Hi,

I am a single, female, solo traveller in my 40s (soon to be 50!) as well.

I love love love Grand Case! It sounds like it has all that you are looking for. I have stayed there 3 times now and have never had felt unsafe. In November there should be quite a few tourist milling about in the evenings since you will be on restaurant row. There is a nice small village feel to Grand Case as opposed to Mt Vernon where really there isn't around.

Yes, you can walk to the bakery and grocers though you might want to stock up at the bigger grocery stores on your way in. Someone here will know where those are since I didn't use them.

Grand Case Beach is nice soft sand and beautiful clear water but it is not wide though it isn't packed with people either. You can walk a good distance, though not as long as Orient. You can also walk to Petit Plage at the Grand Case Beach Club, the beach is wider there. They have loungers, I think for a fee. Should you choose to take a catamaran trip on the Scoobi Doo or Scoobi Too, they pick you up right at the beach at Grand Case Beach Club. It's a nice all day trip to Anguilla and other destinations. Nice way to get out with other people for a change

Looking at the website for Bleu Emeraude looks like it wouldn't be a problem getting a lounger down on the beach if they don't have them already. Maybe contact them and ask.

Calmos Cafe have loungers on the beach if you have lunch there I believe. That's a kool place to go in the evening as well (I know you don't go out much but i'm sure you go at least once?)

From what i've read of reviews of Mt Vernon you will need to confirm with the owner that you have a good view of the water, seems they might be set back a bit and not all have great, if any, views.

Just a note that Mt Vernon is the other end of Orient from Club O.

In Grand Case you are within 'spitting' distance of the water. I stayed at La California during one of my trips and could toss a beer at someone in the water (I didn't lol).

Have you checked vrbo.com? Lots of reviews in there.

I'm jealous!

I can't comment on the 2 accommodations as I've never stayed at either place. But I love Orient Beach so I'd probably stay at Mont Vernon even though it has to be one of the most visually unappealing places I've ever seen. Prison block ugly. But you likely aren't going for the exteriors and it's probably nice on the inside. And it's on Orient Beach -- a win!

If you don't rent a car I'd do as Sunfish suggested and have the taxi driver stop at one of the big grocery stores on the way in. However, according to the below web site, there seems to be a large new grocery near Grand Case. Perhaps it's within walking distance of Bleu Emeraude? I don't know. Here's the site showing the location of the grocery stores:

http://www.sxm-shopping.com/groceries.html

There's a small market in Orient Village called Tap 5, roughly behind The Bikini Beach Bar on Orient Beach. It has fresh baguettes every morning and a small deli with some prepared foods. It's a good place to pick up basics and a reasonable bottle of wine.

Thanks all! I'm leaning toward Mont Vernon on Orient Beach (or perhaps a unit in the Caribe Riviera complex, further south on Orient Beach). Am checking with apt owners for specific pricing and will let you know which unit I decide on.

Hi vickiebypass

I personally do not like the Mont Vernon set up, and, in my view there is one big drawback to Bleu Emeraude.

I have to admit that, as I live here - in the hills above Orient Bay - I have never stayed in either property, however I have met people who have.

sharona is right, the Mont Vernon property is super ugly, and it is a long walk to the Club Orient end of Orient Beach.

Bleu Emeraude is virtually new, and is right on the water, but it is also right on the main road. So if you want to walk to Grand Case Village, you have to either go via the beach (not advisible after dark) or use the narrow footpath which borders the main road until you reach any real sidewalk near the entrance to the village.

I think that perhaps you should consider one of the small hotels on Orient Beach itself, or perhaps the Caribbean Princess - no it is NOT a cruise ship - they are well appointed condos !

The best local supermarket is the US Market, but it isn't cheap. Tap 5 is very limited convenience shopping - with prices to match.

I hope this 'local input' may be of help.

DavidSXM - I really appreciate your input, thank you! Since the price was very reasonable, I've reserved one of the Mont Vernon units http://www.vrbo.com/404864 that looks like the best location (i.e., as beach front as possible) and has a balcony with ocean views. (Many of the other Mont Vernon units were in the back of the complex.) Given the location at the far end of Orient Beach and the low price, I decided to rent a car so I'll be able to visit some other beaches and go to the grocery store, etc.

I do have a couple of questions though!

Is there parking at Orient Beach? (when I was there on a cruise, I took a taxi to Pedro's and I thought I saw parking but maybe it's only for taxis?) I was also going to visit Rouge, Friar's and Happy beaches - how's the parking situation there?

I read somewhere -maybe on another Fodor's string - that nothing should be left in parked cars, and that cars should be left unlocked with the windows open to make it clear that there's nothing worth taking in the car...does this sound correct to you? I'm fine with leaving the car empty but not locking the doors & closing the windows goes against my nature!

And lastly, as solo female traveller, and given that early Nov is off-season, are there any beaches that you would recommend over others?

Thanks again for the responses - it really helps!

Hi vickiebypass

I think that you are very wise to rent a car. You will see far more of the island that way, and be completely independent.

In answer to your questions :

There is plenty of parking at the center of Orient Bay, though it is much tighter at the end of the beach wher Pedro's is located.

Baie Rouge, and Friars Bay also have plenty of parking, but I haven't been to Happy Bay for ages, so I can't help you on that.

In regard to leaving the car parked, personally I always leave the windows part rolled down - WITH NOTHING VISIBLE IN THE CAR - in order to make sure that it is obvious that there is nothing to steal !

The only thing is that, if you leave a rental car unlocked and it does get stolen (though highly unlikely in daylight) the rental company may claim that you were negligent in not having locked it.

In my view I think you should leave nothing at all in the car at any time and, when parked during the day, leave the driver's and front passenger windows partly rolled down, and lock the doors. That way you make the point that there is nothing worth stealing, and you can - if by any chance the car DOES get stolen - honestly tell the rental company that the doors were locked ! Back at the hotel at night close all the windows and lock the car.

In regard to beaches - take your pick, but avoid Le Gallion. Just don't venture on ANY of them at night - there are plenty of other more amusing things for a solo female to do after dark !