Anyone familar with Rivendall in Peter Bay?

[PA Girl]

All the great trip reports have me totally into trip planning! I have done nothing all morning except read posts.

Can anyone offer information on Rivendall, which is located in Peter Bay?

We are considering it for our next trip and the only information I can find is from the VIVA website.

We need a 4 couple (plus a toddler) house with beach access and with our travel weeks, it is getting harder (instead of easier) to decide on rental.

[Xislandgirl]

I would first check to see if they allow children, way back when I managed it, children were not allowed. It is not a kid friendly house at all.

It is a nice house. As far as Peter Bay goes, I would not consider it fabulous. It has fairly easy beach access.

[PA Girl]

The summary info (Viva's site) says children over 8 yet the villa offers a highchair and crib. I sent an email asking about this specific item to Jack at Viva.

McLaughlin Anderson allows kids under 8 but may require an additional waiver, which I am fine with signing.

Can you elaborate on how it compares to the other Peter Bay houses you are familar with? It looks more "Caribbean" than some of the others - the pool, gardens, etc.

2B was on our list but recent information I received has moved it down to the bottom.

Beach access is a priority for this trip.

[kirk]

I can tell you it's for sale. listed at $6M.

[Xislandgirl]

I think it is a bit more simple than most others in Peter Bay. It is one of the first in the development, I believe it was a model, but I could be wrong.

I did stay there one night while I was managing it and I found it "cold" but this was in the late 90's so things may have changed.

Beach access is so hard. The really amazing houses (in my opinion) on island are not on the beach, so it makes it tough. There are some greta ones on the East End but many people don't like being that far out.

I am sorry that I don't have too much more info, it has been years since I have been there.

[PA Girl]

X - I appreciate the information. I think I get what you mean by simple, which is ok for me.

One couple will not drive on the island so we need to pick a location that will allow them to walk to a beach. This is touchy topic within the family because it is impacting our selection. We played taxi driver last year but not again, once was enough.

Our favorite spot allowed them to walk to Caneel, Hawksnest, Gibney and even Trunk (they are die-hard walkers) but that rental will not allow kids.

[RickG]

One couple will not drive on the island so we need to pick a location that will allow them to walk to a beach. This is touchy topic within the family because it is impacting our selection. We played taxi driver last year but not again, once was enough.

This is a hard one. One approach would be to let the non-drivers stay at Caneel or the Westin. Splitting the group up has worked for us in the past. It's hard playing travel agent for folks when there are contradictory requirements - I feel your pain.

Cheers, RickG

[PA Girl]

We thought about putting them at Lindhom but they are the grandparents/babysitters to our son. It is in our best interest to have them under our roof

[RickG]

I've always wanted to stay at Villa Serenity. Walkable to Francis Bay, Maho Bay Campground (breakfast and dinner served), Annaberg, Leinster Bay and Waterlemon. If they really like to walk, the Johny Horn Trail goes from Waterlemon to Brown Bay and Coral Bay. That would be cool

http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/villasere ... fault.html

NoWorriesMom stayed there with the kids in November. Her trip report is at http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... .php?t=739.

There's a long review at http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/s ... 5435.shtml

Hmm, this sounds great for one of our next trips.

Cheers, RickG

[flip-flop]

Villa Serenity looks nice, and we've considered it. Would love to stay near/on Francis. However, it has no pool as far as I can tell.

Are there any other villas near/on Francis?

[RickG]

Ya, no pool can be annoying. We use nice pools a lot and the kids love them. But, being able to walk to Francis Bay....

The other Francis Bay alternatives look pricey: Francis Bay Estate is $5K more per week. It could work, for the right group.

http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/ultimate/ ... /index.asp

Cheers, RickG

[flip-flop]

Very nice and VERY out of my price range I guess I'll just have to keep lookin.

[PA Girl]

I know what I am doing this afternoon! Thanks for the links. The access to the trails and Maho would be great.

Grandma is hardcore. Walking to Coral Bay would be just her idea of a good time. Walking to the cooler is mine.

When we stayed above Gibney, her morning routine was to walk to Trunk and back then continue to town via Caneel and Honeymoon and return by the road, UP the hills. Her late afternoons were usually spent hiking up over the mountain (don't know what trails she used.)

During our first trip, it was her intention to take our son (just a few months old at the time) in the backpack but my husband wouldn't allow it. He was concerned she would get hit by a water truck.

We want to get her on-island for the 8 Tough Miles either this trip or next.

[RickG]

Seeking Serenity....

[cypressgirl]

WOW.......Gradma sounds like a good candidate for Survivor. I have to ask, how old is she? Also, she's really brave in my book. I would be much too chicken to hit the trails alone, no matter how fit I might be.