Villa opinions please

[BuffaloGal]

We're looking for a villa with a great sunset view - especially from the pool deck. We love the Maria Bluff/Great Cruz Bay/Chocolate Hole area. Please let me know if you have any recent experience with any of these villas.
- Amani
- Serenity
- Splendore
- Hale Lani
- Island Time

Thanks so much!

[LovetoTravel]

i have not stayed in any of those villas, but I did stay at Villa Maria(Catered To-mgmt. co) on Great Cruz Bay. The sunsets were AMAZING from our pool.

Loved it!!



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[mindehankins]

That's certainly a name that'd be familiar, anyway, for a Buffalo Gal!
Be safe today and tomorrow, neighbor!

[ihochman]

We stayed at Island Time last Feb and LOVED IT!!! Great house, amazing view, new pool and hot tub and great location. You couldn't ask for anything more. I've been to St John 5 times and have always stayed in a different villa and this one was the best. It isn't too big but great for 2 couples or a small family. If I could I'd be staying there again this year but have to pass this year (low on $$$). Next year it's Island Time again.

[mahojim]

Buff-
Stayed in Serenity, and it was wonderful.
Keep in mind that you will most likely not get too many negative villa reviews...it's all good!
Anyway, Serenity was deelish, but for a single couple, a bit large with it having 3 bedrooms.
The pool wasn't all that big, and basically nestled off to the left on the pool deck.
It was groovy & all, but not particularly the highlight of the home.
The villa was spacious and airy, with a great view, and an awesome layout for outdoor cooking.
Plenty of big old iguanas,too!
Did you check out Blue Tang?
Another great spot;sunsets,great location,and a little more cozy for 2 than Serenity.
Hope I helped.
Smiles-
MJ

[PA Girl]

We stayed at Splendore in Feb 2007. I raved about this villa many times and there is a review in the review section.

Granted, it was nearly 3 years ago but the place was perfect, the best stocked, most well maintained place we have rented on STJ. I remember the manager saying the owners use it a lot and are very particular about keeping it ship-shape.

Quick thoughts -

• The pool was very warm, we swam morning, day and at night
  The living room furniture isn't the most comfy, two small wicker couches. The tv (at that time) was in a wicker cupboard. We aren't inside people on vacation but it is worth mentioning.
  Pool deck area gets full sun all day.
  Ample patio furniture
  The third bedroom is tiny and reached via a metal spiral staircase. During our visit, it had a pull out couch bed.

[BuffaloGal]

Thanks, this really helps. Now I just have to make up my mind! Our benchmark is Villa Belvedere. It's a little older, but we absolutely loved the location and the view. That said, we like to try different villas. So we scouted these before we left in November and wanted to hear what you had to say about these options.

I'd rather be at any of them right now. Minde,the wind is really howling here. You stay safe today and tomorrow, too!

[mahojim]

Since, evidently, size & cost isn't an issue for you two, I had the joy of renting "Long View" villa (formerly "Lyon's Pride") a few years back.
It just might be up your alley.
Have fun, and don't forget your
Smiles-
MJ

[waterguy]

I love Alesandra in that area.

[flip-flop]

Don't know about any of the others, but Hale Lani has to die for sunset views.

From the pool



It is not super fancy but it is one of the most comfortable homes I've stayed in. LOVED it.

[liamsaunt]

We stayed at Belvedere in 2005 (I think!)--love those views! Another house we've rented on that stretch is Coqui. It is right next door to Serenity, and it's offered through Catered To. You can't see any other houses from the property, and it has those same gorgeous cliff views that Belvedere has. It is also an older house, but it has beautiful stonework, and a decent sized swimming pool. There's tons of deck space, and nice views from the master bedroom too.

[BuffaloGal]

Thanks for great suggestions. I can't say that money is no object. We like to keep it under $3,000 for the week. Thankfully, there are lots of good options off season.