Caribbean – Page 3 – Snapping The Globe

Island to Island…By Car

Going to St. John while on St. Thomas is an absolute must!

But, how do you get there?

Yes, there is a passenger ferry that operates from St. Thomas’ Red Hook Harbor every hour. This entailed parking our car and paying the daily parking rate of $5 as well as the ferry fare for the four of us…$6.00 per person, each way, plus a luggage surcharge for carrying our cooler and beach chairs.

After our arrival in St. John, the question remained…how would we get around?

We could walk from Cruz Bay to the nearest trail and then hike to the nearest beaches, Solomon or Honeymoon. If we chose this option, however, it would mean only bringing snorkel equipment and a towel. No cooler…no chairs.

We could rent a car…approximately $80-$100 for the day.

Or…we could hire a taxi. We knew we wanted to visit Trunk Bay, which would cost $6.00 per person, each way. We also wanted to visit other beaches, adding to the overall cost and eliminating spontaneity.

So…the grand total for taking the passenger ferry for the day would be well over $100-$150, depending on the method of transportation and number of destinations.

There had to be a better way.

We already had a car on St. Thomas…was there a way to take it to St. John?

Love City Car Ferries to the rescue!

Thankfully, we investigated this option early on in our trip. Love City Car Ferries, takes reservations for cars and trucks up to three tons and must be booked three days before your trip. The total cost for the car, its occupants and luggage is $50, plus a $3 port fee. That’s it…we drive on…we drive off.

The day of our trip, we were up early and arriving in Red Hook Harbor, following the signs to the car ferry loading apron. Directed to back into lines for organized loading onto the ferry, we realized that we were actually a bit early. After asking the attendant if the ferry we were about to back onto was Love City’s 9:00 am ferry (it was currently 8:15), we were informed that we needed to move to another line. The ferry we were in line to board was Boyson’s Inc.’s Mister B.

Moving to the first line, we watched cars, delivery vehicles and even a dump truck back onto Mister B. We definitely learned what to do and what not to do!

Finally, Mister B departed and Love City’s Captain Vic pulled up to the loading apron. Being the first to back onto the ferry was a plus as we only had to watch out not to back into the ferry, not other cars. Slowly, other vehicles filled the ferry and it was time to depart.

Mister B’s Ferry, unloading before we backed on

Though my husband and children opted to stay in the car for the ride over, I climbed to the top of the wheelhouse and watched Red Hook Harbor grow smaller and the neighboring islands pass by…Great St. James, Little St. James, Dog Island and finally Steven Cay as we pulled up to the Car Ferry Dock at Enighed Pond. The trip was a mere twenty minutes.

Departing the barge was a less complicated affair since all we had to do was drive forward off of the boat and make our way onto the island.

When we booked our trip, we had elected to return on a 7:00 pm ferry. Around 3:00 pm, we were getting tired from being in the sun all day and checked the ferry schedule. It appeared that there was a 4:00 pm and then a 6:15 pm departure time. Not seeing the 7:00 departure that we had booked (and was on our reservation), we were a little nervous about waiting and not making it off of the island. We all agreed that we would make our way quickly back to the car ferry dock and inquire as to whether or not we could take the early boat.

Thankfully, we did not wait until 7:00. Apparently, Love City has an agreement with Global Marine ferries and travel with the two companies is interchangeable. On this day, however, Global Marine was not operating. So, our only two options were 4:00 pm and 6:15 pm and there was no problem with our taking the early ferry.

Once again, we lined up and backed our car on to the ferry…my husband was becoming quite proficient! This time, we all stayed put inside the car and luckily for us we did…it started to rain!

A short time later, we were back in Red Hook Harbor and ready for dinner!

Although it was quite difficult to figure out the ferry situation in St. John, we are glad that this is the way we approached it. Though we were only able to contact and book with Love City Ferries, it appears that Boyson was operating regularly at the time. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to reach Boyson for their schedule and procedure to book, we decided on Love City. A bit confusing, it seems that Love City has been the only operator that has offered reliable service over the past few years.

If you decide to utilize the car barge for a trip to St. John, I would suggest taking a trip to the ferry pier prior to your trip to inquire as to the ferry schedules and operators. I understand the Boyson may be a bit cheaper, but whichever company you decide to use, be sure to ask the attendant for scheduled departure times for your return trip later in the day.

Have a great time!

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

St. Thomas to St. John Passenger Ferry

https://www.usvi.net/information/transportation/ferry-schedules/st-thomas-to-st-john-ferry-schedule/
Departure points: Red Hook Harbor, $6.00 per person, each way. Charlotte Amalie dock, downtown, $12.00 per person, each way.

Love City Car Ferries

http://www.lovecitycarferries.com/
Departure point: Red Hook Harbor, $50 per vehicle, plus $3.00 port fee.

Boyson Inc.

http://boysoninc.com/
Departure point: Red Hook Harbor, $50 per vehicle, plus $3.00 port fee.
Schedule: Enighed Pond, St. John, Mondays-Sundays 0600, 0730, 0930, 1130, 1230, 1430, 1630

Enighed Pond, St. John

6:00am
7:30am
9:30am
11:30am
12:30pm
2:30pm
4:30pm
6:00pm
Red Hook, St. Thomas

6:30 am
8:30am
10:30am
12:05pm
1:30pm
3:30pm
5:30pm
6:30pm

SUNDAYS

Enighed Pond, St. John

7:30am
9:30am
11:30am
1:30pm
3:30pm
5:05pm
6:00pm
Red Hook, St. Thomas

8:30 am
10:30am
12:30pm
2:30pm
4:30pm
5:30pm
6:30pm

The Danish Fort

Antsy…

That’s me. I used to be the person who loved lying in the sun all day. Now, I still do, but I get these nagging thoughts that I should also being doing something a little more culturally stimulating.

While in St. Thomas, there were so many beaches and islands that we wanted to check out, but I knew that there were some interesting landmarks that I wanted to visit as well.

As we drove through Charlotte Amalie, after our arrival, we passed by Fort Christian. A lovely, dark red building, the fantastic clock tower caught my attention. I knew that we needed to come on another day to explore!

‘After a few rain showers blew through and the skies decided to remain cloudy, I persuaded my family that we should drive into town to see the fort…the fact that there is a souvenir market next door and the promise of some cool t-shirts cemented the deal.

Fort Christian, named for the Danish King Christian V, originated with Governor Jorgen Iversen, after his arrival on May 25, 1672. Four years later, the outer walls and a three story oval tower, Trygborg, had been completed. The fort served its purpose over the years, successfully defending St. Thomas from the French among others, however, it was demilitarized during the 1870s. Undergoing enlargement and repair, it later served as the police headquarters of the Virgin Islands, as well as a town center, a government building and a jail.

