La Petite Maison d'Amour Villa

by Jay and Sue Koch
(Braeside, Ontario, CANADA)

La Petite Maison d'Amour has spectacular views of the ocean

We just returned from a week's stay in Anguilla through the Christmas holiday and I must say that it was an absolutely perfect vacation thanks to Karen Greenaway and the absolutely wonderful accommodation she provides at her "Petite Maison d'Amour".

The beautiful pink and turquoise house on Elsie Bay is well known to the local people and to the travelers who have had the good fortune to stay there. But we must admit that we have mixed feelings about "exposing" this perfect gem on a public blog. We'd prefer to keep this discovery all to ourselves so we know it's available whenever we want! lol.

From the first email correspondence with Karen, we knew we were in very caring and very capable hands and that our first trip to Anguilla was going to be without complications. Karen provides advice on travel routes, she tracks your flight and has a taxi waiting at the ferry terminal for you, she stocks the fridge for your arrival and she even has your rental car waiting at the house when you get there!!!

The house itself is gorgeous and spotless, perched on the ocean with views directly to St. Martin and St. Barts. It even has its own private beach only steps away! All of the rooms have shutters and doors that open wide to let in the beautiful sunshine and the cooling trade winds.

There is nothing quite like showering in the huge glass-block shower then drying off with the breeze all while enjoying the spectacular views of the ocean through the huge open window....and not to worry, no one can see you!! Everything you'll ever need is at the house including dishes, cooking utensils, towels, beach chairs and umbrellas, even snorkeling equipment. Karen and Paul are infinitely helpful with answers to all of your questions or anything else you may need.

Karen and Paul have surrounded the house with beautifully manicured gardens and pathways and Paul's sculptures are perfect tributes to the ocean and Caribbean locale. Pam visits the house everyday to make sure everything is spotlessly clean; she treats the house and the guests with a level of care that they are her own.

La Petite Maison d'Amour provides a perfect base for a perfect vacation on Anguilla. We traveled the island from end to end with our rental car, exploring many of the most beautiful beaches you will ever see....and most are practically deserted even at high season.

Our dining options were almost endless; from cozy beach bars to world-renowned 5 star restaurants. It was truly the best food we have ever had while traveling!

We shopped in unique and quirky clothing stores as well as galleries displaying beautifully-crafted local works of art. We enjoyed culinary decadence in our best-ever New Year's dinner on the beach at Barrel Stay Restaurant (Thanks Jill and Graham!)and we spent quiet, undisturbed hours reading and relaxing on the private beach adjacent to the Petite Maison.

It may sound a bit too-good-to-be-true, but honestly, we didn't have a single negative feeling or experience during our visit to Anguilla. We know we've been "ruined" for all other Caribbean destinations by Anguilla's quiet charm, pristine beaches, unhurried atmosphere and friendly residents.

We're already planning our return and looking forward to that indescribable feeling of having all of life's worries and stresses simply disappear as we feel the powdery white sand beneath our feet.