usvi-on-line
Help with villa
Help with villa
I am thinking of going to St.John in November with my husband for the first time. There are a few villa's that interest me but not sure which one might have an advantage over the other such as location or anything else and was hoping maybe someone has stayed there and can give me some feedback.I really would like a nice view and not be too far to a nice beach.
Here are the villa's i was interested in:
Peace and Plenty
Contentment
C'est Bleu
Here are the villa's i was interested in:
Peace and Plenty
Contentment
C'est Bleu
I am not familiar with any of these but I will check them out as for location. Do you want to stay in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay? Being a first timer, you’re probably not sure yourself. I will try to give you a little background.
The entire Island is only 7 to 8 miles long HOWEVER...these are long miles in the way that the roads are very windy, hilly, and have many hairpin turns. The best you can really do safely is approx. 20 miles an hour and that's when you’re not stopping for goats, donkeys, cows, and those ever dangerous water trucks. It's a part of the charm. I would say that the time distance from Cruz to Coral is about 25 min. Most people do not travel back and forth on a regular basis (daily). When talking to most locals, some go months without going to the other side. Whichever side your on, is where most of you nights are spent (mostly because you definitely don't want to drink and drive to the other side of the island).
Anyway, when you get into STJ on the ferry you will be in Cruz Bay. Coral Bay is on the opposite side of the island. The two areas have very different atmospheres. Cruz Bay has more shopping, restaurants, and access to the amenities. Coral Bay on the other hand is very laid back and quiet. You can't go wrong either way. It's just about what you prefer.
Most the beaches can be found along the North Shore. The area surrounding Cruz Bay is a lesser drive to these beaches. But again, you are only a short drive either way so it's really about what you prefer atmosphere wise.
I personally would suggest for a first timer that they stay towards the Cruz Bay side only because of the close proximity to everything that you need and the ease of driving in that area. This is just my opinion. You should definitely drive around and get a feel for the entire island. You don't want to miss out on anything!!
I have been to STJ many years and have always stayed towards the Cruz Bay side (Chocolate Hole and Rendezvous Bay). I am however planning my next visit on the Coral Bay side. Like I said earlier, I don't think you can go wrong either way ~ it's all about the atmosphere!
I hope that anyone else feels free to add their opinions and/or correct anything they feel I've said wrong. I'm glad you joined our group and look forward to talking to you in the future
The entire Island is only 7 to 8 miles long HOWEVER...these are long miles in the way that the roads are very windy, hilly, and have many hairpin turns. The best you can really do safely is approx. 20 miles an hour and that's when you’re not stopping for goats, donkeys, cows, and those ever dangerous water trucks. It's a part of the charm. I would say that the time distance from Cruz to Coral is about 25 min. Most people do not travel back and forth on a regular basis (daily). When talking to most locals, some go months without going to the other side. Whichever side your on, is where most of you nights are spent (mostly because you definitely don't want to drink and drive to the other side of the island).
Anyway, when you get into STJ on the ferry you will be in Cruz Bay. Coral Bay is on the opposite side of the island. The two areas have very different atmospheres. Cruz Bay has more shopping, restaurants, and access to the amenities. Coral Bay on the other hand is very laid back and quiet. You can't go wrong either way. It's just about what you prefer.
Most the beaches can be found along the North Shore. The area surrounding Cruz Bay is a lesser drive to these beaches. But again, you are only a short drive either way so it's really about what you prefer atmosphere wise.
I personally would suggest for a first timer that they stay towards the Cruz Bay side only because of the close proximity to everything that you need and the ease of driving in that area. This is just my opinion. You should definitely drive around and get a feel for the entire island. You don't want to miss out on anything!!
I have been to STJ many years and have always stayed towards the Cruz Bay side (Chocolate Hole and Rendezvous Bay). I am however planning my next visit on the Coral Bay side. Like I said earlier, I don't think you can go wrong either way ~ it's all about the atmosphere!
I hope that anyone else feels free to add their opinions and/or correct anything they feel I've said wrong. I'm glad you joined our group and look forward to talking to you in the future
Help with villas
C est Blue is a very upscale Villa in Virgin Grand Estates. It is currently for sale so I dont know when you will be going but if it is within 6 months I dont think the sale would effect your plans. It offers a dynamic view of the ocean and STT but also looks down on many villas below. Dont know if there is construction in the area.
Contentment is also for sale so ditto about the date you are traveling--more than 6 months from now you might have a switch although buyers usually honor pending rentals but certainly not more than 9 to 12 months in advance.
Peace and Plenty would be my choice. You will never forget the views from the North Shore overlooking Cinnamon Bay out to Tortola and Jost. Also you are just a 5 minute but very bumpy slow ride down to the best of the North Shore beaches. I believe there is no new construction on Wattapama Road, and you will have complete privacy up there. If you want to see the views from the neighboring houses, look at Anole and Cinnamon Bay estate views on Carribeanvillas.com.
If you are looking for something in Sept or early October of this year, Villa Rapture, on Caribbeanvillas.com is reduced 25% for stays during this time period. It is a beautiful house, also in VG Estates with a great view.
