This was our first time to st Martin and first time using VRBO, we were a bit nervous but our hosts met us promptly at the property. Jean Yves and Mari Laure were amazing hosts! We arrived on Christmas Day after all the stores closed and Jean even gave us a few beers since it we couldn’t buy any, The apartment is exactly as pictured, super idealic! The pool was great although we didn’t use it as much as we though as we were too busy visiting all the nearby beaches. Although a store and a few great restaurants are within walking distance, a rental car is a must, we visited a different beach every day. The apartment has everything you could need to cook, the only thing missing was a measuring cup and spatula. As others have said, the beach isn’t super swimmable but we did swim a few times. Also as others have said, there is quite a bit of glass and broken dish-ware in the sand, but it’s all old and worn down, not sharp, and we had no concerns walking barefoot. we just loved hanging out on the patio listening and watching the ocean, it was so relaxing and you just can’t beat the view and proximity to the water! we can’t wait to come back!