It has come to this... Villa help

sasky · Post by **sasky** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 10:46 am

Okay, I didn't want to have to do this, but after hours and hours or research I am asking for all of your help and expertise. I have searched the forum, but most of the villa suggestions are for families or bigger groups. My husband and I are planning a semi-last minute trip to STJ for 5/23-5/30

We're being a little more budget conscious with this trip, but we also have certain things we don't want to give up in a villa. Here are our needs:

- VIEW
- Pool (nothing fancy, just something to cool off)
- Privacy
- Nice outdoor living space with a grill
- $2,000 or under for the week

Are we being unrealistic?

We're pretty flexible on location. We've only ever stayed in the Cruz Bay area (Perelandra... loved it, but it's not available). We were thinking of maybe trying the other side of the island, but I'm afraid I might miss the sunsets! A sunrise might be a nice change though... decisions, decisions.

Villas we are considering:
- Banana Cabana (but the view doesn't look the best)
- Papaya Moon
- Fish Beach (new, not much info on it)
- Seascape

Among a whole slew of others on my spreadsheet. Help? Suggestions?

I need a cocktail...

bevm · Post by **bevm** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:21 pm

St. John Livin' (1 bedroom with pool and hot tub), Island Dreams (1 bedroom with pool), or Pink Horses (2 bedrooms with pool). All in Coral Bay and share a driveway. Great views and breezes. May be a bit more than you're willing to spend though..

BillnSue · Post by **BillnSue** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:44 pm

We've stayed at Seascape twice. It's private, has a great pool and view. Plus a sweet neighbor cat that comes for happy hour everyday, we named her Puss Puss. The only small negative the funiture cushions needed to be updated and may have been. since our last visit last March. Otherwise, it's a great place and we plan on staying there again. Another place to check out is Perelandra. Since the construction has quieted at SirenUSA it is a very nice villa. Pool is a little small but the house is updated and cute. Good Luck!

STX lady · Post by **STX lady** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:45 pm

I don't get it!! We rented in STX for a month before we bought our condo. Our monthly rent was $1500. 2bdr/2bath, gallery, Caribbean view, gardens & lagoon, beach, pool, tennis & basketball courts, shuffle board, restaurant & bar on-site. Also walk to Christiansted along the beach in about 20 mins.

djmom · Post by **djmom** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 6:45 pm

I don't know anything about those villas, but I would recommend since it is so close to the date you are going that many many villa owners would be very flexible with you.

I would recommend picking a few that are not rented that are within $500-750 or so of your price range and emailing either a large company or going to a "by owner" site (where you will find the same villas) and tell them your budget.

We did that for this summer and were very pleasantly surprised.

In our case we got a better response directly from the owners, although some companies did say they will drop prices closer to the date.

Pete (Mr. Marcia) · Post by **Pete (Mr. Marcia)** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 6:52 pm

Daffodil? It's a tad bit more, but it is a nice villa with a great view. We've stayed there three times.

http://www.islandgetawaysinc.com/daffoldilvilla.html

papabou · Post by **papabou** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:56 pm

nautilus handled by private homes is a great place for a family or a couple. on maria bluff (cliff side). well equipped and supplied and nice folks handle rentals. 2 problems, available beginning 5/24 and cliff side hot tub no pool. when we've stayed at a villa with hot tub (we don't use, we had manager turn off and used ht as a dip pool.

see at http://www.privatehomesvi.com/

papabou

Knolmom · Post by **Knolmom** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 8:22 pm

You might take a look at Altamira, Soft Winds and Tesseract at Privatehomesvi.com also. They are within your price range and all have pretty convenient locations.
Why dont you look at Island Time at caribbeanvillas.com. New pool and great view.

cruiserkcs · Post by **cruiserkcs** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 11:03 pm

Take a look at Morgan Point through Carefree Getaways. Full house a/c, pool, hot tub, grill - looks like it is available that week & under your price range.

wonderlost · Post by **wonderlost** » Sun Apr 12, 2009 9:15 am

Starlit Escape is available and would be just $1000 for a week for 2 guests (running a $400 off summer special). View of the water only from the "happy hour tower" but cant beat the amenities and comfort anywhere else. BIG decks, huge grill, nice pool deck with full sun and great gardens. www.starlitescape.com

sasky · Post by **sasky** » Sun Apr 12, 2009 9:45 am

Thank you for all the suggestions, guys.

We are booked for our 3rd trip to the island in as many years.

EEEE!!!

May 25-31. We ended up going with a villa right near Salt Pond called Beas Maison:
http://www.vrbo.com/20585

The owner has been great to work with so far. I'll be sure to post a review when we return.

lily · Post by **lily** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 5:11 pm

Have a great time! Thought about Beas Maison too, but my husband thought it might be too isolated. The owner sent extra pictures to us and the views look awesome! Pool looks much better than the former jacuzzi. Can't wait to see your trip report.

BN38 · Post by **BN38** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:56 pm

http://www.vrbo.com/176987#photos

I caught this one on vrbo and they are boasting a "stimulus package" price. Nice place on Choco Hole with large pool and less than 2,000.

usvi-on-line