USVI-On-Line

Hi Everyone - I do think I have it narrowed down to the final villas unless another one pops up somewhere. Next July will be coming to St.John with hubby and two kids 9 and 12. This is what I have so far. Any comments would be appreciated.

Fun and Contentment
One Particular Harbour
Sea Biscuit
Island Horizons -Is this a new villa?
Blue Palm Villa
Coral Rays

The last two are on the high end of what we want to spend and would depend on what our air fare is going to cost for four.

Thanks again for all your help.

Bev - Villa Madeline looks nice but not sure the kids would want to sleep together (probably no way). It would end up myself with my daughter and son with my husband and if that happens I need a king size bed. We are spoiled with our king at home.

My choice would be Coral Rays or Island Horizons - I have not personally been in either, but know of people who have stayed at both (sunformysoul just returned from Coral Rays and LOVED it - look for her trip report) and the view is amazing from both.

I have not seen OPH but it does get great reviews and the view is amazing as well - close to in area as the first two villas - I think there are a few stairs at that villa so do ask if that is a problem (I haven't personally seen it but I think hubby has but a few years ago) - I don't know of the bedroom set ups.

I believe the beds in F&C are 2 queens (might be a king as it has been a few months since I was there) so the kids would have to sleep together there as well, but one of them ight be 2 twins pushed together so could be seperated but each time I have shown the villa it has been set up as queen/king.

Blue Palm is a nice villa but do know it sits directly above Centerline road and you can be see from the road on the part of the deck space if that is a concern to you - but a nice villa all the same (I have not seen it since it was furnished but looks nice in the pictures)

Sea Biscuit is in a cluster of homes and you can see and hear your neighbours quite easily and you are much lower and the view is not as good as the vegatation has grown quite alot - but a comfortable villa.

Hope this helps

Pia

We wanted to stay at Island Horizons last time, but another forumite beat it us to it. (Was it Maho Jim?) Anyhow, from what I heard about it, it was very nice but they did have some issues during the week.

I think I said this the other day, but I cannot say enough good things about the crew at Private Homes for Private Vacations, and they are the management company on that property.

I've also looked at OPH, Seabiscuit and Coral Rays. They have all gotten great reviews. I think Coral Rays and Island Horizons would be a little better size for your group, especially if your kids want their own space.

I just saw on the website where it says no children under 10. Our daughter will be 9 and son 12 so not sure that Island Horizons will work. Does anyone know if they are pretty strict with this? Island Horizons does look great!

I was offered a discount for Blue Palm Villa by the owners Woody and Joan so it might not be on the high end after all. We didn't end up going with them because even with their discount it was still high for only two people. I got some pretty good offers for this summer by going directly to owners. And I've definitely noticed that the villas offering discounts are the ones that are booking up the best.

Hawaii wrote:I just saw on the website where it says no children under 10. Our daughter will be 9 and son 12 so not sure that Island Horizons will work. Does anyone know if they are pretty strict with this? Island Horizons does look great!

Can your daughter pass for 10? I don't think they'll ask for her passport or anything...

That's strange. Usually their policy is no children under 8. I guess it can't hurt to ask. I know some people have gotten around the child age restrictions and others have not.

I suggest looking at Summerwind on Bordeaux Mtn. If your kids are comfortable sleeping a level below you there are two bedrooms one level down from the masterbedroom. Or another option is to put the youngest on a twin in the masterbedroom (the master is HUGE). No scary driveway. Great location and there's a pool and spa. Ask for a discounted rate. All they can say is 'No'. I'm there right now and it's a great house.

Hawaii wrote:I just saw on the website where it says no children under 10. Our daughter will be 9 and son 12 so not sure that Island Horizons will work. Does anyone know if they are pretty strict with this? Island Horizons does look great!

We have a young child and I have asked for that requirement to be waived. Responses ranged from "no way" to "sure, no problem."

It doesn't hurt to ask but along the lines of Lulu's post, if I had a nine year old turning 10, I won't address it at all.

Check out Skyflower on Bordeaux Mtn. Wonderful house. Unbelievable views. Reasonable prices. Paved road all the way, and a nice level driveway. Google Skyflower VI.

Hawaii-
I did indeed just return from Coral Rays and my group LOVED the house. The owner is also great to deal with and I do not think they have a problem with children. If you have any questions about Coral Rays, feel free to PM me. My villa review and trip report are a little behind schedule.

I would not hesitate to stay in Coral Rays again!

My memory is a little fuzzy but I think I remember a few posts about a steep drive up to One Particular Harbor, you may want to search the forum for feedback.

We are renting our first villa and we selected Bordeaux Breeze based on recommendations from the many folks on the forum. We'll be staying there June 21 - 28. I'll be posting a trip report if you want to wait.

Check out the availability for Viewtiful on Mamey Peak. Pool and hot tub. Two bedrooms with twins in the one. The other had a king. Only one bedroom has AC but the kids won't mind. The views are great and the price is too. I just couldn't get a response from the agency so I moved on..

Thanks everyone - Appreciate all your responses and think I have it narrowed down to maybe five or so. I am sure I will have many more questions over the next year. Will be checking air fare for the next several months and hope to find a good deal then I can go ahead and book a villa. Thanks again.