A basic square structure with stone curtain walls and diamond-shaped stone bastions at the corners, the Tyygborg tower and north curtain were eventually demolished as well as other parts of the fort. The current Gothic Revival structure, with its Victorian clock tower, which serves as an entrance, was eventually built to replace the north curtain in the 18th century. Today, the bastions and the rooftop can be accessed as well as the living quarters that were later added.

We enjoyed visiting the lower level which houses former cells, displays detailing the fort’s history, chapel and the living quarters. These areas are filled with antiques and gives an idea of the living standards at the time. We did not have a tour guide as we arrived just before three o’clock (last admitting time) however, having an escort would have been a benefit in learning more about the history of the structure and the role it played in protecting the island’s harbor.

Enjoy a visit to Fort Christian…take the time to make your way up top and look out toward the water, the cruise ships and the mountains….you might even spot the Governor’s house! The views are truly fantastic! And when you are done…grab an ice cream or snow-cone to beat the heat and maybe even a souvenir t-shirt!

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Fort Christian

https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/prvi/pr29.htm
Address: Forte Strade, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas 00801, USVI
Hours: Monday-Friday, 0830-1600. Last admittance, 1500.
Admission: Non-local Adult, $!0, Children, ages 5-12, $7. Local (with ID), $5. Students (school-aged in uniform and/or with ID), $3. Children (4 years and under): free.

Sandy, Sunny Spots…and a Seagull or Two

The Virgin Islands…a haven for sun lovers and beach enthusiasts!

About 24 years had passed since we first visited the Virgin Islands…it was high time that we went back, especially since our children had yet to experience its magnificence.

Deciding that it was best to stay on St. Thomas for a wider array of things to do, we left bright and early and arrived to beautiful, blue skies and warm temperatures.

Though our condominium was located on stunning Sapphire Beach, known for its snorkeling, it was advantageous to have a car in order to experience some of the other beaches located throughout the island.

It is helpful to know that all of St. Thomas’ beaches are public and accessible to anyone, however, visitors should avoid using hotel or condo chairs and other equipment reserved for those staying in these properties.

We tried out three other beaches while visiting St. Thomas…Magen’s Bay, Secret Harbor and Coki Beach.

Magen’s Bay is truly one of the most stunning beaches I have ever visited. Such an impression it made on us all those years ago, we knew we had to make it a priority on this trip.

The drive to Magen’s Bay from the part of the island on which we were staying is a bit harrowing with hairpin turns, narrow lanes and a lack of shoulders, but if you’ve got the guts, you’ll pass some stunning overlooks along the way and be rewarded on your arrival.

After paying our entrance and parking fees, we secured a convenient parking spot and grabbed a picnic table under the shelter of a large, shady tree. Since we had our own beach chairs (courtesy of our condominium) we spread out in the white sand, lathered up and admired the azure waters of Magen’s Bay.

Magen’s Bay public park was donated to the people of the Virgin Islands by Arthur Fairchild and consists of a one mile of white sand beach, a six-acre arboretum with trees from four tropical continents, a two-acre camping ground, five acres of coconut groves and fifteen acres of mangroves and wetlands. It is the only beach on St. Thomas that charges an admission fee which is used to maintain the facilities and the beach.

After relaxing for a while, we then grabbed our snorkels and dove in, eager to see what was below the water’s surface. While our waters at Sapphire Beach offered an amazing amount of coral and marine life, sadly, Magen’s Bay did not. A bit more coral borders the rocky outcropping at each end of the beach, but the most impressive thing we encountered was the large, shoaling silver-side fish whose location was apparent by the diving seagulls.

A perfect day for visiting with no cruise ship in port, the beach was uncrowded even with a group of summer camp-goers learning to paddle board. Though more visitors tend to congregate nearer to the concession stand area, if you desire more privacy, a short walk to either end of the beach will offer more space. We loved swimming in the calm, crystal clear waters and picnicking under the large shady trees. It is advisable to bring a cooler if you have one available. Although there is a concession stand, drinks and food are on the pricey side. Drinks and lunch for a family of four could potentially run over fifty dollars.

Make sure to to wade through the shallow waters to the boulders, on the right side of Magen’s Bay, to experience some rock climbing and amazing photo opportunities.

After Magen’s Bay, trying to decide on another beach was tough. Would any other measure up?

Our next trip was nearer to our end of the island. On our first visit to St. Thomas, many years ago, we stayed in a private home near Secret Harbour. Unspoiled, it was actually a little primitive and unkempt. After a quick walk to check it out, we spent most of our vacation time on St. John since we were so close to the ferry in Red Hook Harbor.

After reading that Secret Harbour beach was considered one of the best beaches on the east end of St. Thomas and we were only a couple of minutes drive from it, we decided to spend the morning there. Parking in front of Secret Harbour Beach Resort, we made our way down the right side of the resort to the dive shop. After inquiring about the best area to snorkel and which part of the beach was best for non-residents, we set up camp on the right side of the beach.

The beach area is not as large as Magen’s Bay but offers many shaded areas due to the large number of palm trees that line the coast. Most of the beach is clean and sandy with the surface becoming a bit more rocky to the right. A swimming raft is located just offshore and a few of the dive operator’s boats are moored in the bay on the right side of the bay.

My husband and sons did a bit of snorkeling along the rocky areas on the right side of the bay which extends quite a ways out. Lots of coral was present as well as a great bit of marine life. The water was calm and perfect for swimming, however, they admitted that at times the water was not as clear as Sapphire Beach or Magen’s Bay.

Two sit-down restaurants are located along the beach area, however, again, it would be advisable to bring a cooler if you don’t plan to have a more formal meal.

After an enjoyable morning at Secret Harbour, it was time to try another nearby strand…Coki Point Beach.

Our final visit, was located on the North East side of the island adjacent to the Coral World Ocean Park. Greeted by a local upon pulling into the parking area, we were charged five dollars to park. Though it is stated that there are no fees to use any of the beaches besides Magen’s Bay, I was a bit skeptical as to whether the locals charge this fee unofficially.

As we made our way to the beach area, we were immediately greeted by a woman offering to get us what we needed…chairs (we had them), food (burgers, chicken and seafood all smelled great), drinks (she actually peeked into our cooler and told me that we need something stronger than water and soda).

The water was clear and calm and deepens gradually, however, the beach was teeming with local families out to enjoy the Friday afternoon and was a bit on the crowded side. Surprisingly, there were large piles of seaweed all along the shore, something I would have thought would have been cleaned up by the many locals in this area, especially those benefiting from the parking fees!

My husband and sons, once again, went out to check out the snorkeling and thought it very similar to Sapphire Beach. The waters were teeming with many species of fish due to the fact that some of the vendors sell food so that snorkelers can attract them for photo opportunities.

