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The swimming pool

Charming Seaview Studio in French Cul De Sac [#224981] | View Property

French Cul de Sac
Studio, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
$ 595 - $ 960/wk
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Traveler Reviews (20)

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  • Return to St. Martin

    Return to St. Martin

    • Guest Amri A.
    • Date of stay 04/30/13
    • Review Submitted 05/08/13
    We just got back from spending six days in St. Martin to celebrate our anniversary. Our stay at Francoise and Yves's studio was relaxing and enjoyable. Our hosts took good care of us - when we arrived, we had a fridge full of breakfast delights (pineapple, butter, jams, milk), baguette, beer and soda. We felt welcomed. We had breakfast in the patio almost every morning, and used the grill and kitchen for a couple of meals. The only thing to be mindful is the mosquitos, make sure put on some insect repellent when you go out in the evening. Moise the cat was a bonus for us, as she took good care of the patio :-). Yves took us on a tour of the property and showed us the kayak by the beach, unfortunately, we did not have time to take out the kayak to Pinel but it's there for you to use. Don't miss the Caribbean lobster at Karibuni on Pinel. The location of this studio is perfect for us because it's central to the supermarket, beaches, short drive to Oyster Bay, Marigot and Grand Case. There are a few restaurants nearby - Villa Pizza, Le Taitu (casual), Sol e Luna (fancy), boulangerie (best croissants on the turn to Mont Vernon). The neighborhood is safe and tranquil, made for a very relaxing vacation. We look forward to returning to St. Martin very soon!

    Recommended for: Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Great place to stay!

    Great place to stay!

    • Guest the burt
    • Date of stay 04/05/13
    • Review Submitted 04/24/13
    Back in Holland.... We had a great time at your studio! What a wonderful place to stay! We enjoyed our stay very much. Everything you need is in the studio. The kayak was fun and we spent many hours on the patio watching sugarbirds and just reading a book. So peaceful and quiet. We had a great time in st. Martin, we visited a lot of beautiful beaches (le Gallion, Anse Marcel, Orient Bay) and discover the whole island whit our car. We want to thank you very much for staying in your studio and if we have plans to go to st. Martin again we like to come for sure to your studio again!

    Recommended for: Romantic getaway

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Encore Fantastique

    Encore Fantastique

    • Guest Ingalary
    • Date of stay 02/09/13
    • Review Submitted 03/05/13
    As I sit in my office waiting for our first major snow storm of the season, I find myself daydreaming about our return visit last month to French Cul De Sac in St. Martin. Once again, Francoise and Yves were perfect hosts and again we thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful quiet of their studio apartment. Just the chirping of the sugarbirds and perhaps the mewing of Moise the cat to disturb the melodic pounding of the surf below. Try going cold turkey on the Internet and email as I did. You'll be amazed how quickly you settle into the rhythm of island life! We of course swam and strolled at Orient Beach daily, taking in the many sights. We also took advantage of our host's kayak which we took to Pinel Island on two occassions. The far side of the island has a beautiful beach with great snorkeling but beware of the current there that can quickly take you if you get too caught up in the beauty below the waves. On another day we drove to the end of Rue de Grande Caye (where we parked our car) and hiked up and around the end of St. Martin, enjoying magnificent ocean views and Anguilla in the distance. We walked to the very isolated Petite Caye where we frolicked in some huge waves before hiking on up the hill to Anse Marcel, site of the Radisson resort and marina. There, a nice Candadian couple allowed us to share their cab so that we could get back to our parked car. A beautiful and enjoyable day as were all of them. You will need a car if you stay here. I highly recommend Automax. We've used them twice and both times have been completely hassle free. Louis and his assistant Sebastion meet you at the airport where they will give you your car and send you on your way. They meet you on your return, you hand them the keys, and that's it. At least that's how it's been for us. So, enjoy your stay with Francoise and Yves in Cul De Sac but there is a downside: at the end of your stay you have to leave - and then you're left to daydream about your Carribean vacation as the cold wind blows and the snow falls outside your window. Bon voyage!!

