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oh my achin' head....villa searchin' is killin me!
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 7:19 am
by Iluvstjohn
Hey forumites......I have spent waaaaaaaaay too much time searching for villas. At first it was daydreaming, and wondering, and then it was intense...and now...well, it's become somewhat of an obsession. SIGH......
So we have some villas ideas...but not sure what is the best option. We have 2 kids.....and we want a pool that at least the 6 year old can touch the bottom in some parts. Here's the problem...we are going the end of June...which happens to run into Carnival. Soooo.....should we stay "away" from the Cruz Bay side? Should we do the Coral Bay side? Never stayed up on Bordeaux mtn area.....but like to visit the northshore beaches for the kids....
I saw a post about luna vista.......does the pool get much sun? How deep is it? Good views? (I'd imagine)...
*Bay House....(coral bay).....next to sea biscuit....seems nice too......
any other suggestions out there? I need coffee and advil.....
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 7:48 am
by shoemak38
end of June...which happens to run into Carnival. Soooo.....Town only crazy last couple of days, my youngest (12) liked shopping the vendors. I would vote stay near town. We stayed south shore drive was nice look for animals and stop at starmarket on way home. Seacay has pool that fits (photo's on villa review) however kids sleep on different floor
but like to visit the northshore beaches for the kids....go trunk on days ships are not in town. kids will like getting hamburgers on beach
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 8:06 am
by jayseadee
I feel your pain - I've been doing the same and after months of searching and 2 bottles of Tylenol, a decision was made - woo hoo!
If you do some searches on the forum, I think you will find write-ups for both Luna Vista (ccasebolt, jimg20) and Bay House (Coden, RickG).
have fun.
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 8:51 am
by ShelleyZ
I feel your pain. But isn't it a fun obsession? Take a look at Notreciel.com. Notre Ciel is on Mamey Peak. A quick, easy drive down to Francis and Maho.
It's a great, comfortable family house. Our son was about six when we stayed there. As I remember, he really enjoyed the pool, because he could stand in half of it (maybe there's a ledge and then it slopes?) but it was small enough that he could swim across and catch the other side. We had many races. The pool is also separate and gated, which is nice with younger children.
The view from the house, pool and hot tub is incredible. Wonderful stargazing!
We also love the Carolina Ridge area. You might also consider Satinwood at Satinwood-usvi.com. The pool is definitely shallow at one end, and it has sitting ledges. The solar power is handy during power outages. Again, a terrific view.
Happy Hunting!
Shelley
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 9:04 am
by djmom
We are going thru what you are, it is painful! you might want to make sure for the Bay house that the bedrooms are not on different floors. Just something to think of if you have little ones (if it is only accessible by the outside.)
I couldn't tell by the website, but a lot of the Coral Bay houses seem to be like that.
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 9:21 am
by chicagoans
Rhumb Runners is near Bay House. The two bedrooms are next to each other on the lower level. The second bedroom has a king that can be made into 2 twins for the kids. We haven't seen it yet but have spoken with the owner Mike who is very nice.
Others that I have had on my list because they look kid friendly (2 bedrooms with interior access off the great room) are Caneel Trailside Cottage, Fun and Contentment, and Moonswept. The latter 2 are down past Coral Bay with "interesting" driveways (from what I've read here.)
Another one that looks great and was recently mentioned was Coconut Hill Cottage.
http://www.vrbo.com/115186 You'd have to ask about layout and sun on the pool.
I would definitely look at Reef Madness. It's in the part of Coral Bay that should get afternoon sun on the pool. It looks beautiful.
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:26 am
by chrisn
Villa Migraine. I get it with every trip planning. Except this year, friends traveling with us were like "this is where we're staying...and we're paying. No arguments."
Saved a lot of headache and from the looks of things, they chose well so things are good and we are ready to go. C'mon june!!!
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 12:43 pm
by djmom
Villa Migraine
I have never heard of that villa. Can someone please tell me where that is?

Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 12:44 pm
by Iluvstjohn
I think I have the link......wait.....

Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:12 pm
by cypressgirl
I stayed at Luna Vista with a frind and my daughter. The villa is great, 5 min. or so from Maho and Francis, great villa for the $$, shallow pool, great views, great owners, great pets that love to come for regular visits. "Mom" is a vet so they are well cared for and not flea ridden. lol I think it's one of the best bargains on the island, and it's new and not worn or dated. AC in bedrooms which we did use during mid summer.
Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 10:07 pm
by Robbin
Don't know how to make a easy link so just copy and past. when you get the web page look for the vila named Adeste. Or you can look on VRBO ( villa rental by owner) web site and find it there. Go through the villa owner for your price. I remember looking for a villa. OMG I'm glad i got through that.
Someone here gave me this great info and I'm passing on! Good Luck!!
Robbin from cold as He** Wisconsin
http://www.vivacations.com/Explore.aspx
Villa Migraine...
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:59 am
by choochtex
I think that's wherever I wake up after Rum Runners...LOL
I too feel your pain. It's that nagging feeling you get just before committing to a villa....is it the right one, will we enjoy it, is it a good price, is it a good location, do the pictures do it justice, etc, etc, etc.
we've all been there. Since I haven't been, I can't recommend anything....but sometime in mid July we'll be there for the first time and hope to scope out a couple more properties other than the one we're staying at in Chocolate Hole (Poi Pu) for if/when we decide to bring all the kids along.
I can tell you that the migraine goes away once you make a decision and then never look back. (I've done that before and worked myself into a frenzy cause I thought I found a better place

)
Enjoy your planning and most of all enjoy the trip.
Chooch and T