usvi-on-line
Question for Jorge
I agree that the north shore views are the best. Here's a thought. Book next door houses in Catherineberg like Island Sun and Cinnamon Tarn. Or Cinnamon Stones and Peace and Plenty.
We stayed on Bordeaux Mtn at Chateau Margot and loved this house. The bedrooms are not equal, however (2 bedrooms share one bath and the master is HUGE compared the others). The view is great from there too and the location is great.
We stayed on Bordeaux Mtn at Chateau Margot and loved this house. The bedrooms are not equal, however (2 bedrooms share one bath and the master is HUGE compared the others). The view is great from there too and the location is great.
Diana2
We must be kindred spirits.Booking Island Sun and Cinnamon Tarn was my fisrt thought.We have sayed at Island Sun twice and it is my favorite.
My wife wants to book Chateau Margot.I,ve always liked it,even when it was Captain's Quarters.The remodel job they did on it was beautiful.The view has always concerned me though.Is it as faraway looking as in the photos or do you have a good view of the water.One other thing I noticed,it doesn't seem to have any covered seating on the back facing the water.
I really enjoy sitting in shade during the day with a book and quite possibly a cold Caribe.We can work around the bedroom issues and give the upstairs bedrooms to teenagers and let them fight over the shower.
Thanks so much for your reply because it was exactly what we were debating.
Mike
We must be kindred spirits.Booking Island Sun and Cinnamon Tarn was my fisrt thought.We have sayed at Island Sun twice and it is my favorite.
My wife wants to book Chateau Margot.I,ve always liked it,even when it was Captain's Quarters.The remodel job they did on it was beautiful.The view has always concerned me though.Is it as faraway looking as in the photos or do you have a good view of the water.One other thing I noticed,it doesn't seem to have any covered seating on the back facing the water.
I really enjoy sitting in shade during the day with a book and quite possibly a cold Caribe.We can work around the bedroom issues and give the upstairs bedrooms to teenagers and let them fight over the shower.
Thanks so much for your reply because it was exactly what we were debating.
Mike
The view from Chateau Margot is beautiful but you are not as near the water as you are in Catherineberg. You are looking down the island chain from CM. (I personally like the northshore view the best but my DH likes the view over Coral Bay because he enjoys watching the sun rise every morning (while I'm still in bed).
You are quite right about the lack of covered area at CM. We did miss that a little bit but there was shade in the afternoon by the house. We had our 2 year old grandaughter with us in June so we had the fence up around the pool which made the pool patio a bit small in our case but there was plenty of seating. The other thing that we missed was an area to eat outdoors in this house. We used the porch breakfast room but the table here is only for 4 people. Larger groups have to use the diningroom table. We actually didn't cook many evening meals at the house. We did eat breakfast and lunches at the house and the screened porch was my favorite spot. Most of the time there were only 4 or five people eating at any one time so that worked out great for us.
CM is 10 minutes from Coral Bay, about 15 minutes from Cruz Bay and about 7 minutes from Frances and Maho Bays. We rarely went into Cruz Bay. Coral Bay had everything that we needed.
It's a little tight but you can park 3 Jeeps in the parking area at CM with no problem. I'd be glad to answer any other questions you have.
Another nice thing about CM is that all bedrooms have A/C. We all used the A/C accept my daughter from California who hates A/C.
Island Sun is my most favorite house. The rest of my family prefers Cinnamon Stones.
You are quite right about the lack of covered area at CM. We did miss that a little bit but there was shade in the afternoon by the house. We had our 2 year old grandaughter with us in June so we had the fence up around the pool which made the pool patio a bit small in our case but there was plenty of seating. The other thing that we missed was an area to eat outdoors in this house. We used the porch breakfast room but the table here is only for 4 people. Larger groups have to use the diningroom table. We actually didn't cook many evening meals at the house. We did eat breakfast and lunches at the house and the screened porch was my favorite spot. Most of the time there were only 4 or five people eating at any one time so that worked out great for us.