    Recommended for: Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • A peaceful island respite

    A peaceful island respite

    • Guest Shelli Dee
    • Date of stay 01/05/13
    • Review Submitted 01/28/13
    We stayed for a week at this studio and enjoyed a wonderful tropical respite. Our vacation in St. Martin was the perfect way to start the new year and recharge after the holidays. Getting away from Minnesota in January made us appreciate all the more being surrounded by warm sunshine, birds, the sound of crashing waves, and flowering shrubs...all just outside our door! This unit is very private, very quiet, very clean, and very comfortable. It is not connected to any resort and is most suited to those who wish to get around the island and try the various beaches and villages on St. Martin. A rental car is a must if you really want to explore. That being said, our fondest memories were of staying "close to home" at French Cul de Sac. A nearby restaurant, Villa Pizza, was casual, delicious, and they offered much more than pizza. My favorite dish was the Chicken Curry, and we went there 3 times. It is within walking distance if you don't mind hills and bring a flashlight, as streetlights are not prevelant. Nearby Pinel Island had the best beach that we encountered. We went one particularly windy day via ferry (which was $7 per person and very easy to catch); but really enjoyed using Franciose and Yves' kayak to get to Pinel another day. It was a simple and beautiful trip, we pulled the kayak up on the beach and spent the day in the sun being waited on by staff from one of the two beach restaurant/bars. Heaven! The best part of our stay was our ability to enjoy the outdoors on our private patio. Coffee outside in the morning was the best I've ever had. Just reading a book in the sun and enjoying the privacy and the quiet was such a treat. We appreciated Francoise's attention to detail and our comfort. She and Yves were available and helpful, and respected our privacy at the same time. They are great hosts. We will be back for certain. Advisory: Be familiar with the Manchineel Tree. It is a toxic plant that is common around beach areas and can cause skin burns and rashes...or worse. We came into contact with this menace somewhere along the way. It didn't ruin the trip, but next time I will avoid it like the plague. Worse than poison ivy! Getting there: if you aren't familiar with St. Martin pay close attention to Francoise's directions on how to get to the studio. Street signs aren't as visible and you must pay attention to landmarks to find your way the first time.

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

  • Wonderful Studio

    Wonderful Studio

    • Guest Peter and Judy
    • Date of stay 06/01/12
    • Review Submitted 06/18/12
    This a wonderful, inexpensive studio. The owners are very kind and helpful in every way. The pool is refreshing. For the price, it is hard to beat this property. The only reason for a 4 and not a 5 is that the normal access to the beach is currently blocked due to a property dispute. One needs to walk a little more to get to the beach.

    Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway.

    Owner response: That is right : the direct access to the small wild beach is unfortunately blocked for now and eventhough we are working hard on that problem , it may last a couple of weeks . In the meantime, we propose our guests a free kayak to go to Pinel island ( which is very close) and enjoy its beautiful tiny beach.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • Fantastique!

    Fantastique!

    • Guest ingalary
    • Date of stay 02/11/12
    • Review Submitted 03/06/12
    What a magnificent vacation we had in French Cul de Sac at this studio apartment! Our own quiet, peaceful and very private little place where we breakfasted and dined outside on our patio to the music of the beautiful black and yellow birds eating from the nearby hanging sugar bowl (see the photo in the ad). The birds were accompanied by the gentle wash of the surf from the private beach not far below. Occasionally we were visited by the wild horses that came to the fence by our patio, seemingly to just say hello. A short walk or drive away is the world class Orient Beach - a gem of the Caribbean. We enjoyed a day on nearby Pinel Island and another in Marigot where we ate lunch at the inner harbor. A couple of evenings we walked to the nearby Villa Pizza in Cul de Sac - very laid back atmosphere and the food was great. But, despite trying, we failed to do everything we wanted so we MUST go back! This place is a great find. The photos in the ad are exactly what you'll find. The property and our studio were immaculate. Our hosts, Francoise and Yves, are gracious and lovely people who ensured that our every need was met and that our vacation was fantastique. One thing you should know - however little you plan to pack, get rid of half of it. We lived in swim suits, T-shirts, cargo shorts and sandals. More than that is overkill. We learned of this studio through a colleague who had stayed there and raved about it and has returned multiple times - as will we. One word of caution though - the sound of that gentle surf will stay in your ears for days after you get home - and waiting to get back to it is painful!

