USVI-On-Line

Ok - I have now posted many times in the last couple of weeks. We will be newbies coming next summer. When I read up on where to stay for newbies they say North Shore. Just wondering what area that would be. Is that Cruz Bay, Coral Bay, Chocolate Hole? Still looking for a villa that will meet our needs for our family of two adults and two kids ages 12 and 9. Of course, have to have a pool it will be in July. Hopefully, we will not have to deal with the mosquitos as I have been reading this forum and it looks bad right now. My youngest daughter is always getting bitten alive at home. Thanks again for everyone's help.

In order to answer we need to know what your needs are. Do you need 2 or 3 bedrooms? What is your budget? What do you want to do while in St. John? Many of the houses have bedrooms separate from each other. Is that arrangement a comfortable one for your children and you? Do you want to be close to town?

The Northshore is neither Cruz Bay, Coral Bay or Chocolate Hole. There are fewer homes on the northshore and they tend to be a bit more money than the other areas.

As far as the mosquitos are concerned you just can't predict whether or not that will be a problem. I've been going to STJ for nearly 20 years and skeeters have never been a problem but from time to time after a big rain they hatch out in full force. There's no way to prodict when it will happen.

Cruz Bay, Coral Bay, and Chocolate Hole all face south (or west), and there are many wonderful villas in all three of these areas. The Catherinberg area is on the North Shore and has some incredible views - but usually the cost to go with them. We have stayed in both, and I think next time we will stay facing south again. Catherinberg is nice, but it isn't the easiest to get to, and I'm not sure the drive to the North Shore beaches is any faster than from the south areas.

All is good - hard to go wrong on St. John.

Here is a picture from the south shore:



From Coral Bay:



And finally from Catherinberg (North Shore):



Ken

Thanks so much. Ken - That last picture of the pool and view is gorgeous. Was that at your villa?

Diana - Our budget is around 3,000 for the week. We could have a 2 or 3 bedroom. If we had a two would probably need twin beds as we have a 11 year old son and 8 year old daughter. We plan on snorkeling and just enjoying anthing the island has to offer. Our son loves to be active so maybe some water activities. Both our kids love the water. What area we choose is the hard part right now because everywhere looks beautiful.

This thread may help you decide which area to stay in. I was curious what areas people like for what reasons

If the Catherineberg view blows you away (last pic) you might look at Cinnamon Tarn http://www.vacationvistas.com/Villas/cinnamon-tarn.html It's a really great little moderately priced house on the very top of the ridge. Awesome view. I've stayed there several times. There isn't a pool at the house (I never missed it) but there is a huge hot tub that's great to get in after you've been to the beach. There are 2 bedrooms at either end of porch at the front of the house (not far apart though) and a 3rd bedroom upstairs (it's not really a bedroom but more like an office or loft room). Your son might like it up there. This house does not have A/C but up there you won't need it because there is always a breeze. Given the current economy I'd suggest that you offer them $3K for the whole house and I'll bet they accept.

If view #2 looks good to you I can recommend Summerwind http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/summerwind/index.html has that view and it's a great house. PM me if you have more questions.

You really can't go wrong no matter where you stay. The island is small so it doesn't take long to get where you want to go.

I personally don't like the south side (view 1) because 1) I don't like looking out at so many other rooftops/houses 2) I don't like having to drive through town everytime I want go to the northshore beaches 3) It's hotter on that side of the island. I prefer the views from northshore, Bordeaux Mountain, or Coral Bay.

Get yourself a copy of Feet, Fins and Four-Wheel Drive and you'll have a wealth of information. You can order this book through this website. Believe me it will be invaluable to you.

Thanks Pickle, for re-posting that thread. I have never stayed in Coral Bay, but can't wait to do so this fall. I've been going to STJ for 17 years, so I'm ready to move on down the road. I have never found one villa I want to keep going back to, because I like trying different views and different villas. Maybe that's because STJ is so small, and I've seen most every beach, but I haven't seen every villa. That makes each trip new and exciting. If I went back to the same villa every time, I think I'd get a little bored.....not with the island, but I just need a different viewopoint from which to see it all. I guess that's a good reason for not owning my own villa....other than $$$.

Thank you Pickle and Diana you both have given me great information. We will be going next July so I would think we would at least need air conditioning in the bedrooms. It is a must to have a pool with our two kids. Thank you both again!

Hello Hawaii-

If you are willing to download google earth you can also use the maps of villas here:
http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubbthreads.p ... Post997622

Some photos.....
Cinnaman Tarn:

Another CT view...


Peace...

What about Sago Palms? I've heard good things about this villa overlooking the North Shore. Pool, A/C and in your price range. Check it out:
http://www.privatehomesvi.com/sagopalms.htm

Here's a screenshot of the villa map...it has the names of most of the Villas in Catherineberg...

And then there is the exclusive (and expen$ive) area of Peter Bay, down the mountain, closer to sea level...

Hey, sherban, you can name the house called Private 1 in Catherinberg. It's no longer private and is now on the rental market. It's name is Cinnamon Day Dreams.

Thanks again. I did check out Sago Palms and it does look nice but said that it was a little noisy staying their. Right now Sapphire Breeze is looking good but I am sure it will probably change as I keep looking.