USVI-On-Line

Two of my friends are celebrating landmark birthdays next year, so we're talking about a celebratory trip and the suggestions ranged from Las Vegas to STJ to Croatia and many points in between. (The last 2 were mine... no one else wants to go to Croatia so now I'm pushing STJ!)

I've only been to STJ with family during the holidays and stayed in Coral Bay. This trip will be very different so I need some advice!

This would be a group of 5 women, all active and adventurous. I like Coral Bay but I think for this trip we might want to be closer to town... but not sure I want to have to drive through town to get to the beaches. (If that's not really an issue, let me know!)

This would be off season (probably July), and I'd like something with a pool for $5000/week or less. 3 bathrooms or more would be nice and if we have to double up on beds, kings are better than queens. We'd probably want AC in the bedrooms. I'm thinking that the SOTB group had similar requirements, so if you or anyone else has any advice that would be great!

I hope to check out some suggestions when we're there soon (check out that ticker!)

Thanks in advance everyone.

Chicagoans--We enjoyed Indigo on Great Cruz Bay (through Destination St. John). I recommend it especially for a July trip because it has full A/C (including the beautiful great room) and the outdoor areas have large covered porches keeping those a bit cooler as well. I don't think the drive through Cruz Bay is a big deal, but thats just me.

Take a look at Casa Bueno...

http://www.vrbo.com/251116

central location
3 kings - 3 baths
pool
total AC
available July
within price range
beautiful views - private
all paved roads and easy access
very close to North Shore beaches

(still a drive into Cruz Bay but closer than from Coral Bay)

For SOTB II (2008) we stayed at Oceana on Great Cruz Bay road. This villa may be too large for your group (depending on your budget), but the daily drive to the beaches was not a problem at all.

The location made it easier for those of us that chose to go into town at night for dinner/drinks.

(After spending a day in Dubrovnik on a cruise, we're looking forward to returning to Croatia some day)

Chicagoans,
I, too, am planning a 5 girl trip next summer. I liked the looks of Amani, but threw out an "in town" option of Grande Bay. They all liked the in town option since most don't want to drive and that way they could walk into Cruz Bay if they wanted. So, it looks like that is our answer. They are all newbies and don't like the idea of switchbacks and driving on the left. Oh, well Amani can wait for a family trip!

Villa Bijou is another nice house you might consider--3BR, 3BA, good pool, not too far from town (on Great Cruz Bay Road, across from Oceana).

I didn't stay here with SOTB, but with my family, over Christmas, a few years ago. We LOVED having a warm pool, hot tub, great views, and FULL AC. We used it constantly in Dec. July is going to be hot on the west side. Check this place out. We loved it and close to town. Perfect sunsets!
http://www.destinationstjohn.com/cocotier.htm

I promise you, in July, in can get really hot, so don't think you won't use that ac if there happens to be no breeze, or you've had a little too much sun, or the bugs are bad. It's nice to be in the kitchen and not sweat.

You have a great budget for 5 women, so you have lots of options. Have fun planning.

We stayed in Sea Forever for the first SOTB. The pool is huge and the bedrooms are air-conditioned. There are 4 bedrooms but one has twins. You do have to drive through town to get to the North Shore beaches, but I don't think that is a big deal.

Thanks to all! These great suggestions have now become my new villa search list.

Casa Luna through Viva would be great for a group that size. Its on the Coral Bay side, 5 bedrooms, way under your budget - in the $3500 range. Nice house, great pool, a/c bedrooms. The location is great for avoiding driving through town to get to the beach but still being close to stuff - not too remote. 5 minutes from Skinny's, 10 minutes to Maho. Great house for the money.