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

  • Gateway to relaxation

    Gateway to relaxation

    • Guest Oregon Cindy
    • Date of stay 11/03/11
    • Review Submitted 11/13/11
    We spent the week of Nov3-10 at this charming studio owned by Francoise and Yves. Both are very welcoming and made us feel at home and cared for. From the breakfast basket of eggs, baguette, jam, butter, milk, and juice to the daily checks to see if there was anything we needed, we were well looked after. The studio itself is a large room with king-sized bed (very comfortable) and a huge newly-refinished bathroom. There is a small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, electric tea pot, and toaster inside, and a two burner stove and gas grill on the patio. We ate breakfast on the patio every morning. The property is fenced and well-secured. We were given a key to go through the gate to the adjoining property that leads down to the private beach. We enjoyed visiting with the horses that roam the property and watching the pelicans cruise the shore line. My husband, an avid snorkeler, thought it was the best snorkeling he had found in the Caribbean -- sea turtles, a few eels and rays, lobster, and even a small barracuda. A car rental is a must as it's several miles to Grand Case, the nearest big village. There's a new US Market that has everything -- we loved having cheese, salami, wine, and fresh baguettes every day. There's a lot to explore. Beautiful Orient Bay is a short hike over the hill or you can drive and be close to the shops and restaurants as well. We went into Phillipsburg once but decided that crowds weren't for us so spent the rest of our time enjoying the peaceful and beautiful French Cul De Sac. If you're someone who wants nonstop entertainment every night, this is not the place for you... but if you want a place to reconnect with each other and also with yourself, this is paradise. One visit is not enough.

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

  • The best of St. Martin . . .

    The best of St. Martin . . .

    • Guest Laurel and Craig
    • Date of stay 03/25/11
    • Review Submitted 04/10/11
    Our week at the seaview studio in French Cul de Sac was not good . . . it was excellent! My husband and I spent a wonderful week at the apartment of Les Terrasses de Cul-de-Sac, enjoying the lovely studio and private deck, the beautiful setting and the almost-private, wild beach nearby. The peacefulness of the setting and the gentle companionship of Francoise and Yves' critters were a welcome bonus. But the best part was the lovely hospitality of our hosts and their easy willingness to provide help, information, and the occasional libation over good conversation. St. Martin itself is a lovely island to visit, but the people made it memorable.

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

  • The best spot!!

    The best spot!!

    • Guest Catherine
    • Date of stay 01/15/11
    • Review Submitted 02/04/11
    My husband and I are used to come to this sweet island twice a year and the studio is the best place to stay we've found so far. A little charming studio, quiet, peaceful and very clean with all the advantages of a villa ( swimming pool, beach... ). So don't think and book it !

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • A Rustic Getaway

    A Rustic Getaway

    • Guest Canuck
    • Date of stay 01/03/11
    • Review Submitted 01/11/11
    My wife and I enjoyed our stay with at the studio. It really is a quiet, restful place to be. We do have some suggestions for improvement, however. First, the patio door doesn't lock. Therefore, we needed to close the hurricane shutters at night. Since this patio door is the only window, there was no sunlight at all waking us up in the morning which was a bit depressing. Also, there is no screen on the patio door, making it impossible to allow a breeze in at night, since there are mosquitos. As well, there was no shower curtain on the shower, resulting in either in a daily flooding of the bathroom, or showering with extreme caution holding the shower head. To get to the studio, there is no real path around the owners backyard, and it is not all well lit. As mentioned, the owners have dogs, so avoiding stepping into their doodoo a bit difficult to do at night with the lack of light. There is indeed a secluded beach that there is access to via a small gate, however one should note that this beach and the land that one must walk on to get there is a horse pasture filled with abandoned hotel buildings, so don't plan on having romantic strolls at night if you want to save your sandals from muck. All in all, we did enjoy our stay, though it was a bit more rustic than we expected.

    Recommended for: Romantic getaway

    Owner response: Our studio is closed with an electric shutter that, for a security reason, we warmly recommend to CLOSE at night or when leaving during the day, even though the property is all well gated. The unity is equiped with a recent ( silent!) airco as well as an electric fan, which allowed you to feel comfortable and at the same time safe while sleeping. Of course, you can wide open the window door when awaking to enjoy the breeze, flowers, birds song and sea.... The small beach below is a wild beach that is more appropriated to snorkeling and enjoying turtles, lobsters and tropical fishes in the day time than a romantc stroll at night. One will certainly find that kind of beach better in a resort than in our vacation rental. Regarding our 2 dogs inconvenient, the property is cleaned up every day and , as much as we can, twice a day . But an accident may always happen . We are really sorry and apologize for the inconvenient this renter went through... It's right that the path from the garden gate to the studio is not paved and .....we like it like it is . It is lightened with electric spotlights that switch on automatically when you approach and off after your passage. The "caribbean showers" are "deep enough" to avoid floods but have no curtains. We certainly will ask to the next renters their opinion about it and add a curtain if necessary .

