St Martin - villa rental close to the beach
 

Hello,
the family of three generations is planning a vacation to the Caribbean, most likely to St. Martin. We are looking for a nice sandy beach, preferably long one so we can take walks.
Would like to be not far from restaurants, though we will be renting a car. We loved Turks and Caicos and Grace Bay beach, unfortunately, it's very expensive to get a large apartment/condo/villa there. So we are looking at other options.

What's your budget?

If you want a villa on a "long beach" check out villas on Baie Rouge (aka Red Bay) or, for a somewhat shorter stretch f beach Baie Aux Prunes (aka Plum Bay).

Google "St. Martin Rental Villas" for lots of links or visit www.villasofdistinction.com or www.wimco.com (then click on St. Martin) - there you'll find a list of lots of wonderful rental villas - pick the ones that fit your needs & budget..

If you can afford the price tag look at Donal trumps villa on Baie Aux Prunes - with 9 bedrooms it rents for around $50,000/week.

What is your budget? How many persons? What type of year? How many nights?

Just so you know, St Martin and Provo are completely opposites. So if youre changing islands make sure to change expectations with it too!

St Martin is a lot of fun, hilly much to do and best shopping in Caribbean. There are casinos, and the restaurants are amazing. Yu feel like you get 2 islands in 1. Easy day trip to Anguilla by ferry, which has much better beaches, similar to Grace Bay.

The beaches of St. Martin don't come close to Grace Bay though.

There are 4 adults and one child 3 years old. We, young grandparents in our fifties, our kids in their thirties and their son. We are going at the beginning of January and that's one of the reasons we are ruling out Turks, I am afraid the water may be cool this time of year. So beginning of January, a week, 4 adults and one child. We are looking for calm waters so adults and kid can enjoy it, and we also like taking long walks on the beach. I see there are lots of rentals at Simpson Bay. How is it? It's probably far from the best restaurants and shop being on the dutch side?

I've stayed in a villa on Dawn beach & a condo on Simpson bay beach. The latter is perfect in my opinion. It's Not far from GREAT restaurants. cupe coy is a10-15 minute drive. La Gondala/Rare-some of the best restaurants on the whole island! And the bill is in dollars & not Euros!!!!! Simpson bay beach is long & beautiful. You can walk to Karacters- a lovely spot for lunch/dinner. The water is not calm, but nowhere on St Martin is. I've stayed at Las Arenas for a few times. I love it. If you have specific questions ask away. Also, Maria @ Caribbeandays.com is very knowledgeable- she has a place on Simpson Beach but knows St Maarten very we'll. I can't say enough about Simpson Beach.

You could try MacCaribbeanVillas in St. Martin .(http://maccaribbeanvillas.com/st_martin_villas.html).I am not sure about the cost but the food and service is good.The view from this villa is quite exotic!