In-Out Season Cost Difference

[Dennis]

Can we trade wives? Mine absolutely refuses to go to Mexico.... she it too scared that she will be robbed or something. I don't get it..... but then again, she doesn't have to pay anything when we go away, so it's no skin off her back.

LOL...not a chance. I've got 23 years of work in...

As for Mexico, I get it. Cartels everywhere!

But not really. And the hospitality industry doesn't need for that type of crime to become rampant.

Seriously, check out Punta Mita. Inside the gates, you'll find a Four Seasons and the St. Regis. Multi-million-dollar homes and condos, Two Jack Nickalas golf courses, upscale beach clubs and restaurants.

Just outside the gates are several other excellent restaurants.

It's about 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta.

Our morning walks around the property are so beautiful.

Cancun would not normally be our choice. But we've had our eye on the hotel since back when it was a RC.

As for St. Barth's, yeah...it's changing and it's not for me to say for the better or not. I'll leave that to the residents and longtime and more frequent visitors.

I do know that the more I read about the changes, the more I come to the conclusion that we may not be their target guests much longer.

So be it...it's a big world!

 

[JEK]

As for Saint Barth I am here to report that the charm is still here and the roads are much improved! Camaruche is like a freeway now! We have been blasting back and forth from the Guanahani to Gustavia with ease. As sad as I am to see the old Toiny-Grand Fond road improved, it is a much easier drive. Even parking has been surprisingly good. Used the lot, even entered when full and waited a minute or two for a space to clear.
More platitudes later.

 

[GramChop]

I am reminded of a lyric. Title will come to me, but not yet.

NOTHING LASTS FOREVER, ALWAYS IS A LIE.

Things and places change and some will decide to look for new destinations to fit their personal needs. I remain Thankful that this small island continues to be our happy place.

Take My Love by Eddie Fisher
:heart1:

 

[amyb]

Take My Love by Eddie Fisher
:heart1:

THank you, Missy.

 

[Happycamper]

TR561, do you somehow get discount tickets on Tradewind? Any time I look at them they want $800 for any flight that would allow same day connections, plus it will cost another $400 at least to get to SJU, so that's a minimum of $2000 round trip. Through SXM it is 100-200 each way on Winair and then most flights to get down to SXM are in the $800-$1200 round trip range, with of course a few much higher prices for flights that are basically sold out. There are also spirit airlines flights for $400 round trip to get to SXM so that is even cheaper.

I'm willing to believe that Tradewind provides a nicer experience, but I don't find it plausible that they are the more affordable option for any but a few special cases.

 

[cassidain]

As for Saint Barth I am here to report that the charm is still here and the roads are much improved!

je suis d'accord ! malgré les voix des défaitistes ! :nerd:

 

[GramChop]

THank you, Missy.

:heart1:

 

[JEK]

Hats off to thread hijackers! A long standing tradition endures!

 

[cassidain]

Hats off to thread hijackers! A long standing tradition endures!

and some OP’s get their noses out of joint :nerd:

 

[cassidain]

Hats off to thread hijackers! A long standing tradition endures!

I wonder what bars are showing the SOTU tonight :laughing-cry:

 

[Dennis]

I wonder what bars are showing the SOTU tonight :laughing-cry:

:biglaugh:

 

[TR561]

TR561, do you somehow get discount tickets on Tradewind? Any time I look at them they want $800 for any flight that would allow same day connections, plus it will cost another $400 at least to get to SJU, so that's a minimum of $2000 round trip. Through SXM it is 100-200 each way on Winair and then most flights to get down to SXM are in the $800-$1200 round trip range, with of course a few much higher prices for flights that are basically sold out. There are also spirit airlines flights for $400 round trip to get to SXM so that is even cheaper.

I'm willing to believe that Tradewind provides a nicer experience, but I don't find it plausible that they are the more affordable option for any but a few special cases.

I paid $386 to get my wife back through SJU on February 23. That's crazy good pricing...

I paid $750 each to get us to SJU from FLL on February 17. That's expensive but you can essentially fly to SJU from MIA or FLL for a very small amount of miles. So, my ticket basically cost $750 to get to St Barth. Right now, SXM is anywhere fro 500 to 2000 one way, and that is the late afternoon flight which gets you nothing because you are then stuck unless you get the last Winair out at 5pm which is normally sold out. Couple that with a 180 Winair ticket and you are well above Tradewind. The only time American Airlines to SXM beats Tradewind nowadays is if the ticket is 300-400 bucks each way (don't forget your need to add puddle jumper after that).

My final itinerary after months of stress. Been trying to fly through SXM for nearly two years and still can't find a way to make it work. ha.

FLL - SJU (free)
New Residence Inn next to airport (Bonvoy)
SJU - SB ($750 x 2, Tradewind)

SB - AXA ($450 x 2, private)
AXA - MIA (22K miles business)

 

[GramChop]

Hats off to thread hijackers! A long standing tradition endures!

…ain’t called PITA for nothin’!

 

[amyb]

…ain’t called PITA for nothin’!

Missy, your kindness was appreciated. I believe your prompt response followed a logical thread in this very discussion. Something like a side issue that might arise from time to time. That’s how people learn…questions get asked, help is given and we move on like kind caring grownups. Try it once in a while guys.

Now you can go back to your schoolyard pranks and carrying on.

Have a pleasant evening.

 

[GramChop]

Missy, your kindness was appreciated. I believe your prompt response followed a logical thread in this very discussion. Something like a side issue that might arise from time to time. That’s how people learn…questions get asked, help is given and we move on like kind caring grownups. Try it once and a while guys.

Now you can go back to your schoolyard pranks and carrying on.

Have a pleasant evening.

Yeah! What she said. eace-sign1:

 

[Jimmers]

Late April, MSP to San Juan is $1000.00 pp round trip, Plus Tradewind along with a wonderful overnight in Old San Juan. I highly recommend a day or two in Old San Juan. Flew Tradewind last year, great experience but pricey, family says that’s the only way they will go after hearing about all the SXM airport clusters!

 

[DaddyLeCool]

We've been traveling to Punta Mita, Mexico the past few years. There is a St Regis property that is wonderful. My wife travels for work almost weekly and racks up the Bonvoy and AA points.

However, next month, we are heading to Cancun to stay at a Kempinski property. It was a Ritz Carlton for many years and Kempinski bought it last fall.

Excellent reviews on TA. We are going for 6 nights, 4 paid for with AMEX points. Flights paid for with AA miles. Easy NS flights from Austin.

This is just a lay on the beach until it's time to dine vacation, so it suits us fine.

Hi Dennis :

you might be happy to know, but maybe you knew that already, that Marriott Bonvoy has now Marriott villas with about 200 SBH villas available for rent ( Myvilla is the official entry point for Marriott), and all your Bonvoy privileges are available ( points earned, ….)

 

[Dennis]

Actually, I just discovered this yesterday.

thanks!

 

[TR561]

Actually, I just discovered this yesterday.

thanks!

Are you serious?!?!

 

[Dennis]

Are you serious?!?!

Yes.

I never thought about using Bonvoy points for ST. Barths so I never investigated the possibility.

Then I stumbled on a link on another website that showed me these possibilities.

shrug.