Planning trip for 40th birthday next Spring

[kristen1206]

Hi everyone. I recognize some names from TripAdvisor and from when I posted on here a while back for my first trip to St. John. My friend and I are both turning 40 next year and we have decided on St. John as our destination. Just bringing hubbies, no kids. We are looking at late May/early June.

My favorite islands are St. John, Anguilla and Turks & Caicos. I have a 5 year old daughter who is already a seasoned traveler. We just returned from a vacation to St. Martin with a day trip to Anguilla. Though SXM is not of my fave islands, we did stay in a gorgeous villa!

Deciding between a condo at Grande Bay - for the sunset views and proximity to Cruz Bay. Other option is Villa Apito on Mamey Peak. Gets great reviews but I understand it is quite small and no sunset views. Vicki_h recommended two great villas..but one is out of budget and other has no pool which my friend really wants. Opinions welcome!

[kristen1206]

I got cut off before I could finish everything I wanted to say!:) The gorgeous villa is Island Stones but unless we find 4 other couples to go...it's too much $$. And Sunnyledge looks great..especially the views! But no pool. It's funny because I never set foot in a pool in the caribbean before until we had our own private pool at the SXM villa. But the Cariibean sea is much nice than any pool, IMO.

Last time we stayed at the Westin because we got some deal. It was fine, but definitely don't want to stay there again.

Our favorite spots on the island are Salomon, Maho, The Balcony (for drinks and sunset) and Rhumblines. We also loved Crazy Crackers. Due to sea conditions we didn't get to do the day trip to Jost but we will definitely be doing that this time. Just deciding between new Horizons II and ferry.

[Diana2]

The end of May and June are open on Casa Bueno http://www.vrbo.com/251116#inquireForm. This is a great villa on Bordeaux Mtn. Very convienent to the Northshore beaches. The pool is heated and the villas is gorgeous. No sunset view but the down-island view is stunningly beautiful.

[kristen1206]

Hi Diana! I have this one bookmarked as well. Love that the pool is heated. So many choices.

[Gromit]

If you don't mind staying in Coral Bay-- we LOVED Mayan Sky. Affordable and lovely.

Nearer to Cruz BAy-- I thought Splendore was pretty nice. Equal master BR's.

Chocolate Hole area has lots of options.

[loria]

have you looked at bo atabey? it is in coral bay (so not so close to town --but it is lovely--

[waterguy]

what is the price range you want to stay in and is there any thing other then a pool and sunset views you need

[kristen1206]

Both of our options now are around $350/night so I really don't want to go over $400. I know that eliminates many.

We reall want a great view (doesn't even have to be sunset), pool and nice outdoor living space. I would like ot to be clean, comfortable and nicely decorated.

[BuffaloGal]

Check out Villa Belvedere at destinationstjohn.com. Nice pool, hot tub, great balcony, and all out on the edge of Maria Bluff where sunset views are spectacular. It looks to be in your price range. We like to try different places, but we're headed back there this fall, because the view is so special. We enjoyed the sunset from the pool every evening and once looked down to see dolphins playing in the water below! The villa is a little older, but it's been nicely maintained and updated.

[kristen1206]

I sent them an email..thanks!

[AnyTing]

Welcome, Kristen! The folks on this forum are great. They'll take good care of you.

[kristen1206]

Thanks Vicki!

[augie]

This is only *slightly* more than your top end, but I see that Reef Madness is available for all of late May/early June next year.

I can personally vouch that it meets all of your requirements!

[kristen1206]

Reef Madness looks great and I would definitely stay there but we don't want to be quite so far out as Coral Bay.

[17th Hole]

Reef Madness looks great and I would definitely stay there but we don't want to be quite so far out as Coral Bay.

Don't be afraid of staying in Coral Bay. The island is so small, it really won't be an issue. Coral Bay has it's charms and some great restaurants and bars. Although, Coral Bay is "far out" in a different sense.