Coki Point Beach was a great place to spend a few hours, however, when cruise ships are in port, I have been told that the beach can be quite crowded. The beach has a reputation for locals harassing visitors with offers of hair braiding and souvenirs, although we encountered none of that. There was the distinct odor of marijuana smoke every now and then, although we didn’t actually see anyone partaking.

If you get tired of the atmosphere here, you can wander next door to Coral World where you can come face-to-face with sharks and other underwater creatures. Swimming with sea lions or touching turtles…there’s much to learn about the underwater life that inhabits the waters around St. Thomas. Descend fifteen feet in the undersea observatory tower to marvel at the coral reef, schools of silversides and other fish or take an hour-long cruise on the park’s semi-submarine.

There are many different beaches throughout the island of St. Thomas. Wherever your interest lie, you are sure to find one that fits your needs.

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Magen’s Bay

http://www.magensbayauthority.com/rates.html
Address:
Hours: Daily, 0800-1700
Admission: Local Residents: Adults, $2.00, Children under 12 years, Free, Children 13 years and over $2.00. Non-residents and guests: Adult, $5.00, Children under 12 years, Free, Children 13 years and over $5.00. Vehicle parking, $2.00
Concessions: Snack Bar, Bar and Boutique. Beach chairs ($8.00), floats, snorkeling sets, paddle boats, kayaks, and sunfish are available for rent.
Public bathrooms and changing rooms available.
Lifeguards on duty every day. No driving on beach. No bottles. No pets. No jet skis. No nudity.

Secret Harbour

http://www.secretharbourvi.com/
Address: 6280 Estate Nazareth, St Thomas 00802, USVI
Hours: Daily, unlimited
Admission: free
Restaurant: Sunset Grille (1730-1000, daily) and Cruzan Beach Club Bar (0800-1000 Sunday-Thursday, 0800-1100, Friday and Saturday)

Coki Beach

http://www.vinow.com/stt/stt-b/coki-point/
Address: Coki Point Rd, Smith Bay 00802, St. Thomas
Admission: free, Parking, $5.00

Coral World

https://coralworldvi.com/conservation/
Address: 6450 Coki Point, St. Thomas, USVI 00802
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 0900-1600, closed Friday and Saturday until November 1, 2017. Ticket booth closes at 1500.
Admission: Adults, $20, Children ages 3-12, $11, Children under 3, free. Family Day Pass (2 adults, 4 children, ages 3-21), $65. Local family day pass (2 adults, 4 children), $33. Sea Lion swim, Adults, $127, Children under 13 (over 50 pounds), $118, includes admission. Turtle or Shark Encounter, Adults, $60, Children, ages 3-12, $51, includes admission.

Ache-y Wave-y

Teenagers always keep you on your toes…and sometimes hobbling along after you’ve gone along with their adventurous plans!

Our sons were extremely interested in going jet-skiing while on vacation in St. Maarten. They have watched many people ride in our local lake while out boating, but they have never had the opportunity to try their hand.

After checking out many websites, we were a bit dismayed to find that most operations only allow renters over the age of 18 to ride solo. Since both of our boys were under the age of 18, we would have had to rent two jet-skis and my husband and I would have had to each take one of the boys as a passenger. Of course, they would hear none of this! They wanted to experience the exhilaration of piloting their own watercraft.

Finally, after many hours of perusing the internet, I happened to find Jet Extreme Watersports, which not only specializes in Jet-ski tours, but also Hoverboard, Flyboard, Wakeboarding and Waterskiing. They also allow riders to ride solo from the age of 16. Okay, so we had a 15 1/2 year old and a 17 year old…we fudged just a little for my youngest!

Booking on our last day, we scheduled an 11:30 am Terres Basses/Lowlands Tour which was to last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Scheduling the trip that morning and finding the location (at the Mercure Hotel) was quite easy and we arrived a bit early than planned. The staff was extremely friendly, helped us to fill out our paperwork, let us watch the required video and then sent us off to the pool to relax a bit before our tour.

After the arrival of our tour guide, we were soon ready to depart, each of us on our own Jet-ski. Luckily, no others were booked on the tour, so it was as if we had our own personal trip! Strapping on a Go Pro, which we rented from JetExtreme, we planned to document our adventure and we set off through Simpson Bay lagoon and out to Nettle Bay on its north side.

After departing Nettle Bay, we rounded the western point and cruised near Baie Rouge, known for its famous color, then past Plum Bay, Baie Longue, Cupecoy, Mullet Bay, Maho Bay, Simpson Bay. Our guide pointed out areas of interest, including Donald Trump’s vacation home in Plum Bay and then allowed us to have a swim stop and rest near the cliffs of Cupecoy Beach. We then continued on to Maho Bay where we watched a couple of planes land from a much different vantage point. After passing our condo at Simpson Bay Beach, we reentered Simpson Bay lagoon, crossing under the bridge we traversed many a night dining in that area.

Riding the jet-skis was much different than I had imagined as I think I had only ridden a couple of times with my husband many years ago. The jet-skis were easy to operate and riding in the bays on calm water was a lot of fun since you could go quite fast. When we headed out to open water, however, it was a completely different story! A bit windy around this part of the island, you could not head full steam ahead unless you were prepared to be jumping waves! Maybe my boys cup of tea…not mine. I managed to sort of ride a bit in the standing position which helped when I did come down hard.

After finally returning to the Jet Extreme location, I was amazed to find my legs a bit shaky when stepping back to shore and my arms quite sore! Of course, my boys thought it quite funny…it’s always much easier when you are young! My husband was in the same shape as me and for the next couple of days, I have to say, we were both had a hard time moving around.

The location provided showers for us and also allowed us to use the pool for a while as we waited for our Go Pro footage to be downloaded. Take a walk around the premises, there are lots of sculptures and while you are down at the water’s edge, keep your eyes peeled for the cool jellyfish that hang out in the shallows.

A very fun time, indeed, my boys say that they would like to come back and try the Around the Island Tour. Lasting about five hours, it sounds like a lot of fun, but it also sounds like I might never be able to walk again if I try it!

Check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe for more pictures.

Jet Extreme

http://www.jetextremesaintmartin.com/
Address: Hôtel MERCURE – Baie Nettlé, 97 150, Saint-Martin
Hours: Open daily, 0830-1700
Terres Basses Tour/Lowlands – $120 per person, 1 hour 15 min

Picturesque Phillipsburg

St. Maarten is an island divided between two nations…the French and the Dutch.

The two neighboring countries live in harmony and travel across the border between the two sides is not regulated. In fact, while driving, if you did not encounter the “welcome” signs as you cross the border, you would not realize the change except for the few features that set them apart.

The island was split into two parts after the Treaty of Concordia in 1648. The larger, northern part was granted to France (Saint Martin) and the southern part (St. Maarten) was given to the Netherlands.

