My intro...

[RickG]

Good luck!

Cheers, RickG

[nothintolose]

Keep her on her toes...maybe it's the Cruzan Voodoo Juice I've been drinking talking, but I like the JVD idea as Jost will always be ya'll's special place for so many reasons.

Scubagirl - I LOVE your story!

[patr]

Welcome to the forum family, nomorelurking, your sweetie sounds like a lucky lady, happy planning!

[onthelake]

Welcome!

I think early in your trip is best, so you can both relax and enjoy the 'engagement trip' Good Luck !

[nomorelurking]

Thanks to everyone for their welcomes and advice!

Another question, can you get a bottle of Dom Perignon or Vueve Clicquot at Starfish?

And I need to familiarize myself with the search function, but the next item is a nice restaurant.

I am also curious as to differences on island between December and May. I have never gone during high season. Should I expect more crowds even though its the week before XMas?

Thanks as always!

[Nancy_B]

Welcome to the forum! You can get both Dom and Veuve on island at Starfish.

I like ZoZo's or Asolare as a nice restaurant. Both have beautiful views (sunset is always a great pick) and wonderful food. La Tapa has excellent food but the atmosphere doesn't compare to the other two. Good luck with the proposal!

[nothintolose]

I think the most "romantic" meal I have ever had on STJ was a window seat at Chateau Bordeaux. We got there before sunset so we could look at Coral Bay before and after sunset. It doesn't set there, but it's nice to see it both ways.

At LaTapa you can feel like you have it to yourself inside in a corner (their food is our favorite).

I don't find the bigger restaurants to be as romantic. Too noisy in my opinion.

The other thing that you could consider is going to the beach or town for a drink and letting one of the catering places come in and have your villa all romantic and have a meal cooked for just the two of you and propose to her alone in your villa with your gorgeous view.

Okay, I am gonna puke, I am so not a romantic! It's not the voodoo juice either Seriously though, it is something to consider.

[nomorelurking]

Nothin, I like the catering idea. Unfortunately, we are only on STJ for three nights, so I am considering just renting one of Cruz Views or Suite Dreams for a few nights due to its proximity to CB. Perhaps I should consider Coral Bay for the exact opposite reason, more peaceful and romantic.

Do any of the 'nicer' villas rent just daily?

[Nancy_B]

Pia recommended Sailview in Coral Bay. I've stayed at Cruz Views. We like Unit #7 or #10 as both are remodelled and are very nice. CV is next to Sirenusa so there could be noise but we didn't have a problem last February. I don't know of any villas that rent daily but maybe, if there is one un-rented they'll go for it.

[chicagoans]

Welcome and congrats!

I love the thought of a vacation proposal (as long as it's near the start of the trip!) My DH proposed on a trip to California while we were in Carmel. It was very romantic, but he waited a couple days and I couldn't figure out why he was being so anal about the whereabouts of his camera bag -- he wouldn't let it out of his sight. Turns out the ring was in there, and not insured yet. It was a bit big on my finger, so the uninsured thing kind of freaked me out too and I would put it in the box in my fanny pack when we did things like kayaking. I guess that's a long way of saying, get that ring insured before your trip!

It was so fun to be engaged for the rest of the trip -- it made everything even more romantic.

Have fun!

[nothintolose]

Cruz Views has a 5 night minimum as far as I can remember. Hillcrest Guest House doesn't have a minimum nights stay. I once again also recommend Estate Lindholm (which is right next to Asolare).

I looked at Sailview when looking for somewhere this summer, and it is GORGEOUS but they have a minimum nights stay as well (just can't remember what it is).

Finding places in peak season for less than a week may be harder. Good luck and let us know what you decide!

[Nancy_B]

CV does have a 5 night minimum unless you pay a $100 cleaing fee (which we do since their rates are low). Estate Lindholm looks wonderful! I think it's a great recommendation - it looks much more romantic than CVs. Good luck!

[mahojim]

Congrats, and welcome!
JVD could just be the place! How about a sunset sail to celebrate?
Regardless of which avenue you'll take, it's going to knock her socks off!
Good luck, and-
Smiles!
Jimmy
P.S.-
Seanile-
groovy ticker!

[nomorelurking]

Sailview does look really nice and secluded, and its CHEAP! Three night minimum, which works fine. I have no issues driving on the island, but is that a rough drive from Cruz Bay in the evening? While I like the seclusion, I also like the 'bustling' activity in CB.

Estate Lindholm looks really nice, but its over double the cost. The ring set me back just a bit .

Leaning toward Sailview or Suite Dreams. SD is right up the road from CB and is moderately priced. Stayed there before, and I would recommend it...

Thanks gang!

[nothintolose]

We make the drive between Cruz Bay and Coral Bay at night frequently as we sometimes prefer to eat our dinners in Coral Bay where it's more laid back to us.

Also, if you are in staying in Coral Bay, definitely consider Chateau Bordeaux for a meal. It won't be such a drive for you. That is the place SO and I go on our own each trip for our "romantic" meal.