TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Pelican Key villa rentals

Since we usually split our stay doing a few days in Simpson Bay area, then a week in Orient Village, I'm looking at villa rentals in the Pelican Key area and came across Villa Libre. Anyone familiar with this property or perhaps others that you would recommend for a 3-5 day rental? The views in this area are wonderful.

https://www.vrbo.com/66948?adultsCount=2&arrival=2021-06-03&departure=2021-06-06

TIA

Familiar with Pelican Cove, yes, which is where that villa is. I have not been in that particular villa, but have been in one of the other villas there. The one that we were in was only a two bedroom and was in the middle between two other condos. There were privacy walls on both sides, so that the pool was totally private for a/n sunbathing. This particular villa POSSIBLY is the one that Villa Lady used to own (and maybe still does??). Although I'm not sure, I thought the one she owned was the one on the point at the end and the only 3 BR. Since it is the end unit, there are no units to the one side of the villa, but not sure whether that area out there would be suitable for a/n sunbathing or not. Be advised there is NO beach there, as it is all coral on the shore, and pretty difficult to get down into the ocean, although there may be a ladder from that unit into the water, I don't know. The area is very nice and private and there is security. The unit that my friends stayed in was more of a 'comfortable' feel, versus that white, modern look, which I personally hate, but I know that I am in the minority with regard to that. You might want to do a search for Pelican Cove to look for some of the other villas there. I would recommend that area, yes.

We have stayed at Villa Velaire (Unit 9) at the Pelican Cove Condos, although it was 5 years ago. We normally rent a 1-bdrm. condo, but my brother and his wife were joining us, so that year we needed a 2-bdrm. unit. None were available at our regular place, so we booked this villa townhouse.

Villa Velaire is a 2-bdrm., 2-storey unit. Each bedroom has a king bed and its own ensuite bathroom, plus there is a powder room on the ground floor. It is a small complex of 17 units and most villas have their own private pool. Pelican Cove Condos are right at the end of Billy Folly Road in Pelican Key. Due to their location right at the water's edge on the cliffs, most of the units suffered water damage from the surge during Irma, so they have been recently renovated.

I am aware of Villa Libre, but have not been inside. However, the units seem very nicely decorated and well-equipped. Villa Libre is one of the larger, 3-bdrm villas and I believe it may be one of the single-storey units. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Pelican Cove and would not hesitate to rent there again if we needed a larger unit. The complex is very well-maintained and there is a gate and security guard at the entrance at night. And yes, the views and privacy are wonderful!

A car is obviously recommended, since it is a bit of a walk to anywhere. The complex is in the middle of a fairly exclusive residential area and is peaceful and quiet. You also get a very close-up view of the cruise ships as they pass by going to or coming from the port in Philipsburg, if they are running again by the time you visit. If you have any general questions, I will be happy to try and answer.

Here is the link to Villa Velaire, for comparison. https://www.villavelairestmaarten.com/

Canuck--Interesting. Didn't realize there were two level units there. The one our friends stayed in was a 2 BR, but all on one floor.

We have stayed there and have booked it for the same time for the next 2 years! Absolutely wonderful!

Other members may comment, too, because we hosted a couple of parties there.

I will comment as I was privileged to be at the parties hosted by Indi. The view was incredible - RIGHT on the water. Watching the sunset was special. The kitchen was amazing: every convenience known to man. And the pool was private and right off the master. It is a gorgeous property!

Carol: I believe there are actually only five one-storey units in Pelican Cove. The rest are 2-storey town homes. I suspect the one-storey villas, such as Villa Libre, are on a single level to ensure the units up the hill behind them at least have a view of the sea, since those units are not directly on the water.

The one we stayed in is part of a group on the east end, partly overlooking Cole Bay towards Phillipsburg, running up from the point. There are also 2-storey units on the upper level of Pelican Cove, where you first enter through the gate. Those units overlook the one-storey villas, such as Villa Libre.

You referred to someone named Villa Lady owning the large 3-bedroom unit right at the point. Our unit was three units up from that one. Villa Libre is at the opposite (western end) of that row of villas, towards Simpson Bay. Was Villa Lady French? When we were there we met and chatted with the owners of that unit, who were an older, French-speaking couple. I think it was up for sale then (March of 2015), so not sure if it was the same person?

Our unit overlooked the "violin-shaped" promontory on the top of the cliffs, just to the east of the point. If it wasn't too windy, you could walk out onto the promontory. We loved the location and the complex.

Canuck--Yes, the unit we visited was directly on the water. The "Villa Lady" used to do villa rentals, as far as I know, still does, not sure. I have only dealt with her by email, so no idea if she is French speaking or not.

