Vacation Rentals by Owner

Affordable Paradise!!!

Guest: MGriggs11 (Tampa, FL)
Date of Stay: 05/04/12 Review Submitted: 05/21/12

My husband and I stayed in unit 1 for one week, and it was absolutely wonderful. The unit was more than spacious for my husband and I and we really enjoyed having a kitchen to use to allow for eating some meals in. Most mornings we ate breakfast on the terrace which is rather large and has a wonderful view of Pinel Island(a MUST do while visiting). We also really enjoyed having the hammock on the terrace and my husband was very content to spend time reading and relaxing. The unit is in great condition, and Maryline and Alain go the extra mile with their hospitality. They provided food for our first breakfast, several beverages, coffee and tea, and even a local bottle of mojito! They were two units down and were more than willing to answer any questions that we had and tell us their recommendations for the island. They even invited us over one night to have drinks and talk. We felt very welcomed by them. The property is very safe and secluded and we were very happy with the location. We felt that it was centrally located to everything that we wanted to do. There are several great beaches that are less than 5 minutes from the bungalow, the restaurants that are close to the bungalow( Villa Pizza and Rancho del Sol, were wonderful), and we were also very close to Grand Case. After arriving and driving through the Dutch side, we were very happy that we chose to stay on the French side, but even more relieved when we walked into our 'home' for the next week! I couldn't recommend this little place more highly!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Inolvidable !!!!

Guest: Nico (Buenos Aires - Argentina)
Date of Stay: 05/09/11 Review Submitted: 05/19/11

Hemos regresado de una semana paradisiaca en esta hermosa isla. La casa, tanto como su localizacion y comodidades fueron de muy buen nivel Levantarse a la mañana y desayunar en el ampli balcon con vista a la bahia y a la Isla Pinel, es impagable La atencion de sus dueños es impecable Lo recomiendo con total seguridad !! Gracias

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

piece of heaven

Guest: iglana (langhorne)
Date of Stay: 05/06/11 Review Submitted: 05/18/11

My wife and me had most wonderful time at this property. If nothing else, the view from the desk makes you come back and stay there again. It was so easy to explore Pelican island while we could walk to a ferry, Oriental was only five minutes drive from the house, Grande Casa has the best French and local restaurants on the island! People around were very friendly, we had no problems not speaking a word in French. It so much better to stay in a quite Cul de Sac than close to Philipsburg, where all the tourists ends up coming from the ships. Dont forget Paradis and Z-line out there. That was one of the best Caribbean spots we had visited. Thank you Maryline!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What a Deal!!! March 10-17, 2011

Guest: David and Jen (North Olmsted, Ohio/ USA)
Date of Stay: 03/10/11 Review Submitted: 05/16/11

What a great place!!! We booked this place because it was a great price and it was one of the only places available, because we booked it a week in advance. We had a little problem finding the place at first, but we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. It is located in a quiet gated community. The suite had everything we needed. We enjoyed feeding the birds every morning and having breakfast out on the patio. We rented a car and visited several beaches while we where there. Our favorite beach was Happy Bay. We took the ferry to Pinel for a day and had a great time. Orient Beach was a 5 minute drive. Grand Case was about 7-8 minutes away and we enjoyed dinner at the Lola's, Spicy, and Sunset Grill. The pizza place at the bottom of the hill is also excellent. We didn't get to meet the owners, because they were in France at the time. Hopefully, we will get to meet them the next time. Only complaint is the shower needed a new shower head.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful spot for vacation

Guest: David & Suan (Richmond, Va)
Date of Stay: 01/15/11 Review Submitted: 01/25/11

We had a wonderful time in this beautiful studio in a great location. Maryline and Alain were very gracious and even drove us to Marigot one night for our dinner so we wouldn't have to take a taxi. The view is specacular with a beatifully flowered garden. It was wonderful to wake up hearing the sound of water and the beautiful Caribbean sky. We would recommend to relatives and friends and it is only 5 minutes to Orient Bay. Don't worry, you don't have to go to the clothing optional part of the beach and other beaches are nearby. Additionally, it's very difficult to get lost on an island with a circumfrance of 40 miles, but if you do the scenery is fantastic. Great stay and would love to come again. Thank you.

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A Piece of Paradise!!

