and brown on the French side.
As usual, food was great everywhere. The fresh water shrimps at
Bar de la Mer remain my favorite treat. The small bakery/restaurant
at the foot of the Pelican hill (just below Bec Fin and opposite
Indiana) changed ownership. It's called the Village Bakery. Great
pastries. We did not return to test out the creole dinners, but it all
sounded tempting. I think it's worth a try. Al Porter
Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2001
From: Martin Rosol
Just got back from Pelican, where we spent a month from 1/13/ until
2/10. Had a fabulous time and were very impressed with everything at
Pelican. The whole complex looks fabulous. The buildings are painted,
clean bright and inviting. The landscaping is gorgeous. There are
workmen out painting, cleaning, repairing, etc all the time. I mean,
all the time.!! I don't know how we are affording all this
maintenance, but it sure is a pleasure to see. The beach is great, and
the service by personnel is fabulous everywhere on the complex.
Security is the best on the island. I have never seen such an effort
being put into the place as is being done this year, and we have been
going tot Pelican for 20 years. So, I don't understand any negative
comments about Pelican. It is the best timeshare on the island. I own
a week at Flamingo, also, and they are in financial trouble, the phone
switchboard never answers, construction has stopped mid-stream. No
comparison to Pelican, thanks to our decision to buy the complex
ourselves and elect Directors and contract a wonderful management
company that has saved our investment and provided a promising future
for our vacation paradise. Incidentally, the Paradise car rental at
Pelican gave us a fabulous price, on a brand new car. Another great
benefit of being at Pelican. And there is wonderful restaurant at Port
de Plaisance, on the marina, called Dario's, serving fantastic Italian
cuisine. I can't stop raving about Pelican and our stay this year. One
of the best vacations we've had down there. So let's stop the
complaints and take a positive attitude. Pelican has a bright future.
Jeanne and Marty Rosol
From: Paul Sirull
Date sent: Mon, 15 Jan 2001
Subject: French Bakery
Judy, I just returned from St Martin after a four week stay. I wanted
tell you and all the pelican owners that we found a wonderful French
Bakery. The Village Baker, located when you enter the road to Pelican,
on the left side, just before you reach the Atrium. Wonderful breads
and pastries. Serves breakfast and lunch as well. Resort is in great
shape. Service was great. When we needed extra towels or maintenance,
they were there in a flash. Paul Sirull
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