Vacation villa in the Caribbean
By Sonja van der Drift
When traveling abroad, especially to tropical islands, some people like to rent private vacation villas instead of hotel rooms. This extra privacy and larger accommodation make the trip seem much more luxurious. It can be very nice not to have to deal with other hotel guests or worry about disturbing others. A villa is also a great option for families—while couples taking a trip to St. Martin and St. Maarten may want a one-bedroom, families can rent two or three-bedroom villas (or larger). It’s like having your very own vacation home. Many St. Maarten and St. Martin villas have beachfront property and incredible views.
Renting a Villa
The best way of finding and renting a villa in today’s modern world is to search online. You can compare prices and amenities and find that perfect home away from home. Most websites have a few pictures of each villa so you know exactly what you are getting. You can often book the villa online, too. You may also be able to make other arrangements such as renting a car, chartering boats, and setting up excursions and day trips.
Payment
By booking online, you can pay with your credit card or debit card. Even if you are making your St. Martin villa rentals in person on the island, you can usually use your credit card. Also, even though both sides use different currency (the euro for St. Martin and the Netherlands Antillean guilder in St. Maarten), you will find that U.S. dollars are accepted just about everywhere. Many people prefer to book their villas and pay for them before arriving, of course, which makes it even easier.
Location Verses Price
Just like anywhere, it is all about location, location, location. If you’re looking at a vacation villa on the beach, no matter how large or small, it is going to be expensive. If you go just a block or so from the ocean, you can often find a much cheaper villa that still has a very nice view. That said, a lot of it depends on when you are trying to rent a St. Maarten villa. If it’s during the height of the tourist season, naturally things will be a little more expensive, and many of the best villas will be booked solid. On the other hand, if you are visiting in the off-season, you may be able to get a beachfront villa for fairly cheap.
Look for Split Residences
While renting your own private St. Martin villa may seem like an amazing idea, you might get a much better rate if you rent a unit, especially if it’s only you or you and your spouse. These attached units are similar to condos, so you’ll share a few walls with your neighbors. However, they are often much cheaper. Some even have a private pool, gym, and other amenities.
Decide Which Side Fits You
While they are a part of the same island, St. Martin and St. Maarten offer up two very different sets of attractions. St. Martin in the north features amazing beaches (even some topless ones) and is known for its shopping and restaurants. It also tends to be a little more on the touristy side because it is where many of the large cruise ships dock. On the other hand, the southern St. Maarten features a lively nightlife with casinos and great bars and clubs. Depending on your interests, you may be able to narrow down your villa search to one side or the other. If you want to experience everything you can find on this island, you can always rent a villa near the center and visit both.
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