After many many hours of research for a place in St.Martin, Anguilla, St.Barth, the Virgin Islands, suitable to celebrate our wedding anniversary I selected La Petite Maison d'Amour and it was a good choice for the following reasons:

- Location: Beachfront and only steps away from a private sandy beach with clean and turquoise water. Facing South - therefore sunny all day and spectacular views of St.Martin. Accessible (SXM+short ferry ride+short taxi), yet complete privacy and no traffic noise (planes/ferry/cars) at all.

- Style: Open architecture to (re)connect with nature with a beautiful porch for al-fresco dining. The house is very well kept by Pam and in mint condition.

- Service/amenities: Karen helped on our so many questions. We were picked up at the ferry, the rental car was ready for us in the driveway and the fridge was stocked for a perfect start of our stay. There is free wireless, a large fridge/freezer (ice cream!) in a fully equipped kitchen, games, a small library and beach gear (chairs, umbrella, snorkelling masks). Large supermarket is a 10min drive away.

- Spirit: To give one example - allthough there is a phone in the house, Karen and Paul would communicate with us via paper notes, placed at the entrance under a rock or shell. They are creative, energetic and fun people but very considerate and they fully respect your privacy. The history of the house, their history, is an example and an encouragement that you should pursue your dreams in life.

La Petite Maison d’Amour is a work of art, and the Artists work hard to keep it that way. They surround you with paintings and plants and sculptures from the sea. And all the privacy you could ever need. The colors of coral caress you into quiet calmness as the soft and cool Westerlies keep the too-small life at bay. From the porch and its shade you can drink wine and read all day while listening to the sound of the waves whispering “No troubles mon.” And you want it to just go on – and on – and on – and on. This is not a Review….this is a Thank You Note. We miss you, Petite Maison d’Amour!

If you are a romantic, in love with who you’re with, just a wee bit independent and enchanted by the warm sun, azure sea, and clear skies of the Caribbean, you will love this villa. We have stayed at Petite Maison 5 times in the last 8 years and consider it our heart’s “home.” All the previous reviews are true; the place has charm, convenience, privacy, and everything you need for a fabulous vacation and the owners are extraordinary people. There is something truly magical about La Petite Maison d’Amour. Karen (the owner) designed and built the place herself; there are pictures of her hauling and hammering so I really believe that she somehow managed to infuse love into every pore of the place. There are guest books going back for more than a decade filled with guests’ raves about their experiences. My husband and I just returned from a short stay and even in a few days, we were restored by the peace, tranquility, and love that emanates from every pink and aqua inch.

Your vacation begins with your first inquiry. Karen is a thoughtful and helpful host and will answer all your questions about getting there and getting around the island. Then, several weeks before your scheduled arrival Karen sends her “pink letter” filled with valuable information about transportation, shopping, eating, cooking, beaching, boating, you name it, and she knows it! When you arrive you are greeted by a dedicated taxi driver at the airport or ferry dock. After a short drive you get your first glimpse of this most charming Caribbean cottage and are greeted by your hosts and/or Pam. There will be a stocked fridge (there’s always water and Ting but they will do a more extensive shop for you, too) and, if requested, your rental car will be in the drive.

Then the rest is up to you. We have spent days without leaving the property (except to scramble over the rocks to “Karen’s beach”) and other days sampling beaches and restaurants from one end of the island to the other. Anguilla is a special island made even more special by this amazing place. We, too, hate to share the news of Petite Maison because we want to be able to come back at will again and again, but if you have love and happiness in your heart, I guess we’ll let you stay there, too. Enjoy!

Ten years ago, my wife and I asked a good friend to recommend a peaceful island with wonderful beaches, restaurants and people. Her only suggestion was Anguilla, and it has remained for us a sanctuary for two weeks every year. My wife spotted La Petite Maison right away, we stayed there in January, 2002, and we have never once thought of going anyplace else for a winter vacation. Karen's house, as we call it, is secluded, beautifully landscaped, cozy yet airy, with wonderful views. My wife says this place is heaven; it's certainly close. The location, at the end of the road on a small inlet with waves breaking a few feet away and a wonderful little beach 50 paces close, gives us all the privacy we want, and is a great location for getting anywhere on the island.....when we want to. We can take long walks, wave and talk to very nice people, read, nap, swim, eat, and recharge without ever leaving the house. And the other reviews are right....the pictures don't do justice to the beauty and care that come with the house. It's the feeling of being just where you'd like to be that is the most valuable for us. We truly look forward all year to our time in this wonderful place, and the joy and comfort it provides.