Suggestions for us in Coral Bay?

[mindehankins]

I'm sorry Mnfun - OPH is One Particular Harbor. I was trying to save keystrokes on the iPad. It's a pain to type on...

[momto3boys]

Sun Moon and Stars is up Calabash Boom. We loved going up there every day. We stayed at Mooncottage which I believe is below SMS. The view was unbelievable! I really don't think you will find one better. But it is not an easy drive. I would suggest trying it on your next trip. It added to the privacy feel for us and the adventure of it all. But it may not be what type of drive you are looking for.

[mindehankins]

I have too much time on my hands today...sitting around, sick. We're going to plan to visit Sun, Moon and Stars for sure, and have PM'd with the owner. We probably won't make actual plans to see very many more, but may do some "drive - by's." What makes me nervous about driving in unknown places is turning around to go back home. Do you think people have a problem, if we pull into their driveway to turn around?

[momto3boys]

I have too much time on my hands today...sitting around, sick. We're going to plan to visit Sun, Moon and Stars for sure, and have PM'd with the owner. We probably won't make actual plans to see very many more, but may do some "drive - by's." What makes me nervous about driving in unknown places is turning around to go back home. Do you think people have a problem, if we pull into their driveway to turn around?

I don't think they would mind. Unless they are in the middle of a "nakation" like you mentioned.

Seriously, I am considering do the same thing on our next trip. Driving around certain areas that we are thinking of for a return trip. I have wondered the same thing. I don't want to disturb anyone. I would prefer to find another place to turn around than the private drive but realize that may not be an option.

[mindehankins]

In the videos I watch, the roads are often very narrow. The driveways aren't necessarily conducive to pulling into to turn around, either. That's what made us stop and go back, when driving around the South side, last trip. When I finally saw a driveway I could turn around in, I took advantage of it, but missed much in doing so, I'm sure...

[Backtotheislands]

Minde,
Lucky you! I know you will enjoy wherever you stay! We stayed at SMS last year and the view is to die for! Absolutely mesmerizing!! There is a wonderful deck, indoor/outdoor speakers (I took a few favorite CDs), great breeze so no bugs and comfy bed. The pool was cool at night, but I believe they have added a solar heater. It's very private and romantic! The road is "exciting". We have also stayed at Jumbie and enjoyed it. The pool is warmer, bed less comfy, view is lower, but the harbor, more bugs due to less breeze (outside). I am attaching a video with lots of shots of the view and the drive up and down to SMS. Of course photos don't always show steepness. Due to the drive up and us being "home bodies" we usually left in the morning or early afternoon, went exploring/snorkeling, to eat and back home in one trip except on the first night we went into Cruz Bay for sunset. It was lousy so we returned in our swimsuits/coverups. Here is the link. Have fun!!
http://youtu.be/c_pIzOadr0Q

[momto3boys]

In the videos I watch, the roads are often very narrow. The driveways aren't necessarily conducive to pulling into to turn around, either. That's what made us stop and go back, when driving around the South side, last trip. When I finally saw a driveway I could turn around in, I took advantage of it, but missed much in doing so, I'm sure...

I wouldn't like getting stuck like that either. Are any of the ones you like open for your next trip? Maybe you could schedule an actual visit with the management company.

[Backtotheislands]

SMS manager lives just down the mountain. If its not booked when u are there you might could score a visit, but there should be room to turn around. There is another house next door, but the way it is situated (back) & with lattice work on that end of the porch we were totally private! The only thing past SMS is the castle.

[mindehankins]

THANK YOU for the mini-vacation, Backtotheislands! I've seen a youtube video of the drive as well, but it's not like being there. I'm not too worried about the drive if we stay there, but did you ever have to drive it when the roads were wet? It looks narrow and sort of cliff-side. Is it very steep as well? Again, I am "over" the driving fear.... I think!
I believe we'll be able to see SMS during a changeover day. I haven't had time to look at the calendar and make sure we don't have plans that day, yet, but I think it's going to work out. And I've got a bunch of others in mind, if SMS isn't just right, or is booked.
Many thanks to all who contributed!

[Backtotheislands]

We never drove it really wet. We had a really big storm one evening, but we were already there. It is steep! As my husband would say, it was an adventure. He loves driving on SJ - thinks it's better that a ride at Disney!
Yes, there are so many nice places, I know you will find the perfect place, and truthfully, there are probably many perfect places! It's just finding the right price open at the right time! Have fun and post lots of pictures. I am missing SJ greatly!! I have booked and paid for 2 honeymoons this winter, my sister is spending MY birthday in Hawaii, my mom has trips to Europe and Alaska, and I am tripless! At this point I'd take anything warm and beachy, but really NEED SJ, so I go there through all the trip reviews and frequent video visits! So soak it up! I know it has to last awhile sometimes!

[mindydaile]

If you only need a 1 bedroom, I'd highly recommend A House of Open Arms. I stayed there in January and it's very private and has a beautiful sunrise view. The owner does live on site but I never once felt like my privacy was intruded on in any way. The cottage would offer even more privacy than the villa (which is where I stayed) but only the villa gets access to the pool. If you have questions let me know!

[dreamshark]

I have too much time on my hands today...sitting around, sick. We're going to plan to visit Sun, Moon and Stars for sure, and have PM'd with the owner. We probably won't make actual plans to see very many more, but may do some "drive - by's." What makes me nervous about driving in unknown places is turning around to go back home. Do you think people have a problem, if we pull into their driveway to turn around?

For OPH and others in that neighborhood, you don't have to turn around - just drive on through to Centerline. Supposedly it is paved "almost" all the way. I plan to do that ASAP on our July trip so I know that the road is like. People who own properties up there say that the drive to Centerline is the fastest way to get back to Cruz Bay. I'll let you know about that when I try it.

[chicagoans]

We loved Rhumb Runners in Coral Bay: http://www.vrbo.com/139522

Beautiful views and great breezes. Kitchen has been updated since our stay and looks nice. The road is steep but paved all the way and not hard at all. It's up the hill from Crabby's (Harold's Way) - we loved the location.

[mnfun2bme]

Minde - I followed this thread quite closely.
We're taking the family down and I want to introduce them to Coral Bay.
What did you end up deciding?

[EagleRayLover]

Minde - I followed this thread quite closely.
We're taking the family down and I want to introduce them to Coral Bay.
What did you end up deciding?

I wondered the same thing, but also wondered, mnfun2bme, if you had any other criteria because we have stayed over there a lot!


I wanted to add Minde- we have been chatting with the owners of Rhumb Runners recently and they are very nice. We have also stayed on Harold Way before and love that area- very convenient since it is right above Lily's and aqua Bistro!