Happy Bay Villa is very beautiful. The gardening and landscaping are perfect, the maintenance of the house is great. The housekeeper is super friendly. It has a nice layout.
The walk to the beach part is not a real way to say it, and so I give 3 stars because not everyone can walk to the beach. My husband is very fit, but this downhill, viney and rocky path should be termed a "hike", and while it is a beautiful beach there is nothing there. So folks would want to also try and carry towels and drinks, and it is a challenge that was too big for our family to do. The other beach has a nice restaurant, but I do not either see a practical way to walk/hike there. The road is dusty, and it is very buggy in the grasses.
Also, the pool does not have a shallow end for children. But it was a bench seat down to the deeper water, so still not a shallow "swim area".
The breeze from the outer gazebo area is very pleasant, the kitchen is super well equipped, and for grownups the pool is great. And, again, a picture could be taken anywhere outside on the property as it is beautifully kept.
The Smits Family
Rotterdam, NL
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Happy Bay Villa is simply the best!Visited: September 2008
Posted by jeanjanet
We arrived in Happy Bay after long months of hard work, and were immediately restored by the exceptionnal view. We've traveled in the Caribbean renting villas in Anguilla, Tortola, St. Lucia, Antigua, etc., and Happy Bay is the best value.
Living areas were spacious and very well appointed. With a TV room (flat screen, dishnetwork and lots of DVDs and books for rainy days), a computer station and Wireless Internet, it was easy to stay in touch with family.
The rooms were all tastefully decorated with extraodinary tasteful boathrooms (lots of space in the bathtub and large travertin showers).
Also, the kitchen was fully loaded with great appliances (Bosche and Gaggeneau s'il vous plait).
The pool area was spectacular, and we have to admit we did little visiting. We just simply bathed in the great pool, sipped margaritas and sunbathed. The gazebo area was delightful, and gave us views of beautiful sunsets.
Another big plus was the massage table in the Master bedroom that came in very handy. The housekeeping lady was just a marvel.
The beach at Happy Bay was a five-minute walk down (a little more up!), and was most of the time it was totally empty!
After a couple of days, we met some people who had been in other villas in Lowlands and the Happy Bay area, and they came to visit and are trying to change their booking to Happy Bay Villa. They said that in the Happy Bay area, Happy Bay Villa was the best.
Overall, it was simply the best!
3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We were looking for relaxation, and indeed, we found it at an incredible house. It offered us everything for getting the most out of it for our relaxation. Futhermore, incredible views and an outstanding beach were close at hand.
2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
It was absolutely beautiful!Visited: December 2007
Posted by tanyak
We had such a wonderful time at Happy Bay Villa.
The villa was everything we expected - and more. They even had a pool alarm for children - which was great for our three-year-old.
It was very tastefully appointed, with great appliances (Bosch dishwasher), and a wonderfully stocked kitchen (with three chefs in our family - always a plus!!). They also had a computer monitor with Internet connection, a washer/dryer on the property, and books and a few DVDs to utilize.
Julia, our housekeeper, was there every day, and rarely did we find sand inside.
The walk down to the beach needed some attention, though. My husband and I are very fit and do a lot of hiking. However, unless you have a good pair of shoes (no flip flops) some areas are a bit slippery/rocky, especially after a rain. Plus, it was very overgrown, and needed to be cut back - but it's really no man's land so no one is responsible. The best (least overgrown) way to get down to the beach is that once on the trail, at the first two forks in the trail, take the right path.
We were so pleased with everything, and definitely plan to return! It was A+++!
7 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
We had a great time in a perfect accommodation.Visited: February 2008
Posted by soxandpats
We second the description of the apartment given by the preceeding review.
We spent a week in a secnd floor, two-room apartment with a kitchen. We had a balcony overlooking the beach next to the bedroom/living room, and a back room with another balcony overlooking a small parking area next to the street.
The apartment was very well furnished, especially the kitchen. We had a hard time leaving that balcony. It was comfortable, and the view was so excellent.
Also, the apartment was very secure, especially with the automated roll down hurricane shutter (which we were asked to close every night and when away. It was to protect the furnishings (from rain).
Beach lounge chairs were available. The beach was miles long, and had a gentle surf.
The hotel was about 1/2 mile from the main pier in a somewhat rougher neighborhood. Walking along the road back to the restaurants could be a bit intimdating, given the volume and speed of traffic. So, we often walked up the beach.
In our opinion, Grand Case is heaven, and Zuzu provides excellent accommodations. This was apartment living, not hotel living.
