THE COMPLEX IN WHICH VILLA LEONE IS LOCATED REMAINS HEAVILY DAMAGED FOLLOWING THE WIDESPREAD DESTRUCTION FROM HURRICANE IRMA. VILLA LEONE HAS BEEN RESTORED TO FULLY OPERATIONAL BUT DOES NOT HAVE INTERNET OR CABLE TV SERVICE.
WE ARE OFFERING VILLA LEONE AT A STEEPLY DISCOUNTED RATE FOR THOSE DISPLACED BY THE STORM, WORKERS REBUILDING THE ISLAND OR ANY OF OUR MANY RETURN CUSTOMERS WHO WANT TO RETURN TO CHECK UP ON FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THE POOL IS OPERATIONAL BUT THE GROUNDS ARE FAR FROM BEING A VACATION RESORT AS IT ONCE WAS.
THE VIEWS OF THE ATLANTIC AND ST. BARTHS ARE AS MEZMERIZING AS ALWAYS. WE ALSO HAVE A VISITING DONKEY, HORSES AND A FEW FRIENDLY DOGS AT THE COMPLEX TO ADD EVEN MORE COLOR AND AMBIANCE.
Villa Leone Sint Maarten is located on Guana Bay in St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles. The area surrounding the villa is nestled between the foot of a large hill and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. We are 3-1/2 hours from New York and 3 hours from Miami. Both Continental and American Airlines service the island. We are on the Dutch side of the island, 25 minutes from Juliana Airport and 15 minutes from Downtown Philipsburg. Philipsburg has shopping, fine restaurants, medium and expensively priced. This is where the cruise ships dock. We are on the tradewind, or windward side, which offers great winds 12 months a year. We are 25 minutes from Marigot, the capitol of the French side, and 20 minutes from Grand Case where many of the finest restaurants are located.
Golden Eagle Round The Island Cruise: This usually leaves only on Friday but is a must do! It's only around $100 but well worth the price. You will spend the whole day on a 65' catamaran and have open bar, visit Tintamarre Island, snorkel at two locations and stop for a sit down lunch in Grand Case, the culinary capital of the Caribbean on the French Side. You should not miss this adventure!
IF YOU ARE STAYING FOR A WEEK, HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS.......
DAY 1
Have breakfast at Chesterfield's in Philipsburg; a 10 minute drive. This restaurant is set directly on Bobby's Marina with fantastic water views. After breakfast, do a loop of the island to get a feel for what you may be interested in seeing during your stay. I recommend stops at Friar's Bay Beach as well as Marigot during your island loop. An afternoon stop at The Sunset Beach Bar near the airport is also nice. You can watch the large jumbo jets land just feet in front of you!
You will be tired after your long day circling the island, so, go back to The Waves for cocktails on your oceanfront patio.
DAY 2
After breakfast on the oceanfront patio, take a walk next door to explore Gibbs Bay Beach and then cross back by The Waves and walk down to Guana Bay Beach. There is a trail head at the end of Guana Bay Beach that will take you along the oceanfront into Philipsburg. If you are hikers, this would be a great way to spend the morning.
At night, a drive to Simpson Bay for dinner at Lee's and after for karaoke at Toppers could be fun.
DAY 3
If you like to snorkel, on day 1 or 2, make a reservation on one of the catamarans that go out of Bobby's Marina. Breakfast at Chesterfield's again. It's right near where the boats leave from Bobby's Marina.They have all day sails that have open bar, lunch and snorkeling at two or three spots. A great day!
At night, if you have any energy left, dinner and drinks at the Greenhouse; also near Bobby's Marina, is a good choice.
DAY 4
After breakfast on the patio, drive into Phiipsburg, park at the lot across from Windward Islands Bank and spend the morning walking along Front Street shopping and along the waterfront Boardwalk. The shopping for jewelry and electronics is very fun and can result in a great deal for the educated consumer. You can buy two beers and a Cuban cigar for $3 from the street vendors. You can rent Segways and ride along the Boardwak. One stop that I recommend is the Guavaberry store. Their shakes are delicious and thirst quenching. For lunch, try Kangaroo Court. Many local business owners eat here for lunch. Sit in the back by the huge old tree. Very nice setting!
At night, try Bamboo Bernies in Simpson Bay if you like sushi. Be sure to make a reservation though. They are always packed! After dinner, nearby is Soprano's piano bar; always a fun time.
DAY 5
One day on the French Side can be a nice experience.
In the morning, you can drive to Marigot, park and walk around the town. There is a nice hilltop fort to visit.
Be prepared to pay for everything in Euros on this side of the island. You can even hop on the ferry and go to Anguilla; a 20 minute ferry ride. There are nice beaches there and you can chalk off another island.
At night, continue on to Grand Case. This is a small town on the French Side that is home to a few excuisite French restaurants. Dinner can be pricey but the experience can be unforgettable!
DAY 6
A visit to Orient Beach on the French Side is a possibility for today. You can turn right at where the road from Guana Bay intersects the main road and continue north to Orient Beach. The beach is divided into nude and bathing suits required. The decision is yours!
You can then return to your favorite nightspot to finish off your week on this very fun island.