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

  • Wonderful stay at a beautiful studio

    Wonderful stay at a beautiful studio

    • Guest Susan Braidwood
    • Date of stay 11/25/10
    • Review Submitted 12/04/10
    We absolutely loved our time at the studio. It's incredibly quiet and peaceful, and the garden is lovely. The studio is very comfortable, and we loved the terrace. We started and finished every day out there. There's absolutely no noise, other than the sound of the birds and the waves from the beach below. We had no security concerns at all. Françoise is a wonderful host, providing a finette, home made mango jam, eggs, coffee, milk and butter for our first morning's breakfast. One evening she dropped by with a delicious apple crisp. They have 2 dogs and 2 cats. The dogs are friendly but not intrusive. The young black & white cat was barely around - out hunting, I guess, but we totally enjoyed the older ginger tabby cat. Very friendly and he hung out with us a lot. We walked over to Orient beach a couple of times, and also checked out some of the other beaches around the island. I am so glad we stayed on the French side of the island - I was not impressed by the Dutch side - I felt you could have been anywhere. In summary, I was so pleased with this studio. It was everything I wanted and more. I would definitely stay there again, and would highly recommend it.

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

  • Definitely as nice as the photos

    Definitely as nice as the photos

    • Guest Paul/Marilyn W.
    • Date of stay 11/22/10
    • Review Submitted 12/02/10
    We found this to be an immaculate, attractive and spacious studio apartment in a nice area with gracious owners. It is possible to walk to restaurants and beaches nearby, but now that we've stayed there, we would suggest a car (merci, Francoise!) as there are lots of areas within a few miles to also visit. The pool, grounds, view, deck and other amenities made this feel like a luxurious retreat. We look forward to our next visit!

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

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Memorable vacation

    Memorable vacation

    • Guest seadolman
    • Date of stay 11/07/10
    • Review Submitted 01/07/11
    Hello everyone! Great place for those who wants to get away from the crowd of big cities. Very quiet and especially beautiful in the morning with all the flowers and warm breeze. We had our 4 year old daughter with us, and the studio is just the right size for 2 adults and a little child. The studio has all of the neccessary appliances for a stay and an outdoor little deck is just great with the table, chairs, and sun umbrella. The owners, Francoise and Yves had been very accommodating and helpful in explaining what's around and what's worth a visit. Definately need a car to get around and to go to the supermarket, which is about 7-8 minutes drive. Upon arrival, we had a welcome basket awaiting for our first morning with fresh french bread, mango preserves and milk, which added a nice touch to the stay. Francoise had been very friendly and courteous, as we had numerous pleasant conversations throughout our stay. The weather was great, the sea warm, and we just had a great time staying at this place! Will definately come back soon. Thank you so much! Slava, Irina, Anna

    Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

  • Wonderful place to stay! Book it!

    Wonderful place to stay! Book it!

    • Guest Lucia S.
    • Date of stay 08/01/10
    • Review Submitted 09/19/10
    This is a beautiful property! The studio is in a lovely garden with a pristine pool that the owners let you use whenever you want. There is a gate with a path that leads to a secluded beach. They will help you with anything you need. There is a great patio where you can sit under the stars and have dinner or grill!

    Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

  • Sans Soucis

    Sans Soucis

    • Guest Jenna
    • Date of stay 03/30/10
    • Review Submitted 08/18/10
    When I was little my grandmother taught me a phrase on how to view life, "Sans Soucis." That was our feeling the moment we walked into François and Yves' yard filled with blooming bougainvillea, oleander, allamanda, hibiscus, and shady calabash trees. The everyday hustle and bustle floats away and the simplicity of life takes over. Mornings consisted of baguettes, jambon, les formages, melon, juice, and cafe under our red umbrella in our secluded, beautiful outdoor kitchen/ dining area. A nibble here and there with our surrogate cat, Rouge (our name, can't remember his given name). After our leisurely breakfast, it was time to plan our day. Would it be down to our private beach which was wonderful for swimming, sunning, snorkeling, exploring, or simply reconnecting? It is so private that not a soul, save but a few friendly horses, would wander. Would it be a drive to Marigot? Where we would visit François and Yves' lovely gallery, an excellent bakery (ask François for the name and pick up a la finette), and then to the market? We took home an oil painting by the same artist we enjoyed throughout our stay in our perfect accommodations. Would it be a water taxi to Ile de Pinel? Be sure to leave the people behind and hike the perimeter of the island. Or, would it be a stroll over to Orient Beach? OB offers many diversions and after sampling as many as we could we determined our favorite spot. Our plan turned into getting there in the early afternoon for cocktails and a swim. No matter, as we were without cares. We found that with an unhurried breakfast, lunch was unnecessary and a trip to Grand Case for dinner a must. Three of five nights we ate Grand Case, no need to go to any other town for dinner. The studio is clean and perfect for a couple looking for privacy in a beautiful location. Your first morning's breakfast is there for you when you arrive: la finette, butter, jelly, coffee. It is truly an amazing place and our time with Francois and Yves on the morning of our departure beautifully concluded a wonderful experience. They are fantastic hosts! Now, our only worry is determining when we will return next spring!

