It seems I have this new blog and have not been posting much. Well there is a reason for that. I have been driving myself (and spouse) nuts with putting together a rather last minute vacation. After the long cold winter of Michigan we want to go somewhere WARM! We both have passports so the new passport laws that went into effect in January do not hamper any travel plans like it may some who were caught off guard with the new requirements.
We decided on the Caribbean, but where? 
After days of pouring through websites to familiarize ourselves with each Island we decided on St.Martin/Maarten. If you’re unfamiliar with this French/Dutch divided tropical Island Wikipedia provides a great explanation.
Once that was decided the next step was where to stay and on what side? French or Dutch. We looked at all the hotels/resorts which were mainly located on the Dutch side. I spoke to a travel agent in town about a brand new Westin Resort and Casino on the Dutch side. Yes it looked great, sounded great but still an American Hotel on a Caribbean Island. Not exactly what we had in mind. If I visit a Caribbean Island or a another country I want to experience that culture and all it has to offer, not an Americanized version.
Next logical step is renting, either a condo or a Villa. Our own place for a week. Cost wise it’s probably going to be cheaper than a resort where you are paying for a room and charged an exorbitant amount of money for food and drink. Also we’re looking towards the latter part of April when the price drops for the Villa rentals which works to our advantage. So it looks like we’ve decided on a private Villa. To give you an idea of our choices go here. As you can see there are many to choose from. At the very top check out Villa Happy Bay…unbelievable huh? No we’re not renting that one, it’s way too big but it is gorgeous! I hope to have this wrapped tomorrow or my spouse will say, “Elaine just pick one”!.
So that’s where I’ve been busy doing folks ~~ will keep you posted.
Technorati Tags: vacation – Caribbean – French – Dutch – villa
Hi Elaine,
Cute island. Hilly, if I can remember. Though, that may be a silly statement. I guess most islands in the sea were created from volcanos and have hills or mountains in the middle. I stopped in via cruise ship many years ago. Our daughter had her hair braided “just on one side” that day on the Dutch side. Then, we went by taxi or driver to the French side for a tour of those beautiful beaches. Here’s hoping you have the most wonderful time on your vacation, whatever you choose!!!
~Nooner~
I hope you find the perfect place and that your time will also be perfect.
j
A well deserved vacation!
I’m sure that whatever you choose will be wonderful! ((Hugs))
Ah, the Caribbean. Suzy and I loved the two times we went there. I’m a terrible swimmer, but we loved the snorkeling and the fish were so vibrantly colored.
We also did a plantation tour that was rather spectacular, but I couldn’t tell you which island we were on.
The local music is interesting too with a lot of variety. And it really was too hot to eat that much but I must admit we drank a lot.
)
There’s something about the tropics that brings out the amour in all of us. You will probably really enjoy this trip and remember it the rest of your life.
Got any room in your suitcase?
Oh, Elaine, that sounds fun and romantic. I hope you enjoy yourselves. It is that time of year to be thinking about vacations. We are planning a trip to Florida next month. I am SO ready after this LONG HARD WINTER! Hope you have a good time, I look forward to reading about it when you get back.
I know you all will have a good time. Me and Julie would love to visit there with the girls. Maybe someday.
P.S.-We got to see some photos.
Great Job Elaine,
I can’t wait to go, to have the beauty of my life with me enjoying the beauty of the islands! I am sure everything will turn out great.
Gino
Elaine I never got your email to let me know where to pick up my ticket to go with you & Gene lol, I hope you both have a wonderful time and will be looking forward to seeing you post some pictures when you return…..have fun……..mary-anne
Holy Cow! Happy Bay looks like it would indeed make someone VERY happy.
Whatever you choose will be wonderful I’m sure. I can’t wait to see! *does the happy dance for Elaine*
WOW Elaine,
You have such beautiful and peaceful places to choose from, it is almost like having to choose which tier of paradise you would like to bask in for a week! I know whatever the choice, you will both love it, a place to be with all things happy and loving. Whatever you do, do not be alarmed once you arrive at the resort, if you are awakened by a socially ambiguous island socialite proclaiming ~ Good day, I’m Mr. Roarke, your host. Welcome to Fantasy Island!
Tony
Oh Elaine,
This sounds so wonderful. I am like you.. when I finally get to go somewhere.. I dont’ want the tour or American version.. I want to go to really experience THAT life. I”m very excited for you and can’t wait to hear the details. And definately.. YOU deserve this with your hubby.
On the house and that guy … he is from the area.. so I’m not too worried about the situation. He says he has talked to the realtor and so I’m ok with him coming by. I just hope at some point he makes an offer. I need to put your space in my favorites so I can get here easily. hehe… Well, you take care Vallerie
Drooool…. want to leave…droool… a comment…. drooool… but am… drooool.. to busy… droool.. wiping off… droool.. the keepboard..lol,have a great time.. drooooool!!!
Hi Elaine, I am really happy to hear you will finally get away with your hubby for a while….sounds romantic……hope you have a great time…..take good care….luv, Pauline
Hi, Elaine !!!
Hope your doing well this morning.
Just dropping by to wish you a safe
and great week end !
Take care my dear friend !
Hi Elaine,
I hope you are having a great Michigan, spring weekend! I am not a world-traveler, so my advice may be a bit naive. Planning is important, but over planning can take all the fun away from an otherwise perfect vacation! Once you have finalized the logistics of getting there and back home, sometimes, it is better to just lay back and build in lots more time for spontaneity. 
The alternative is to plan another vacation to recover from the aftermath of encountering the joys of paradise.
I heard you needed someone to bring some paper towels here to clean up drool stains, etc.
~ Tony
wow sounds like a great vacation, hope you enjoy every second of it.
Hubby and I are taking a few days and going to Williamsburg ,Virginia. neither of us hae ever been there.
will look forward to hearing about your vacation Elaine.
MaryEllen