Contentment is also for sale so ditto about the date you are traveling--more than 6 months from now you might have a switch although buyers usually honor pending rentals but certainly not more than 9 to 12 months in advance.
Peace and Plenty would be my choice. You will never forget the views from the North Shore overlooking Cinnamon Bay out to Tortola and Jost. Also you are just a 5 minute but very bumpy slow ride down to the best of the North Shore beaches. I believe there is no new construction on Wattapama Road, and you will have complete privacy up there. If you want to see the views from the neighboring houses, look at Anole and Cinnamon Bay estate views on Carribeanvillas.com.
If you are looking for something in Sept or early October of this year, Villa Rapture, on Caribbeanvillas.com is reduced 25% for stays during this time period. It is a beautiful house, also in VG Estates with a great view.
Lori, Welcome! Like Betty, I think Peace and Plenty looks like a fabulous villa. However, I have to agree with Bug that a first timer may feel more comfortable staying closer to Cruz Bay. Keep researching, you have time, and there are so many great villas to choose from. No matter what, you've made a great choice in choosing STJ and you'll have a great time! Ali~
STJ - I "get it"
Villa
We've been to STJ several times and are returning in 2008. On all of our previous trips, we always stayed closer to Cruz Bay, but for this trip we're staying at Peace and Plenty. We like getting to the beaches early in the morning and this location is perfect for that. I agree with many of the other posts that something closer to Cruz or Coral might be better for a first trip, but if you don't mind the drive and are looking for lots of privacy and a beautiful location, Peace and Plenty looks great.
We will be staying at Peace & Plenty in Sept. of 2007.
I have been hoping to read a review from someone who has stayed there....but I guess due to its newness, I can't seem to find any feedback. Does anyone know of a friend or friend of a friend who has stayed at P&P?
It sure would be nice to hear from a person who has actually rented it....mia
I have been hoping to read a review from someone who has stayed there....but I guess due to its newness, I can't seem to find any feedback. Does anyone know of a friend or friend of a friend who has stayed at P&P?
It sure would be nice to hear from a person who has actually rented it....mia
It takes both the sun and the rain to make a beautiful rainbow. --Unknown
Thanks to everyone who responded to my post.
It seem most of you would go with Peace and Plenty but being a first timer, C'est Bleu may be the way to go. I did speak to a villa rep. at caribbean villas and she said that C'est Bleu had better views anf that Peace and plenty has more foliage that may block some of the view. I hope to make my decision as soon as i can get my husband to sit down and go over everything with me.
One of my fears after reading about those hairpin turns is driving at night! Is it dangerous? We would love to eat out at night but driving sounds very scary,especially at night. What do you think?
Ok. this might sound like a silly question but i was wondering how allergy sufferers do in St.John. I have
bad allergies in the spring and summer and am allergic to some trees like oak and maple and was curious since i read about the national park ,not sure what kind of tree's are there but would love to know how allergy sufferers get along on St.Jihn.
It seem most of you would go with Peace and Plenty but being a first timer, C'est Bleu may be the way to go. I did speak to a villa rep. at caribbean villas and she said that C'est Bleu had better views anf that Peace and plenty has more foliage that may block some of the view. I hope to make my decision as soon as i can get my husband to sit down and go over everything with me.
One of my fears after reading about those hairpin turns is driving at night! Is it dangerous? We would love to eat out at night but driving sounds very scary,especially at night. What do you think?
Ok. this might sound like a silly question but i was wondering how allergy sufferers do in St.John. I have
bad allergies in the spring and summer and am allergic to some trees like oak and maple and was curious since i read about the national park ,not sure what kind of tree's are there but would love to know how allergy sufferers get along on St.Jihn.
Villa Help
The difficulty of driving you would experience with either Peace and Plenty and C'est Bleu would be about the same. Having stayed on the north shore many times, and actually twice just next door to Peace and Plenty I would rate the drive to Peace and Plenty as easier. C'est Blue, is approachable either by using Centerline and descending Gift Hill, or by using the South Shore Rd and ascending Gift Hill. Both of those approaces involve some hairpin turns, but you have to realize that yes, the speed limit is 25MPH and you WILL be doing less than that--guaranteed. You will encounter more commercial traffic--the water trucks, the cement trucks and taxis when going to and from C'est Blue.
Both houses are 10 to 12 minutes from downtown Cruz Bay, using Centerline. The difference with Peace and Plenty is that once you ascend Centerline, which is a slow climb, you have a bit of a straightaway, maybe 3 or 4 minutes on a flat well paved road until you get to the turn off to the National Park entrance. You are then on a mixed paved and dirt road, max at about 5 MPH, to the house. It is slow going and bumpy, and maybe you would see only 1 car, and there is room in most places to pull over. There are no blind curves or cement trucks or large taxis as it is for the most part a private road, beyong the point where people visit the sugar mill. By the second or 3rd day you will have it down pat. The last half mile is like a slow-mo amusement park kiddie ride- full of bumps and giggles. And if you want to get down to Cinnamon or Trunk in 5 minutes rather than 20, and want to avoid going thru town traffic, you can do it easily, albeit slowly, by continuing on this little used road right at your corner and down to the North Shore road. Aside from the views, thats what we love about the Catherineberg area.
