Help picking between Cloud 9, Windchime, Fun & Contentme

Clemson_Brian · Post by **Clemson_Brian** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 9:47 am

Howdy all. This is my first post but Ive been lurking around for a while. The forum is great but definitly fuels the fire to want to return to St John as soon as possible.

That being said, the wife and I are planning our first return trip to St John in August. We visited back in 2005, stayed at a great little villa called Beyond the Sea, and fell in love with the island. We decided last night now is time to go back.

I have read the reviews on Cloud 9, Windchime and Fun & Contentment and they all seem great. We just cant seem to put together a pros/cons list on them to pick the best one for us.

We are looking for some privacy, AC in the bedrooms, a good view, and a pool. Also (not to offend anyone) we want to make sure we are somewhere we can safely drive to after having a few drinks. It will just be us. We spent the last trip staying on the beaten path so we are looking forward to exploring the island a bit more on this trip.

Anyone have any input that can help us decide between the 3 villas? Thank you in advance.

mbw1024 · Post by **mbw1024** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 9:52 am

have not stayed at any of these but I have Cloud 9 on a very short list for our 2 week stay next time. I have stayed at Villa Capiz which is also in the Gifft Hill area and I LOVE that view from there. Also, the price at Cloud 9 is very attractive.

Snorkel Queen is at Cloud 9 now I believe, for her 3rd visit.

Welcome out of lurkdom!

aroobagirl · Post by **aroobagirl** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:04 am

Having stayed at Cloud9 I can say it meets all of your criteria. Only concern is that I'm not sure I would want to drive up to Gifft Hill if I'd had a few.

mbw1024 · Post by **mbw1024** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:06 am

aroobagirl wrote:Having stayed at Cloud9 I can say it meets all of your criteria. Only concern is that I'm not sure I would want to drive up to Gifft Hill if I'd had a few.

it's a much easier drive from Centerline.

Nic in KC · Post by **Nic in KC** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:09 am

We also stayed at Villa Capiz, next to Cloud Nine and thought the view was amazing! I've looked at Cloud Nine and will likely stay there some day. I have to say that we rented Sundance from that villa management company and they were my favorite company to work with so far. Their villas are basic, clean and everything worked great.

The drive back up Gift Hill isn't the easiest on island, but the views driving down are amazing!! You get used to the drive quickly (it was our first villa stay), but if you are feeling a little tipsy, I'd take Centerline and call it good! Be careful and have fun!

pipanale · Post by **pipanale** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:10 am

If anyone can weigh in on Windchime, I'd appreciate it. I'm looking at it for next summer. Gifft Hill road, though, scares me. I had a bad trip up it once where my jeep started sliding backwards...

mbw1024 · Post by **mbw1024** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:16 am

I just looked at Wind Chime and I see that the view is not the typical GH view if that matters to you. I believe it overlooks Reef Bay as opposed to Great Cruz bay which is what Villa Capiz overlooks.

Jo Ann - VA · Post by **Jo Ann - VA** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 11:23 am

This is my 2 cents:

We stayed at Cruz Views in 07, Cloud 9 in 08 and Palm Hill this year.

These are three totally different villas and areas with basically the same view. They all have their pluses and minuses.

Cruz Views (Cruz Bay)- Unit 7 - View was good but I really like having a villa. The ac sucked but has since been replaced and I hear it's good now. I like having my own pool instead of sharing with others. Good sunsets.

Cloud 9 (Gift Hill)- The view was good but after staying closer to the water this year I found that I like it better. The ac in the bedroom we were in didn't cool it as cold as I would have liked. The villa is a little older but it is still nice. Great place to eat outside in the shade. Clothing optional pool if you don't walk naked out towards the edge of the deck. Good breezes.

Palm Hill Villa (Maria Bluff/Great Cruz Bay) - The view was awesome towards STT. Sunsets great. AC good in bedrooms. Liked being closer to the water. The great room was rather warm in the afternoons. Great pool and grear place to eat outside with ceiling fans. Not a lot of breeze. Newer villa. Everything was top notch.

Hope this helps and doesn't confuse you more!

TheAlpes · Post by **TheAlpes** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 1:39 pm

We stayed at Windchime last year.
We thought the villa was great.
AC in the bedrooms not in the common area of the house.
The Views were good, but we liked the views over coral bay at Palladio's View better.
The drive was not that bad, it is closer to the top of Gift Hill and easy to get to from center line.
Privacy was never an issue, there is one house between it and GH road.

The Alpes

papabou · Post by **papabou** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 2:53 pm

hi neighbor,

just posted somr info on cloud 9 on the "gift hill villas" thread. also if you enjoyed beyond the sea, you'll enjoy nautilus which is next door. stt light and sunset views are not as dramtic as cloud 9, but as you know, maria bluff is an easy drive to town and nautilus is almost luxury villa with a super master, great rates, just no pool and too many iguanas for the bride.

papabou

RickG · Post by **RickG** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 3:06 pm

pipanale wrote:If anyone can weigh in on Windchime, I'd appreciate it. I'm looking at it for next summer. Gifft Hill road, though, scares me. I had a bad trip up it once where my jeep started sliding backwards...

You won't like it. They don't have bugs and the a/c is too quiet. You should take a look at Blue Skies, I here they have great water pressure.

Cheers, RickG

msgcolleen · Post by **msgcolleen** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:06 pm

We stayed at Cloud 9 a few Augusts ago and really enjoyed the sunset views. I wouldn't drive it after a night on the town, but loved grillin' & chillin on the covered deck. Nice hot tub for 2 and quick splash in the pool.
I have heard that Fun & Contentment has a killer steep driveway, and along with Windchime you won't see the sunset or twinkling lights of St. Thomas.

Good luck & happy hunting

TanManSam · Post by **TanManSam** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:38 pm

I am replying to you from WindChime Villa. We check out tomorrow morning.

Re your initial inquiries:

-Privacy is great.
-AC in all three bedrooms. Not in the main room but, in all honesty, it is not needed. You are high up Gift Hill and there is a near constant breeze.
-It is a three-bedroom place, so maybe more than you need for a couple.

Other:

-The pool is larger than any other villa in this price range (IMHO).
-Nice hot tub.
-The drive here: You have your choice of two ways to get here from Cruz Bay.
1. You can take the south shore road past the Weston, and turn left on Route 104 (Gift Hill Road). GH Road is very steep in this part, with three hairpin turns. I put the Jeep into 4wd for this section, and I would not attempt it with a few pops in me.
2. Take Route 10 (Centerline Road), and turn right on Gift Hill Road. This one I've done in a relaxed state, if you get my drift.
It's a short drive from town, in either case.
-The driveway back to the villa -- about 70 yards -- is very rough, but level.

Feel free to PM me with specific questions.

Clemson_Brian · Post by **Clemson_Brian** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:49 pm

Thanks for all the input. We have decided to go with Wind chime. In fact, we just booked the flight and put the deposit check in the mail.

This forum is fantastic

pipanale · Post by **pipanale** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 9:48 am

RickG wrote:You won't like it. They don't have bugs and the a/c is too quiet. You should take a look at Blue Skies, I here they have great water pressure.

Cheers, RickG

Now...that's just mean.

Funny...yes...mean...yes.

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Help picking between Cloud 9, Windchime, Fun & Contentme

Help picking between Cloud 9, Windchime, Fun & Contentme