Many visitors to St. Maarten arrive by cruise ship which docks at the port in Philipsburg, the island’s capital, founded in 1763, by John Philips, a Scottish naval captain. Visitors enjoy the Dutch side for its casinos and duty-free bargains, art galleries and historic forts, while many visitors flock to the French side for its shops filled with French fashions and imported Gallic goodies as well as its beautiful beaches.

If you are not arriving by cruise ship, a short drive to visit to Philipsburg during your stay is a must as there are many things to see and do.

If you are an architecture lover, you will appreciate the many buildings that line Front Street. As opposed to the French side and its French Colonial and Creole buildings, the colorful half-timbered Dutch houses are the pride of their inhabitants. As you wander along, these buildings give off an air of friendliness and hospitality with their elaborate carvings and wrought iron balconies.

The Courthouse, built is 1793, as the home of Commander John Philips, has served as a court for successive governors, a fire station, a jail and a post office during its long existence in the town. One of the island’s most prominent landmarks, it is easy to spot on the main street. It is owned by the government of St. Maarten and maintains a spot on the list of major historic monuments.

Another building worth noting is St. Martin of Tours Catholic church. While the interior is quite plain, the exterior is bright and Caribbean-like maintains a location facing the beach. Another more impressive church belongs to the Methodists on Front Street. Sometimes referred to as the Old English or Wesleyan Church, it is a beautiful wooden clapboard structure with light blue accents. Built in 1978, it replaced the original church which was built in 1851. The inside is quite interesting with its blue and red accented galleries and wooden walls and ceilings, giving it a ship-like feel.

If you are in the mood to get out of the heat and learn a few things, a couple of museums exist in Philipsburg. The Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit (see my post, “The Yoda Guy”) run by artist and movie effects specialist, Nick Maley, is a fun place for the family and Star Wars fans. The Sint Maarten Museum is a great place to learn about the island’s rich heritage.

Shopper alert!!! There are many duty free options where you can buy a treasure trove of items. St. Maarten, a free port, has no local sales taxes, VAT or other indirect prices. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, settings, bands, watches, electronics, perfumes…they are all here. Make sure you do your homework and be prepared to bargain.

Liquor prices on the island are some of the lowest I have ever seen. Many cruise ships will tell you that you can bring back five bottles of liquor per person, however, US customs allows one liter per person.

There is also a stall-type craft market that runs to Front Street. The vendors are extremely friendly, not pushy and willing to bargain. If you say no…they back off, unlike many other islands that I have visited. We did find that venturing into Philipsburg ensured better bargains and of course, less congestion, on days when cruise ships were not in port.

Another thing that I absolutely loved about Philipsburg was Great Bay and the beautiful beach that acts as a border between the many cafes and bars and the pristine, blue water. Tired of walking along Front Street? Take the boardwalk that runs the entire length of the beach. Some in your party don’t want to shop? Get them a chair and an umbrella. They can refine their tans while you shop til you drop! Great Bay and its beautiful beach is very unique and sets it apart from many other Caribbean islands that I have visited.

Whatever you decide to do in Philipsburg…eat, drink, stroll, shop, photograph or tan…you won’t be disappointed. It may be a cruise port, but one with a distinct character that has much to offer.

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Philipsburg

Philipsburg Courthouse, Front Street, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Philipsburg Craft Market, behind the Courthouse, between Front Street and Back Street
St. Martin of Tours, 51 Front Street, St. Maarten, Voorstraat, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, http://www.catholicchurchsxm.org/
Methodist Church, Front Street, St. Maarten, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit, 19a Front Street, St. Maarten, http://netdwellers.com/mz/planetp/home.html
Sint Maarten Museum, 7 Front Street, St. Maarten, http://www.museumsintmaarten.org/
Map of Philipsburg, St. Maarten, http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/islands/sm/pbmap.shtml

A Day in Anguilla

There are many islands in the Caribbean, but none with beaches as pristine and white as Anguilla!

Anguilla, a British territory, lies to the north of St. Maarten and consists of the main island of Anguilla and much smaller unpopulated islands and cays. Only 16 miles long and 3 miles wide at its widest point, it is widely known for its beautiful beaches, sailboat racing and outstanding dining experiences.

Easy to reach by ferry while visiting St. Maarten, you cruise into the Blowing Hole Ferry terminal after a quick 20 minute ride. Hoping to make the 0945 ferry, we arrived at the Marigot terminal, found a parking spot (an almost impossible feat!) purchased tickets, cleared immigration and actually made the 0900 ferry instead.

Planning to rent a car once we had reached the island, we were approached by one of the stewards on the boat who offered a car for $55, taxes and fees included. Since I had already checked out the list of car rental agencies and their prices before we had departed, I knew that this was a fair price. We were able to fill out the paperwork on board the boat, saving time once we arrived. After clearing immigration, we met the steward after exiting the building and was escorted to the car which was running and ready for us a few feet away.

Not quite knowing what the island entailed, we took a quick look at our map and quickly tried to decide which part of the island to explore. Heading to the west, we decided to bypass Rendezvous Bay since it was so close to the ferry terminal and instead drove to Shoal Bay West. Spying a beach covered in seaweed and rough seas, we decided that this was not the place for us. Crossing over to the north side, we tried Mead’s Bay which was calm, clear and beautiful. Everyone being quite hungry, however, decided that we should return to this location after exploring a bit more and finding something to eat.

Continuing eastward, we headed down to the area of Sandy Ground since it appeared to have more hotels and eateries. Driving down the inclined road, there is a beautiful view of Road Bay and the pink-hued salt pond on the right. When we arrived, however, it seemed that things were just being set up on the beach. The bay was full of moored boats and it didn’t seem like a place we wanted to hang out for a while.

During our journey east, we continued our search for lunch in the island’s capital, The Valley. There appeared to be a street fair and some lolos (barbecue stands) being set up in the town area, but nothing more than a Subway, which everyone decided was against the rules (you can’t eat American fast food on vacation in another country, unless it is an emergency!). By this time, the boys were wanting Jamaican patties, so we drove around a bit more looking for a place selling the delectable pies. Unfortunately, the bakery which would have sold them, was closed, strange, being that it was a Saturday. After a bit more driving, we finally decided upon a food truck for our lunch. Food was a bit mediocre, but it got the job done.

During lunch, after reading up a bit in the tourist magazine I picked up on the ferry, I discovered that Shoal Bay East was a beach that was highly recommended. We were not extremely far from this location so we decided to give it a try.

Upon our arrival, we noticed a few taxis dropping lots of tourists off and a couple of parking lots available. We paid five dollars to park and made our way down the road in the direction of the beach. A middle-aged islander sidled up to us and offered to set us up with chairs and umbrellas. We agreed on two chairs and an umbrella for $10, since the boys never sit still. The chair pads and umbrellas were a bit worn but, did the trick.

