Waterfall, Bay Rum Breeze, or Calypso del Sol ? -- THANK YOU

[Need2GetAway]

We want to visit St John during a busy week (Feb Presidents week) because I'm off from work. It will just be my husband and I. Availability is limited, so you may recommend another villa but I think I've already looked at all the ones that have stuff I want LOL!

VIVA has these three available for sure, and I'm wondering if anyone has opinions about them. I'm sure Bay Rum will be lovely, but I'm slightly concerned about it being too far off the beaten path. I picture us going to the beach in the morning, hanging at the villa in the afternoon and then heading out to dinner most nights (not fancy dinner). Specifically, do you know how private/quiet these are? How about the views?

Any info will be helpful. I'M CLUELESS! THANKS A TON.

[mbw1024]

I stayed at Calypso in May 2009 and can tell you it's a wonderful home. I did a photo review in the reviews section. If you have any questions about this home I'm happy to help.

mary beth

[Diana2]

We are staying at Bay Rum Breeze in May and love this location. Here is a link to their website with more pictures than VIVA has on their site. http://bayrumbreeze.com/
BRB is about 10 minutes to Coral Bay, about 5 minutes to Maho Bay/Northshore Road, and about 18 minutes to town on Centerline. I don't know anything about the other houses as we prefer the mid-island location and wouldn't consider staying closer to town.

[carron]

We stayed at Waterfall Villa a few years ago and never will go back. Serious rodent problem. Called the management company twice. The first time they sent an exterminator the next day and when the little critters made another appearance they were called again and we were told it was because of the lack of rain??????? Never saw an exterminator again and will never use that management company again. Also very spotty cell phone area.

[Ryn]

We stayed at Calypso Del Sol in 2007 with 3 couples total and it was wonderful. It is in a nice location and not far from town. The pool is wonderful and big. The screen room was a must for me as I'm a magnet. The homes furnishings are nice and the kitchen was well stocked. If it is just two of you, you will really only use the main floor. This is the bedroom we had and it was very nice. I would highly recommend it. If you have further questions, you can pm me.

[Need2GetAway]

Thanks everyone! Carron - Do you mind my asking what management company you dealt with? Was it VIVA? Thanks

[Need2GetAway]

Diana, Do you think the road to Bay Rum is going to be a real pain? We will probably spend mornings at the beach, afternoons at the villa, and head out for dinner at night. I really don't want to cook more than a couple of meals. So I'm wondering if Bay Rum is going to feel like a pain to go out twice a day... THANKS. (It does look lovely though.) VIVA mentioned to me today that the hot tub probably won't be in by Feb, which also made me a little sad.

[kristen1206]

We are staying at Calypso in May and have been dealing directly with the owner, Sally, who is wonderful. You can contct her directly through their VRBO listing. I have much preferred dealing with the owner directly vs a management company. We also considered Bay Rum Breeze which looks like it is going to be a great home. But for this trip we wanted to be closer to Cruz Bay and have sunset views.

[Diana2]

The road is rough to be sure but it's short. We stayed at Apito in May of this year and didn't mind the road at all and I have a bad back. Since we decided to go back to Mamey Peak again next May you can see that we didn't really think it was so bad. It's not nearly as bad as John Head Road and much much shorter. I do suggest that you have 4WD though. We actually didn't need it but better to be safe than sorry.

[Need2GetAway]

Thanks again everyone.

Diana - You have been such a big help! Is the location of Bay Rum significantly closer to or easier to get to the north beaches?

[Gigi]

Mamey Peak is mid-island and is very close to Maho Bay, Francis and Waterlemon. It is not significantly closer to any of the other north shore beaches. Being mid-island puts you closer to Coral Bay and the beaches on the south and east end.

[Diana2]

Mamey Peak is mid-island and is very close to Maho Bay, Francis and Waterlemon. It is not significantly closer to any of the other north shore beaches. Being mid-island puts you closer to Coral Bay and the beaches on the south and east end.

If you look at a map of STJ you'll see that this is true. For us the advantage is that you avoid driving through town on the way to the beach and again on the way back. We prefer to avoid town as much a possible (we're not ones to hang out at bars and we aren't really into shopping all that much). We really go to STJ for the beauty of the island and the beaches so when I drive to the beach I prefer to drive the Northshore Road and avoid the traffic in town whenever possible. If ending your day in town at Woody's or the Beach Bar is important to you then mid-island location is probably not for you. I'm not putting down doing Happy Hour somewhere, it's just not what we enjoy doing. My DH and I are in our 60's and we've done our share of Happy Hours over the years it's just not a 'most do' anymore for us.
I suggest that you get yourself a copy of Feet, Fins and Four-Wheel Drive (go the blue tool bar on the top of the page under Trip Planning.....Virgin Island Books. It's a great resource.)