Upcoming visit....

[autigers34]

My wife and I are returning to the island in a few weeks for the 4th time since we first visited in 2012 for our honeymoon. All our other trips have been in May, so this will be our first time outside of that small window.

We're staying 7 nights. I've thrown together a loose itinerary, mainly just dinner reservations, but wanted to share it for any opinions....good or bad.

We basically are planning to get out for a little adventure each morning, roll into a boozy lunch, then a lazy afternoon and a nice dinner.

Our dinners are:

• Tamarin
• Nikki Beach (second seating Sunday) - I know that's not really dinner. The World Cup finals are the same time as our res, so it should be interesting, especially if France makes it.
• Eddy's Ghetto
• Le Papillon Ivre
• Bonito
• Le Toiny Beach Extravaganza
• Grain De Sel

We also have a few lunch reservations.....Beefbar, Ti Corrail and Pearl Beach.

Thoughts? Anything you'd definitely swap in/out?

My wife has a spa appointment at Hotel Christopher, which sounds amazing.

Last question....we're definitely getting a rental car. Was probably going with a Mini convertible, but I'm intrigued by the Mokes. Do you think the fun quirkiness of renting one of those instead would wear away quickly?

Any other words to the wise are appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Amery]

I would maybe swap out a lunch and dinner—meaning lunch at Grain de Sel and dinner at Beefbar?
Re the Moke I can’t say having never driven one. Other than a friend’s electric model that is quite nice whenever I see them someone looks uncomfortable—either driver, passenger or both?! Maybe just my impression. Having driven both a mini Cooper and a Countryman here I find them a bit too low and wide though obviously they are very popular. Our favorite is a Jimmy.

 

[KevinS]

I used to rent the original Moke (and Gurgels) decades ago, back in the days when they were stick shifts. They were fun to drive.

These days I want A/C and windows. I rent a Suzuki Jimny from Gumbs.

 

[Dennis]

We basically are planning to get out for a little adventure each morning, roll into a boozy lunch, then a lazy afternoon and a nice dinner.

You had me at hello.

 

[Max1030]

I feel the moke should be a day rental for a fun island tour and photo session.
Practicality I prefer windows, as I am a mosquito magnet.

 

[etx]

Jimny is the best I think. The Mini's field of view is poor, and on these roads you want to be able to see everything. Also ground clearance issue if you've got a steep drive.

Nikki during finals if France makes...wow. That will be insane.

Beefbar > Bonito for dinner.

Christopher spa is incredible.

Have a great time!

 

[PeterLynn]

I'd be worried about rain with a Moke. The one's we saw didn't have sides and a few without tops. We always rent a Jimny. Besides the extra ground clearance, 4WD is great when the roads get slick during a downpour.

 

[Cwater]

We arrive tomorrow and rent a mini cooper. Like the option of convertible or not, need the a/c though. The mini mokes were fun back in the day. Love your selections. I would swap out

• Le Papillon Ivre for Nyama. Cheryl loves Eden Rock spa. Enjoy and see you on the beach.

 

[TERP37]

I would swap L'Isola for Bonito and L'Esprit for Grain De Sel

 

[cassidain]

Le Papillon Ivre for Nyama.

LPI is somewhat controversial. Most everyone loves Nyama. What's not to love ?

 

[cec1]

I would swap L'Isola for Bonito and L'Esprit for Grain De Sel

I'm perplexed . . . why these swaps? Neither would make sense to me.

 

[cec1]

LPI is somewhat controversial. Most everyone loves Nyama. What's not to love ?

"LPI" = Le Papillon Ivre? Owner / Hostess Julie is lovely person -- perpetual smile and gracious in serving wine tastings to one's taste, with delicious food. Portions, however, are quite small "creative plates," generally intended -- I believe -- for sharing among diners . . . and not inexpensive.. While the wine, food, and service are refined, it is my experience that I go home hungry unless my ordering defines me as a glutton . . . as I wind-up feeling as though I'm paying for delicate artistry, when I wished for a bit more volume.

 

[Aipotu]

You know what -- I'd just go with exactly what you have. No disrespect to the many fine opinions offered but you have a fine mix of experiences. But yea, do the Mini over the Moke...

 

[didier]

why anyone would go to bonito always surprises me. they have a great view, good drinks, but that is as far as my review here would go

 

[noel]

We usually default to the Jimny too, opting for a/c. But once I met JEK and Mrs. JEK in their Mini Cooper convertible, rented it when they left, then came home and bought one.

 

[amyb]

We usually default to the Jimny too, opting for a/c. But once I met JEK and Mrs. JEK in their Mini Cooper convertible, rented it when they left, then came home and bought one.

They are vey popular here in Sarasota. We enjoyed ours while living on the Isle of Long. Happy motoring, folks!

 

[autigers34]

I would swap L'Isola for Bonito and L'Esprit for Grain De Sel

I looked into L'Esprit. If my memory serves me correct, it is closed while we're there....

 

[amyb]

I looked into L'Esprit. If my memory serves me correct, it is closed while we're there....

Yes, their annual closing.

 

[autigers34]

Yes, their annual closing.

Le Ti was closed too.....

 

[LM-TM]

Your list looks very nice. I'm getting ours together for next week's arrival and have some of the same choices.
I'm following the expert string of comments to make adjustments.
Bonito fell short for us. Twice. I'll leave it at that.
L'Isola is lovely food but the formality takes us away from the French Carib vibe. (Personal preference). Sadly L'Esprit will be closed. I'm looking forward to the new Grain de Sel for dinner. That was a typical lunch spot post Saline Beach.
If Ti Corail is open, all I can say is YAY! I'm not familiar with Beefbar. Thanks for flagging that one for consideration. Enjoy your trip!