First Timer Location Question

[turtlegirl]

I'm researching villas, but am now wondering if I'm looking in the right location...decided on Coral Bay. Looking for privacy, views and convenience to markets/restaurants. Was choosing to stay away from Cruz Bay for quiet and not South of Cruz Bay so we don't have to drive thru to get to North Shore...Am I doing the right thing looking in Coral Bay or am I limiting myself re. restaurants, etc. by disregarding Chocolate Hole and South of there?

[aroobagirl]

Personally, I think that it is better for a first timer to stay on the Cruz Bay side. More to do and easier access to everything. You can then get a feel for how comfortable you are with roads and travel time the next trip.
Enjoy!

[RickG]

I usually recommend first timers stay in Great Cruz Bay or Chocolate Hole - great sunsets. You can avoid Cruz Bay by going up Gifft Hill Road to Centerline Road. When we are on island with a more party oriented crowd we stay over there as well. We are staying in Coral Bay for Spring Break, but will be in Cruz Bay 3 or 4 times during the trip.

Cheers, RickG

[waterguy]

Coral bay is a lot smaller then Cruz bay and Cruz bay isn't big I tell first timers to look at the chocolate hole area it is close to Cruz bay but far enough out that it is peaceful plenty of villas that are private plus the sunsets are great most coral bay villas you won't get the sunsets. You can go up gift hill road if you don't want to go through town to get to the north shore beaches. But I don't find Cruz bay that hard to get through it is only a few blocks long. there are more choices for restaurants but there are some good ones in coral bay too. Where ever you end up you will have a great time.

[AquaGirl]

I was concerned about the same thing the first time we stayed in Coral Bay. I don't like to cook on vacation, except breakfast, so being close to restaurants was a requirement. We loved being in the Coral Bay area and really enjoyed the restaurants there. Sweet Plantains, Shipwreck and Miss Lucy's were all good. I have read good reviews about the other restaurants too. Not much shopping, but Skinny's shops and Cocoloba had enough to keep us entertained on a rainy afternoon.

We picked up some nice bread, cheese and a few other snack items at Lily's. Also bought some basic items at Love City market. The markets are not extensive and you would need to go to Starfish or Dolphin for bigger shopping. We did go into Cruz Bay a few times to shop and eat, plus hit Starfish for eggs and muffins.

Enjoy your trip!

[sherban]

I remembered a similar question a couple of months ago, and thought you might appreciate some of that dialog as well...

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... light=rock

[chicagoans]

As newbies we deliberately stayed in Coral Bay. I didn't want to be in Cruz Bay, particularly because we were there over the holidays and I didn't want to deal with crowds. The only times we went to Cruz Bay were arrival and departure on the ferry (first day/last day), and once when we caught a boat at the NP visitor center. We loved Coral Bay: loved the laid back vibe, access to north and south shore beaches, and had plenty of restaurants to visit. I'm not a shopper so maybe that makes a difference; my friends went shopping in Cruz Bay on the day my family went kayaking. Also we didn't mind making dinner at the villa; with our group it was a blast to "stay home" and enjoy a long dinner together. I should also point out that with kids in our group we weren't looking for night life/bars; that would make a difference too.

We brought some frozen steaks and seafood from home, and stocked up at Starfish Market when we first got off the ferry. After that we found everything we needed at Lilly's Market or the Love Shack (Love's Mini Mart or something like that), including fresh fish. (But the cheese at Lilly's deli counter was frightening; we skipped that.)

[turtlegirl]

Thank you all so much for your prompt, informative, and thoughtful replies. I will give another look to Chocolate Hole. Do you think the North Shore (Honeymoon Cottage) would be a good compromise? Thanks for the tips on sunsets-we love them. We are not big partiers, although we do enjoy a drink or two on the lanai. I mainly was looking at Coral Bay as I thought villas would have more privacy in between, but perhaps I can find a secluded one in Chocolate Hole. Is is important to rent from a car co. that has parking in Cruz Bay? Thanks and any recommendations for Chocolate Hole for 2 person villas would be much appreciated

[California Girl]

If you don't count an afternoon on the cruise ship bus tour, we were first timers on STJ last year and we chose to stay in Coral Bay. This is what I found out:

1. It's not too far out. It's about a 20 min. drive to Cruz Bay, and it's such an entertaining ride you're there before you know it! There were days we went into Cruz Bay twice! It felt that close.

2. Coral Bay is one of the bitchin-est places on earth, but have no expectations. There really isn't a "town" as towns go. There are many businesses alongside the road, but you're not going to find a "town" with city blocks. The restaurants in Coral Bay are great! Lily's Market is very well stocked and you'll find pretty much anything you need there. Love City Mini Mart looks from the outside like a place I wouldn't go into at home. But it's a cool little store and the guys who run it are really nice. They carry a lot more than you'd think when you first walk in. That's where I got my bug zapper racquet.

I'd say stay in Coral Bay if you want to be away from it all. That being said, next time we go, I'd like to stay closer to Cruz Bay, for no other reason than to have a different experience.

Party on!

P.S. Just saw your question about rental cars and parking. In my opinion, it's very important! We rented from Courtesy and they were great and we always parked in their lot.

[AnyTing]

Ditto CAGirl's comments on Coral Bay. On my first trip to STJ, I chose to stay in Coral Bay as well and did not regret it. Nothing is really THAT far no matter where you are. Chocolate Hole is rather crowded with villas and it sounds like you are attempting to avoid that. I can tell you that the location of Honeymoon Cottage is very secluded and puts you a quick drive to Coral Bay, close to the Northshore Beaches, and still only a pleasant drive along the Northshore Rd. to Cruz Bay. You would probably be very pleased with that location.

[turtlegirl]

Thanks CaliforniaGirl and VickiH for your replies...once in awhile I wanna throw in the towel and just stay at Caneel but a, it's wicked expensive and b, I think I'd love having our "own place". Really wanna checkout Honeymoon Cottage but Terry hasn't gotten back to me yet-it's been a couple of days. In Harmony on Seagrape Hill looks quite nice and is in our price range but I am unsure how the location is.

[California Girl]

Turtlegirl - Regarding Terry not getting back to you... you have to shift your thinking to "island time". People there just aren't in a hurry. I'm sure she'll respond eventually. If you have a phone # you might try calling her.

[turtlegirl]

California_ I hear you about "Island Time"...Thanks!

[Maryanne]

Hi,

I rented Honeymoon Cottage for a few days in January. Terry was very prompt---but she was talked about intermittent trouble with phones and internet service. I would second giving her a phone call.

[KPlumm]

Hi

We stayed in the Ajax Peak area for our first time and we had no problem at all. Another way to look at it would be to find a villa you like and not worry too much about just looking in a certain area. The island really isn't that big.