    Recommended for: Romantic getaway

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

    • Guest Norm & Marge Engel
    • Date of stay 03/12/10
    • Review Submitted 03/12/10
    A little bit of French and a whole lot of Caribbean is this wonderful island Studio. As you approach the Studio, through a canopy of Caribbean flora, you encounter a small white picket fence that welcomes you to the decked patio and a quiet and relaxing retreat. The large bedroom / dining area, a large bathroom, and an outdoor kitchenette are all well appointed and decorated in a Caribbean theme with artwork from local St. Martin artisans. We so enjoyed sitting under the umbrella on the deck in the early morning with a cup of coffee, or evening with a glass of wine and watch the Sugarbirds and Hummingbirds flutter around the bougainvillea, oleander, aloe, and cacti that surround the patio. Both Francoise and Yves are great hosts, and are there to assist you as necessary, or allow you all the privacy you desire. When it came time to leave, we felt that Francoise and Yves were more than great hosts; they are great friends! We enjoyed our visit so much, now we can't wait to return. What a great place!

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

    • Guest Michael Werner1
    • Date of stay 01/05/10
    • Review Submitted 01/05/10
    My wife and I stayed in the lovely studio in December 2009. The hostess, Francoise was very gracious and saw to it that we had everything we needed. The studio is secluded and extremely quiet which was important to us. From the patio outside there is a view of a beach, which in effect was almost private since a development fronting on it had been abandoned. The interior had several paintings from the owner's gallery. We would also like to recommend a new beach bar/restaurant, Palm Beach in Orient Bay. They are only open for lunch but we ate well and were treated royally.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

    • Guest Missy12
    • Date of stay 12/04/09
    • Review Submitted 12/04/09
    I stayed at this property with Chris who has already left a comment. I just wanted to add that, for us, this was absolutely perfect! Space is very comfortable and very clean. The view is heaven. It's not for everyone. If you're looking for a busy nightlife you would probably be happier on the Dutch side. We can hardly wait to go back!

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

    • Guest Chris Sawyer
    • Date of stay 11/29/09
    • Review Submitted 11/29/09
    What a find!! We will definately be coming back. This property is on the edge of a gated subdivision, overlooking a beautiful small valley. We had horses next to the fence one morning and a wonderful cat to love. A great restaurant, inexpensive with a menu for most anyone's taste is just at the bottom of the road. Staying on the French side is a lot better for us than the Dutch. Traffic is horrible and we felt no need to venture over there but once in two weeks. Love Orient bay and Happy Bay. Danny serves a great BBQ lunch at Happy Bay for ten dollars...enough for two on one plate. The patio is private enough to have coffee in the mornings au natural, and the sugar birds are a delight.If you are looking for value and privacy in nice comfortable place...this is the absolute best you can find on the island.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

    • Guest Rosie 2
    • Date of stay 04/29/09
    • Review Submitted 04/28/09
    This accomodation is exactly as it promises. And, looking at the photos, I am already missing my new favorite 'home away from home' -- a lovely, peaceful studio situated far enough away from touristy hustle and bustle, but close enough that you have access to all of this if you want it. A short walk down to Pinot Island ferry and brief trip across the bay makes for a very enjoyable full or part day excursion. The short hike over to Orient Bay beach offers all the festive tourist options, beach bars/clubs, sports, island dancing, shopping, restaurants, or just a good relaxing day in the sun. But most importantly, your very gracious hosts will see to your needs and comfort (without being intrusive), making you feel so welcome that St Maarten feels more like home, than a vacation destination. Thank you; I'll be back.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1



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