Villa Rainbow – The charming guesthouse on St Martin for gay males
Villa Rainbow – The charming guesthouse on St Martin for gay males
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
St. Martin is called “the friendly island.” We have visited several times and enjoyed each and every visit.
The St. Martin Tourism Office states, “In addition to its unique cultural, ethnic, climatic and geographical characteristics, the island is one of the rare destinations where relaxation, exoticism and safety are combined. St. Martin is an overseas collectivity which is totally integrated into the French Republic.”
We asked innkeepers / owners Chris and Jean-Louis to tell us more about Villa Rainbow - the charming guesthouse on St Martin for gay males.
How would you describe Villa Rainbow in one sentence?
Villa Rainbow is a 100% on top of St Martin island (French side) with stunning views on the Caribbean sea and still close to gay and nude beaches.
How did Villa Rainbow originate?
Villa Rainbow is the result of a dream shared with my partner Jean-Louis more than 20 years ago, when we met in Paris. We wanted to, one day, open an exclusively gay male guesthouse, to allow both singles and couples to be themselves, express their love and tenderness during their holidays, in a nice, private, relaxing and quiet environment.
Chris used to work in the gay human rights field, and Jean-Louis has also been involved in the gay community, before we both embarked for a international career which would lead us to live and work in different places, then to settle in the Caribbean, after having found our 'paradise island' in St Martin, where we also found the perfect location for that dream!
Jean-Louis is still working for a bank and Chris is full time dedicated to the guests during the season, approximately from November (Thanksgiving) to April (Easter).
What can you tell us about the property at Villa Rainbow?
Short story: it is a stunning place! Really, all our guests (from 44 different countries so far!) say our website pictures are great, but the reality is even better - with the 180 degrees view on the Caribbean sea, as the house is on top of the island, and the independent rooms are facing the East, or the West, enjoying super sunsets, views on other Caribbean islands, the famous Terres Basses area, Marigot harbour, Saba island, etc.
Usually there is no sound at all, except the birds, the gentle breeze in the trees, the laughs and talks of our guests at breakfast or during our famous sunset drinks.
The property spectacular garden has been set up and developed by Jean-Louis, amateur botanist, and passionate tropical flowers lover, who put more than 500 orchids, 50 palm trees, fruit trees, rare vines and flowers, etc.
So it is a perfect place to relax, read on one of the various terraces, suntan by the pool, meet new friends, chat in the jacuzzi, enjoy the views.
Still the property is close from the beaches, 5 minutes to go to Happy Bay (our guests favourite during the week, quiet, clothing optional, with palmtrees shade) and Friars Bay, and centrally located between the East (with the very famous Orient Bay and his large nude section), and the West with the gay beach of Cupecoy, but also Baie Rouge (with clothing optional part), and Baie Longue in front of the 5 star La Samanna hotel.
What can you tell us about the amenities at Villa Rainbow?
Even if the views are spectacular, it is important to sleep well, so the first key amenity is a large quality bed in all rooms, I mean really large, extra large king size bed (2 meters by 2 meters, like 6.5 feet by 6.5 feet).
Of course, there are private bathrooms, (they were the wine cellars before!), showers, a double sink, a fridge, air conditioning, free wireless internet, art deco fixtures, original paintings, engravings, drawings, sculptures, etc.
Guests can enjoy a large mosaic pool, clothing optional of course, an infinity jacuzzi, a private massage deck, several terraces, with wireless internet as well.
For the little additional touches available, for the comfort of all, there is an ice-machine, a coffee-machine, umbrellas, coolers, gym mats, personalized maps to secret beaches, etc.
We aim to offer a very high level of service, but in a relaxed and friendly way. There is a in-room home-made comprehensive welcome book with information about all best restaurants, beaches, activities, shopping, day-tours available.
Why is St Martin such a popular vacation destination?
For me, there are 5 key reasons!
* St Martin is a tiny island shared between the Dutch and French side, with a very open minded culture as more than 100 different nationalities live and work here. Therefore definitely gay friendly, like our sister island of St Barth, and very close from the USA - 2 hours from Miami, 4 hours from NY-Washington.
* The numerous and different beaches (more than 30) are a key asset - secluded and isolated, nude and clothing optional, gay and with or without restaurants & bars, secret or more jet set minded, etc.
* It is a real 'foodies' paradise with excellent French restaurants, and the Grand Case village (5 minutes from Villa Rainbow) is also called the gastronomy capital of the Caribbean, with excellent & friendly service. Local Creole restaurants, and 'lolos' are also available, with fresh fish etc. as well as excellent Italian ones too.
* The island inspired numerous artists, painters, photographers, so there are several art galleries. Chris is also a sculptor, focusing on the male love and tenderness, in bronze, clay and stone.
* And the shopping and numerous day and night activities available (it is duty free everywhere) and you can do sailing, jet ski, horse riding, zip line, casinos, bar hopping, snorkeling, diving, hiking, visit the butterfly farm, the nature reserve, the Pinel Island snorkeling trail, the old French and Dutch forts, gay bars and gay club, etc.
Conclusion
St. Martin is a uniquely beautiful Caribbean destination. Assets like Villa Rainbow make it even more attractive for gay men seeking a sunny and luxurious Caribbean holiday.
For more information, visit http://www.villarainbow.fr/index.php?lang=EN
For more information about St Martin, visit http://www.stmartinisland.org/
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
St. Martin is called “the friendly island.” We have visited several times and enjoyed each and every visit.
