Les Saintes are beautiful and quiet. We stayed at the Bois Jolie after a poor choice on the web that was filthy and over priced at the other end of the island.

La Bois Jolie has cabins, and an old hotel that reminded me of camp. The rooms were clean and inexpensive, and we had to climb the hilly path up each evening after the wonderful food. There is a pool, one of the best on the island, and cafe food at a reasonable price. We would arrive each morning, camp ourselves at a table and watch the boats sail in and out, not big cruisers, just small stuff anchored nearby. The hotel did offer a restaurant, but we never ate there. My parents did, and enjoyed it since they didn't have to travel by scooter or walk to get there.

We rented scooters and would go scuba diving in the mornings or go shopping. Evening meals are the entertainment. There is no rush here. You make a reservation and there is a single seating each night. So dinner is not rushed. If all the tables are taken, they don't take additional reservations. Arrive to have a drink, and relax from the day. We would all discuss what we had done or seen, the kids often got antsy the first few nights, but then became accustomed to the relaxed way of life. Drinks are followed by ordering your meal, which is prepared to order so it takes time. Again, there is no rush. Then after a few hours, you wander home to bed.

There is no enjoyable television programming, so we found we slept soundly and awoke early with plenty of energy to explore the beaches. Most places are closed by 10pm except bars.

La Bois Jolie is at the far end of the island, so you pass all the shops each night heading back. Scooters were the best mode since we put 2 per and the kids loved it.

We did not make any meals, although our first hotel was equipped with a kitchen. Make sure you get pictures before booking anywhere. And although we found a single English speaker at the hotel Bois Jolie, knowing French, even minimal, will help you greatly. Our kids managed to learn 'glace s'il vous plait' which means ice cream please.

By the way, if you want a hoppin holiday, then I recommend somewhere else since this island, although beautiful and enjoyable, is quite small.

We also ate at the Auberge Les Petits Saintes and found it poorly serviced, pretentious and overpriced. But we did get a peek at their accomodations which were really nice, albeit it cramped for the price. Their pool, is just off the porch of the restaurant, so you get some noise. The restaurant is like sitting in a furniture store.

A fantastic place to go for dinner is the Saladarie. This food was the best we sampled in our 19 day trip here and on Marie Galante. And family life is expected and accepted almost anywhere, unlike the states, children are brought out for meals, which made it even better for us!!

Bon Voyage!