Mary's Boon Beach Plantation - St. Martin/St. Maarten

If quaintness and charm is what you're after, you won't go wrong with Mary's Boon. Located on Simpson Bay and founded 30 years ago by Mary Pomeroy, a fascinating woman pilot whose plane disappeared in the 1990s, this inn has a history, noticeable in press clippings and old photographs displayed on the walls of the reception area.

The current owners, Karla and Mark Cleveland, formerly of Houston, Texas, have updated the property, adding water sports (waterskis and waverunners), Internet access, and other amenities in keeping with the 21st century.

Still, a visit here harkens back to simpler times. It's cozy and homey. As you walk into the main building, you'll find walls lined with books, comfortable chairs and a view out through the dining room and bar, which juts out over a white sand beach. Mix yourself a drink. They use an honor system here. If it is great island food you are looking for, Pomeroy's seaside restaurant serves up breakfast and lunch all day and family style dinners at 8:00 p.m. where you are served all you can eat. Seconds are no problem!

The large studio units have kitchenettes, ceiling fans, and patios, plus air-conditioning, TV, and phones, and are furnished with antiques and four-poster beds, another down-home touch. The Clevelands have continually remodeled the rooms. In 1997, the new owners affiliated the property with the timeshare company, Interval International, and now it's available that way as well as a regular hotel.

As you enter, there's a new pool to the left with an in-pool bar surrounded by tropical gardens. The only drawback to this charming oasis is that it sits right next to the island's international airport. But luckily, plane service ends at 9 p.m., so sleep is generally not interrupted.