1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
Villa Rainbow, Grand Case (French side) traveler review
It was beautiful!Visited: February 2008
Posted by jimmiek
This was a welcoming guest house with amazing views. Online photos did not do it justice.
It was quiet and peaceful, and in a secluded and lush tropical setting. The hosts were gracious and helpful.
The rooms were large, they had a beautiful pool, and it was close to Marigot and Grand Case with their wonderful French cuisine!
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It is a very nice and convenient resort.Visited: January 2008
Posted by montauk
My wife and I stayed here five days in January 2008. We stayed in a studio with a loft that was lovely. It was up the stairs on the third floor, with a beautiful view of the water. Sunsets were magnificent!
It had a living room with a balcony overlooking the water. Also, there were a kitchen and bath on the same floor. You went up the staircase to the bedroom, which was fine - although the ceiling was low and we had to walk down the stairs to use the bathroom.
Of the two beaches available, Le Petit Plage was by far. There were lounge chairs and food and beverage service. There was a great view, with nice sand, watersports, and calm, clear water. It was quite quiet and peaceful. Also, it was nice walking along.
The other beach, Grand Case, was quite narrow with an area roped off for you to swim in.
The Sunset Cafe was fantastic! Coffee and pastry was included, or you can order a full breakfast. Also, it was very good for lunch, dinner, or a cocktail. They had good, friendly service with a great menu in a wonderful setting.
It was a very convenient walk to the center of Grand Case. We walked each night to one of the many restaurants, with one better than the other. It was a nice, easy well lit stroll back to digest our meal.
We used taxis to visit some of the other beaches, that we arranged through the front desk very efficiently. We went to Friar's, Happy Bay and Pinel which were all great and beautiful.
Overall, we enjoyed out stay here. While not luxurious, it was very nice with a great beach, Sunset Cafe, and proximity to Grand Case.
14 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This was our third time staying here, so obviously we love it!
The one-bedroom is plenty of room for the two of us. The apartment is always kept very clean. Zuzu, the owner, is the most gracious and welcoming host!
The one-bedroom loft is charming and comfortable. The kitchen has many essentials such as a coffee maker, a full size refrigerator, dishes, and utensils.
The balcony overlooking the beach and Grand Case Bay has to be our favorite spot! We enjoy breakfast overlooking the turquoise sea, "front row" seating to spectacular sunsets, and starlit nights that will dazzle!
The apartment itself is perfect for us, not to mention the terrific location, right in the heart of Grand Case along the boulevard. We can stroll nightly, reading all the menus, choosing our restaurant...it's the culinary capital of the Caribbean.
Breakfast for us always has to include the scrumptious chocolate croissants, fresh from the patisserie (bakery) just a short walk on the boulevard. Food markets are within walking distance, also.
Will we return? You bet we will! Zuzu knows to expect us around the same time each November, as it is our anniversary. It truly is our paradise on earth!
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It was absolutely wonderful.Visited: December 2007
Posted by birdeesan
This was an absolutely magnificent high-end villa! Each bedroom was private and opened to the pool deck. Every bedroom had fantastic views of the beautiful blue Caribbean and jaw-dropping sunsets.
From the moment we arrived at Petite Plage 4, we knew we were in paradise. The grounds of the villa were beautiful--the landscape was lush and tropical with lots of palm trees, seagrapes, bouganvillea, and many other beautiful shrubs and flowers. The pictures online do not do justice to the villa’s very beautiful landscape.
The kitchen was beautiful, and was fully equipped with enough to serve 50 people, I believe. There was every kind of upscale utensil, pot and pan. Also, there were plenty plates, glasses, silverware, everything.
The kitchen was just in back of the gazebo, so serving was super easy. It had two sinks, an eight-burner stove, granite countertops and stainless steel throughout. Two things not mentioned online were that there was a washer/dryer and small bathroom behind the kitchen. Also, there was a lovely half bath located alongside the villa. It was perfect when using the pool or sunning on the deck.
The bathrooms were splendid—huge with marble everywhere. The toiletries were top of the line--from L'Occitane. I loved the almond cleansing gel! Halfway through our stay, we discovered mini fridges which were tucked away in each bedroom's closet--how thoughtful!
The bedrooms were beautiful and super comfortable. Each had a large flat screen TV with satellite and a DVD player. Also, the living room had a huge projection screen TV/DVD player which I did not think we would ever use, but we used it just about every evening! It had superb picture quality and sound!
