by CaribSurfer » Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:49 pm
You'll find "open air" villas are common throughout the Caribbean - not just on St. Martin. You'll also find that there are in fact doors and/or screens that can be used to close off the main living areas of the villas (they are usually well hidden). Also, many villas are oriented to the breezes and that helps cuts down on insects and mosquitos as do the little geckoes and anoli lizzards which you'll find crawling on the walls (Those of us who have island homes love them - they consume lots of insects).
Rain is not usually an issue as the "open areas" are usually set in such a way so the prevailling rains don't come inside the houses.
As for keeping your belonging safe most villas will have a wall safe in each beadroom where you can lock your valuables.