Indi and Jazzgal--sounds like the villa would be a good choice for the original poster.

Thank you all for the replies....much appreciated!

Are the pool areas at both Libre and Velaire as private as the pictures make it appear? While I'm not opposed to spending more for this special anniversary trip, we really don't need 3 Br's as it will only be the two of us. Are there any 1 BR rentals in the Pelican Cove area that would have the same amenities? I also noticed the no refund policy at Libre, which is a scary proposition considering current uncertainties with the pandemic and reopening.

Having also attended Indi's party there, I can confirm that the villa is gorgeous. Right on the point with fabulous sunset views. If I'm not mistaken, and, Joyce, please correct me if I'm wrong, you can have the extra bedroom(s) locked off if you don't need the entire villa?

I don't know about those particular villas, but the one that my friend rents is definitely VERY private as far as the pool. It is a two bedroom. Will try to figure out the name of the one they rent.

Thanks, Carol....let me know.

Hi. Found it Villa Sera Bella

Link

As I said, the decor' there is much more 'Caribbean comfortable' than white marble, which I personally prefer the Caribbean decor'. Others' views may differ.

Pool is very private...nude sunbathing is not a problem. Yes, extra bedrooms can be locked off.

OK, thanks.

I really like these properties....talk about a room with a view!

Yes the pool at Villa Velaire is quite private. High concrete walls on both sides. However, the villa to the right, as you face the sea, does have a balcony off the second-floor bedroom, so if someone comes out onto it, they can partially overlook the pool area. It was not an issue for us and I think we only saw someone out on it once in the three weeks we were there. If total privacy is important, then Villa Libra might be the better for that.

When we booked it, we needed both bedrooms, but one of the bedrooms can be locked off and there is a reduced price as a 1-bedroom. The website link I included in my initial post indicates that is still the case and shows the rates. There is a 50% deposit up-front, but it is refundable, less a $200 cancellation fee, up to 90 days prior to arrival.

I don't think there are any 1-bedroom units in Pelican Cove, only 2- or 3-bedroom units. Villa Velaire is Unit 9. I believe Villa Libre is Unit 1, if my recollection is accurate about the numbering. Based on the picture of the front entrance and pool configuration, I believe Villa Sera Bella is Unit 3. If so, it is another single-storey villa, just two doors down from Villa Libra.

Sera Bella is definitely a one story villa, in between two other one story villas. Don't remember the number.

Hi Carol,
By chance do you have direct contact info for the owner of Sera Bella? Listing on vrbo says min 5 day stay and we need 4 days only. I'd like to contact owner direct and see if they might make an exception since we would be checking out on a Saturday.

TIA

I don't have their direct contact info for the owner and I'm not sure my friend would give it to me. Isn't there a way to send the owner a question on the site?? There has to be some way to ask a question about a property. I really don't use VRBO, so don't know. If not, why don't you send in a request for a booking and specify you only want 'x' dates. If you're talking fairly soon, based on how low occupancy is EVERYWHERE on island right now, I'd just try that.

Yup...VRBO has an "Ask the owner a question" link on just about every property

Thanks, I did go ahead and contact the owner through vrbo. I always prefer to deal directly with owners to avoid third party costs. Will let you all know what the owner says. Fingers crossed....

OK good luck!

Yay!!!!!!

He accommodated our request for the four nights.....beyond excited!!!

First four nights at Sera Bella and last five nights at Cote Chic on Orient Beach.

Thanks to all for your suggestions!

Great! Makes sense, based on now low occupancy is these days. Enjoy!!

Looks like you have been trying to get this booked for a long time. Hope you are going soon!

Thanks, Carol.....we are going 6/1 to 6/11. This will be our longest stay on the island. Just hoping we can get through all the Covid protocols without too much difficulty.

I had tried to book Villa Velaire for four nights, but the owner was firm on their 7 day stay requirement.

All worked out in the end....

Thanks again!

Good for you! Surprised that someone would hold to a 7 day requirement THESE DAYS, but maybe demand is higher this summer than I would have thought. Personally, I don't care for the decor of Villa Velaire, but as I said, I am in the minority in that respect. Bella Serra doesn't have the sweeping corner views of Velaire, but the view is still quite lovely and it is quite private. I think you will enjoy it there.

I'm glad to hear you were able to book Villa Sera Bella and that the owner was flexible. Like Carol, I'm a bit surprised that Kim was holding to the 7-day minimum at Villa Velaire, particularly for a shoulder-season booking in the middle of a pandemic.

In any case, I'm sure you will very much enjoy your stay at Villa Sera Bella and it will be a fun way to celebrate your anniversary. I hope that you get through all the extra "hoops" involved in travelling these days relatively easily. Thanks for reporting back and have a great trip!