Guest: Loela & Johan (The Woodlands, TX, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/19/10 Review Submitted: 01/31/11

A Piece of Paradise!! Our family Christmas should be in the summer (growing up in the southern hemisphere) and we booked both studios for 2 WEEKS over Christmas 2010!! Best decision ever, our 2 grown boys in one with us in the other. The breathtaking view, the quiet atmosphere and the tropical garden are even more beautiful than in the pictures! We were welcomed by butterflies, hummingbirds and birds everyday while sitting outside on the deck or laying in the hammock. The studios are beautiful and very spacious. They are equipped with all the essentials for a relaxing vacation. Le Grand Marche is definitely a great grocery on the Dutch side to stock up the kitchen or you can go to the US Market 5 minutes away. (a bit more expensive) Fresh baquettes can be found around the corner at a small French bakery. We rented a car and visited a different beach each day – our favorite are: Little Pinèl, Orient Bay and Anse Marcel. The lolos at Grand Case is a must!! A delicious experience: baby back rib for $4! The highlight of the trip was being able to enjoy a cocktail with Alain and Maryline at their gorgeous studio next door just after they arrived back from France. Thank you for a very special treat after your long journey...a treasured memory. We already consider you our friends and we hope to be back in future!! In 2 weeks we were able to really discover St. Martin and we can honestly say, that French Cul de Sac is a hidden treasure if you like a quiet and natural hide-away, with superb value for money. We highly recommend this special 'Piece of Paradise' !! Eight thumbs up from the four of us!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/22/10 Review Submitted: 03/22/10

You could not find a more cordual and class couple as are Alain and Maryline!! The property and views are in a beatiful setting! It was a very peaceful week for us!! Rich and Valerie Kruk

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Great Place and Wonderful Hosts

Guest: Dan & CVindy (Utica, NY)
Date of Stay: 02/04/10 Review Submitted: 05/17/10

My wife and I enjoyed this clean, quiet studio 2/4/10 - 2/13/10. Upon arrival, were plesantly surprised with the acccomodations. very nice size, wonderful covered deck, where we spent alot of quiet time. Well equipped, TV, small kitchen - all you will need - comfy bed, and nice bath. Grill available, and we did use it. Deck with hammock was my wifes favorite, she spent alot of time out there, rocking, enjoying the breeze, and the quiet. A little tricky to get to, but once there all is good. You will need to rent a car, but nothing is far away. Large market - 5 min, Orient Beach & Grand Case 10 min max. Make sure you go to Grand Case and have dinner at the lolos, Not to be missed . A couple of small issues during stay, but owners took care of them very quickly. Have done cruises, and all-inclusives, but this one beats almost all of them. Can't wait till our next visit

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/13/10 Review Submitted: 01/13/10

My husband and I stayed at the lovely, immaculate studio the day after Christmas. Alain & Maryline welcomed us with us with 2 nice gifts -- a box of gourmet chocolates which we devoured & a bottle of local rum -- yum! The studio was much larger than a studio as Americans know them and had a large veranda which had a fabulous waterview looking out to the island of Pinel -- a must trip for anyone staying here. Pinel is a beautiful, unspoiled island reached by a 5 minute or so boat trip. Unless you're looking for big crowds (as in Orient Beach), Pinel is a true find and a natural paradise. The price of the studio is very fair compared to other places we've stayed on the island. It's also close to everything you'd want including a new American style supermarket with the best French provisions one could hope for, the Grand Case restaurants, the island of Pinel and the beautiful Anse Marcel beach. We highly recommend this property for location, cleanliness and the charm and helpfulness of the owners.

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Guest: Jack & Marty Wright (Springfield Missouri)
Date of Stay: 11/29/09 Review Submitted: 11/29/09

We stayed in the bungalow for 10 days in October and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. We almost booked a reservation at a timeshare before decided to check on VRBO and found Maryline and Alain's acomodations. And are we glad! Everything was as good or better than we expected. Clean, roomy, quiet, well furnished, and an amazing view from the porch. Both Alain and Maryline were so gracious and attentive to every need. We look forward to another visit soon.

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Guest: Dan & Celine Rihn (Pittsburgh, PA)
Date of Stay: 10/22/09 Review Submitted: 10/22/09

If you are looking for the PERFECT spot to escape in understated elegance you have found it. The views and accomodations are only out shone by the gracious ways of Maryline and Alain. The pictures are beatufil but the real thing is amazing. It really is like waking up in paradise. Each reccomendation this lovely couple gave took our experience to a new level. We hope to return to this delightful Bungalow in French Cul de Sac many, many times! Thank you Maryline & Alain.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/22/09 Review Submitted: 09/22/09

PERFECT! The villa is spacious comfortable and has a great feel; The Air conditioning is great if you get to hot. We really enjoyed the large porch with hammock, table, chairs and another sofa.. and of course the amazing view of the ocean. Two minute walk to the beach. Maryline and Alain thank you for your great hospitality and kind open nature. I recommend your villa to everyone.. I just hope it is available when Gerald and I return for our next visit.

