TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Orient villa in Feb?

Would appreciate some input on experiences renting a 2BR unit around central Orient area. Will have grandchildren joining so I need to account for 3 adults and 2 kids. Mont Vernon area not an option. Have seen a few online and VRBO and can't narrow it down easily. Prime time/high season time would be Feb, 2016 2-3 weeks. Any inside help is appreciated.

Not sure what you mean exactly by 'central Orient area', but you might check out Bruno's Villa Margot or O Paradis . If you mean, in the central village area, this doesn't fit, as it is roughly above where LaPlantation is, up the hill above Orient. Otherwise, if it's available for when you want, it's a very good option. Jacuzzi at the villa, shared pool for the villa and the bungalows. Bruno and Geraldine are very accomodating hosts!

Thank you. I will look into further detail. I just really meant within the confines of Orient--not necessarily village, etc. I will contact those folks!

Many people here have stayed at Paradise Bungalows, including us, and enjoyed it very much. We toured the villa and it looked very nice and comfortable also.

Jgun,

There are several nice options within the Orient beach area. Our most popular option is Sunrise (3 bedroom). Sarabande, Mango and Ocean View are nice options within walking distance.

I know you ruled out Mont Vernon but there is a stunning new villa there called villa Emvie.

In summary, Sunrise is by far our most popular villa option. You need to reserve in advance to get in there.
It is exceptionally well priced and designed.
As for the format, there are two bedrooms on the main level and one bedroom below the terrace. The two bedrooms can be connected via the master bathroom.

Otherwise Sarabande with it's interior access bedrooms can be attractive.

Hope that helps.

Rob

Website paints a very nice picture. Here is our hesitation, most of our meals would be eaten outside the villa, that being the case, would these accommodations be overkill since you would be paying for a kitchen?

Well, if you look at the accomodations in the area, virtually all of them have a kitchen, AND Bruno's Bungalows are cheaper than most of the rest of the places in the area, so that is a non-issue, to me.

Carols mention of Bruno's villas is spot on. I can also vouch for Villa Mango as mentioned by St Martin Blue. If these do not get it done for you, check with Jim Rios of Caribbean travel, he is a sponsor and can certainly help you find what you need.
BobandJeana

JGUN - We have stayed at Villa Sarabande and Villa Mango. We had great experiences at both.

Thank you all for the feedback. I knew if directed my question her it would get an honest reaction...one based on first hand information. In my experience the kitchen is a must. many travelers who stay in "hotel" mode for a week never really see the need for one. I, on the other hand, see it as a huge benefit in the morning and at pre-cocktail time. This trip I look to stay maybe 3+ weeks with family coming on a couple of occasions. I've got a lot to consider. i have stayed at The Shamrock Residence on a couple of trips-very very nice people and a friendly atmosphere. This time I need more space. Thanks!

Thanks for the reply.

JGUN - If you have any questions about Sarabande or Mango, please send me a PM. I'll provide any knowledge I can. Wishing you a great trip. We have also stayed at Villa Coccinelle which is located between Sarabande and Mango, just up higher on the hill.

Rob,
Am waiting to hear back from Sunrise (Sylvie) about the rates and availability for Feb. The others sound interesting also. Thank you!
John

http://www.vrbo.com/136461#ownerprofile

We've stayed here and it's about 200 yards from the beach and really nice.

Mbrott

If none of the other recommendations fit your needs, try Bluefish from saintmartinrentals.com. We stayed there for two weeks this last February and it was great. Spotless, all the stuff you need. Living room window/patio looks out over Kon Tiki. There is a back gate you have access to so you can just walk to the beach in a couple of minutes. King BR with full bathroom downstairs, king BR up, 3rd BR up with two twins, full bath up. Dishwasher, plus washer/dryer combo. Only caveat it is on the second and third floors.

JGunn,

Sunrise is my favorite villa in Orient. Great location, superb views, and well designed. FYI, while it is not required I do recommend a 4x4 due to the steep approach. A regular car is fine but if it rains with the occasional passing shower, I would anticipate it could be slippery.
The villa is available from February 1st until the 12th then from February 20th until March 1st.
The weekly rates can be found here: http://stmartinblue.com/villa-sunrise
Same rates for 2016 apply as high season 2015. You would be locked in to those rates before the anticipated hike this summer.
As a TTOL member we can include a free rental car that is delivered to the villa. (Hyundai I10 excluding gas, tax & insurance- upgrades are available for additional charge). Airport pickup, welcome provisioning, orientation and a personal concierge is included as well.

Let me know if I could be of any further assistance.

Rob

Mbrott,
My brother-in-law's family has stayed there more than once. They found it to be a great value and location.
I'd go there in a minute. Thanks
John

JJHenry - you mentioned you've stayed at Villa Coccinelle. We have 4 couples scheduled for a week at Villa Coccinelle in November. Can you (or anyone) share more about your experience at that villa?

Take a look at SUNRISE VILLA. It's pretty nice, on the hill above Orient. There is a SV in oyster pond also, that's not the one.

We stayed at Sarabande two years ago and LOVED it. We can't wait to return. Stunning views and infinity pool were so inviting that we had a difficult time leaving our little piece of paradise. The kitchen was well stocked and a cook's dream. The covered patio was great for eating outdoors. A few features that may be of interest- Weber grill, washer/dryer and TV's in living room and all bedrooms. Master bedroom separated from the other two bedrooms providing extra privacy.

Villa Belle Mer

Another great choice and you can walk to the village.

Check your PMs.