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Villa decision time
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
Villa decision time
We have spent months searching, as is the norm.
We have narrowed it down to:
St John Passion- we stayed there last year. It is not luxurious at all, but the floor plan will work well for us. We LOVED the view and location and they will give us a repeat renter discount
http://www.vivacations.com/site/Imagery ... fault.aspx
Surfside- We like the idea of being within walking distance to Reef Bay. One of the people travelling with us will really love this as a Newbie. The house seems smaller and the outdoor spaces, beside the pool deck, are very small.
http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/surfside/index.html
Second Wind- Same thing as Surfside. Walk to Reef and a hike to Lameshure
http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/secondwin ... dwind.html
If you had to pick from these 3, which would you pick?
We have narrowed it down to:
St John Passion- we stayed there last year. It is not luxurious at all, but the floor plan will work well for us. We LOVED the view and location and they will give us a repeat renter discount
http://www.vivacations.com/site/Imagery ... fault.aspx
Surfside- We like the idea of being within walking distance to Reef Bay. One of the people travelling with us will really love this as a Newbie. The house seems smaller and the outdoor spaces, beside the pool deck, are very small.
http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/surfside/index.html
Second Wind- Same thing as Surfside. Walk to Reef and a hike to Lameshure
http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/secondwin ... dwind.html
If you had to pick from these 3, which would you pick?
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aroobagirl
- Posts: 316
- Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2007 2:58 pm
- Location: Fairfax, VA
First off, we've stayed at STJ Passion before (and answered some questions for you when you were deciding to orginally go 
). Liked the location of the pool/hot tub, and overall the views are spectacular here.
Didn't like the picture of the location of the jacuzzi on Surfside, but that's minimal. Can't remember when you said you were going; STJP had a/c in only 2 of the bedrooms that could be an issue. Didn't like that the living room of Passion was open to the elements either-mosquitos were a pain at times.
The other two definitely appear more upscale and kitchen looks big in Second Wind if that's important. There's a pretty big price difference between STJP and the other two-especially if you're getting an even better price at Passion.
Best of luck with your choice-the villa hunt is exhausting isn't it?
). Liked the location of the pool/hot tub, and overall the views are spectacular here.Didn't like the picture of the location of the jacuzzi on Surfside, but that's minimal. Can't remember when you said you were going; STJP had a/c in only 2 of the bedrooms that could be an issue. Didn't like that the living room of Passion was open to the elements either-mosquitos were a pain at times.
The other two definitely appear more upscale and kitchen looks big in Second Wind if that's important. There's a pretty big price difference between STJP and the other two-especially if you're getting an even better price at Passion.
Best of luck with your choice-the villa hunt is exhausting isn't it?
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hawksnestbay
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- Posts: 123
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 6:22 pm
- Location: America's Hometown
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
Not sure if it matters or not, but we had friends who stayed at surfside. They liked it alot. I can't remember if there are 3 or 4 bedrooms but ONE of the bedrooms is a loft right over the main living/kitchen. Very minimal privacy. In case that's an issue.
My friends had one solo traveler so she ended up in the loft but it might be a little *awkward* for a couple.
My friends had one solo traveler so she ended up in the loft but it might be a little *awkward* for a couple.
I love looking at villas, reading about villas and thinking about whether I would stay at one when its mentioned in a trip report. For us, the key features, are: excellent views, screened in areas (in case of mosquito bloom), shaded deck area, nice pool. So here's my 2 cents.
I wouldn't stay at St John Passion, only because the living area is open air. While I love open air living, we have had big-time mosquito issues during our last 2 trips, so I will only stay at places with screened in rooms.
I wouldn't stay at Surfside because it doesn't appear to have shaded deck areas. For us, its a must to have dining table and relaxing areas in the shade. It does have lots of sliding glass doors and nice views even when you are inside. Pool looks nice.
Of the 3, I might pick Second Wind because it appears to have shady areas and its all on one level. From the few pictures, it appears there might be limited views. If there weren't good views, then it wouldn't be my top choice, plus the pool is so small. However, the thought of being able to walk to a beach in 5 minutes is really appealing, especially if you can snorkel there. I haven't read about whether the snorkeling is good at Reef Bay.
Happy Villa Hunting - its a challenge, but fun.
I wouldn't stay at St John Passion, only because the living area is open air. While I love open air living, we have had big-time mosquito issues during our last 2 trips, so I will only stay at places with screened in rooms.
I wouldn't stay at Surfside because it doesn't appear to have shaded deck areas. For us, its a must to have dining table and relaxing areas in the shade. It does have lots of sliding glass doors and nice views even when you are inside. Pool looks nice.
Of the 3, I might pick Second Wind because it appears to have shady areas and its all on one level. From the few pictures, it appears there might be limited views. If there weren't good views, then it wouldn't be my top choice, plus the pool is so small. However, the thought of being able to walk to a beach in 5 minutes is really appealing, especially if you can snorkel there. I haven't read about whether the snorkeling is good at Reef Bay.