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Guest: Sophie7 (virginia beach, VA)
Date of Stay: 09/01/09 Review Submitted: 09/01/09

Hello Maryline We had a great vacation July2009. We wanted to vacation in a small island in a quite spot. Your home in St. Martin, French cul-de-sac fit our needs . I enjoyed the beautiful view from the porch, my daughter slept in the hammock, we all liked dinning out on the porch. Your home was very comfortable and met our needs. We enjoyed going to Marigot and the market buy fresh food and able to cook with ease. I particularly enjoyed my walks with in the compound, I felt safe with the gated entry. The arrangement for us get in and use the house done with great care. Best thing was the fresh baguette when we arrived tried after a long flight. Every beach and spot around the island was spectacular. I recommended your home any one who wants to see St. Matrin or looking for quite beautiful hide out away from it all Thank you for let us use your home Sophie

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Guest: Bill and Annette Nulton (Lakeside, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/24/09 Review Submitted: 04/24/09

This was truly one of the most wonderful, peaceful and relaxing vacations we have ever taken. This bungalow is ideally situated and, in our opinion, a bargain. You are close to everything on the island yet have your own peaceful setting away from the hustle bustle of the "resort" atmosphere. And, on top of all of that, you get to meet two wonderful people in Maryline and Alain. We feel that they are our friends for life. They will help you with whatever you need and point you in the right direction for the best time of your life. A week went by too quickly and we are already thinking about our next trip there.Please feel free to email us for more information.

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Guest: Claire F. (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 03/04/09 Review Submitted: 03/04/09

This beautifully appointed studio is the equivalent of a one bedroom apartment. The photos are accurate and, if anything, do not show the full beauty of the place. Inside and out it is extremely satisfying. The owners are accommodating and charming. Could not have been better. Definitely a "return to" place.

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Guest: V (Burlington, CT, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/04/09 Review Submitted: 03/04/09

We stayed at Maryline & Alain's place for a week in Feb 09 and had a great time. The villa is at least as good as all the previous comments suggest. The pictures are accurate but the reality is even better than the pictures. The location is delightfully peaceful but (on most days) is only ten minutes drive to Grand Case and less to Orient Bay. Much better value than two "bargain" hotels we stayed at on Saint Martin. -- Steve and Jana

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Guest: Tim (North of Toronto Canda)
Date of Stay: 03/03/09 Review Submitted: 03/03/09

Maryline and Alaine, Your beach bungalow was marvelous for us....the two weeks we were there have been our best yet. The room is much bigger than I would have expected. Your hospitality was greatly appreciated. We certainly will stay with you again when we return to St. Maarten....cheers!!!

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Guest: Risa and Keith (-)
Date of Stay: 01/02/09 Review Submitted: 01/02/09

We recently stayed at Maryline and Alain’s place in Cul de Sac. It was simply ‘great’. Here’s what it is: A very clean, nice size villa with a private porch that has an amazing view of the bay. It was exciting to wake up every morning, open the shutters, and see the great sight. Truly beautiful. In addition, there is a small fridge and toaster oven so we bought some amazing meats, cheese, and breads and had that for breakfasts and lunches. It’s located in a quiet part on the French side of the island. It’s very close to Orient Beach, Anse de Marcel, and the ferry to Pinel.Here’s what it’s not: A resort. It doesn’t have all the amenities (ie no pool, not right no big beach with beach chairs). No concierge desk although Maryline and Alain would be happy to help point you in the right direction. All this being said we much preferred to stay here. Rates were very reasonable and Maryline and Alain really added to our overall vacation, one night even having drinks at their place and then going to dinner together. Where are you going to find that at a resort?In summary, we can’t wait until we can return and stay here again!Risa and Keith

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Guest: Michele24 (Boise, ID )
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/01/08

Dear Maryline & Alaine, Thank you for such a wonderful place for us to Honeymoon. Your hospitality was much appreciated and everything in the bungalow and on the island was amazing and perfect. We look forward to coming and staying with you again someday! Michele & Tom

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Guest: greg h. (Amherst NY)
Date of Stay: 08/31/08 Review Submitted: 08/31/08

We (myself, my wife, and 6 year old daughter ) had the pleasure of staying 8 nights in this beautifully situated bungalow August 2008. The elevated view out the sliding glass doors and large , shaded covered porch with hammock opens up to lovely Pinel Bay and Island ( post card quality view ).. The bungalow is large and very well maintained with all the amenities needed for a comfortable holiday. This place is excellent value for the price. It is also perfectly located as it is only a 5 minute drive to Orient Beach and Grand Case. Maybe a 10 minute drive to Anse Marcel and Friars Bay/ Happy Bay. The owners live next door and are charming, helpful, and will answer all your questions about the island.

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Guest: Eric & Trista (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 06/23/08 Review Submitted: 06/23/08

We enjoyed our stay very much. The bungalow was very comfortable and the view from the balcony was beautiful. We also found the Cul de Sac area to be one of the most peaceful places on the island. Thank you.

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Guest: McRoberts (New York/New York)
Date of Stay: 05/27/08 Review Submitted: 05/27/08

Maryline, we had such a lovely time. THANK YOU so much for the kind hospitality and beautiful accommodations. We look forward to seeing you again soon! Cheers! Matt and Jennifer

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