Taking a look around, I had to admit, this was truly one of the most beautiful beaches I had ever seen. Clear, turquoise and calm water extended out before us and our feet sunk into the soft, white sand. Very few resorts or restaurants were on this long stretch of beach and it was not extremely crowded.

We decided that since we had driven most of the island already and seen what there was to offer, this was where we would spend the afternoon before heading back to the ferry for our return journey.

A relaxing and beautiful day, we hung out, swam, snorkeled and took a walk on the mile-long beach down to the eastern end, where it concludes at the point. At this end, we discovered an extensive protected marine park, which offered up an amazing snorkeling spot.

There were a couple of restaurant’s offering food and some souvenirs…Eric and the boys found some great t-shirts and I got a cool hat!

Finally, we decided to end our day and head back toward the ferry terminal to make the second-to-last ferry (we didn’t want to risk the last one) stopping along the way to grab some drinks and topping off our gas tank.

Overall, we enjoyed our day in Anguilla, however, the burning question remains…would I go back and stay on Anguilla on a future vacation?

Happy to get another stamp in my passport, it was an enjoyable and different way to spend a day on our trip. Originally, I had run the idea by my husband to go straight to Anguilla when we arrived in St. Maarten, stay there for 2 or 3 nights and then return to St. Maarten for the remainder of our vacation. After visiting, however, we realized that the island is very quiet and probably more suited for honeymooning couples rather than a family with teen aged boys seeking continual entertainment. There are apparently some top restaurants located on the island, a plus for foodies, but not for us who enjoy a good meal, but would sometimes just rather have a pizza or a Jamaican patty. During my investigation of the island, I did find that there are some great nightlife spots in Sandy Ground, with bands and dancing on certain nights. Overall, I think that if my husband and I would return, maybe we could enjoy a couple of nights on the island, however, I think a day via ferry was perfect for us at this time.

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Anguilla

http://www.anguilla-vacation.com/
http://ivisitanguilla.com/
Ferry Fares (each way): Adults, $20, Children (under 12), $10
Departure Taxes and Security Fee from Anguilla for Day Trippers, Adults, $8
Departure Taxes and Security Fee from Anguilla for Tourists, Adults $23, Children (under 12) $3
Ferry To Anguilla Schedule (from Marigot)
- 8:15AM
- 9:00AM
- 9:45AM
- 10:30AM
- 11:15AM
- 12:00PM
- 12:45PM
- 1:30PM
- 2:15PM
- 3:00PM
- 3:45PM
- 4:30PM
- 5:15PM
- 6:00PM
- 7:00PM (last ferry)
Ferry To St. Martin Schedule (to Marigot)
- 7:30AM
- 8:15AM
- 9:00AM
- 9:45AM
- 10:30AM
- 11:15AM
- 12:00PM
- 12:45PM
- 1:30PM
- 2:15PM
- 3:00PM
- 3:45PM
- 4:30PM
- 5:15PM
- 5:40PM
- 6:15PM (last ferry)
Note: There are charters available to Anguilla from other parts of St. Maarten, both Dutch and French sides.

Thirty-Seven

Thirty-Seven! Yes, there are thirty-seven beaches to visit on the island of St. Maarten!

While we loved the beach in front of our condo, we learned that many people pack up and drive to other beaches seeking a different experience each day.

We checked out a few others on our 8 day trip…here are our thoughts.

Simpson Bay Beach

Simpson Bay Beach parallels the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport and the picturesque fishing village of Simpson Bay. Primarily undeveloped, this beach runs to the foot of the Pointe Burgeaux rocks and was the beach in front of our rental unit. Though a little rougher on some days than the tranquil waters on other beaches, the sand was very soft, the water very close to our door and hardly a soul was ever on our beach.

Although our boys snorkeled the waters many times, no reefs are present and the only things that they ever found were some starfish and a few sand dollars. But the most exciting thing happened one day…we were extremely fortunate to witness a nest of baby turtles hatching and making their way toward the water!

Great Bay Beach

Located in the heart of Philipsburg, a promenade runs most of the way across its length and a great many bars and restaurants line the beach, making it a very convenient place to take in some sun. The waters are flat, clear and warm and there are plenty of beach chairs for rent and jet skis for hire.

Because it is convenient to the cruise ship port, accessible by a convenient water taxi, on cruise ship days, expect it to be quite the hopping place! It is a great place to get some shopping done as many vendors walk along the beach, but a block away there are lots of stores to browse when the sun’s rays get to be a bit too much!

Grand Case

After departing Philipsburg, we headed up the eastern side of the island. Not quite which beach to try next, we decided to stop in the charming fishing village of Grand Case. A little concerned when we first set eyes on the area, we found the beach to be a bit narrow and not many chairs appeared to be available. After walking a bit, a wonderful Frenchman at Le Soleil restaurant offered us the use of his loungers. He was extremely attentive and brought us beers throughout the afternoon and kept an eye on our belongings (though I don’t think there was much risk in our things walking away).

Grand Case Bay is a long narrow beach lined by celebrated gourmet restaurants and smaller barbeque-style eateries known as lolos. The smell from these lolos was divine and we actually came back on another day for lunch!

The water was calm, clear and flat and although not much to see in the way of snorkeling, my boy did find some pretty large starfish. There was also a partially collapsed pier that extended into pretty deep water providing a great place for my boys and some of the local children to do some diving and back-flips. Creole Rock is also located just off-shore and attracts many jet-ski tours, snorkelers and divers.

Dawn Beach

Located on the western side of the island, Dawn Beach was a bit difficult to find. After pulling into the Westin Dawn Beach Resort and Spa and asking the security guard how to find the access point, we were instructed to park in the Westin’s lot and walk along the right side of the property.

Though we found fine sand and beautiful palm trees, there were also continuous piles of seaweed lining the water’s edge as well as extremely rough water. Not spotting many swimmers or sunbathers, we decided to leave the location.

Orient Beach

Often described as the “Saint Tropez of the Caribbean”, we were anxious to see what this beach entailed. Situated on the north-eastern part of the island, it is one of the island’s largest and most popular beaches and well-known for being a clothing optional beach.

Having not planned to spend much time at this beach, as we had heard that chair rental and drinks were quite expensive, we pulled up and took a peek at what there was to offer. There were many restaurants, hotels, shops and water-sport rentals, such as jet skis, kayaks, sailing boats and paragliding trips.

The water was a beautiful shade of blue, although much rougher than what we expected. There were many small beautiful islands dotting the coast, such as Caye Verte, Tintamarre and Pinel Island, the latter of which is accessible by small ferries. Although visiting Pinel Island was tempting, we had just visited Anguilla the day before an decided to stay on the mainland.

Mullet Bay

Mullet Bay was recommended by another visitor at our villa unit. We were told to try and visit on a weekday as weekends were quite busy with locals.