CM is 10 minutes from Coral Bay, about 15 minutes from Cruz Bay and about 7 minutes from Frances and Maho Bays. We rarely went into Cruz Bay. Coral Bay had everything that we needed.
It's a little tight but you can park 3 Jeeps in the parking area at CM with no problem. I'd be glad to answer any other questions you have.
Another nice thing about CM is that all bedrooms have A/C. We all used the A/C accept my daughter from California who hates A/C.
Island Sun is my most favorite house. The rest of my family prefers Cinnamon Stones.
Thanks so much for your help.One more question when get a chance.
You mentioned Cinnamon Stone and Peace and Plenty.
We almost stayed at CS 3 years ago and stayed some place else.big mistake-it was horrible.Are those 2 villas close to each other? Also my wife will want to know if sleeping at nite with no ac will be a problem.
Peace and Plenty looks wonderful and that outdoor dining area is real appealing since we cook out alot.I,m afraid if we stay at CM with it's proximity to Chateau Bordeaux will bankrupt me.My wife would eat there every night.
Thanks again,
Mike
You mentioned Cinnamon Stone and Peace and Plenty.
We almost stayed at CS 3 years ago and stayed some place else.big mistake-it was horrible.Are those 2 villas close to each other? Also my wife will want to know if sleeping at nite with no ac will be a problem.
Peace and Plenty looks wonderful and that outdoor dining area is real appealing since we cook out alot.I,m afraid if we stay at CM with it's proximity to Chateau Bordeaux will bankrupt me.My wife would eat there every night.
Thanks again,
Mike
Peace and Plenty is just below Cinnamon Stones. A VERY STEEP long driveway to CS separates these houses. (I personally wouldn't want to walk up or down this driveway.) We have stayed at CS 3 times and really love this house even without A/C. There's always a breeze up in Catherineberg and each bedroom has fans and we've always been very comfortable. The last time we stayed at CS Peace and Plenty was still under construction.
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StJohnRuth
- Posts: 1989
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:42 pm
- Location: St. John, VI
Mike,
I'm surprised that you remember that ferry ride! That's a few years back, I can barely remember the old Starfish Market anymore...
I totally get what you're saying about newbies and the view. Remember, though, that if they haven't stayed in Peter Bay or Catherineburg yet, the view from Great Cruz Bay or Chocolate Hole (or wherever!)will knock their socks off. You only know that the Peter Bay view is even more spectacular because you've been here before....If being in a fantastic house and being together is more important, just don't tell them!
Of course, it may be that 12 people is a lot and you'd be better off split into two groups/two houses.
I'm pretty sure I'd have a breakdown trying to plan a trip for 12 people.
-Ruth
I'm surprised that you remember that ferry ride! That's a few years back, I can barely remember the old Starfish Market anymore...
I totally get what you're saying about newbies and the view. Remember, though, that if they haven't stayed in Peter Bay or Catherineburg yet, the view from Great Cruz Bay or Chocolate Hole (or wherever!)will knock their socks off. You only know that the Peter Bay view is even more spectacular because you've been here before....If being in a fantastic house and being together is more important, just don't tell them!
Of course, it may be that 12 people is a lot and you'd be better off split into two groups/two houses.
I'm pretty sure I'd have a breakdown trying to plan a trip for 12 people.
-Ruth
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StJohnRuth
- Posts: 1989
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:42 pm
- Location: St. John, VI
Only if they find out! But they'll be too busy enjoying the comfortable house that's perfectly suited for twelve people in every way (wherever that might be) to think "Hey, we should have THAT view instead!"
Won't they? And if someone says "Why didn't we stay there?" you just explain that they would have had to share a bathroom there. Or something.
Again, the idea of trying to please that many people scares me. All of you folks who plan these big group trips have my complete admiration, believe me!
-Ruth
Won't they? And if someone says "Why didn't we stay there?" you just explain that they would have had to share a bathroom there. Or something.
Again, the idea of trying to please that many people scares me. All of you folks who plan these big group trips have my complete admiration, believe me!
