Villa for Small Family - Help me choose!

[ShelleyZ]

The ladders at Satinwood are permanent, as I remember. You would need to cover them with a sheet or something. Hope this helps.

You might also take a look at Notre Ciel. notreciel.com The pool and hot tub are completely separate from the house. The house is very comfortable with the two bedrooms on the same level (you could block the stairs to the loft) and the views are amazing. It's also a good mid-island location, with a quick drive down to Maho and Francis, two beaches you'll adore with the little ones.

Good luck!

[mahojim]

We just returned from a visit to Villa Jumbie this past May.
It was awesome.
Roomier & airier than the pix show, and a sofa bed is just outside one of the main bedrooms.
Highly recommend this gorgeous home.
www.vrbo.com/304755
Good luck, and always
Smiles-
MJ

[citapita]

Bummer on the Satinwood ladders. That makes me sad, I was almost decided on that one. Back to the drawing board.

I love all the suggestions. I'd love to take a shower in Cinnamon Tarn at least once in my life! Unfortunately that one (and Notre Ciel) are both out of my price range.

Villa Jumbie looks nice, the price is good, but it's booked for the week we'd need it.

Any more ideas? I could honestly look at this stuff all day. I'm relaxed just looking at the pictures. (Or, I would be if I could make a decision!)

[mahojim]

There's a new home out towards the East end that you might enjoy,if you don't mind the ride.- www.vrbo.com/317550 Stoney Bay Beach House.
Also,there's a home right over Aqua Bistro,shopping & great restaurants that I've heard good reviews about called Harbor Place Too- www.vrbo.com/279907 .
Both are smallish,and neither have pools, but both have AC & washer & dryer.
Sorry I can't help more. We've stayed at larger homes before with friends, but are starting to lean more toward smaller,quieter places closer to the East these days...hope I can convince My Sweetie about staying at StoneyBay!
Good luck, and always
Smiles-
MJ

[lpowmacback]

Congratulations on planning your first trip to STJ - you will simply fall in love!!

We are going back in March which is high season - and chose to stay @ Moonsong because it looks nice, has some very good reviews and fits our budget & other requirements we have.

Where ever you end up will be fantastic!!

[Tracy in WI]

Hi Citapita -

Welcome to the forum from a fellow Madisonian (well Fitchburg!) I can't help much with a villa for your family, although truth be told, we do own a fabulous condo at Grande Bay that is available.

Not pushing that as it sounds as though you're more interested in a private home. But, wanted you to know that another person in the area loves St. John and I am more than happy to answer any questions I can to make your first trip wonderful!

Happy Planning!

[petepie]

It sounds like you're considering villas in Coral Bay as well. I've found it's much easier to find ones with interior access to the bedrooms (essential for toddlers) over on the Coral Bay side rather than the Cruz Bay side. Take a look at Seabiscuit, Rhumb Runners, Bay House, and Stone Harbor. All have 2 bedrooms near each other. I haven't stayed in any, but Sea Biscuit, Rhumb Runners, and Bay House all get good reviews. Also take a look at Cliffside (through caribbean villas).

[GotToGetAway]

Have you looked at Aqua Gem/Ocean Pearl from Caribbean Villa? Within your price range and available in December low season. I know there's a spiral staircase in the middle of the villa, but you can rent a pressure gate and block it off. The pool is outside of the bedroom level, so you could easily block access for the kids unless the kids know how to open locked sliders.

[mahojim]

We stayed in Seabiscuit a few years back,-shares the same location/parking space as Bayhouse.
Loved it!
Just a few yards below Harbor Place Too.
Great location!
Smiles-
MJ

[toni]

Stone harbor was suggested, I've stayed there and recommend that rental but not for people with little kids. The second bedroom is a loft reached by a ladder and the two bedrooms are in separate levels and you have to go outside to access the main bedroom.

[citapita]

Wow, I'm still amazed at all the help and suggestions. I can't thank you all enough!

I think we've decided to go with Notre Ciel, pending answers to a few questions I sent the owner. SO EXCITED!!!!

Thanks again to this awesome group of people. I'm sure this forum will see me often between now and December.