Villa Vistaero

[DuxDweller]

I also stayed here for a week in Feb. 2008. Loved the villa. The views are absolutely amazing. Once you settle in, villa gravity will ensure that you won't leave during sunset/cocktail hour. That - and the drive up Giftt Hill

The pool is not heated, but it does get some sun. My guess would be in the 75 degree neighborhood. I too would consider Tesori below, as it looks to be much newer, with similar amenities and a killer view. The only think I would point out there is that Vistaero's deck has a DIRECT view down on to the pool deck at Tesori - so if absolute privacy is important to you, there won't be much nekkid sunbathing available!!

[Lindy]

All of the public areas are fine and the views can't be beat. (Personally I'd be happy just about ANYWHERE on St. John!) Compared to some of the other villas we been at this one IS showing it's age though and I just wanted to provide an honest opinon of what we experienced. It just depends on what you're looking for and how much you want to spend. A majority of our group of 9 didn't want to go back for the variety of reasons mentioned so we're going to try something different this year. The bedrooms were the issue for our group -the majority voted for nicer bedroom accomodations (especially after the leaking roof situation with flooded rooms). We spend the majority of our time at the villa outside looking at the views so the livingroom/dining room area isn't as important to us as the bedrooms, kitchen and pool/deck. We're looking for a home run on all three and we thought Vistaero only hit two of the three for us. Eveyone has different priorities though.

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

I agree, Lindy.

The villa worked well for us, because it was me and my husband and our four teen-aged children. The lower bedrooms are nothing special but, the kids didn't complain. All they cared about was the pool, the sun deck and view. We were there both times in the summer so the pool was quite comfortable. The covered deck on the upper level was a really nice gathering place for us in the mornings and evenings before and after dinner.

It's not a fancy villa, but for the price, it's a good value with five bedrooms. The hot tub issue was rather frustrating for us though. And, as I mentioned earlier, the difficulty in locking up the place. Unless you close all of the hurricane shutters (which is a pain in the neck to do), it's not very secure. Oh, one more thing: The safe is small (or was, back when we were there four years ago) and piling all of the various ipods, wallets, etc...in there was a challenge.

As has been mentioned, villa Tesori below is in your direct line of sight and sound from there carries clearly up to Vistaero. Just sayin'.

[shellee]

Thanks everybody. I think I am going to eliminate Vistaero but want to let everyone know that destination st john did advise me that there is a brand new hot tub which has just been delivered. I really don't think we want to do that drive several times a day. I did locate another villa on VRBO-Vista Cielo in Virgin Grande Estates, great price just not sure if that's the view I want. Thought I would like to be closer to water. Any thoughts on that? Colibri is still weighing heavy on my mind as is Belvedere.

[petepie]

I think if you've never been to St. John before, you may be happier out on Maria Bluff (Belvedere or Colibri). I haven't stayed in either villa, so can't comment on them specifically, but I think the Maria Bluff location is good for newbies for a few reasons: 1) it's closer to the Westin, so if you want to go for drinks there, it's easier, and also if you're out drinking in Cruz Bay and want to taxi back to the villa, you'll have a better chance of getting one that will take you to the maria bluff area vs. further out (e.g. vistaero, gifft hill), 2) it's closer access to the main northshore beaches (Hawksnest, Trunk, Cinnamon) via going through Cruz Bay. Gifft Hill may be closer to go to Maho and the more eastern beaches via Centerline road, but as a St. John newbie, you really should start with the most beautiful beaches first and lots of riding up and down the northshore road, and 3) speaking of roads, Maria Bluff is a very easy drive, no scary switchbacks or steep roads. You can walk if necessary (like to the Westin), and if the St. John roads freak you out, at least you won't have a scary ride in and out of the villa every day!

Good luck with the hunt!

[petepie]

Also forgot to add that the view from Virgin Grand is very different from Maria Bluff. On Maria bluff, you're closer to the water, right on the the edge for some houses. For Virgin Grand Estates, you'll be higher up and further from the water.