I'm a Villa Virgin

[mbw1024]

Probably a little late to be starting this conversation since I'm about 5 weeks out from my first STJ visit.
I have rented plenty of vacation homes, in fact every year we rent a lakefront place in Maine. The kithcen there is equipped but other than that we are on our own for sheets, towels, etc.

So what should I be expecting from a typical STJ villa. I'm sure they all differ but aside from personal hygenie needs what should I be thinking about packing?

The villa I am renting (Bongo Bongo) is new so there's no list of amenities available just yet, that I know of.

Any advice?

[flip-flop]

Once you go villa, you'll never go back

Bongo Bongo at first was probably a bit of a different story since it was so new, but you can pretty much expect a fairly well stocked villa when you arrive. We've rented 3 - 2 from Caribbean Villa & 1 from Destination St John and a 4th for November from DSJ - and everytime they have been well supplied.

Linens are a given. Including beach towels. Nice beach towels in every case. They'll have a cooler most likely, and also beach chairs for taking with you to the beach.

Usually the kitchen has a fair amount of things left behind by others - salt, pepper, some spices, sometimes oil, etc. We usually go to the house, dump our stuff and assess what's there before going to the store.

I think you will be happy about your choice and find all the comforts of home!

[mbw1024]

Thanks. I guess I'm not getting the whole towel thing - just not used to it. Didn't want to show up there with no towels and be in trouble! But I guess we'd drip dry pretty fast

Looking forward

[Eric in NJ]

We,ve rented two different villas and the only thing lacking for our needs was a hair dryer for my wife. But she doesn't travel without one The 2 we rented didn't have ice machines either but we just bought ice and water at the Starfish market.

[mbw1024]

HA
I never travel w/out my blow dryer either!

[liamsaunt]

Well, I know from their blog that there is plenty of salt at Bongo Bongo!

Every villa we've rented has been fully stocked with towels, coolers, even stuff like big spray and sunblock! I would suggest you go to the villa and see what is there before making your run to the market. I know I left an entire spice rack behind at Cinnamon Tarn, for example. Another thing, every villa we've rented has had enough paper products that we haven't had to buy them at all.

Have a great trip, and be sure to post a report when you are back.

[Bob & Anita]

Flip Flop gave a nice description of what to expect the villa will supply. You essentially need to bring your clothes, food and booze (even clothes might be optional for some ). As Flip Flop mentioned, condiments and spices can vary depending on what the previous renters left behind. You can also expect the villa to have some paper towels, plastic trash bags, coffee filters and basic cleaning supplies (dish towels, dish soap, sponges, etc.)

[FlaGeorge]

One of STJ hidden secrets:

There is place in the Lumber Yard (I think its called St. John Water & Ice Co.) that sells ice cheap. We took the villa cooler (big sucker) and had it filled with ice. Cost was $3.00. I also think that they have filtered water - you bring your own container and they fill it up.

[Eric in NJ]

Thanks FlaGeorge, I'm making a note of that.

[Pia]

Yes you are right

St John Ice is in the Lumberyard and they sell cases of gallon water (4 gallons per case) for $4.00 and you can refill your empty bottles for $0.50 each - best bargin on the island

[California Girl]

Yes you are right

St John Ice is in the Lumberyard and they sell cases of gallon water (4 gallons per case) for $4.00 and you can refill your empty bottles for $0.50 each - best bargin on the island

This is one of the best "insider tips" I've seen! I already knew about the ice, thanks to FlaGeorge's post last year (which I copied & pasted into my notes), but the "hot tip" on the water is super valuable to me since I'm a big-time water drinker!!

Thanks Pia!

[mindehankins]

Is there any accuracy to this, two years later?

[California Girl]

Minde - You're really digging up some old posts today! Yes, I believe you can still get water and ice at the Lumberyard, not sure if the price has gone up much or not, but check it out for sure!

[Joshie]

...

[greyhoundmom]

We rented Orion's Hill for two weeks last June. We only did carry-on for two weeks and shipped some essentials to Connections for pickup. Orion's had everything....great beach towels, toys, floats, chairs. Shampoo, conditioner, soap. Laundry room as big as a large bedroom, detergent, dryer sheets, drying rack, iron and board. Kitchen was stocked with great cookware, Rum and Vodka above fridge, spices....We were really spoiled! Most villas will have all your beach stuff including lots of towels, kitchen depending on who left last and what they gifted! Have fun!