More 3 bedroom villa opinions

[mbw1024]

Hmmm.. there is Cielo Vista on Gift Hill (rented by Carefree Getaways) and Vista Cielo, a new house in nearby Virgin Grand Estates....that shouldn't be at all confusing:) Vista Cielo looks beautiful.

agreed! this came up somewhere around here about a month ago! I was so confused!

[petepie]

I stayed in Vistaero in May 09. During what was apparently one of the worst mosquito blooms in recent memory (certainly like nothing I'd experienced before on St. John). There were some mosquitoes up at Vistaero on the worst couple of days, but they were NOTHING like what was going on down at the beaches and in Cruz Bay. I don't know what Maria Bluff would be like, if it's breezy it probably wouldn't have such a problem, but I can tell you that Vistaero was much better than other lower lying areas.

[shellee]

I'm baaaaacccckkkkkkk................
OK, I mean it this time. Vistaero is off the list as it is now booked for our time frame. The list is now narrowed to:
Colibri
Belvedere
Vista Cielo (location???)
La Papaya
Remember, we will be there in the early summer and want a villa with some cooler outdoor space meaning shade, etc. Would really like to be able to get out of the sun but still enjoy the outdoors. This IS the final vote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[iowaguy]

This is almost as suspenseful as The Bachelor!

I would pick Colibri, with Vista Cielo second. Vista Cielo may be a nicer house, but I prefer the location/waterfront setting of Colibri. Just my opinion---everyone likes something a little different.

[shellee]

Iowa, I love Colibri too. I am struggling because everyone wants a hot tub even though I don't really care about that. I am a pool person though and I like a great pool. I will never be the planner for 6 people again. Now that's a decision I can be sure of!

[papabou]

won't pick my fav since have not stayed in any but have considered and followed all but belevedere (we don't do queen beds). do have some observations.

vista cieleo i believe is the nicest of bunch and we would have stayed there in aug but for the owners refusal to work with us on a varable arrival date less than a week out. vc has a min 7min dr disadvantage to other 3 but the views from that area and elevation are incredible.

belv almost all on 1 level which is plus for us and has wonderful maria bluff location (stayed just past 3 times). colibri has similar location as well as partial view into gr cruz bay but there are a bunch of steps from great room to pool deck but sure has a lot of outdoor space.

lapapaya is in a wonderful location on upper rockridge rd (stayed twice just above)than is within 20 as high as vc with out the long drive to virg gr est. only the pool deck faces west for sunsets but that means then main deck off gr room may have some shade late afternoon and minimum stpes from pool to gr room. seems like a recent review may have indicated she needs refurbishing.

as for all 4, there is too little shade from june's afternoon sun for our tastes but lp may have the best opportunity for some relief.

if the drive to vge not an issue, go with vc. if evening dining out in cruz bay is to be a daily event, draw lots among the other 3 and have fun.

papabou

[lisa mcg]

shellee.....I am always the planner but I pick the villa and just let everyone know how much $$$$ it's going to be..no choices given..it's all on me! I also get 1st pick of bedrooms....works for me!

[lisa mcg]

I agree with Iowa Guy...Colibri 1st, then Vista Cielo. I can't get past Belvedere not having a view from one of the bedrooms, and Papaya looks like it has no shade on the main deck. I stayed in a place a few years ago without an awning or a roof over the main deck and it got really hot inside (it was January), not to mention that you couldn't sit outside and have shade during the daylight hours... I am a sun worshipper if there ever was one, but I need a shaded living area!

Good luck...I know this is soooooo hard!

[kristen1206]

I was the planner for our 40th birthday trip and our fellow travelers only had one requirement...a pool. otherwise they deferred to me And my hubby just requires a comfortable bed and a sunset. Flip side of being the responsible party is that if it's bad, you take all the blame! Though I can't see that it would ever be bad in STJ!

[petepie]

Colibri. Great location, easy and quick drive to Cruz Bay, large decks and public spaces, screens and A/C in great room. I think you will be very happy with the Maria Bluff area.

[Lo in VA]

Stayed in LaPapaya w/2 other couples five years ago and loved it! Three pretty equal bedrms and everyone liked the room they drew. It has a shaded dining table on the top deck, and also a long shaded deck on the lower level. Be warned, the lower level bedrm and deck look out on beautiful vegetation. You may be able to see the water, but not as expansive as the top deck. The pool is large and has a wonderful infinity edge with awesome views. Sunsets did get somewhat ruined by power lines. Easy drive to town and excellent allover AC. Our group still talks about our LaPapaya vacation as the best!

[shellee]

Anyone know anything about Palm Vista? I think it is a new villa but can't find anything on it.

[iowaguy]

Shelley---Palm Vista looks beautiful. It is further from Cruz Bay than the other houses you have been considering.

[jdw]

Palm Vista looks very nice but you won't get the sunset view you are looking for.

[Ryn]

I would agree with Marybeth from a post a long time ago. Calypso Del Sol is a wonderful house. We stayed there in 2007 with 2 other couples. All bedrooms are equal, living areas are nice, screen porch is wonderful and pool is huge. There is also a hot tub. www.calypsodelsol.com has pics, rates and availability.