The St. Martin Tourism Office states, “In addition to its unique cultural, ethnic, climatic and geographical characteristics, the island is one of the rare destinations where relaxation, exoticism and safety are combined. St. Martin is an overseas collectivity which is totally integrated into the French Republic.”
We asked innkeepers / owners Chris and Jean-Louis to tell us more about Villa Rainbow - the charming guesthouse on St Martin for gay males.
How would you describe Villa Rainbow in one sentence?
Villa Rainbow is a 100% on top of St Martin island (French side) with stunning views on the Caribbean sea and still close to gay and nude beaches.
How did Villa Rainbow originate?
Villa Rainbow is the result of a dream shared with my partner Jean-Louis more than 20 years ago, when we met in Paris. We wanted to, one day, open an exclusively gay male guesthouse, to allow both singles and couples to be themselves, express their love and tenderness during their holidays, in a nice, private, relaxing and quiet environment.
Chris used to work in the gay human rights field, and Jean-Louis has also been involved in the gay community, before we both embarked for a international career which would lead us to live and work in different places, then to settle in the Caribbean, after having found our 'paradise island' in St Martin, where we also found the perfect location for that dream!
Jean-Louis is still working for a bank and Chris is full time dedicated to the guests during the season, approximately from November (Thanksgiving) to April (Easter).
What can you tell us about the property at Villa Rainbow?
Short story: it is a stunning place! Really, all our guests (from 44 different countries so far!) say our website pictures are great, but the reality is even better - with the 180 degrees view on the Caribbean sea, as the house is on top of the island, and the independent rooms are facing the East, or the West, enjoying super sunsets, views on other Caribbean islands, the famous Terres Basses area, Marigot harbour, Saba island, etc.
Usually there is no sound at all, except the birds, the gentle breeze in the trees, the laughs and talks of our guests at breakfast or during our famous sunset drinks.
The property spectacular garden has been set up and developed by Jean-Louis, amateur botanist, and passionate tropical flowers lover, who put more than 500 orchids, 50 palm trees, fruit trees, rare vines and flowers, etc.
So it is a perfect place to relax, read on one of the various terraces, suntan by the pool, meet new friends, chat in the jacuzzi, enjoy the views.
Still the property is close from the beaches, 5 minutes to go to Happy Bay (our guests favourite during the week, quiet, clothing optional, with palmtrees shade) and Friars Bay, and centrally located between the East (with the very famous Orient Bay and his large nude section), and the West with the gay beach of Cupecoy, but also Baie Rouge (with clothing optional part), and Baie Longue in front of the 5 star La Samanna hotel.
What can you tell us about the amenities at Villa Rainbow?
Even if the views are spectacular, it is important to sleep well, so the first key amenity is a large quality bed in all rooms, I mean really large, extra large king size bed (2 meters by 2 meters, like 6.5 feet by 6.5 feet).
Of course, there are private bathrooms, (they were the wine cellars before!), showers, a double sink, a fridge, air conditioning, free wireless internet, art deco fixtures, original paintings, engravings, drawings, sculptures, etc.
Guests can enjoy a large mosaic pool, clothing optional of course, an infinity jacuzzi, a private massage deck, several terraces, with wireless internet as well.
For the little additional touches available, for the comfort of all, there is an ice-machine, a coffee-machine, umbrellas, coolers, gym mats, personalized maps to secret beaches, etc.
We aim to offer a very high level of service, but in a relaxed and friendly way. There is a in-room home-made comprehensive welcome book with information about all best restaurants, beaches, activities, shopping, day-tours available.
Why is St Martin such a popular vacation destination?
For me, there are 5 key reasons!
* St Martin is a tiny island shared between the Dutch and French side, with a very open minded culture as more than 100 different nationalities live and work here. Therefore definitely gay friendly, like our sister island of St Barth, and very close from the USA - 2 hours from Miami, 4 hours from NY-Washington.
* The numerous and different beaches (more than 30) are a key asset - secluded and isolated, nude and clothing optional, gay and with or without restaurants & bars, secret or more jet set minded, etc.
* It is a real 'foodies' paradise with excellent French restaurants, and the Grand Case village (5 minutes from Villa Rainbow) is also called the gastronomy capital of the Caribbean, with excellent & friendly service. Local Creole restaurants, and 'lolos' are also available, with fresh fish etc. as well as excellent Italian ones too.
* The island inspired numerous artists, painters, photographers, so there are several art galleries. Chris is also a sculptor, focusing on the male love and tenderness, in bronze, clay and stone.
* And the shopping and numerous day and night activities available (it is duty free everywhere) and you can do sailing, jet ski, horse riding, zip line, casinos, bar hopping, snorkeling, diving, hiking, visit the butterfly farm, the nature reserve, the Pinel Island snorkeling trail, the old French and Dutch forts, gay bars and gay club, etc.
Conclusion
St. Martin is a uniquely beautiful Caribbean destination. Assets like Villa Rainbow make it even more attractive for gay men seeking a sunny and luxurious Caribbean holiday.
For more information, visit http://www.villarainbow.fr/index.php?lang=EN
For more information about St Martin, visit http://www.stmartinisland.org/
Article by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Copyright 2017 Sunny Harbor Publishing
Sunny Harbor Publishing, PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956
Phone: 321-446-7552
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.SunnyHarborPublishing.org
(Photos provided by Villa Rainbow)
Copyright 2017 Sunny Harbor Publishing
Sunny Harbor Publishing, PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956
Phone: 321-446-7552
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.SunnyHarborPublishing.org
(Photos provided by Villa Rainbow)