Visit in March, 2011

Guest: USA (USA)
Date of Stay: 03/27/11 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

We really enjoyed this villa. The place really feels like home and is exceptionally clean. The view is absolutely beautiful, the kitchen is fully functional, the bathroom very clean and modern. The linens are exceptional pure cotton. All necessary equipment is present. The location is quiet and feels very safe - gated home with absolutely beautiful gardens. Teh pool is very nice and is basically all yours unless the owners join in. The owners are extremely nice and helpful and the dogs are absolutely precious. Location is central to both Phillipsburg and Marigot, and Grand Case. Beaches are all open to the public and the Westin beach is a 2 minute drive. Would definitely stay again - great value!

Owner response:We like to think that your vacation spot should be your home away from home and include every amenity to enhance your stay. The gardens are ever changing. A wonder that everything grows in the rocky soil that we call home. What is home without a garden? A riot of color welcomes you. A wonderful respite from the dead of winter you leave behind.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+.

Paradise in St Maarten

Guest: applehazar (United States)
Date of Stay: 04/09/11 Review Submitted: 04/26/11

We just stayed at the Hummingbird Condo. It was a perfect experience. Great views. Gentle breezes all day long. Quiet - away from the overcrowded Phillipsburgh but convenient to everywhere - french and dutch side. Chris thinks of everything - and the amenities are great. I highly recommend this property.

Owner response:The Hummingbird balcony was designed to collect the ocean breeze as you have breakfast above the pool deck. The peaceful view entices in the evening too, when the lights on the French side twinkle and glitter. We do try to think of everything to make your stay at our villa your home away from home. Isn't that why you have come to us from the beginning? You will never have that stuck in the hotel room feeling when you have a spacious balcony, fragrant, colorful gardens, and a pool right in front of you. Come and enjoy your time with us.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+.

world class

Guest: G...................... (Paris - sometimes NYC)
Date of Stay: 02/23/10 Review Submitted: 05/28/10

Have used VRBO and similar sites a few times now. Without a doubt, this was our best experience. Location is on the border, about 40 min from airport and within easy reach of the best parts of the island. Christine and Skip were the perfect hosts and always available. The apt is perfect for a couple. You will need a 4x4. We did a snorkel trip on the swaliga 2, the captain of which was renting the upstairs apt. Also awesome and better than other day tours we encountered. Apt was clean and nicely decorated. Location is within reach to many places not out of guidebook.. Price was reasonable. Hosts were welcoming and informative. Gets a 10 in our book.. Dogs were great. They are well behaved. Saskia was our fav. Treat her well. Wifi was available from a neighbor when we were there (early '10). Lost a bunch at the westin casino, which is 3 min away by car. Seemed to me that no one ever won there. Strange blackjack rules. We ate at several of the fancy restaurants in grand case (~20 min from apt). All were good. None were great. In retrospect, the local bar-b-q joints in grand case (called lolos) are the way to go.

Owner response:A 4 x 4 is not necessary. A rental car is just fine. Saskia was indeed spoiled

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+.

Guest: Lisa & Tom (Mpls., MN)
Date of Stay: 02/24/10 Review Submitted: 02/24/10

The Hummingbird Villa was perfect for me and my husband - it was everything we hoped for and more! A perfect and quiet get-a-way. The location was convenient being close to the French side of the island. The three dogs were welcoming and protective - helping to minimize missing our own pets left at home. Christine and Skip graciously picked up a few starter items from the grocery store saving us time and convenience. The transportation recommendation thru Daniel was a valuable time saver as well. The view from the grand balcony was tremendous to enjoy both morning and evening. Loved being so close to so many gorgeous beaches - just a quick drive away and back home again, difficult to decide where to spend our time - so many choices that we have to come back again next year for more!! Thank you so much Christine and Skip (Lucy, Saskia and Bouzia) your the best!

Owner response:The dogs missed you after you left. It was wonderful having you at Vista Marina!

