we've done both....and liked them both! Each side has a very different feel....depends on if you like to see the sunsets or sunrises.....busier or slower....etc
I'm a sunset girl and hubby likes to wander around town (I think he really just likes the Woody's to go window), so we're usually near town, but we drive over to Coral Bay as much as we can! So we love both for different reasons. Would like to stay in Catherineberg sometime so we're a little closer to Coral Bay. Plus the view from there is amazing!
Man anywhere on St John is good as far as I'm concerned I voted for Cruz just cause the closest we've stayed to Coral is Ajax Peak. I'd sleep under a seagrape tree anywhere on on island if the wife would let me
I like to avoid the crowds and split the difference by staying in the Bordeaux Mtn/Mamey Peak area. Easy drive to either and quiet and peaceful but close to the beaches. If I had to pick either or, Coral Bay gets my vote.
Of course you can't go wrong anywhere on STJ, but I love Coral Bay. I know we don't get the sunsets over there, but I love seeing the sunrise over the water and knowing that I have another glorious day ahead of me.
No really, people should stay away from Coral Bay! It's like real dangerous over there with a bunch of asses running wild everywhere. And the bars are all open aired asylums filled with unsavory 21st century pirates. And though there is now one stop sign, the roads basically are un-controlled by any known modern methods. The beaches are often un-inhabited by anything other then thieving mongoose-them, often making swimming and snorkeling a lonely experience. No cabanas, no beach-side bar service, or jet ski or dinghy rentals. No, it's pretty much still un-civilized in comparisson to Cruz Bay.Really, don't go there!
When you find yourself in a hole.... quit digging.
JT-
YOU RULE.
My favorite place to stay has been over the North Shore, but for the sake of the Poll, I'm more of a sunset guy. Perfect ends to perfect days; makes the days seem longer, somehow.
Cruz Bay.
Smiles-
MJ