Help, I MUST return!

Travel discussion for St. John
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caribemom
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Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2007 9:53 am
Location: Michigan

Help, I MUST return!

Post by caribemom »

Hi everyone!
You were all enormously helpful last fall when I planned a big anniversary trip for 8. We stayed at Argonauta and it was just fab-u-lous! However, since I was organizer of a bunch of newbies and was a newbie myself, I didn't really relax until the fifth day of the seven. :( :!: I realllllly want to find a way just the hubby and I to return next year. Now, the husband likes STJ, but he doesn't "get it" like I do. So, to talk him into returning, I will have find an inexpensive place and plan to cook most days. I am looking for a place that is clean, has a relaxing covered deck with a nice view, and a pool or spa available for under $1200 off season. We might spend lots of time just limin' on the deck, so we couldn't deal with jackhammers next door. In town, I was looking at Casa Blanca, Coconut Coast, Serendip and Cruz Views, etc... If I spend my whole vacation just sitting on the deck, which place would be the closest to those criteria? Or would I have better luck in Coral Bay?
jimg20
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Location: Fayetteville, AR

Post by jimg20 »

We spent our first week-long trip at Luna Vista near Coral Bay last year. Several Forumites recommended it to us. We were spoiled. We are going back next June for 9 days. LV sounds like what you are looking for except for one thing. You said you were interested in a pool or spa. The have a small pool, but it is not as spectacular as some we've seen. Check out their web site http://www.mylunavista.com/ and see what you think.

JIM
Man it's like some dream we live down here....

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sailorgirl
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Post by sailorgirl »

jimg20 wrote:We spent our first week-long trip at Luna Vista near Coral Bay last year. Several Forumites recommended it to us. We were spoiled. We are going back next June for 9 days. LV sounds like what you are looking for except for one thing. You said you were interested in a pool or spa. The have a small pool, but it is not as spectacular as some we've seen. Check out their web site http://www.mylunavista.com/ and see what you think.

JIM
Does LV have AC?
elisa_nj
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Location: Joisy Shore, NJ

Post by elisa_nj »

There website says AC in the bedrooms: http://www.mylunavista.com/amenities.html

(I was just nosey and looked at their website)
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caribemom
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Location: Michigan

Post by caribemom »

Thanks Jim,
Yes, I have looked at the website for LV, and read several reviews and it is definitely a possibility. The pool looks great - we just like to soak a bit to cool off. But, I am confused by the view pictures - the first picture of the view on the home page looks lovely, but the additional pictures look like there isn't much of a view of the water at all. Can you clarify what the view would be like? Thanks Caribemom
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Teresa_Rae
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Location: Downstate IL

Post by Teresa_Rae »

We stayed at Casa Blanca in 2005. It was somewhat rundown but it did the job. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Blue Aweigh is slightly over your budget but practically brand new when we stayed there in 2007. It's a nice place.
Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.
- Mark Twain
jimg20
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Location: Fayetteville, AR

Post by jimg20 »

I am not as skilled at posting photos as I should be. :( Because of that, I suggest you look at our reports from the end of May. The title you should search is The View from Luna Vista. I posted some view shots there.

Yes the BR's are A/C'ed. Bruce told us that no one has ever used it. I know that since then Cypressgirl said she did. I guess she's a lot hotter than we knew. :wink:

The pool would be a good place to cool off and watch the supper on the gas grill. Both are just outside the kitchen window.

Note to self: Elisa_NJ is nosey. Good information to know. :lol:

JIM
Man it's like some dream we live down here....

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caribemom
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Location: Michigan

Post by caribemom »

Ah, the pictures do help, thanks Jim. And thanks for the suggestion Teresa. Blue Aweigh looks awesome too.
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toni
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Post by toni »

I just got back from Casa Blanca and posted a review (haven't done my trip report yet though!)

You mentioned cooking-CB doesn't have an oven (surprised me!) though it has a decent bbq grill, microwave, stove, light on some kitchen items.

Pool area has some cover w/table chairs/umbrella. Nice pool area -not big, but decent for splashing around.

Pretty sweet view for the price, especially with the crow's nest.

Feel free to email me if you need pictures. Good luck in your selection!
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nothintolose
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Post by nothintolose »

All I want to say is that you were spoiled at Argonauta (O: We LOVE that villa!!!! We will be looking for others in the future too, but we loved that location!

Are they finished the villa next door yet?
"Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die" - Dave Matthews Band
caribemom
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Location: Michigan

Post by caribemom »

Oh yes, I know we were completely spoiled at Argonauta! The views were spectacular and the villa itself so relaxing and comfortable. I wish the group of us was as obsessed as I am, because I would go back there in a hearbeat!
No the villa next door is still not finished. It seems that it is being finished on island time! :) We saw pickups from the workers and heard a saw going and hammering a few days, but it wasn't constant and it wasn't loud.
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cypressgirl
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Post by cypressgirl »

I have had the luxury of staying at both Argonauta and Luna Vista. I have to say, the views from Argonauta are going to be hard to beat and Luna Vista, while a great villa, has a lot of island between you and the water. But the views from LV are wonderful, just different. Of course for the price difference, you would not feel you are giving up anything to stay at LV. In fact, LV has a better entertainment set up (if that matters). We were there in late summer and it was not very breezy and we had the ac cranking in both bedrooms and I found a floor fan in the owners storage closet that we used in the kitchen. I can't imagine a better villa for the price.

Yeah Jim, I'm a hottie. :lol:
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