Happy Villa Hunting - its a challenge, but fun.
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toes in the sand
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:21 pm
Second Wind and Surfside are on the same road (I believe) if Surfside is the villa I believe it is then it is closer (600ft?)to the trailhead to Parrot Beach/Reef Bay. They were building a new house next to what I believe to be Surfside when we were at Second Wind in Dec of 2007. I imagine that even on island time it is completed by now.
Second Wind kitchen is not spacious but will accomodate 2 cooks. The living area is two screened patio doors and windows. Quite comfortable. There are many shaded areas on the deck in front of each of the buildings. It is minimized in the early morning but still enough for morning coffee. The jacuzzi is against the cement wall and I found it felt confining located there. Other than that it was comfortable even with 4 adults. The pool was cool in December even though it recieved sun most of the day. (78F is my guess)
There are no steps at 2nd Wind it is all one level.
We loved the view at 2nd Wind. It is mostly water view.
I have not found a place to snorkel anywhere along Reef Bay. Entry is limited by sea urchins all along its beaches and the open water is a deal breaker for me. I am sure it can be done by a group of strong swimmers. I visit RB for the peace and quiet and views. I have watched surfers in the breaks between Parrot and Genti Beaches so it is swimable. The beaches all along Reef Bay are void of people. Except for the surfers and a few hikers at the bottom of RB trail we have never encountered anyone. Genti offers a shallow entry and a large shallow grassy area to swim.
I have hiked to the bottom of Reef Bay trail and up to the petroglyphs from Reef Bay Rd. It is a long stretch of soft sand, 2 rock scrambles and a hike from the bottom of the trail up to the water pool. I would imagine it is quite a hike to Lamshur bay. Check the tide tables to make sure you can negotiate the rock scrambles during low(er) tide. Mark the Parrot Beach trail at the beach in case you have to return at dusk. That trail gets dark quickly and the beach end is not marked. A rope is used to aid your climb back to the road. It is more difficult in fading light. Bring a flashlight.
We loved 2nd Wind when we visited with a newbie couple. They loved it too. We were considering both 2nd Wind and Surfside for our return this year but we have decided to try a different area this year. Check out my Second Wind page here http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/736cb/996/3/
and my Flickr photos here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40431836@N ... 462165042/
I have added some more 2nd Wind photos today
Second Wind kitchen is not spacious but will accomodate 2 cooks. The living area is two screened patio doors and windows. Quite comfortable. There are many shaded areas on the deck in front of each of the buildings. It is minimized in the early morning but still enough for morning coffee. The jacuzzi is against the cement wall and I found it felt confining located there. Other than that it was comfortable even with 4 adults. The pool was cool in December even though it recieved sun most of the day. (78F is my guess)
There are no steps at 2nd Wind it is all one level.
We loved the view at 2nd Wind. It is mostly water view.
I have not found a place to snorkel anywhere along Reef Bay. Entry is limited by sea urchins all along its beaches and the open water is a deal breaker for me. I am sure it can be done by a group of strong swimmers. I visit RB for the peace and quiet and views. I have watched surfers in the breaks between Parrot and Genti Beaches so it is swimable. The beaches all along Reef Bay are void of people. Except for the surfers and a few hikers at the bottom of RB trail we have never encountered anyone. Genti offers a shallow entry and a large shallow grassy area to swim.
I have hiked to the bottom of Reef Bay trail and up to the petroglyphs from Reef Bay Rd. It is a long stretch of soft sand, 2 rock scrambles and a hike from the bottom of the trail up to the water pool. I would imagine it is quite a hike to Lamshur bay. Check the tide tables to make sure you can negotiate the rock scrambles during low(er) tide. Mark the Parrot Beach trail at the beach in case you have to return at dusk. That trail gets dark quickly and the beach end is not marked. A rope is used to aid your climb back to the road. It is more difficult in fading light. Bring a flashlight.
We loved 2nd Wind when we visited with a newbie couple. They loved it too. We were considering both 2nd Wind and Surfside for our return this year but we have decided to try a different area this year. Check out my Second Wind page here http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/736cb/996/3/
and my Flickr photos here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40431836@N ... 462165042/
I have added some more 2nd Wind photos today
"got a drink in my hand and my toes in the sand"
Those all look great and you've gotten lots of good advice and pictures from past guests. One other villa that might work for you is Sea Turtle---I've always liked the look of that house. Cocolobo looks gorgeous too, but I think the lack of A/C might have been an issue. One other random comment---I think you said there are 5 in your group. There is sometimes a big price difference between the 4 person and 5-6 person rate.I was planning a trip recently and at least one villa rental agency said they would give me the 4 person rate even though there were 5 of us. Enjoy the trip planning!
---Jim