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Guest: Melissa123 (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 02/20/10 Review Submitted: 02/20/10

As a business woman, my life at home in Chicago is constantly on the go. The Hummingbird Villa of Vista Marina is an absolute sanctuary. It sits perfectly hillside overlooking the vistas of Oyster Pond and St. Barth's, and allowed me to escape to a place of comfort, a view that was simply priceless. From the moment you step on the maticulous grounds of Vista Marina you no longer have a care in the world. As a frequent traveler, privacy, cleanliness and safety are always my biggest concerns, but the private grounds of Vista Marina far exceeded my expectations. The hummingbird villa is a perfect destination because you are not confined to a hotel room, where a soda costs $ 4.00. With a pool within steps of your door, fragrant gardens all around, a varanda/wrap around porch to die for, a fully equipped kitchen including, and amazing open shower who would want to leave? The best part is that you are within steps of great food, entertainment and the most stunning white sand beach on the island. Dawn Beach is truly beautiful and its gorgeous seas are within walking distance from the villa. Good food, shopping and even gambling is all within a mile. But I highly reccommending exploring the island, discovering the hidden treasures that make this island unique, from Loterie Farm on the road to Pic Paradis, to the french market in Marigot, to the amazing restaurants, to the shopping along the boardwalk of Philipsburg, the hummingbird villa is close to everything. Finally to the owners, Christine and Skip and to the staff of Homere and Sandra, and to Daniel for the car easy car rental, thank you for making my experience in St. Maarten unforgetable, I felt comfortable, safe and relaxed....Not to mention there was not a blackberry in site! Thank goodness...No doubt, I'll be back!

Owner response:By next year, Blacberrys will be everywhere, but why ruin it in the sugar like sand at our beaches? Put a Mojito in your hand instead!

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Guest: Linda Holland1 (Lee's Summit MO)
Date of Stay: 03/07/09 Review Submitted: 03/07/09

My husband and I just returned from a wonderful stay at the Hummingbird. This was our first trip to St. Maarten and we thoroughly enjoyed our trip. The island is beautiful and the cultural diversity is a bonus. We would highly recommend Vista Marina. The property is so well-maintained and efficiently managed. We enjoyed getting to know owners Christine and Skip and took their recommendations to find several outstanding restaurants. Car rental has never been so convenient. We were met at the airport, driven on an informative tour of the island, did the paperwork on our deck overlooking Oyster Pond, and were met at the airport drop off and simply turned over the keys! What a plus. We hope for a return stay soon!

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Guest: Yvonne Visser (Columbia, SC)
Date of Stay: 01/28/09 Review Submitted: 01/28/09

My husband and I just returned from a fabulous stay at the Hummingbird Guesthouse. It was EVERYTHING the ad said... and more. The accommodations were very comfortable, roomy and of good quality. We loved the large veranda to sit outside and enjoy coffee in the mornings and cocktails in the evening. Christine and Skip were the perfect hosts who made us feel welcome and were helpful. We highly recommend the Hummingbird and are definitely planning on returning.

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Guest: Mair Pattersun/Artist (Grand Case December/June)
Date of Stay: 01/24/09 Review Submitted: 01/24/09

It is my privilege and delight to have the opportunity to spend time in this beautiful apartment. I am a painter and come sometimes not just to visit the owners who are great friends, but also to paint the stunning views from the poolside or terraces.If you'd like to see these images or other prints of St Martin, I exhibit at the Harmony Nights in Grand Case on Tuesday evenings until the end of March..or get in touch through my email address. This apartment is like a paint box..rich in color, sumptuous in decor, and be assured you will receive not only a warm welcome but will feel you are in a separate and luxurious paradise.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/20/09 Review Submitted: 01/20/09

My fiance and I stayed at the Hummingbird Guesthouse this past December and split our time between the Guest House and the Westin, just down the road, with the rest of his family. What a wonderful addition the villa was to our stay. We spent relaxing mornings on the porch, overlooking Oyster Bay and checking our email. Other mornings were spent cooking breakfast for his family before we went out to explore the island. Because half of his family had rooms at the Westin, we spent a good portion of time taking advantage of the Westin pool, beach, restaurants and casinos. The dogs were a great addition as well and several photos are included in our vacation photo album! 10 stars for Hummingbird! ~Lauren and Steve

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Guest: Nancy and Cary Feldman (Bethesda MD)
Date of Stay: 01/18/09 Review Submitted: 01/18/09

The Hummingbird House was a great find for my two sons and their fiances to share. The couples split the week as the rest of us were a mile away at the Dawn Beach Westin. The kids each made us a delicious breakfast and it meant we had a big fridge for leftovers and snacks. The view is truly spectacular and the pool and terrace are great places to chat, read and relax. The kids particularly enjoyed the dogs and free wireless access. The bedroom is lovely with tons of closet space - the bathroom is huge and the kitchen is very well equipped. It was truly a home away from home. It was a fantastic find and added to an amazing week. We celebrated our 35th anniversary two days after the couples surprised us by announcing their engagements!!! You will surely enjoy the Hummingbird House and the excellent staff that comes with the property.

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