Finally, making our way to this fine-sanded beach, located near a golf course and Maho Bay, we found the parking lot to be quite full…even on a weekday. The beach was quite steep descending into the calm, clear and blue water and extremely packed as three catamarans, filled with cruise ship passengers, were docked in the bay.

There were a large number of chairs for rent and a bar and restaurant. The ruins of the Mullet Bay Resort were visible on the point on the left side of the beach and provided for some nice photographic opportunities.

Maho Beach

Having seen pictures of airplanes flying right over Maho Beach, I have always wanted to visit. World-famous for its unique location right at the business end of the Princess Juliana Airport runway, crowds gather each day to watch airplanes take-off and land. This is a must-see!

More busy when cruise ships are in port, the narrow beach becomes extremely crowded and finding a place to lay a towel is difficult, although leaving anything on the beach makes it susceptible to jet blast blowing it away! Some chairs are available to rent at the Sunset Bar and Grill.

The water is calm, clear and blue and much quieter on days when cruise ships are not in port. There are a couple of restaurants and bars flanking each side of the bay, with the most popular being, Sunset Bar and Grill as well as a small supermarket on the northern end of the beach.

Some snorkeling can be done on the southern end of the beach and you may see the occasional tourist boat docked nearby for this reason.

Each of the many beaches on St. Maarten are different and offer many unique opportunities and amenities. Whatever it is that you are looking for…privacy, snorkeling, dining, watersports, relaxation…there’s a beach for that! Set out in your rental car and see how many you can check out on your vacation!

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

The Yoda Guy

St. Maarten, a place of sand, sun, culinary delights…and Yoda?

One of the most unique tourist attractions on St. Maarten…or any island…has to be the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit, located on Front Street in Philipsburg. A welcome respite from the usual touristy shops in the cruise ship port, the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit is a small non-profit museum concentrating on movie memorabilia and history. After telling my husband and sons about the museum, there was no turning back…being huge Star Wars fans, they demanded that we visit while spending the morning in Philipsburg.

Nick Maley, an international artist and movie effects make-up wizard, known for his key contribution to the development of Yoda and other Star Wars characters, opened the unique museum in 2011. The museum houses Nick’s private collection of movie relics, duplicates and collectibles, including artifacts and life-size figures. The exhibits focus on the individuals and techniques that brought to life Yoda, Darth Vader, Chewbacca, the Terminator, Alien, Highlander and Superman, Harry and the Hendersons among others.

Our favorite pieces were the facial molds taken from various movie sets. So many familiar faces are on display.

There are many screens throughout the museum playing video of Nick recalling his part in making the many classic films that he was part of. There are also some new pieces from Planet of the Apes that are being prepared for the exhibit.

After making our way through the museum, we encountered Nick, in the memorabilia and art gallery part of the store. A kind and gracious man, he chatted with us for a while, answered our questions and even showed my boys how the museum’s Yoda was operated when it was on the movie set.

When taking a break from the the usual Caribbean island experiences, make your way down to this small, but amazing museum. A truly unique experience, the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit should not be missed!

Check out more pictures on Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

The Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit

http://netdwellers.com/mz/planetp/home.html#_=_
Address: Planet Paradise, 19a Front Street, Philipsburg, St Maarten,
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 0930-1700
Admission: $10 per person

Zip! Zip! Hooray!

Enjoying our resort and the much needed relaxation was the main objective on our Punta Cana vacation. After a couple of days, however, we realized that there were some amazing zip line locations nearby and it would be a shame to miss out on the opportunity.

My children and I had zip lined while in Belize a few years ago. It was a extremely fun experience racing down the cables through the jungle. A couple of summers ago, I zip lined through the Nevada desert, going from mountain top to mountain top. It was a completely different experience than the first, but exciting nonetheless. My husband, had not been with us in Belize and had been working while I went off on my excursion in the Las Vegas desert, so he was new to this type of adventure. Very apprehensive about heights, I was not sure how he would approach the whole thing, but I knew we needed to get him out there.

Since we had not booked the excursion before we arrived in Punta Cana, I assumed that we could do so through the concierge. After our arrival, I realized that no concierge was available, so I inquired with the dinner reservations desk on whom we could book with. I was directed to both a travel agency located within the resort as well as an office with many tour companies. Deciding on the latter, I encountered Shirley who assisted me with the booking.

Wanting to leave first thing in the morning so that we would have the remainder of the day available to us, we decided on an 8:00am pickup time the next day. Since our phone was not working, I came back to the room later that day to find a note from Shirley explaining that the zip lining office had contacted her and 8:00am time slot was not available. She had rebooked us for that same afternoon for a 2:00pm departure, but instructed me to come to her office first thing in the morning if this was not to our liking. After much discussion, we decided that we would still prefer the early morning departure and would wait until the following day. A quick visit to Shirley at the opening of her office made the appropriate changes…she even called the zip line office to ensure that space was available.

The next day, after waking early and having breakfast, we were out front with many other people who were also awaiting their pickup vehicles.

A few minutes later, a vehicle arrived which looked as though it was the one described to me. As I inquired with the driver and showed him my confirmation slip, he appeared to be a bit confused. He promptly made a call and began speaking to someone on the other end. Another person standing nearby, explained that this was not the company that was supposed to pick us up but this gentleman worked with them as well. It seemed that although we had a confirmation number, the office did not show us as having a booking and therefore, no one was on their way to pick us up. It was explained that a representative from the company was in the area and on his way to speak with us. Naturally, we were very frustrated.

Shirley’s office had not quite opened yet, but a short time later, arriving for here workday, she noticed us still in front of the Barcelo. She promptly came over to see why we were still waiting. Making a phone call to the office, they explained what had happened on their end and offered the 11:00am and 2:00pm options. Although this was not quite what we wanted, we were leaving the next day and all that we could do. The company first offered us a bottle of rum as an apology, but we declined, explaining that it would be more of an issue having to check our luggage to accommodate it. Finally, it was agreed that the pictures taken of the customers while zip lining and offered for sale would be offered to us complimentary.

By this time, almost 9:00, it was too late to really do much but wait.

Around 11:00, our van arrived and since almost full, we filed into the seats remaining in the back row. With no other pickups, we were soon on our way. During a long and very bumpy ride, we soon realized that the 30-40 minute ride that we were expecting was really about an hour through countryside and local villages. Wishing that I had brought my large camera to document Dominican Republic local life, I captured the townsfolk and buildings with my Iphone.

We soon arrived at the Bavaro Runners Adventures. Not much instruction was given to us and we were left to mill about, wondering when we would be outfitted with our equipment to get started. After a lengthy wait, we were told that we were waiting on another group. More time passed and finally, an introductory speech was given by one of the workers.