From the CV website it looks like you will have some very dynamic views from the bedrooms of Peace and Plenty. They will be of blue water, gark green mountains and forests, and hopefully bright blue sky. I think C'est Blue looks out over the rooftops on Great Cruz Bay, over the Westin property and Cruz Bay Harbor, and out to the islands in Pillsbury sound. At night, the lights on St Thomas are beautiful, but the star gazing on the north shore at Peace and Plenty is great, as there are very few lights. You will probably have sunsets from C'est Blue, but not from Peace and Plenty.
I live in Suffern NY, so I must be pretty near you, and I suffer from severe seasonal allergies. I am in bad shape now, and wishing I was on St John. We have visited for many years in the spring and fall and I have never been sensitive to anything there.
Tough choice--two beautiful houses. Wish it were mine.
Both houses are 10 to 12 minutes from downtown Cruz Bay, using Centerline. The difference with Peace and Plenty is that once you ascend Centerline, which is a slow climb, you have a bit of a straightaway, maybe 3 or 4 minutes on a flat well paved road until you get to the turn off to the National Park entrance. You are then on a mixed paved and dirt road, max at about 5 MPH, to the house. It is slow going and bumpy, and maybe you would see only 1 car, and there is room in most places to pull over. There are no blind curves or cement trucks or large taxis as it is for the most part a private road, beyong the point where people visit the sugar mill. By the second or 3rd day you will have it down pat. The last half mile is like a slow-mo amusement park kiddie ride- full of bumps and giggles. And if you want to get down to Cinnamon or Trunk in 5 minutes rather than 20, and want to avoid going thru town traffic, you can do it easily, albeit slowly, by continuing on this little used road right at your corner and down to the North Shore road. Aside from the views, thats what we love about the Catherineberg area.
From the CV website it looks like you will have some very dynamic views from the bedrooms of Peace and Plenty. They will be of blue water, gark green mountains and forests, and hopefully bright blue sky. I think C'est Blue looks out over the rooftops on Great Cruz Bay, over the Westin property and Cruz Bay Harbor, and out to the islands in Pillsbury sound. At night, the lights on St Thomas are beautiful, but the star gazing on the north shore at Peace and Plenty is great, as there are very few lights. You will probably have sunsets from C'est Blue, but not from Peace and Plenty.
I live in Suffern NY, so I must be pretty near you, and I suffer from severe seasonal allergies. I am in bad shape now, and wishing I was on St John. We have visited for many years in the spring and fall and I have never been sensitive to anything there.
Tough choice--two beautiful houses. Wish it were mine.
Lori,
I'm not positive, but I believe that C'est Blue is a Caribbean Villas property....whereas, Peace&Plenty is managed by Suite St. John. If this is true, it may explain the rep's bias regarding their villa. I find it quite hard to imagine that the view from C'est Blue is better than the view fron P&P, although I'm sure both views are wonderful and either villa will be a great choice....mia
I'm not positive, but I believe that C'est Blue is a Caribbean Villas property....whereas, Peace&Plenty is managed by Suite St. John. If this is true, it may explain the rep's bias regarding their villa. I find it quite hard to imagine that the view from C'est Blue is better than the view fron P&P, although I'm sure both views are wonderful and either villa will be a great choice....mia
It takes both the sun and the rain to make a beautiful rainbow. --Unknown
Knolman thanks for all that info about location of villa's and driving. O.k. so both villa's are about the same distance to Cruz bay because i was under the impression that C'est bleu was closer so i shouldn't then let location get in the way of my decision, right?
What about night driving,how hard is it to see those hairpin turns when it's dark out? I just want to know what i'm getting into. I met someone who loves St.John and she was saying she has to go and sit in the back of the car when driving with her husband because she is so scared! I may need some valium for this trip!
What about night driving,how hard is it to see those hairpin turns when it's dark out? I just want to know what i'm getting into. I met someone who loves St.John and she was saying she has to go and sit in the back of the car when driving with her husband because she is so scared! I may need some valium for this trip!
Lori,
After reading your post, I contacted Caribbean Villas to ask if they managed Peace&Plenty. We are staying there in September and I rather not do business with CV....we went through Suite St. John. At first the rep said that P&P was indeed their property....but after some prodding, she admitted that it is managed by Suite St. John and that CV is the "middleman".....
Just thought you might like to know....mia
After reading your post, I contacted Caribbean Villas to ask if they managed Peace&Plenty. We are staying there in September and I rather not do business with CV....we went through Suite St. John. At first the rep said that P&P was indeed their property....but after some prodding, she admitted that it is managed by Suite St. John and that CV is the "middleman".....
Just thought you might like to know....mia
It takes both the sun and the rain to make a beautiful rainbow. --Unknown