Hevea - St. Martin/St. Maarten

If an authentic Caribbean vacation is what you're seeking, a stay at Hevea might just be the ticket. This intimate, colonial-style mansion-turned-inn in the quaint village of Grand Case has just eight accommodations: 2 rooms, 3 studios and 3 suites. Five of the units are air-conditioned, leaving three for those who prefer the gentle ocean breezes - the beach is across the street - helped along by ceiling fans. All of the rooms are pleasantly decorated with Caribbean furniture, including beds that are draped with sheer mosquito nets and colorful wall batiks.

Breakfast is served on the terrace or in the small Creole salon. Only a few customers per night can dine at Hevea's small and formal, yet friendly, dining room. The size of the dining room ensures consistently good French/Creole cooking. The owners, who hail from Nice, use only the freshest ingredients and believe that simplicity is key.