After a few more minutes, we were finally outfitted and then directed to a courtyard just outside, where we were instructed on the basics of zip lining…how to slow down, how to stop and how to get to the platform if you did not make it all the way.

A short walk to the first platform and we were soon on our way to experience the 18 platforms and 12 zip lines, among them, the longest in the Caribbean and the lengthiest in the Dominican Republic, on Anamuya Mountain.

Attached with climbing gear to the double line cables, we were soon zipping along from the first platform to the next…one to two, 358 feet, and from two to three, 209 feet, where our pictures were snapped. Disembarking from platform three, we ascended the stairs to platform four where we zipped across 203 feet and then from four to five, 213 feet. The next lines, five, six, seven and eight averaged between 344 and 682 feet. Walking between platforms eight and nine and ascending an extremely tall tower had us flying across a river for our longest ride yet, 2296 feet. After reaching platform thirteen and journeying on foot again to fourteen, riding 360 feet to platform fifteen, we were then ready for the longest journey, back over the river and through the trees, 2624 feet. What a ride! Finally, our last cable was a short 377 feet to the end of the line.

With the seemingly unorganized start at Bavaro Runners Adventures, we were pleased to find that the staff was very friendly and helpful while on the course. The platforms and cables were well maintained and the views spectacular! Even my husband, with his fear of heights, loved the thrill of it all!

As promised, our pictures were readied for us and given free of charge, a forty dollar value, and upon the return of our equipment, we were offered fruit and soda before being loaded up on the buses for our return to our resorts.

Bavaro Runners Adventures offers other options at this location. One particular alternative was to complete eight cables and then interact with the squirrel monkeys at Monkeyland. While on one of the trails, we noticed torches lining the pathway and discovered that these were present for night time zip lining. One thing I would like to point out however, is that a weight limit is in effect. A sign hangs in the outfitting area stating that individuals weighing more than 285 pounds are not permitted to ride. Since there was a gentleman on our bus expecting to ride and then not allowed, it seems that the information may not have been communicated during the booking process. Hopefully, his payment was refunded.

Having paid more per person for our Belize and my Vegas zip lining trips, I would say that Bavaro Runners Adventures offers a fair deal. At $90 per person, with transportation provided and 12 zip lines, more than the Belize and Vegas locations, it was a great way to spend a few hours off of the resort. Aside from the problem with our booking and the unorganization experienced upon our arrival, everyone had a great time and now have great memories!

Check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe, and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe for more pictures.

Bavaro Runners Adventures

https://www.runnersadventures.com
Phone: 1-809-455-1135
Departures: 8:00am, 11:00am and 2:00pm, Monday thru Saturday
Adults, $90, Children $45, add additional $29 per person for Monkeyland option
Nighttime zip lines: $99 per person for groups of 15 or more, Tuesdays and Thursdays

Pretty and Pleasing Punta Cana

For a few years, my children have expressed an interest in visiting one of the Dominican Republic’s all-inclusive resorts. The few times we have thought that the flights would remain open; they always seemed to fill up at the last minute. Hating to book a resort that we would be unable to get to and losing a deposit or more, we always decided against it.

This year, my son learned that instead of playing baseball during spring break, his coach was going to give them the week off. Being that it was his birthday the day before Easter, I decided to surprise him with plane tickets to Punta Cana for himself, his brother and my husband. Having the tickets enabled us to be able to book a resort ahead of time and actually plan our vacation a few weeks out instead of a couple of days, like we normally do.

Our flight departed New York and arrived in Punta Cana early in the afternoon. After what seemed like a very lengthy taxi, we finally made our way through the immigration and customs area and out to the front of the airport where we were greeted by our transportation company.

About thirty minutes later, we were driving up to the front of our resort, Barcelo Punta Cana.

When booking our resort, it was a bit of a task trying to decipher which resort was in the best location and which would offer my family the type of experience that we were hoping for. Zeroing in on the Barcelo Punta Cana, in which the price was what I was willing to pay, I discovered that it was near the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on Bavaro Beach, which has been heralded as one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic. What disturbed me, however, was that the reviews of this resort were a bit mixed. Some people absolutely raved about the resort, but some people discussed problems that they had mainly with the rooms. Although my husband loves luxury, I hate paying the premium price, instead preferring a more simple, yet nice room. Paying for a luxurious room that we hardly spend any time in is a waste of money, in my opinion. My biggest stipulation, however, is that, although I will accept simplicity, the room must be extremely clean and everything in working order. After booking our vacation, it seemed that some of the reviews I uncovered were about problems that people experienced dealing with cleanliness and the general working order of items in the rooms. We decided to stick with our reservation, however, and hope for the best.

My first impression of the lobby area was a favorable one. It was an open-air space and reminded me of some of the hotels in Thailand I have stayed in. Upon our arrival, we were given our room after a short wait. Although a fairly simple room with tile floors and simple wood furniture, it was extremely clean and looked out over one of the pools and the beach.

Since dinner reservations could only be made between 7:00 and 15:00 and we had arrived just after the close of the reservation office, we decided to dine at the buffet that evening. After unpacking and heading downstairs to check out the pool and beach, we then headed to dinner.

The buffet was extensive and carried many different types of food, including local fare. Although we tried a variety of items, we soon found that the best option was the made-to-order pasta bar. After our dining experience that night, however, we decided that we would be up early the next morning to book our reservations for one of the other restaurants.

The next morning, we found that because we had just arrived, we were able to make reservations for that night and also the following. Our Easter meal was going to be at the seafood restaurant, Marenostrum, and the next night, the French restaurant, La Comedie. For the remaining two nights, we booked reservations at the El Conuco, the Dominican restaurant and La Dolce Vita, a restaurant offering Italian fare. Because certain restaurants are only open on certain nights, a bit of planning may take place to be able to dine at all of the restaurants during one’s stay.

If asked to rank the four restaurants that we dined in, my entire family would agree that El Conuco was definitely the best! The food, especially the sococho, a Dominican stew, was outstanding, much to our surprise. The Italian and Seafood restaurants were good as well, but, the biggest disappointment was the French option. The food was not very tasty and did not quite agree with any of us. My husband was certain that he was ill the entire next day due to the food consumed in this particular outlet. After hearing another customer’s complaints about the Japanese restaurant, Kyoto, we had decided to skip this dining experience, however, I think that it may have been a better option than La Comedie.

Our breakfast was taken that first morning in El Alcazar, the main dining room which offered buffet-style dining. Each day after, our breakfasts were taken here and at the buffet in the open-air dining room at the main pool. The best omelets, we learned, however, were made in the main dining room and wonderful pastries were offered every day, including my favorite, churros! Delicious!

