SAnParis

Seeking any info from recent visitors as well as villa/cottage suggestions. We a relooking to go in the Spring for a week (+/-) 2 adults & 2 small children. All comments are welcome, since recent info is sparse. Thanks.

SAnParis

ttt

blamona

Hi! I have not been there, but have researched it. Since the volcano erupted, there are no hotels left, and limited facilities, only a 1/4 of the population stayed. There used to be ferries with the surrounding islands, especially from Antigua. Parts of the island are still covered in ash, and abandoned. Is there a reason you picked this to stay? Beaches there are non-existent. However, it sounds like an interesting day trip from Antigua.

SAnParis

My research agrees w/part of yours, but while the decimated part of the island is still covered in ash. The rest is recovering. W/only 8000 inhabitants & people giving away villas to stay in, + w/the opening of their new airport this month, why not ? There are some beaches there & the volcano bit interests me greatly. All I am seeking is a week or two of solitude for my family. As long as there is running water and an ocean, we're pretty much good to go.

SAnParis

Still seeking info...

Statia

I read in the St. Maarten Daily Herald that they just had another ash fallout in the last few days. That's the first in awhile so it seems there is some more volcanic activity going on there.

faithie

Perhaps an island like Dominica would be a better option ....??? No active volcano , but tons of mountains , waterfalls , rainforst , and also the only island with caraibe (sp.)population ?

SAnParis

I must admit the volcano part intrigues me. I've not yet checked on Dominica but Grenada is also on the list, but I'm not sure what is happening there w/all of the previous hurricane damage. Thanks Statia, I'll check back in w/the volcano website, it is usually pretty UTD.

MIM04

I don't really think of Montserrat as a vacation destination at this point. There is still a ton of ash. It still comes over to many neighboring islands. There is not much there now. Maybe you could stay on another island and try to make a day trip there if you want to explore... GL

Statia

I agree with MIM04 and faithie. As far as I know, Montserrat is not really a tourist destination yet after the last dome collapse. As stated, we do still have ash fallout and airport closures in this area because of it. Maybe a day trip there might be better.

SAnParis

Thanks for your concern, we may opt for that route (day-trip) or try Grenada. Keep in mind, all I'm looking for is peace & quiet, not a resort type setting & certainly nothing w/a bunch of people. Thanks again.

faithie

You should definitely look into Dominica , Grenada , St. Vincent , Tobago , and even the Port Antonio area of Jamaica ...

Statia

SAnParis, if you are looking for simple peace and quiet, without a lot of tourism, you should come to my island.

SAnParis

Where are you again Statia ?...I do find it difficult to turn down invitations..

Statia

Here is the link to St. Eustatius (aka Statia). It's not most people's cup of tea since our main tourism consists of divers, hikers, and history buffs. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have, though. It might make a nice day trip if you are in the area.

http://statiatourism.com/

SAnParis

My first question...how easy (or difficult) is it to get there ? I'll certainly do some research & get back to you. If I click on your name I'm sure to get a plethora of info..?

Statia

There are about four connections per day from St. Maarten via Windward Island Airways (aka WinAir).

I don't post about Statia often since not that many people ask about it, but there is a little something I posted at the request of Editor Doug Stallings on this thread.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=5

Are you looking for great beaches? If so, that is one thing we don't have. We have decent beaches, but not great. Otherwise, the diving, snorkeling, hiking, history, and relaxation are great.

SAnParis

Just 'a beach' is sufficient. I think WinAir is going to start code-sharing w/US Air (whom holds me captive since I reside in Charlotte) which should make things easier. Any info you have on cottages or apartments would be most helpful. I'll take a look at the post also as my knowledge of your island is practically nil. Thanks very much.

Statia

I know there is one afternoon flight per day from Charlotte to St. Maarten, and there are two WinAir flights from SXM to EUX after that.

I am not all that familiar with rental properties here since I am never looking for any, but someone from Fodors emailed this to me not long ago and it's a nice place with a great price. It's literally around the corner from me.

http://www.vrbo.com/46747

Otherwise, I usually refer people to The Old Gin House hotel.

http://www.oldginhouse.com/

Let me know if you have any other questions. If you are really looking for a nice, relaxing week somewhere, I suggest a combination of Statia and Saba. You could even throw in a day or two in St. Maarten/St. Martin at the beginning or end of your stay.

Here is the link for Saba, which is one of my favorite islands for R&R. Talk about laid back. They have no beach but they certainly have other beauty to make up for it. Saba is a ten minute flight from Statia or St. Maarten.

http://sabatourism.com/

SAnParis

Great & thanks again. I use vrbo.com a lot in the states. Are there any areas I should avoid particularly ?