Oh, and the views from the villa were simply breathtaking! Waking up every morning to beautiful vistas of the sea was something everyone in this life should experience!
The location of the villa was perfect - another little bonus! The villa was a two-minute drive to all the magnificent restaurants and shops of Grand Case. You could walk there in less than ten minutes. The villa was also within a four-minute walk to the Grand Case Beach Club.
I could go on and on about this villa and still not describe all the wonders of Petite Plage 4. It goes without saying that I highly, highly recommend it. My only problem is that I want to go back this year, and the villa was not cheap.
Lastly, let me say, if this villa is in your budget, please rent it for your vacation. It is simply superb. We toured three other villas while in St. Martin--one beachfront like Petite Plage 4 and two hillside. Even though they were in the same price range, they did not even come close to Petite Plage 4 in any respect!
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We enjoyed this beautiful villa!Visited: June 2007
Posted by or2sxm
There were eight of us in our party, and we could not have picked a more perfect villa. We were met at the airport by a greeter, and we were escorted to the villa. He explained in detail everything we needed to know (how to lock up, use of the plantation shutters, the alarm system, TV, internet, etc.).
The villa was very secure, having the alarm system and a gate that could be latched from inside. There was also plenty of parking in front.
A pool man and gardner came once a week; and the maid, Julia, came each day (except Sunday). She completly cleaned all the rooms and changed the bedding. She was wonderful - cheerful, helpful, and thorough. The villa was spotless upon arrival, and Julia kept it that way the entire week.
The bedrooms were all nicely appointed with very comfortable beds and fine linens. All four opened up to the pool deck, and had great views of the ocean.
The kitchen was very modern with new appliances, a large refrigerator/freezer and shutters that opened up the bar to the pool deck. It was equipped with anything you would need. A large welcome basket of fresh fruit was on the table, and the refrigerator was stocked with some beer, wine, and juices, plus assorted other snacks were left for us.
The bathrooms (there was one in each bedroom, plus a half bath) were modern and spotless, with great showers. We had one minor problem. The water pressure was not good (only one person could shower at a time). After a couple of days, there was no water at all. We called the owners, and within ten minutes (literally), a plumber was at our door to change the filter to the water system, and problem solved! It was great service!
The living areas were spacious with both an indoor dining table and an outdoor table on the pool deck - where we spent most of our time.
The pool was large with an infinity edge - great for viewing Happy Bay Beach and the sea beyond. The pool area was very private.
The gazebo became our favorite gathering place, especially for the killer sunsets!
Happy Bay Beach was beautiful, quiet, and calm. It became our favorite beach. It was a bit of a hike down the path, but this 60-year- old made it several times! There were no facilities on Happy Bay, but it was a short hike over to Friars for lunch.
Grand Case for morning pastries and fabulous dinners was just a five-minute drive, and Orient Bay was only ten minutes away. It was a perfect location!
All in all, we would rent this villa again in a heartbeat. It actually exceeded our expectations. I really can't think of a bad thing to say about it.
If you are looking for a private and modern villa on St. Martin, you won't be sorry if you choose Happy Bay Villa!
17 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Chez Martine, Grand Case (French side) traveler review
I thought it was dreadful!Visited: April 2007
Posted by islandtraveler
Chez Martine is not a value.
Breakfast consisted of coffee, juice, pastry, and bread with butter and jelly. There was no cheese or meat - as indicated in other reviews. So, don't be expecting it!
Whomever cleans Chez Martine does an excellent job. It was clean. I had to keep reminding us of this in view of the bad accommodations. Everything else was pretty shabby.
The bed(s) looked, felt and sounded like they were from a flop-house. The dark bedspread was a scary thing. There was a single bed in the room as well, which we used to keep our suitcases off the floor.
The towels were stained and fraying, and there were no washcloths (thankfully, we travel with one). Also, the cracked toilet was patched up and the seat was worn. There was only one light in the bathroom lit, making it dim. The shower curtain was clean and cute.
In addition, there was no clock in the room and no phone. If you have to get up early for a flight or anything, it is difficult. The lighting was bad. It was almost impossible to read at night. Also, there was no chair in the room, just a little bench seat under the desk, but only one person could sit. I spent a lot of time standing.
There was no door latch, either. The only way to keep the door shut was to lock it with the key. There was no "turn thing" to lock it, you needed the key. If one person went "out", the other person was locked "in" (and one was either locked in or out and had to wait for the other to return as there was only one key). If you shut the door, but didn't lock it-the wind pulled it open and it crashed into the building.
