The "Alamanda" Story

It was an ordinary day. We were having breakfast in our room at the Alamanda. This is our third year to stay at the Alamanda in St. Martin. Great place with friendly people. Over the years we have made become good friends with Vincent, the manager and Geraldine, the desk clerk. We arrived yesterday and after we checked in, we found our way to our room. There on the table was a large bottle of Ma Doudou rum. How'd they know I love the stuff? The Alamanda is on one of the prettiest beaches in the world. Orient Beach is on the Orient Bay on the north-east corner of St. Martin. St. Martin is the French side of the island while Sint Maarten is the Dutch side of the island. Both sides have so much to offer, but we prefer the laid back atmosphere of the French side. So easy for sand gravity to take over at the Alamanda. The Alamanda shares the name of the flower that has year-round production of large, bright flowers that have made it a popular ornamental. It is also known as the Yellow Bell, Golden Trumpet and Butterfly Flower. The resort is a two story property in the center of Orient Village and is constructed in a "U" shape with a pool in the center that faces Orient Beach. They have a small outdoor restaurant near the pool where they serve primarily breakfast and lunch. But, today we are having our breakfast in our room. I went to the nearby Tap 5 store for French pastries. I bought the apple and the chocolate filled variety. The pastry dough just melts in you mouth. Fruit juice is all we need to compliment out breakfast. While visitors at the resort, we have use of very nice cushioned beach chairs at the Kakao Restaurant, a short walk from the resort. The beach is beautiful with white, powder soft sand and 85 degree water which has all the shades of the color cyan. At night we sometimes walk to the Alamanda's rooftop deck to see the stars over Orient Bay. Just a beautiful sight. We have rented a car because we like to explore, but you would be able to spend your entire vacation based at the Alamanda. Orient Village has many restaurants and stores. About the only thing we do not care for at the Alamanda is saying "Good-bye" at the end of our stay. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - Pixs from top are: The Allamanda flower, entrance to the Alamanda Resort, panoramic photo of the Alamanda from the beach, our breakfast table, pastries from Tap 5 and Kakoa beach on Orient Bay