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Just Back: Spindrift Villa, Crystal Palace pics + more...

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 8:19 am
by AquaLassie
Well, we are just back from our 10th wonderful visit to St. John. I've been pretty much a daily "silent observer" of this board for a long time, and thought it was high time I contributed something. So, about the photos:

Spindrift Villa, St. John: I received a couple of PMs about our rental, Spindrift Villa, so I've included quite a few photos (I have lots more). In a word, it was perfect. We have enjoyed other places such as: Ilios, Little Whim, Villa Margarita, Callaloo (the one in Coral Bay), Treetops, and Concordia Eco-Tents, but Spindrift has become our favorite so far. We loved this location so much that we have already reserved the neighboring house (Fort's Cove) for next April 2008. Both villas have the same owner and are managed by VIVA. http://www.vivacations.com

Nomadic Spa: As part of what my husband calls the "week-long celebration" of my 50th birthday, we splurged on a few things. We had spa services at the villa. Outside on the veranda. Listening to the ocean. It was wonderful! The ladies had a facial and manicure; the husbands had a massage. The staff at Nomadic Spa (nomadicspa.com) were super. And the cost was no more than what we would pay here at home. http://www.nomadicspa.com

Vie's Beach: Oddly enough, in all our visits we'd never been to Vie's Beach. I've posted a couple of pictures of it, because we had a particulary great day there. We had the beach all to ourselves.

Sloop Jones: I always go to Sloop Jones studio; I love the location and I love the textiles. This trip I bought 4 pillow covers and a rug, because, hey, it was my week-long celebration! http://www.sloopjones.com

Crystal Palace, St. Thomas: After our week at Spindrift, we spent one night at The Crystal Palace B&B in St. Thomas. This is the location of the STT webcam that you see here on this forum. The view from here to the harbor is great; we had "box seats" for the boat races that were part of the Carnival activities. Unfortunately, the races never officially started before we had to catch our flight, but watching the goings-on were fun. We ate at Cuzzin's and went to a few art galleries & shops, all within a 5 minute walk from the Palace. The David Hill Gallery and Gallery St. Thomas were very good. http://www.crystalpalaceusvi.com

I hope you enjoy the photos, and happy travels to you who are getting ready to go!

Cheers,
Neysa

Spindrift Villa entrance:
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Spindrift Villa entrance, another:
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The view emerges:
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Another view:
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Stargazed many nights in the front:
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Outdoor shower, master bedroom:
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Master bedroom:
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Morning view:
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Doug & Rhonda kayaking in the morning:
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Rhonda gets manicures on the veranda:
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Doug gets massage on the veranda!
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Living room:
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View of Spindrift from Shipwreck Landing:
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Vie's Beach:
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Vie's Beach, another:
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Here's me at Sloop Jones:
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Crystal Palace approach:
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My hubby, Crystal Palace view:
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Street to shops, in front of Crystal Palace:
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Doug & Rhonda shop in STT:
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That's all!

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 8:26 am
by flip-flop
Great report & congrats on your week of celebration. Sounds like you did it right! I love the villa. Thank you for sharing all the pics.

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 8:26 am
by mbw1024
looks like a great time! thanks for sharing.

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 8:30 am
by Betty
Thank you for sharing your photos and vaction with us!

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 8:35 am
by waterguy
Thanks for the report

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 9:12 am
by Tracy in WI
Thanks for the great report. I have always envied the person staying at that villa as I enjoy my raspberry colada at Shipwreck Landing. Now I know what it is and what it looks like. Someday, I'll have to stay there too!

Sounds like a great, relaxing trip. Thank you!

Tracy

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 9:31 am
by iowaguy
Thanks for the report and photos. I've been interested in both Spindrift and Fort's Cove. They look great.

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 9:48 am
by PA Girl
That house looks great! Thanks for sharing. What a birthday celebration!

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 9:49 am
by augie
I enjoyed your report - thanks!

Looks like a great place to stay - and judging from the availability chart on viva's website, a very popular one as well!

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 10:01 am
by mia
Thanks for the photos taken on STT....it looks much more charming than I imagined. I think we will make time on our next trip to spend a day on STT :)

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 10:27 am
by anjebear
Thanks, we'll be at Spindrift on Saturday. How many more days do I have? Can't wait.

Andrea

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 10:57 am
by liamsaunt
Thanks for the photos of Spindrift. This is a place that has been "on the list" for a while. It really is beautiful. How did you find the breezes, being so low down? Does the house have good air circulation?

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 11:02 am
by canucknyc
Enjoyed the report and photos - thanks!

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 11:17 am
by mia
I was going to ask about the breezes too and also ask if the mosquitoes were more abundant in a location so close to the water. Then I realized you had already answered my questions....you are going back and staying there again. :roll: No better testimonial than that, I'd say!

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 12:00 pm
by kirk
Thank you for the report and pics. nice looking villa. The pics of STT gave me a flashback to when i lived there.
BTW. in your pic of the Crystal Palace, the Blue house with a red roof a little up and to the right is for sale, 2.5M