Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great location, fabulous views, terrific accommodation

Guest: Richard (Perth, Ontario, Canada)
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.

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

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

A Week in Paradise

Guest: Lane and Bridget (Murray, Kentucky)
Date of Stay: 02/27/12 Review Submitted: 03/11/12

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!

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.

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

"Oh what a view"

Guest: TJG (Ottawa, ON. Canada)
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.

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.

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

A Great Week at Hummingbird Villa

Guest: Carolyn (Summit, New Jersey)
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.

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!

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

Paradise in St Maarten

Guest: Jim P. (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:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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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world class

Guest: G...................... (Paris - sometimes NYC)
Date of Stay: 02/23/10 Review Submitted: 05/27/10

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, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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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Guest: Rebecca Rule (Northwood, NH)
Date of Stay: 03/31/08 Review Submitted: 03/31/08

My husband John and I enjoyed the coziness of Hummingbird. We loved the gardens, the pool, the dogs, and the views. A very comfortable spot that felt like home. Private with great help and hospitality from Sandra, Homere, and Christine, the owner. Since the island is small, it's an easy drive to anywhere. We particularly enjoyed nearby Oyster Bay beach for the snorkeling.

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Guest: Tracey Chatlin (Olney, Maryland USA)
Date of Stay: 09/02/07 Review Submitted: 09/02/07

My husband Steve and I stayed at the Hummingbird for the first time last March. It was our second trip to St.Maarten and we didn't want to stay in a hotel. I found the villa on line and from my first inquiry I knew that this was the place for us. The pictures that you can view on different links are very accurate and so is the description. The grounds are lush and tropical and beautifully maintained as is the swimming pool. We rent a car for the week and go to different beaches every day and it's a great location to head out from. By the time we arrive home it's nice to know that we can stay in and make a meal while enjoying the beautiful view. Of course there are plenty of places close by to go or you can venture to Grand Case or Phillipsburg for the night. It also really nice to be greeted by the dogs each day - love them!! By far the best part of Vista Marina is the incredible hosts Christine and Skip. Their home is on the property, but you don't even know they are there unless you want to and trust me once you've met them you want to see them. We are going back again this March and we can't wait. During our visits we have seen alot of the island, but after our stay at the Hummingbird last year we have no interest staying somewhere else. If you are looking for a place to stay that you can say "let's go home" instead of "let's go back to the room" then you should seriously look into this wonderful gem - we felt like we really lucked out when we discovered it.

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