Can you help me decide????????

cypressgirl · Post by **cypressgirl** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 8:01 pm

We're looking at villas for the family for June (yes, hubby gets to go this time). We really need 3 bedrooms, but I really like Sea Cay. The other options are Villa Capiz (no ac in living area is a negative), Villa Belvedere (told it was much improved due to negative reviews), Cinnamon Tarn (still not sure I can do without ac at all) looks wonderful, Villa Bijou is new and looks great, but still a little worried about bugs that close to the water.

Any opinions or other suggestions would be great!!

b-as-u-r · Post by **b-as-u-r** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 9:05 pm

Just a thought, but you could probably check out a couple of these villas while your there in November for SOTB. Anyway, I vote for Cinnamon Tarn. This was a villa I originally wanted to rent, but when I found out the pool was actually a hot tub, I changed my mind. So many forum folks seem to feel that a pool is a necessity, so since that was to be my first villa rental, I didn't want to take the chance. Instead we actually ended up renting Sea Cay. (I know that myself and some others gave an overview in a thread on this villa not too long ago.) I have to say that the view from the bedroom over the kitchen at Sea Cay was really great, but I did find that not being able to get from the upstairs (bedroom) to the downstairs (kitchen/dining/living) without going outside was a little strange. IMO, the villa was good and adequate but not great (but this is just my opinion). Anyway, for me having a pool is not a necessity, so Cinnamon Tarn is high on my list of villa rentals. Also, I'm pretty sure that liamsaunt can't say enough good things about Cinnamon Tarn!?!? Aaah, so many villas, not enough vacations! Good luck with your decision. Ali~

DELETED · Post by **DELETED** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 9:15 pm

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mfaughey · Post by **mfaughey** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 9:39 pm

I am staying at Cinnamon Tarn next month so will let you know how it was- I also love AC but hope the 850' above sea level and breezes will help. We are not big pool people so that's not an issue here.. What I do look forward to is easy access to the North Shore beaches..

cypressgirl · Post by **cypressgirl** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 10:00 pm

I am so sorry. I mistyped. It's actually SeaCruz not Sea Cay that I thought looked so nice. Cin. Tarn is still on my short list, but as much as I hate to admit it, I love the sound of an air conditioner humming at night. I might be able to convince myself otherwise. I guess I wouldn't make a very good camper.

Jorge, I love Las Brisas but I think it's a bit much house for hubby, 2 kids, and myself. How is the view?? It looks a little overgrown from the pool area. But that crow's nest looks wonderful! If I can get a group together, it is a contender.

With teens, we really want to stay fairly close to Cruz Bay. It's just enough night life to keep 'um happy.

Knolmom · Post by **Knolmom** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 10:02 pm

Just returned home from staying at Oleander, a similiar but more desirable layout than Sea Cay. Really loved the area for its'convenience to Cruz Bay and the beaches, and of course the views of Rendevous Bay. Sea Cay is just above Oleander but maybe 100" higher. It is definately an advantage to have 3 A/C bedrooms in that area, because even with the wonderful breezes, it is a hot spot. The pool is not as large as Villa Capiz but IMHO the views are better. Also, at Capiz, someone will have to sleep upstairs in the double bed off the living room. That area is accessed through the front door as there is no entance through the sliding door from the upper deck if you want to lock up the villa at night. It is a very small bedroom, not really for 2 adults. We did not care for the downstairs bedrooms at Capiz either. To us, they were dark and cavernous, and the decor was pretty drab. Lots of people love this house but to me its about the panoramic views and the new pool. They have raised the rates so high that I really feel you can do better elsewhere.
We have stayed at Cinnamon Tarn a few times, and, like Liamsaunt, it is our favorite house on St John. Regardless of what month we stayed we never felt the need for A/c but I guess that is a personal preference. Whoever uses the upstairs library/bedroom will have to share a shower with someone downstairs as there is no bath upstairs and the third bath is a sink and toilet on the main level.
Of the 3 villas you have mentioned I would choose Sea Cay, hands down, for a family vacation unless you are really into a good-sized pool.

iowaguy · Post by **iowaguy** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 10:20 pm

Hi Cypressgirl. I have always loved the look of Sea Cruz with that long covered porch and spectacular view, but its only a 2 BR.

Next Spring Break we are staying at Indigo and our friends are staying at Villa Bijou. We obviously like the look of both houses. We've stayed on a number of places on the island, and we do like the western view of the Great Cruz Bay houses, plus its a good area to stay with kids---lots of activity to watch in the bay. Its a plus that Villa Bijou is brand new. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has seen the house. I personally wouldn't be concerned about bugs at Villa Bijou--- its several houses up the hill from the water. As I understand it, its just across the road and up the hill from Oceana.

Villa Belvedere has a spectacular view and setting. Its older, and I might opt for Bijou at the same price, but I hadn't heard about the recent upgrades at Belvedere.

chrisn · Post by **chrisn** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 10:24 pm

Hi Cypress,

I REALLY like Villa Carolina. I think we will try that one next. I think it's on Carolina Ridge so not really in Cruz Bay but not in Coral Bay either (do I know what I am talking about)? Denise at Online Vacations told me it's the one she recommends for all her family and friends when they go down. You might want to give it a look see.

