Romantic Escape

• Great place to stay

  Great place to stay

  • Guest Sue and Fred
  • Date of stay 02/16/13
  • Review Submitted 03/14/13
  Three fantastic weeks in St. Maarten and Vista Marina/Hummingbird. St. Maarten and Hummingbird has become our favorite relaxing and "re-charge" vacation. Life doesn't get any better. We have been coming to the island for seven years and found this lovely little villa two years ago that has all the amenities we need...tropical gardens, beautiful pool, excellent security, immaculate, and friendly hosts. It's off to Orient Beach almost every day to the clothing optional side for those of us that aren't daring but love to "people watch." We earned our master's degree in that. This year we spent a great day of boating w/Capt. Bob of Soualiga Destinations. A really fun tour by water which gave us an entirely new perspective of the island including snorkeling, a visit to Pinel Island, lunch at Grand Case and a stop at Sunset Beach to watch from the water, the planes land and take off. We definitely recommend this day trip. Of course the island is a Mecca for ,shopping...on the beach(be certain to negotiate), breakfast at Kangaroo Court in Phillipsburg before shopping for jewelry and souvenirs and wonderful lunches on the waterfront in Marigot after checking the local markets in the morning. For evening dining we love Daniels, Big Fish, Canoa, and Dingy Dock all in or near Oyster Pond which is where our villa is located. If you like a drive, we like Chesterfield's for breakfast and dinner, Antoine's, or Lee's (for a lively evening.) There's never a shortage of great dining on either side of the island. St. Maarten is our vacation paradise and Vista Marina/Hummingbird our island retreat.

  Recommended for: Romantic getaway.

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• An Extremely Special Place

  An Extremely Special Place

  • Guest Kris
  • Date of stay 01/26/13
  • Review Submitted 02/09/13
  WOW....what a place is all we could say. Beautiful accommodations. The rooms were very spacious and clean. The pool is very nice with the breeze coming off the ocean. What more could you ask. The staff were very friendly and helpful to us all and we made a few friends. In fact, the whole island was friendly. The food on the Dutch side was fabulous. We also made some pet friends too. Christine's dogs added a nice touch to our stay. They hung with us there on the grounds. We are all going to plan on going back next year.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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• Tropical Paradise

  Tropical Paradise

  • Guest Tim
  • Date of stay 01/07/13
  • Review Submitted 01/18/13
  Hummingbird @ Vista Marina has proven to be a great choice for our two week escape from winter (in Wisconsin). Having stayed on Oyster Pond before we knew that we loved the general location...but Ustaying "up on the hillside" has truly enhanced this year's vacation. Privacy, fantastic marina/ocean views, a gorgeous swimming pool and terrific hosts give this place our 5 star rating.The apartment is tastefully furnished and well maintained...including lovely decorations by local artists...and surrounded by beautiful lush flowering gardens tended with care by the groundskeeper Homere. And, the dogs are very friendly & well behaved adding to a feeling of "home away from home". The excellent local restaurants and the island's many "world class beaches" make St. Martin a special destination within the Caribbean. We hate to leave but will hope to be back @ Marina Vista in years to come!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway.

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• Great location, fabulous views, terrific accommodation

  Great location, fabulous views, terrific accommodation

  • Guest Richard
  • Date of stay 03/15/12
  • Review Submitted 04/15/12
  Hummingbird Villa looks wonderful in the pictures on the VRBO web site but unfortunately pictures can’t capture the pleasures of seeing the beautiful sunrises over the ocean or relaxing on the balcony with its refreshing tropical breezes and superb view. We were in St. Maarten for 2 weeks and Hummingbird Villa is in the perfect location if you want to tour the island and experience its many beautiful and varied beaches, main attractions, and its towns. The Villa was always such a welcoming oasis after spending a day at the beach or touring the island. The guesthouse is very well equipped, spotless, comfortable and nicely decorated with obvious attention to detail. The garden is lovely and we were regularly treated to fresh flowers. Christine and Skip are perfect hosts and make you feel so welcome without ever imposing on your privacy. Our favourite beach, Friar’s Bay Beach, was about 20 minutes away. The market and the excellent Tropicana Restaurant in Marigot were less than ½ hour drive. We regularly walked to the nearby Dawn beach and enjoyed its fine snorkeling. The Canoa restaurant with its delicious food and top service is only a 2 minute drive from the villa. Car rental was a breeze with Daniel. It takes a couple of trips to get used to the driving and locations on the island so having Daniel as your guide for the first trip is a bonus. His rates are competitive, transaction hassle free and professional, and pick-up and delivery a breeze.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Love that you think of Vista Marina as an "oasis". Lovely thought. Glad that you could share it with us.