Lunch buffets were served in the main dining room as well as the open-air dining room at the main pool. Hot dogs, hamburgers and fries were served at a grill near the pool every afternoon. A pizzeria, Don Simon, was open in the upstairs area near the main pool from 12:00-17:00 each day. Our biggest regret was only having the opportunity to dine at Mexico Lindo for lunch on one day. Delicious sandwiches were offered here, near the quiet pool, and were served inside and outside on the deck, overlooking the ocean. Mexico Lindo was also open at night, available without a reservation, serving Tex-Mex.

The next three days were spent lounging at the beach and the pool. The beach was extremely long and wide with some of the softest sand I have ever dug my toes into. The water was a clear blue with some great body surfing waves. There were always many beach chairs available although it seemed that most pool chairs were reserved by early risers who claimed their spots at the pool’s opening by leaving their towels.

Two large pools were available on each side of the resort…the main pool or “party pool” and the “quiet pool”. The party pool and the beach area near it always had music playing and some sort of scheduled activity going on…beach volleyball, dance parties, step aerobics, contests…it was oftentimes quite entertaining. The quiet pool was located on the left side of the resort and seemed more suited for parents with younger children as there was a small water park available. The beach area alongside this pool area was also deemed the “quiet beach”. It was a short walk from the rooms to the pool as well as the beach area…no shuttle required as with some of the larger resorts.

A pool bar was in operation each day from 10:00 as well as a beach side bar and the other bars located within the main building. The staff was usually friendly, the drinks were good and the Presidente beer, cold. My only regret was not bringing a large, insulated cup to the resort as many did. The staff will fill your cup, saving you from having to get two drinks at a time or going to the bar multiple times. Cups are sold on the premises, however, you will be paying about five times what you would have paid at Wal-Mart!

My sons enjoyed partaking in the various activities and water sports offered. Boogie boards were available for use by guests of the resort as well as kayaks and sailboats. There was a trampoline, a trapeze and a rock climbing wall, each with its own operating hours. There was a large chess board near the pool as well as tennis and basketball courts near the front of the resort.

Packing my workout clothes, I had planned to use the gym and participate in some of the classes offered. The website indicated that zumba, step aerobics and water aerobics were offered, however, zumba was never on the schedule. On the first day, I did witness water aerobics and on that afternoon, a step class was offered. It was performed on the very small stage with the entire pool area watching, lasted only 30 minutes and many of the people were barefoot and appeared to be drunk. Not my idea of a good workout! My husband did use the gym and although the member of the staff present was very helpful, he said it was a small space with not many machines.

Each evening, spent from the sun, swimming and alcohol, my husband and I usually retired early, after dinner. One night, however, we decided to head over to the theater and see the nightly show. This particular evening, it was a program entitled, “Circus”. Nothing to write home about but it was entertaining for an hour’s time. There was a casino on the premises as well as a disco that opened at 22:00 and stayed open until the early morning hours. I guess I am getting older…I never seemed to be able to stay awake that late! It seemed that a lot of other guests seemed to provide their own entertainment by congregating in the porticoes on each side of the lobby area, drinking and playing cards and other games.

For those who are looking to purchase forgotten items or souvenirs, there were three or four shops located near the main pool as well as a jewelry store. T-shirts, carvings, clothing, shoes, and other items were sold here albeit for a premium price. The Barcelo Punta Cana did have local vendors come to the resort on one of the nights. Thankfully, through one of these vendors, I did find a locally made mask to add to my collection. Leaving the property to do some shopping would have required a taxi as there was no town area directly near the resort. Upon our departure, I did notice that the Royalton and Majestic resorts next door had an area near the road that was advertised as a shopping center.

Being a collector of Pandora charms from places that I travel, I always check for local Pandora stores on my vacations. Luckily, I found that the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino had a Pandora store on their premises. One morning, I walked along the beach toward this hotel. Not knowing whether I would be allowed on the property, I hoped that if I would have been denied entry on my own, I could maybe secure an escort toward the lobby where the store was located. Not one person stopped me from walking on to the property and I made my way toward the lobby area, twice asking for directions from staff. There were many stores in addition to the one I was seeking, so, if retail therapy is needed, wandering over to the Hard Rock is suggested.

Before our arrival in Punta Cana, we had not made plans for any excursions. When we arrived at the resort, I realized that there was no concierge desk to offer assistance. After inquiring with the dinner reservation desk, I was directed to a travel agency located near the El Alcazar restaurant and an office with travel companies within. Trying the latter, we were able to book a zip lining tour with one of the companies within. Although there was a mix up with our pickup (which was the fault of the zip lining company) I found the booking company to be extremely helpful and efficient.

For those wishing to stay connected, the hotel offered Wi-Fi for $12 per day. Thinking that quite expensive, I did a bit of research before our trip, looking for alternatives such as buying a local sim card and renting Mi-Fi devices. I finally located a transportation company which offered transportation to the various hotels as well as Mi-Fi devices. The company, Gobecon, extended a Mi-Fi rental rate of $20/week if transportation was booked through them. The transportation rate was the same as what the hotel was offering, so we decided that we would make a reservation. When we arrived at the airport, a representative was waiting for us with a marked sign. He escorted us to a waiting van and we were pleasantly surprised to learn that only my family was being driven to our resort, not a van full of other travelers. The representative had a zippered pouch ready for us containing the Mi-Fi device, instructions and a charger. He helped me to connect and collected a $50 deposit which would be returned to me upon our departure when the equipment was returned. All four of us were able to connect to the Mi-Fi and it was a blessing to be able to communicate with our families on Easter Sunday. The signal was very good and we took it with us to the beach and pool. After speaking with another guest of the hotel, we realized just what a great deal we had made as he told us how slow the Wi-Fi in the hotel was and that only one person at a time was able to connect. Our driver arrived promptly for our departure from the hotel and upon our return to the airport, our representative was waiting for us, collected the equipment and returned our deposit.

Overall, my only real complaint about the resort was that the phone in our room never worked. Not really needing to use it, it was not much of an inconvenience, however, I worried that we would have not method of communication if we had an emergency. Despite visiting the front desk and complaining twice a day, the phone was still inoperable upon our departure. Other minor inconveniences involved the maid forgetting to leave hand towels and forgetting to restock our refrigerator.

In the end, we truly enjoyed our visit to Punta Cana and the Barcelo Punta Cana resort. I am sure that there were guests who experienced other issues and I am sure that there have been guests who have left the resort, not happy with their stay. Only able to speak for our experience, I would recommend staying here. One should remember, this is not the Ritz Carlton, therefore you are not paying for the Ritz Carlton…accept it for what it is…and we were happy with what it was!

Check our more pictures on Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.com

Barcelo Punta Cana

https://www.barcelo.com/barcelohotels/en_gb/hotels/dominican-republic/punta-cana-beach-bavaro/hotel-barcelo-punta-cana/general-description.aspx

Gobecon

http://www.gobecon.com/