About Villa Capiz. We really liked it. The villa is older and it is not a luxury villa but it had character and there were some really great things about it. Yes the third bedroom upstairs is a little small but the A/C was ice cold, the pool deck is wonderful, loved the showers and the views are too die for! I do agree that the price now is a little steep as we paid $750 less last year. Even though I enjoyed our stay there, with the price increase I would look elsewhere.

iowaguy · Post by **iowaguy** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 7:23 am

Cypressgirl---You may have seen this review of Sea Cruz, but just in case you missed it, here it is:

Sea Cruz 08/07/2006
Reviewers Rating: Excellent
Sea Cruz is a beautiful 2 bedroom, fully A/C villa on Contant point. All of the living areas are located in the same building which was really nice since we were there during Tropical Storm Chris and wouldn't have wanted to go outside to get to the bedrooms.

The best part of this villa is the veranda. It runs the entire length of the villa and has beautiful views of STT. The furniture on the veranda is "inside" quality and there are 4 ceiling fans on the veranda making it an extremely pleasant place to relax.

There is a small but emmaculate pool with the same wonderful views. In fact, the entire villa was immaculate. The kitchen was extremely well stocked and attention to the little details were evident throughout the villa.

There were a few "downsides" which didn't ruin our enjoyment of this villa, but I thought I would post them in case it would for someone else. Although there are 2 bedrooms, the walls don't go completely up to the ceiling making them not entirely private. You do hear traffic from the roads above and below but it is certainly not constant. You can see the pool from the road and hear the car barges coming and going.

That's about it. This is a lovely little villa that is beautifully furnished both inside and out. We will definitely return.

MCDomzal

liamsaunt · Post by **liamsaunt** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 9:14 am

I know we've talked about Tarn, but I've stayed at Belvedere too! I am not sure what your group makeup is this time. I can say that John and I thought the house was great. Two of the bedrooms are equal and have awesome ocean views. The third is inside the main pod and has no views at all.

We really liked the pool. It is a decent size with ocean views. There’s a hot tub too. Belvedere is closer to town than Tarn, and the drive is a little easier.

I’d be interested to know about the improvements to the property if anyone knows. We personally had an excellent stay, though I did read some complaints later—we rented that house in 2004.

cypressgirl · Post by **cypressgirl** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 10:13 am

Thanks for all the great tips. I knew I could count on you guys for help. The good news is I have a few good choices. The bad news is I have no idea what we will decide to do.

Something about that SeaCruz just pulls at me even though my girls would have to share a room. Beautiful furnishings, wonderful veranda, lovely views.......but can I take the constant arguing.

I'll let you know what we decide.

Knolmom · Post by **Knolmom** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 12:59 pm

Passed Oceana last week while we were driving out to locate Nautilus,where we will be staying for a few days in November. Seems like Oceana has a nice spot on the bluff just as you turn from Great Cruz Bay to Maria Bluff. Impressive entance. Not too far away from Belvedere, though I think Belvedere faces more open water,
Don't know where Bijou is located. Is Bijou new constuction or was it another villa in it's past life? The foundation looks a lot like Villa Sundsborg.
It really looks like a beautiful place.
Lisa Durgin should be home from her summer vacation by now. If I were you I would call her and ask for her honest opinions about any upgrades at Belvedere. It has been listed for sale since last spring so I imagine they spiffed it up a bit. She will be frank with you. Belvedere has always been on our short list for the right trip. It was rented or we would have considered it for our August trip.

cypressgirl · Post by **cypressgirl** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 1:08 pm

I did send Lisa an e-mail yesterday with questions about Bijou and Belevedere. I expressed my concern with the recent negative review of Belevedere and she said that the owners finally got the message and the place now looks great. Bijou is new construction. She said that it is full ac but the unit won't keep the living areas cool during the day so you have to open it all up. That sounds HOT to me. But she did say that everyone that has stayed there loves it.

She is out of town until later in the week, so I'll try to get specific info when I talk to her.

FlaSteph · Post by **FlaSteph** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 3:13 pm

Hi Cypress girl,
We stayed at Sea Wind a few years back...very nice,air conditioned throughout. It is in Chocolate Hole, short drive to Cruz Bay. If you have any questions you can PM me. Also,

http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/sea-wind/index.html

Also, you might want to check out LaPapaya where we were going to stay this past May...have heard great reviews and Destination St John was wonderful to work with.

http://www.destinationstjohn.com/la_papaya.htm

Whatever your choice you will have a ball!

P. S. Had a blast last Tuesday celebrating in your town, Houston. Maybe we can hook up in February when we return.

cypressgirl · Post by **cypressgirl** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 3:26 pm

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out.

I'm so glad you are doing so well. What did you do in Houston to have such a blast. Is there some neat place I don't know about?

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