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so we gave Coral Bay a try...
so we gave Coral Bay a try...
And could not have been happier. I'm the guy who, on last June 18, posted "Can a first timer get St. John". It was our first trip and we stayed at Le Lapin overlooking Hart Bay. Loved the island, the house, really everything except Cruz Bay. Just couldn't relax in that frenetic environment and said we'd try the other side of the island next time.
Well, our next time was a ten day stay starting May 27 at Coral Oasis which is on Mamey Peak. Not really Coral Bay but close enough for me. Didn't step foot in Cruz Bay except to park for a day charter that departed from the dock. And I'd do it again.
Coral Oasis - rented through Viva Vacations and what a place! Practically brand new as I believe it opened last November. Absolutely top of the line with a Sub Zero fridge, Wolf stove, oven and outdoor grill. Let's see - what else. A Pioneer Elite TV with Denon sound system. An I-Home system, Meade telescope and Jason binoculars. Cuisinart toaster, coffee maker and blender along with an Estro espresso machine. Bosch microwave, dishwasher and washer/dryer. Oh and for Rick G. - a set of Wusthof knives! Enough brand name dropping for now.
This 3 bedroom villa consists of two pods connected by a breezeway and pool. Perfect for 3 couples or, in our case, 1 couple and 4 teens. Not so good for little ones. Beautiful views and one tough driveway. I think there was one house higher up than this villa and there was a neighbor in close proximity but certainly private enough. Parts of the driveway were roughly paved; the rest was a rocky and bumpy ride. All furnishings were Tommy Bahama. I actually felt this place was too luxurious but got over it. Definitely a splurge though.
We had arranged to meet Rachael and what a treat! She took the back way to the ferry and was a great tour guide. What a change from being carted around in a smelly van by a sullen driver. It was well worth the extra $. She met us again on the return trip, called ahead for a porter (which we didn't really need this time), and gave us all a hug. Nice.
Reserved a Dodge Durango but it wasn't available so we got a Jeep Commander. It had 8,800 hard miles. The vehicle started strong but lost something a couple days into our trip. Was able to switch it out for a Dodge after 3 days.
Beaches - Started at our favorite (Maho) and went to Little Lameshur the next day. Had never been there before and liked it a lot. Next day was Francis (our next favorite). Then to Vie's and the cook was in. That was some good fried chicken. Up early the next day for Waterlemon. Back to Francis and Maho again with our first visit to Cinnamon squeezed it. I really enjoyed that big beach.
Our day with Lion in da Sun was the best. Capt. Josh took the six of us to the Caves (good) and the Indians (great) for some morning snorkeling action. Then lunch at Willy T's which was quite good. Made a stop at a small deserted island which was drop dead beautiful. Josh climbed a tree for a coconut so we all could sample. We spent the rest of the day at White BAy on Jost Van Dyke. We were never rushed and just let Josh plan the day. Such a nice guy and he remembered every name all day long. This was the highlight of our trip. When I sat in the back of the boat and watched my teens laughing out loud I knew it had been a special day.
Food - really boring here. Ate breakfast (just the early risers) 5 times at Donkey Diner. Gotta have the blueberry pancakes. Good coffee and internet (for the record, I didn't watch the news or read a paper for 12 days). 3 trips to Skinny Legs and had the same blue cheese burger, medium, each time. Wanted to try the mahi mahi but just couldn't pull the trigger. Great friendly service, sturdy cocktails and ice cold Presidentes. Love this place and the bathrooms were nice.
Carried out pizza twice at Donkey Diner and once at Big Belly Deli. Not bad. A lunch and dinner at a favorite - Shipwreck Landing. Got beach subs a couple of days and have to say that Big Belly gives Deli Grotto a run for their money! Did hit Mongoose Junction once for a little shopping and made a lunch misstep. Tried Sun Dog - indifferent service and a dry fish sandwich. And to think that Deli Grotto was so close! Live and learn.
The days flew by so fast. The only disappointment about the villa was the pool was cold. I like my pool water at 85 and the temp was a consistent 78. Nice when the sun was out but not much evening swimming. BTW, the pool had sun until about 3:30 or so. The website said it was solar heated and it was - until 3:30 or so.
Just love that side of the island and the laid back vibe. Would really like to find a place that gets more sun and we saw plenty but don't know which ones are for rent. The Mamey Peak location is kind of a central location but closer to Coral Bay. It was 12 minutes from the driveway to Skinnys and 14 minutes to Maho Bay. Not bad at all.
In closing, I may not have "got" Cruz Bay but the Coral Bay side "got" us in a big way.
jp
Well, our next time was a ten day stay starting May 27 at Coral Oasis which is on Mamey Peak. Not really Coral Bay but close enough for me. Didn't step foot in Cruz Bay except to park for a day charter that departed from the dock. And I'd do it again.
Coral Oasis - rented through Viva Vacations and what a place! Practically brand new as I believe it opened last November. Absolutely top of the line with a Sub Zero fridge, Wolf stove, oven and outdoor grill. Let's see - what else. A Pioneer Elite TV with Denon sound system. An I-Home system, Meade telescope and Jason binoculars. Cuisinart toaster, coffee maker and blender along with an Estro espresso machine. Bosch microwave, dishwasher and washer/dryer. Oh and for Rick G. - a set of Wusthof knives! Enough brand name dropping for now.