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• "Oh what a view"

  "Oh what a view"

  • Guest TJG
  • Date of stay 02/21/12
  • Review Submitted 03/16/12
  Comfortable, clean, well equipped but without doubt the best thing about this location was the fabulous view.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: There is something very calming about watching sailboats on the blue water with the sea beyond. It is always a changing view and darkness turns the view magical when the French side lights up after dusk.

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• A Week in Paradise

  A Week in Paradise

  • Guest Lane and Bridget
  • Date of stay 02/27/12
  • Review Submitted 03/12/12
  Our stay at Hummingbird Villa was a wonderful experience. The view from the balcony was spectacular. What a great way so start every morning. The environment is extremely peaceful and private, and the Villa had all the comforts of home. The location was perfect for us. Away from the busier parts of the Island but within very reasonable driving distances of fantastic beaches and great restaurants. Christine was very helpful with all our needs, as was Bob and Linda the upstairs neighbors. You'll have to take a day trip with Captain Bob and his 36' offshore cruiser. Loads of fun! This was our fourth trip to the Caribbean, and this was definitely the best place we've ever stayed at. Be sure to use Daniel for your rental car needs. By far the best rental experience I've ever had!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Mornings on the balcony are even more delightful now that the wind has simmered down. Captain Bob's excursions are the highlight of the week for many guests. You know when you are with Captain Bob at the helm, the boat is about safety first and the fun follows naturally. We have added new railings to the staircases and Homere is painting, painting, painting. Sophie is learning to scurry out from underfoot and Maggie has improved her manners. Daniel's service is unsurpassed.

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• A Great Week at Hummingbird Villa

  A Great Week at Hummingbird Villa

  • Guest Carolyn
  • Date of stay 01/24/12
  • Review Submitted 02/22/12
  My husband and I recently vacationed at St. Maarten at the Hummingbird Villa and we had a lovely time. We highly recommend using Daniel’s rental car service as he met us at the airport gave us a nice tour of the island, took us to an ATM, and the Fresh Market to get supplies and right to the villas. The rental car was great as we visited a different lovely beach almost every day and ate at many marvelous French restaurants in Marigot and Grand Case every night, including Tropicana, L’Escapade, Marios’ Bistro, Il Nettuno (Italian), Chesterfield’s (local cuisine), and Il Trastevin! We even ate at Daniel’s favorite, the Boathouse, and had a marvelous fresh fish wrap one day. The villa is extremely clean and has everything to imagine for cooking, even though it was a real vacation and I didn’t cook much. And I loved all the details, wooden flowers and fresh ones as well from outside, and glass fish and hummingbird art everywhere. And just the right space for everything. We felt very safe, and it was a real bonus to have Christine, the owner, on the property. Loved having Lucy and Saskia on the property – the sweet doggies. I went down each morning, and even though the pool is not large for serious laps, I did swim every day in the pool. And the lovely winds from the balcony were cooling and pleasant. The view of Oyster Pond magnificent and we loved sitting outside on the balcony at night. It was a great getaway for us from the winter in the Northeast, and we felt that we had made an extremely good choice with Hummingbird Villas. And we made a good friend with Christine.

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

  Owner response: So glad that you noticed the details and that they are appreciated. Sandra is the flower arranger. She chooses unusual colors and combinations that are refreshing in their simplicity. The weather continues to be bright, sunny, and beautiful. Your eating adventures in St. Maarten qualify you both with special recognition!

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• Visit in March, 2011

  Visit in March, 2011

  • Guest 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!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  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.

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• Paradise in St Maarten

  Paradise in St Maarten

  • Guest Jim P.
  • 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.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  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.

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• world class

  world class

  • Guest G......................
  • 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.

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

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

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Nov 15-Apr 14 .. $1500/wk (for 2 people)
Apr 15-Nov 14 .. $1200/wk (for 2 people)
7 Night Minimum

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.