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More 3 bedroom villa opinions
Have you also been looking at some of the larger villas? They charge by person or bedroom, so you may find one that you really like that's a larger size. Maybe Eden's Whim? I haven't stayed there, but it's on my list -- looks like it has lots of separation in the bedrooms, large public areas.
As for pool depth, for some reason, a lot of the pools in St. John are uniformly deep. The vistaero one was about 4-5ft deep throughout if I remember (definitely deeper than 3ft at the shallower end). Maybe it has something to do with how they're built.
You could also try emailing some of the villa agencies with your wish list and see what they come up with.
Or just rent 3 units at Gallows point
Great sunset views, nice pool, easy walk into town, everyone gets a good bedroom. Or even Lavender Hill.
As for pool depth, for some reason, a lot of the pools in St. John are uniformly deep. The vistaero one was about 4-5ft deep throughout if I remember (definitely deeper than 3ft at the shallower end). Maybe it has something to do with how they're built.
You could also try emailing some of the villa agencies with your wish list and see what they come up with.
Or just rent 3 units at Gallows point
Great sunset views, nice pool, easy walk into town, everyone gets a good bedroom. Or even Lavender Hill.Yep I have emails out about the depth of the pools. I hadn't even thought about it previously. As I went to book Colibri today the pool depth jumped out at me. Can you believe that????? I have never heard of Eden's Whim. WIll check it out. The deep part of Vista Cielo is 5' which is perfect. Thank you for all of your suggestions. I truly appreciate it! 
Kygirl, great idea but I doubt I ever do anything like this again-maybe one other couple but who knows???? Kristen, Belvedere is still in the running after all, depending on the depth of the pool which Buffalogirl thinks is 5 or maybe 6' deep. I still can't get over that view, just doesn't look like there is any shade at all and I know we will want to be outside - so the saga continues............. 
Shellee,
Having planned 5 large group trips to St. John, I feel your pain. Just to add to your confusion, I am going to try and bring Vistaero back into the mix. I don't remember why you stopped considering it, but it is the only villa I have stayed at twice and I would have stayed there again this year, but it was unavailable.
The pool is the perfect depth for your height-challenged friends, there is tons of outdoor space, both covered and uncovered. I thought about Belvidere this year, but didn't care for the long stairs down to the smallish pool area (i am very clumsy when sober - add rum and I am almost guaranteed to fall down those stairs Vistaero's pool, enormous deck area and outside bar are all on one level with the most amazing views. The bedrooms are all very nice with their own bathrooms, the common living area is spacious and lovely, the kitchen is great for group cooking.
I was there in April of 09 and I did not see signs of disrepair. Destination St. John is great to work with, so I am sure they will be honest with you about the condition of the villa and whether any issues have been addressed.
I am going to hunt up my pictures of Vistaero and send them to you.
Having planned 5 large group trips to St. John, I feel your pain. Just to add to your confusion, I am going to try and bring Vistaero back into the mix. I don't remember why you stopped considering it, but it is the only villa I have stayed at twice and I would have stayed there again this year, but it was unavailable.
The pool is the perfect depth for your height-challenged friends, there is tons of outdoor space, both covered and uncovered. I thought about Belvidere this year, but didn't care for the long stairs down to the smallish pool area (i am very clumsy when sober - add rum and I am almost guaranteed to fall down those stairs
Vistaero's pool, enormous deck area and outside bar are all on one level with the most amazing views. The bedrooms are all very nice with their own bathrooms, the common living area is spacious and lovely, the kitchen is great for group cooking. I was there in April of 09 and I did not see signs of disrepair. Destination St. John is great to work with, so I am sure they will be honest with you about the condition of the villa and whether any issues have been addressed.
I am going to hunt up my pictures of Vistaero and send them to you.
Paula
Here's the link to my Vistaero pictures.
http://entertainment.webshots.com/album ... ertainment
Also, since you are going in summer, I will say that Vistaero gets fabulous breezes and was always deliciously more comfortable than town.
http://entertainment.webshots.com/album ... ertainment
Also, since you are going in summer, I will say that Vistaero gets fabulous breezes and was always deliciously more comfortable than town.
Paula
Paula, Vistaero was off the list because it was not available. We had decided to go a little over budget for it but too late. I was also seriously looking at Ellison but just received an email saying that it has been victim to a mudslide and extensive damage done. How sad!!
I agree with you about Vistaero. I was sure disappointed!
I agree with you about Vistaero. I was sure disappointed!
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Shellee,
It’s so sad to hear the news about the damage at Ellison. Did you talk to the owners? The damage must be quite substantial if they are not booking for the next eight months. I wonder how many other villas received damage from the floods and mud flow. I saw the photos taken at the Westin. It’s just awful.
Anyway, good luck with your search.
It’s so sad to hear the news about the damage at Ellison. Did you talk to the owners? The damage must be quite substantial if they are not booking for the next eight months. I wonder how many other villas received damage from the floods and mud flow. I saw the photos taken at the Westin. It’s just awful.
Anyway, good luck with your search.
Well, after getting my hopes up about a couple of larger villas which were discounted, it appears they are already booked for our time frame. Soooooooooooo, I think I am going to go with Colibri. It has most of what we want at the right price and is easy to get to and views look beautiful. The pool is pretty deep (which I will love) but I got the OK from the other gals so guess that will be the one. I thank you all sooooooooo much for taking the time to read through all these posts and for being so supportive to me.
Thanks again,
Shellee
Thanks again,
Shellee
Call Seaview homes. They are very nice and represent several nice homes (Eden's Whim, Promises Kept, Sanctuary). I have not booked through them, but have had a few email exchanges with them while looking for houses for other trips, and found them to be very helpful in suggesting homes that would work for our group.
As mentioned before, we rented Vistaero through Destination St. John for one trip, and were very happy with the house and the service provided by Destination St. John. They're another company that seemed to really take the time to match our group to the right house.
Good luck!!
As mentioned before, we rented Vistaero through Destination St. John for one trip, and were very happy with the house and the service provided by Destination St. John. They're another company that seemed to really take the time to match our group to the right house.
Good luck!!