Also, there was a strange green curtain, like a sheet or shower curtain-just one big piece of fabric on the window, which added to the gloom of the room.
There was an open-air, noisy bar or music place directly across the tiny street, so the loud music, shrieking laughter and voices could be heard far into the morning hours, making it impossible to sleep. Then, around 6:00 am, the street traffic picks up-so you can't "sleep in". Most cars andtrucks sounded like they were rumbling into our room!
The water was not always hot, either. The AC worked well, thankfully.
The people operating the restaurant were very helpful and pleasant. The restaurant exchanges Euros for US dollars on a one to one basis-odd the hotel zaps you the full Euro amount!
I would never suggest anyone stay here!
However, the restaurant and the pleasant accommodating folks who own it and work there are definitely worth stopping in for a drink or dinner!
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California on the Beach of Grand Case was "paradise found" for us.Visited: February 2007
Posted by j_w_newhampshire
Over a period of sixteen years, my wife, now sixteen-year-old daughter and I have stayed at a number of places on the French side, including some extravagant villas.
Our current point of view is that, given the choice, we would stay nowhere else than La California.
4 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful.
We have discovered a real jewel having vacationed for three consecutive years in the larger of two seaside apartments at la California in Grand Case.
The amenities are simple and basic-- a nice retreat for us as Americans who may have become accustomed to more. We doubt that there exists anywhere in Grand Case, possibly the entire island, the quiet charm, sense of place nor sincere concern of the hosts Zuzu and Alanwe.
A rising moon, a setting sun, a rainbow, all viewed from a spacious balcony overlooking a sandy beach washed with gentle waves coupled with the the hosts' friendliness and helpfulness make for a total experience to which we'll return again and again.
Dinners below at California are surpassed by none on Grand Case where one euro still equals one dollar.
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Happy Bay Villa was drop dead gorgeous.Visited: February 2007
Posted by knolmom
The photos were very accurate. The villa was beautiful with its minimalist decor--you could not want more from a villa on an island where the beaches are king.
The bedrooms were spacious, and the beds comfortable. The bathrooms were great. The tub in the master bath fit two (or a whole bunch of little kids). The showers were large enough for a couple.
The kitchen was well equipped, and the outdoor seating areas had upscale, comfortable furniture. The gazebo was great for viewing Happy Bay (below); Friars Bay; part of Grand Case Bay; and all of the south shore of Anguilla.
Sitting at the outdoor table, or just looking out from the doors to the deck, the view was absolutely gorgeous. We enjoyed watching sailboats and ferries passing below, swaying palm trees and rainbows most mornings, great sunsets and twinkling lights on Anguilla and Grand Case Bay at night.
We did have direct access to the trail to Happy Bay from a set of stone stairs down a paved road in the neighborhood. This route could be taken by adults in good physical shape, teenagers or kids with parents, but it was a pretty steep climb back up. Some of our party walked, while the others drove two minutes down the hill, parked the car in a grassy area, climbed over a very low (two ft) wall and walked in along a level graded concerte and grass path--about a five-minute safe walk.
The villa would work well for adults of all ages- a very romantic place. I would say this villa was handicapped accessible. It would also be great for families with children, as all but one bedroom was accessible from inside the house and two of the bedrooms could be opened as adjoining bedrooms.
There were plenty of grassy and deck areas for kids to let off steam. The pool was huge. There was a neat little TV room with a large screen TV and an adjoining computer workstation and computer. You can use a laptop almost anywhere inside and at the outdoor table on the deck.
Happy Bay Villa was about a two-minute drive from Friars Bay Beach and the Friars Bay Beach Cafe. It was less than five minutes from Grand Case, with a supermarket, a gourmet market and a grocery store that carried US brand foods.
It was about ten minutes from Orient Beach, and about a half hour from Dawn Beach and the new Westin Hotel and Casino. It was just a ten minute drive to Marigot, where you can board the ferries to both Anguilla and St. Barts.
We were a group of adults in our 50s, and have rented upscale villas throughout the Caribbean--St Thomas, St John, Turks and Caicos, Barbados and St Lucia, Tortola and Vigin Gorda.
We all agree that Happy Bay is at least one of the finest, if not the finest, villa we have rented. It is an exceptional value for the money, especially in high season.