This 3 bedroom villa consists of two pods connected by a breezeway and pool. Perfect for 3 couples or, in our case, 1 couple and 4 teens. Not so good for little ones. Beautiful views and one tough driveway. I think there was one house higher up than this villa and there was a neighbor in close proximity but certainly private enough. Parts of the driveway were roughly paved; the rest was a rocky and bumpy ride. All furnishings were Tommy Bahama. I actually felt this place was too luxurious but got over it. Definitely a splurge though.
We had arranged to meet Rachael and what a treat! She took the back way to the ferry and was a great tour guide. What a change from being carted around in a smelly van by a sullen driver. It was well worth the extra $. She met us again on the return trip, called ahead for a porter (which we didn't really need this time), and gave us all a hug. Nice.
Reserved a Dodge Durango but it wasn't available so we got a Jeep Commander. It had 8,800 hard miles. The vehicle started strong but lost something a couple days into our trip. Was able to switch it out for a Dodge after 3 days.
Beaches - Started at our favorite (Maho) and went to Little Lameshur the next day. Had never been there before and liked it a lot. Next day was Francis (our next favorite). Then to Vie's and the cook was in. That was some good fried chicken. Up early the next day for Waterlemon. Back to Francis and Maho again with our first visit to Cinnamon squeezed it. I really enjoyed that big beach.
Our day with Lion in da Sun was the best. Capt. Josh took the six of us to the Caves (good) and the Indians (great) for some morning snorkeling action. Then lunch at Willy T's which was quite good. Made a stop at a small deserted island which was drop dead beautiful. Josh climbed a tree for a coconut so we all could sample. We spent the rest of the day at White BAy on Jost Van Dyke. We were never rushed and just let Josh plan the day. Such a nice guy and he remembered every name all day long. This was the highlight of our trip. When I sat in the back of the boat and watched my teens laughing out loud I knew it had been a special day.
Food - really boring here. Ate breakfast (just the early risers) 5 times at Donkey Diner. Gotta have the blueberry pancakes. Good coffee and internet (for the record, I didn't watch the news or read a paper for 12 days). 3 trips to Skinny Legs and had the same blue cheese burger, medium, each time. Wanted to try the mahi mahi but just couldn't pull the trigger. Great friendly service, sturdy cocktails and ice cold Presidentes. Love this place and the bathrooms were nice.
Carried out pizza twice at Donkey Diner and once at Big Belly Deli. Not bad. A lunch and dinner at a favorite - Shipwreck Landing. Got beach subs a couple of days and have to say that Big Belly gives Deli Grotto a run for their money! Did hit Mongoose Junction once for a little shopping and made a lunch misstep. Tried Sun Dog - indifferent service and a dry fish sandwich. And to think that Deli Grotto was so close! Live and learn.
The days flew by so fast. The only disappointment about the villa was the pool was cold. I like my pool water at 85 and the temp was a consistent 78. Nice when the sun was out but not much evening swimming. BTW, the pool had sun until about 3:30 or so. The website said it was solar heated and it was - until 3:30 or so.
Just love that side of the island and the laid back vibe. Would really like to find a place that gets more sun and we saw plenty but don't know which ones are for rent. The Mamey Peak location is kind of a central location but closer to Coral Bay. It was 12 minutes from the driveway to Skinnys and 14 minutes to Maho Bay. Not bad at all.
In closing, I may not have "got" Cruz Bay but the Coral Bay side "got" us in a big way.
jp
Great report,jp. This house has interested me since it came on the rental market. I'm curious about it's exact location. I'm familiar with that area but I'm not sure where you turn off Centerline to drive up to this house. Do you go up at the intersection of the Northshore and Centerline....the Ajax Peak Road that seems to go straight up just past Columbo's (to the left as you head out to Coral Bay?
Yeah, I'm with you! I dream of Skinny's...Our last couple of trips down, we stayed for a week in a villa out east, then a few days in town. It's like having two separate vacations. This March, we had the distinct pleasure of meeting Guy Benjamin - he was sitting out on the road across from Skinny's signing his book. He's quite a gentleman and full of tales of the (really)old days - like before the US took over!! Definitely gave me a different perspective on the "US"VI.
Sounds like you found your paradise! If it's just the husband and I, I'd think love Coral Bay and the privacy it offers. I do think your description of Cruz Bay as "frenetic" is pretty funny, if you don't mind me saying so. It makes me wonder what in the world you think of St. Thomas, St. Martin or San Juan! That's the great ting (typo but I'm keeping it) about STJ - there's room for people who want complete solitude and people who want more "action".
jp- Classy report, thanks for sharing your experience and viewpoint on the island. That Villa looks really nice, I love the warm wood tones used as well as the window and door styles. Not a bad view either...
So, will you please the masses and post some photos from your trip and the villa?
My TR and photos should be up in about two weeks (6/21-28 trip)...
Thanks-
Sherb
So, will you please the masses and post some photos from your trip and the villa?
My TR and photos should be up in about two weeks (6/21-28 trip)...
Thanks-
Sherb
STJ Villa Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
Coral Bay vs. Cruz Bay
jp......
I cant agree with you more! We love Coral Bay and have already booked again for next year. I could not be happier in Coral Bay. The people are the best and nicest! If your looking or need something to do then Cruz Bay is for you...if you want to chill...then coral bay is just awesome!!
I cant agree with you more! We love Coral Bay and have already booked again for next year. I could not be happier in Coral Bay. The people are the best and nicest! If your looking or need something to do then Cruz Bay is for you...if you want to chill...then coral bay is just awesome!!