-Ruth
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StJohnRuth
- Posts: 1989
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:42 pm
- Location: St. John, VI
Villa La Susa DOES have six bedrooms!
There was a video at www.on-stjohn.com in March:
http://www.on-stjohn.com/2007/03/20/vil ... a-la-susa/
There was a video at www.on-stjohn.com in March:
http://www.on-stjohn.com/2007/03/20/vil ... a-la-susa/
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nothintolose
- Posts: 1960
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 10:36 pm
- Location: New Orleans, LA
I have to say that Ristaba was the second villa we ever stayed at. The first was Hakuna Matata and those North Shore views spoiled me as far as views go.
In some ways, I wish I hadn't stayed there first because I am always comparing views to those. Kinda what Ruth was saying...if they don't know what they are missing. The rest of the family didn't understand why I kept saying the view was cluttered.
I think Ristaba was a great villa. I liked Ristaba though. Have actually contemplated renting it again next summer for the group we may be going with. I liked it's convenient location.
In some ways, I wish I hadn't stayed there first because I am always comparing views to those. Kinda what Ruth was saying...if they don't know what they are missing. The rest of the family didn't understand why I kept saying the view was cluttered.
I think Ristaba was a great villa. I liked Ristaba though. Have actually contemplated renting it again next summer for the group we may be going with. I liked it's convenient location.
Ruth – I planned four 4 couples for February 2008 and I have officially reached my limit 
In our group, the requirements grew to be too specific (equal rooms, location, bed size, AC, etc) that I cannot handle any more planning. I say this will be the last group trip but some of the houses mentioned in this thread look interesting…….
In our group, the requirements grew to be too specific (equal rooms, location, bed size, AC, etc) that I cannot handle any more planning. I say this will be the last group trip but some of the houses mentioned in this thread look interesting…….
Villa la susa
Mike
I stayed at Villa La Susa last year. It does have 6 bedrooms. It is absolutely beautiful! It is a little pricey but it was a great house for a large group. That being said I have also stayed on other parts of the island and loved them just as much.
I stayed at Villa La Susa last year. It does have 6 bedrooms. It is absolutely beautiful! It is a little pricey but it was a great house for a large group. That being said I have also stayed on other parts of the island and loved them just as much.
Hey, 24 people was no harder than 10! I'm looking for traveling with 6 non-newbies coming up.
I'm a big fan of Southwestern exposure. It gives you sun ALL day and a sunset view. One reason people complain about cold swimming pools is that they are not in the sun. Another reason is that the South Shore has a stiff wind that chills. If you are between Devers Bay and Cruz Bay on the West end then you get those warm late afternoon breezes.
That being said, I want to stay in Catherineburg sometime!
Cheers, RickG
I'm a big fan of Southwestern exposure. It gives you sun ALL day and a sunset view. One reason people complain about cold swimming pools is that they are not in the sun. Another reason is that the South Shore has a stiff wind that chills. If you are between Devers Bay and Cruz Bay on the West end then you get those warm late afternoon breezes.
That being said, I want to stay in Catherineburg sometime!
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
StJohnRuth-You're right.My first visit years ago,we stayed in Klein Bay and thought we had died and gone to heaven.No need to spoil them on their first trip.I do appreciate the video you sent,it almost convinced me.
cat and nothintolose-Ristaba looks great and always wanted to look at a sunset on SJ.
Diana2-not having a covered porch out back at CM was a deal breaker.
Kat-Villa La Susa would be ideal but I'm going to save the $$.
RickG-you really need to get to Catherinberg someday.
All this being said-I bet we end up at La Susa.
Oh well.
Mike
cat and nothintolose-Ristaba looks great and always wanted to look at a sunset on SJ.
Diana2-not having a covered porch out back at CM was a deal breaker.
Kat-Villa La Susa would be ideal but I'm going to save the $$.
RickG-you really need to get to Catherinberg someday.
All this being said-I bet we end up at La Susa.
Oh well.
Mike