25 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This was just what we were looking for.Visited: January 2007
Posted by markamp;amp;chrisqua
In 2006 we visited St. Martin for the first time with a brief stay at a small luxury hotel on the beach. We fell in love with St. Martin in general, and Grand Case, in particular. So, we decided to return in 2007 -- not for three days, but for three weeks.
La California provided exactly what we needed for a longer stay. The two-bedroom unit gave us lots of space so we could accommodate visits from family members.
The off street parking, the well-equipped kitchenette, the clothes washer (do you believe it?), the two full bathrooms and the king sized bed were all greatly appreciated.
And, you can’t do better for location -- you can walk to anything in Grand Case, by beach or by street. If you’re looking for exclusive luxury and fine amenities, you won’t find them here. La California is basic, but it’s clean, spacious, well equipped, affordable and well managed. ZuZu will take good care of you.
I’m betting you’ll reserve your spot for next year before you leave, as we did.
4 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
I had a fabulous time at La California this New Years. Zuzu was wonderful - arranging taxis, dinner reservations and letting us stay on when our flight home was delayed.
It was a perfect place, with the balcony overlooking the beach. also, the food was great downstairs - and elsewhere in Grand Case. We will definitely be back. Thanks again Zuzu!
3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
This is the best place to stay.Visited: December 2006
Posted by alan_wise
We stayed here for five days. Zuzu (the owner) was most helpful and accommodating. The central location allowed for walking to the best food we could wish for. Some other hotels were located on either end of the beach, and walking was not as convenient.
The resaurant below the rooms (La California) was extremely delicious and convenient. We rented a car (another must) and drove around to different beaches during the day and came back to Grand Case for dinner each night. I will be back to stay at La California again.
4 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
California on the Beach was a rip off.Visited: December 2006
Posted by sylvianel
I stayed here 12/02/06 to 12/16/06. What was once an okay value is no longer worth the aggravation.
The restaurant has been sold. Zuzu still owns the second floor apartments, but is no longer on the premises. Zuzu knew my arrival time -mid-afternoon- but I found a note she would stop by at 6:00pm. She showed up at 6:30 pm (after being called because I could not get into the apartment because one of the keys wasn't working). I had to wait one hour and a half outside, after flying since 6:00 am and getting up at 1:30 am.
I rented an apartment with a balcony on the beach. However, I could not use the balcony at all because of a construction going on one foot away from the balcony. Construction workers started hammering and drilling at 7:00 am and continued until 5:00 pm. Too bad if you want to sleep.
I had to have breakfast and lunch inside, on a filthy futon -the only seat- and a coffee table, with the balcony doors closed. When I tried to step on the balcony, the construction workers were so close that they were leaning on the balcony, whistling and insulting me for no reason. This occurred my entire two-weeks stay. I had to stop washing my clothes when I found cement on an Armani t-shirt.
I found out upon arrival that the balcony left French door lock was broken, and anybody could walk in. Zuzu told me the lock would be fixed the following Monday, then she promised it would fixed on Tuesday. Still nothing. I had to go to bed five nights with a broken balcony door lock and had to lower the storm protection panel each night. I hurt an arm badly while doing so, and had to make a trip to the pharmacy.
I woke up one Sunday to no running water. The apartments' water is coming from the restaurant below. If the restaurant water system is down, you're on your own and have to wait until after 11:00 am for the restaurant to open. Also, when the restaurant is running water, you can barely take a shower.
I was charged for an apartment with a balcony on the beach that I could not use - and this is totally dishonest. Zuzu didn't tell me about the construction when I made my reservation, even though she is aware I am a recovering cancer patient who used to come to St. Martin only for peace and quiet -That, too, is dishonest.
Those apartment are no longer worth $750.00 a week -make that $900.00 right now and $1,100.00 Christmas week.
In addition, the sea has risen. Grand Case Beach is almost gone. The sea was slamming La California's walls.
Don't make the mistake I made. I paid the two weeks' stay upon arrival. The one star I gave was because there was no half star.
I gave La California a good review in 2004 because the apartments were okay then. However, they haven't been kept up at all.
Owner's Reply
I am Zuzu the owner for 9 years and I build my reputation everyday with a lot of work and attention. My customers come every year and they feel at home so I am very sad for this review, but I don't understand all this hatred. As you see I have very good reviews before and after this one. Hope you'll trust me in the future. Also the construction is completely finished.
zuzu
6 users found this review helpful. 5 found this review unhelpful.
Our stay 
Happy Bay Villa is simply the best! 
It was two stars - don't expect more. 
It is a very nice and convenient resort. 
I thought it was dreadful! 
