Rather than the usual trip report format I thought I’d delve into some details about where we stayed since it was an alternative to the more well-known resort hotels.

We got our first taste of St Martin and Orient Beach in 2008 with an 8 day stay in the lap of luxury at Esmeralda.

We were so smitten that planning for a return visit started almost immediately. With a goal of staying longer our budget demanded more economical accommodations. On our morning beach walks we’d seen Mont Vernon, and many helpful notes on TTOL set the framework for a two week adventure November 2 -16 (thanks also to USAir FF miles).

The quest eventually led us to TTOL advertiser CaribbeanDays, and arrangements for what was known simply as “Mont Vernon Studio”. The very efficient staff at CD, especially Kathy Barone, handled all our transactions with clarity and cheery efficiency. We were so pleased with our initial contact that we also had them handle our rental car, which ended up being a perfectly island-sized Charade from Prestige.

For those not familiar with the geography Mont Vernon is located at the northern end of Orient Beach. The former hotel now consists of individually-owned units, some of which are permanent residences while others are holiday rentals.

Our expectations were set for basic accommodations but what we ended up with turned out to be far and away more fabulous.

MTV9502 turned out not to be a studio at all but rather an elegant suite. From the entry the toilette was on the left, then the well-outfitted galley kitchen (complete with built-in wine rack), a dining table in rattan and pastels, sofa/sleeper, reading chairs, and the sliding door to the double-width balcony. Off to the right, through pocket doors, was the bedroom, with king size bed, and the bath, with double sinks, tub, and shower as well as another set of sliding doors to the balcony. Closet and storage space was more than ample.

As if that wasn’t enough, the view from the balcony was breath-taking, offering a panorama of Orient Beach, and, silhouetted on the horizon, St. Barthelmy.

It just kept getting better. The second-floor balcony was ideally suited to petit dejeuner and shaded for mid-day repast. From daybreak until mid morning the balcony was bathed in sunlight; its splendid privacy enhanced the pursuit of a comprehensive Caribbean tan.

Once the sun was high in the sky beach-level beckoned. Chairs at LaPlaya were a bonus with the rental. We counted 86 steps down to the sand, then 20 minutes or so of beach-strolling to be in the midst of the Orient vibe. On days when we were less ambitious we’d drop our towels on the sand right at Mt.Vernon, which usually had the essence of our own private beach. Mt.Vernon also has its own expansive pool, which was clean and well-maintained (though the infrastructure around the pool is past its glory days); we’d often make a stop there in the latter part of the afternoon to catch some late day sun when Orient’s beach was starting to go into the shadows.

Mont Vernon also features its own small commercial center, with a pizzeria, small convenience store (all the usuals, baguettes, and a selection of wines), laundry, and internet kiosk. The proprietors seemed a bit surprised when we started our conversation in French (my wife is conversational, I’m more basic), and treated us warmly (they even delivered pizza orders to our room). For us the ambiance of St.Martin is one of its key attractions; if it was just about sun and sand I suppose we could go to Florida. I’ve never been very adept at foreign languages but knowing at least a few phrases in French was an important goal for me. It just made me feel so much more like a “traveler” and less a “tourist”, and added that extra little bit of excitement and anticipation in the days leading up to our departure.

For all that we found inviting about Mont Vernon, it is not a destination for everyone. If you demand pristine, some elements of the former hotel’s infrastructure are weathered and worn. We’re in our late 50s and fitness-focused, so walking/climbing wasn’t a deterrent but those 86 steps (or the alternate pathways) to the beach could be a discouragement to those less able or tolerant. We were responsible for our own daily upkeep, like making the bed, doing the dishes and taking out the trash, though we also had a wonderful housekeeper who made a couple of visits to freshen our linens and towels as well as keep us appraised of local developments, like the brief interruption of water service. Parking was an adventure; occasionally there was spot on the steep incline at the entrance but more often we were consigned to the dirt (and occasional mud) of the lot adjacent to the tennis court, and more walking/climbing.

There always seem to be threads about crime, and lately dengue, on TTOL. I can only say that we encountered neither. The Mt.Vernon complex has a rudimentary security patrol, MTV9502’s second floor location added to that, and the sea breezes kept the mosquitoes at bay. St.Martin may not be perfect, but for us the rewards far outweigh risk.

Well this has gone on for pretty long, so I’d better wrap it up. It was an idyllic two weeks. Circumstances being what they are I don’t know when we’ll be able to return to The Friendly Island. If it can’t be an every-year occasion I hope at least it will be “soon”. Regardless, our rich memories of Mont Vernon will endure.
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P.S. – a special thanks to ChunkyDunkin for his organizing initiative and all the TTOLers who made the party at Baywatch such a festive occasion <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />