Orion's Hill Villa

Travel discussion for St. John
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CJ
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Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:22 pm

Orion's Hill Villa

Post by CJ »

I am considering renting Orion's Hill villa in July. I have searched this forum and found a few posts that talk about this villa, but think most of them are old. Can anyone tell me about this villa? We are brining my daughter and her boyfriend who just moved to Boston upon graduating from college. This is a graduation gift and we want this to be special. She has only been to St. John once and it was just a day trip. My husband and I have visited St. John each year for the past 4 years and just love this island. We are opting for sunsets and views this year as we will have a jeep and not afraid of the roads. We know the island fairly well now, but have never stayed in the Ajax Peak area. We have stayed in Cruz Bay area, Gifft Hill area (which we love) and upper Chocolate Hole. The Gifft Hill area had the best sunsets -- but this trip is just now coming together and there are limited villas available. Please help me in any way that you can. I need to finalize this trip in the next couple of days! Thank you so much in advance!!!
AquaGirl
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Joined: Mon Aug 21, 2006 6:59 pm
Location: Fairfax, Virginia

Post by AquaGirl »

I just have a tidbit of info on it. We've never stayed in Orion Hill, but it is on my list. Last year, we stayed in a villa down the hill from Orion Hill and could see part of OH from our villa. It looks like it would have the most awesome views because it is up high and didn't appear to have anything obstructing the view. The caretaker of our villa said that OH is very well taken care of by the owner.
CJ
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Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:22 pm

Post by CJ »

B&J -- which villa did you rent last year?
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sherban
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Location: SE USA

Post by sherban »

I thought I saw Kptnkirk say he was renting it this year...I had also seen a review on "where to Stay", or somewhere elase on the internet but I can't find it now...Looks great to me...
cptnkirk
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Location: ohio

Post by cptnkirk »

Not alot of help for ya now but we are staying there in May. I recall reading a post and said the views were great. Sure looks great for the price.
CJ
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Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:22 pm

Post by CJ »

It does look great. We are probably going to "go for it". My main concern is that our 23-year old daughter and her boyfriend are travelling with us as a graduation gift. I am a little concerned about the road to the villa -- does anyone know if it is paved? I think there were several houses right around Orion's Hill so hopefully road is in good condition. I hate driving these roads at night. Any help anyone can give is appreciated!
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jofus
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Location: putnam co. NY

Post by jofus »

Hi CJ,
I stayed at Happy Moon villa in 2005. It's right below Orion. Go For It! Don't sweat the road, it's mostly paved and on the tame side by STJ standards.
OH was still being biult while I was there and the owner/builder Doug invited us up to check it out and watch the sunset one evening. Really awsome views up there.

What I would enquire about is where the owner/caretakers are living. The were living in a small cottage right next to the villa and I recall a post a while ago from someone who stayed there saying the were concerned about privacy issues. Hovwever they may have moved down the hill because I see that their other villa Happy Moon where I stayed is no longer on the market so maybe they are living there now.

I did love that Ajax Peak location though. Very close the where Centerline and the Northshore road meet. Easy to Coral Bay and easy to Maho and Francis.

Have a great trip!

jofus
AquaGirl
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Joined: Mon Aug 21, 2006 6:59 pm
Location: Fairfax, Virginia

Post by AquaGirl »

Hi CJ,
We stayed in Bayview villa in May 2007. It's 2BR/2BA, but personally I would not recommend it for 4 people. Some people like this villa, but you should see California Girl's review of it before considering it. Her review reflects how we felt about it too.

We tried to drive up to Orion since we are interested in staying there some time. Couldn't get all the way to it (due to a gate), but I seem to recall that the roads were mostly all paved and no problem getting up there.

Location is so close to Coral Bay which was nice for popping down for dinner or getting to the beaches. Not far to Smoothie Stand too!

If you stay there, please be sure to write a review.
CJ
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Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:22 pm

Post by CJ »

OK -- I think I am going for it! However -- the captain is staying there in May and will hopefully write a review prior to my arrival -- and I sure do hope it is great! I will be sure to write a review!
greyhoundmom
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Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 3:06 pm
Location: Columbia South Carolina

Post by greyhoundmom »

CJ, we are staying July 10-24 at Orion's Hill. I read a review with pics from someone who stayed last year and decided this was the villa for us and two others. We think we've made a good decision, judging from reviews about the owners and how well kept the villa is. Would love to hear from others who have stayed.
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CJ
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Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:22 pm

Orion's Hill

Post by CJ »

Greyhoundmom -- We will be checking out the day before you arrive. You are welcome to call me earlier in the week if you like. Just let me know.
greyhoundmom
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Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 3:06 pm
Location: Columbia South Carolina

Post by greyhoundmom »

CJ - Would love to hear about your stay at Orion's Hill while you are there. Are you able to post while there? Sorry about the late reply - at Hilton Head last week for a "working" conference.
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MLS
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Post by MLS »

I'm quite sure that you will be fine at that time of year, but nonetheless, call Doug and make sure the sun is setting far enough north to get great sunsets, ie. over water or distant islands. Sunset over Mamey Peak just doesn't have the same panache.
Beds at OH are queens.
Drive is not at all a problem (Happy Moon needs 4-wheel drive).
May be the best combination of views on STJ.
It will be interesting to see if the pool is warm enough then.
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