Weather : We went in March and it was very windy. Apparently Feb and March is their windy season. 20-30 mph all the time which can be annoying but will make you burn in the sunshine. Believe me, I know.
Sunny most of the time but can be overcast but don't be fooled, you will be burning! The wind made going to the beach difficult and uncomfortable and most of the time the red flag was flying meaning you couldn't swim as the breakers/waves were huge.
About 25 degrees most days with a couple of days hotter but with the wind chill it felt cooler. Chilly in the evening so you will need cardigans and jumpers - especially if you've spent the day in the sun.
Overall an interesting climate, but we do have a great tan after just a week!

Holiday : Overall it was ok. Extremely relaxing. Lazing by the pool and taking advantage of the all inclusive 'free' bar and food.
There is barely anything to do outside of the resort. The hotel we stayed in provided everything you would need, many restaurants, a night club, bars and entertainment. There is a kids club/pool, tennis courts, shuffle board, darts etc. The animation team are always there to bug you to play games and things around the pool.
Overall if you are just looking to do absolutely nothing and veg out completely then this is the place for you. I'm 23 and to be honest, was becoming a bit bored after about 5 days because I just wanted to go out and do something else!

Places Recommended : The dune buggy morning was fantastic. Very professional and you get to see some great things. The island i just a huge expanse of nothingness but it great for racing around on buggys/quads.
It's much cheaper to rent them off the beach. The Thomsons hotel we stayed in offered them too us for much more expensive, and from what I can see.. it was the same people!
We did a tour of the island through the hotel. Was alright but every 2 minutes your going into a souvenir shop because i'm sure the local guide is either related to or knowsall the shop keepers! You do get to see the lives of local people thought which you wouldnt get to see otherwise. This was the only time we really left the hotel perimeter.

Recommend Santa Maria to others : Yes

Sarah Bourne went to Santa Maria on
Monday 24th March 2008 for 7 days