Maca Bana is perfection! This small luxury hotel is perched on a hillside overlooking the Caribbean. My lovely villa had one of the most spectacular views I’ve ever encountered in my nearly 60 years of world travels. My villa also had its own outdoor jacuzzi, huge deck, and full kitchen. Joanne, the concierge, and Uli, the owner, are terrific! They are veterans of the island and have all the resources one needs. The Aquarium Restaurant just at the foot of the resort’s hillside villas and the outside seaside bar are also owned by Uli and are a huge amenity of the resort. Great food, two large bars with extensive wine cellar, and full staff are available daily (except Mondays), and fantastic live music is presented on designated days. The beach (Magazine Beach) is one of the most gorgeous and pristine on the planet, and the swimming is sublime. Maca Bana has the huge advantage of being off the beaten path of tourist-laden Grande Anse, but is still very close and convenient to all points on the southern side of the island. What a fantastic place! I can’t wait to come back!

Boutique hotels are so hit or miss, but this was clearly a hit. Nickson went out of his way to make certain our family was taken care of by having Ricky, the taxi driver, take us wherever we wanted with a cell phone to contact him, fresh fruit and food upon arrival, and they even found a way to get us a tour guide at the last minute when Island Routes cancelled our tour less than 12 hours before. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Maybe not for people who want a full service hotel, but great alternative for people who like renting a villa but having a bit of support. Great location close to the airport on a beautiful nearly empty beach. Very good restaurant in Aquarium adjacent (same owner). Nicely updated and maintained cottage-villas. Clustered together but positioned so they feel private. Private hot tub and almost always empty pool were nice to have. However, the people make the difference - Joanne, Nixon and the diligent, friendly cleaning staff made all the difference. With the small number of guests, you feel like they get to know your family quickly and want to help in more ways than just making sure you have towels. In short, if you like to make your own breakfast, be out and about for lunch and go to different nice restaurants for dinner, this is a fantastic option. If you need all inclusive 3 meals, then this is not for you.

PS unless you are in poor health or elderly, ignore the comments about the walk to the beach. it's a little steep but literally about under a minute. our two year old did it no problem.