From: Aruba Dave, dgstger1044@aol.com
Date: 9/26/03 11:59:03 AM
Remote Name: 152.163.252.4
As promised, having just completed my first trip to St. Kitts, 25 trips to other Caribbean destinations under my belt, here is our (long)report of our expereinces on that beautiful Island.
Flight...US Air from Providence thru Philadeplphia to SKB was uneventful and both legs left on time. Return flight from SKB to Philly left on time, with a promise from the flight deck of a 45 minute early arrival in Philadelphia. He was correct, we arrived 45 minutes early, however, we spent the time saved right there on the tarmac awaiting a vacant gate. This is happening often at Philly now that US Air is running more different flights to Caribbean.
Marriott Resort...Lets tackle this one right off. I know a lot of you folks are down on the Marriott and past postings describe it as a monstrosity and devoid of any Caribbean character. Well let me tell you, everyone I spoke to that was staying there was very pleased to be there and were enjoying themselves immenslyu. I did meet one woman, who had a few complaints (such as, they need to find a way to cover the tennis courts so she could play during a shower). The Marriott is a wonderful resort, beautifully decorated and constructed, Yes its large. There are three pools, numerous restaurants and bars, hundreds of beach and pool lounges. So many that you never had to scramble to get a place on the beach or pool. The room my wife and I occupied (#471) in the main building, had every amenity known to man, as well as, a large balcony with a gorgeous vista of mountains, golf course, and in the distance the Caribbean. More than 600 residents of St. Kitts are employed there, all are proud of their jobs and several even told me that they are constantly being asked for their opinion by management. All resort personnel, from the girl in th towel hut to Cleo, the bartender at Bohemia's swim-up pool bar, were knowledgeable, friendly and went out of their way to ensure that we had a great stay at the resort. I realize that next to the older resorts on the Island, this place is very Americanized, however, it is a catalyst for improving both the area and existing resorts which could use a lot of updating. Both Timothy Beach and Rex Pappion are in dire need of a paint job and some fixing up. Although most of the resort is completed, the disco, day spa, seafood restaurant and pizza parlor as of yet are not open, some are due by November 1. I did check out several other properties. Bird Rock Beach (a misnomer) was nicely maintained but in lack of a beach. Frigate Bay Resort was very nice, however, it too is a distance from the beach. Ottleys Plantation was extremely beautiful but was around 30 minutes from a beach. Its grounds were lovely and well-maintained, its facilities top-notch, but the presence of so many senior citizens gave the place a nursing home appearance. Finally, yes, I'm very happy to have had the opportunity to stay at the Marriott, and most likely would return there again.
Restaurants...Dined at 3 locations within the Marriott. 1) Bohemia. This beach/pool grill offered very good quality grilled products/salads and were priced below what we have paid in Barbados or Aruba. Staff was very friendly. 2) Calypso Cafe was well-managed and staffed. Both food quality and presentation were excellent. Breakfast Buffett was very good, never ran out, and changed sufficiently daily to keep you coming back for more. 3) La Cucina is the resort's Italian offering. Food here was excellent, wait staff well trained, experienced and knowledgeable about the menu. In addition we dined a couple of nights at PJs. Great Pizza, Lasagna, and Shrimp. Plus, we had the opportunity to meet Ashton the barkeep. Stopped for lunch at Ottley's Plantation. Food was good, however, not worth the over one hour we waited for it. Served tried to satisfy us with complimentary drinks. But even that was not worth the one hour wait. Dined at The Garden at Frigate Bay Resort, good pizza but not PJs. Our try at lunch at Bird Rock Beach Resort resulted in a good lunch served by the only unsociable person we encountered on the whole island. Finally our best meal was at Marshalls. The food, decor and ambiance at Marshalls was memorable.
Beaches...The beach at Marriott, North Frigate Bay, was well groomed and maintained, clean, wide, with swimmable conditions daily due to the construction of a breakwater about 200 feet from shore. There were 110 beach huts and more than enough pool lounges so you never had to cramble early to get a chair or hut. The view of South Peninsul from the beach was absolutely wonderful. We also tried South Friars which was really nice. Turtle Bay, Cockleshell, and Banna Bay was pretty
to look at but rather rough. The view from Turtle Bay of Nevis was perfect.
Activities...A day trip on the ferry "Caribe" was the highlight of the trip. We spent time at Sunshines, had lunch at The Four Seasons Beach Cabana Restaurant. Food quality, service, and location were wonderful. Prices were only slightly higher than other locations.
We also rented a car from Avis at Marriott, took a couple of day trips to the Spither Penisula, Batik factory, Romney Manor, Brimstone Hill. Poverty does exist on St. Kitts, but the personality, friendliness, of the local population far outweighs any other issue. We will return to St. Kitts, and will most definitely stay at the Marriott.