USVI-On-Line

The two couples who'll be traveling to STJ with us next year are coming over Saturday night to see my villa short list and make a decision. I've prepared a sheet with advantages and disadvantages of each, and I'd really appreciate it if those of you who have experience with or knowledge of any of these would make sure my presentation is complete. From least expensive to most...

South Shore Villa (+ central air, value; - limited view to east, poor outdoor furniture, no hot tub)
Croix Vista (+ 50" plasma; - no hot tub)
Sol Inclination (+ new, unbelievable view, hot tub; - difficult access)
Villa Tesori (+ good view; - no hot tub, all queen beds)
L'Esprit de la Vie (+ hot tub, large gallery; - no outdoor waterfront dining)
Monte Bay (+ large gallery, central air, hot tub; - older, Caribbean Villas)
Great Escape (+ North Shore views, close to beaches, hot tub, large gallery; - stretch budget)

Those of you who are obsessive trip planners might recognize this little exercise! Thanks for all your help...

Robin

I would say that a hot tub is a bonus but not a must have. (for me at least)

I woud stretch the budget and go with Great Escape. It used to be named something else ( I can't remember) and the view is incredible.

If you really don't want to pay the extra $$ I would say Croix Vista.

Good Luck!

have the other couples not been to STJ before? that's a really interesting list. L'espirit has no outdoor water front dining? What does that mean exactly? Is there outdoor dining?

Some people would disagree but I like having the hot tub. That is a feature that is on my check list. Not a MUST have but certainly a plus for me. I would choose one with it before choosing one without if things were somewhat equal. At Bongo I used it daily and as one with a cranky back I really think it helped me.

Of course I have no personal experience with any of thees places so I should probably hush now
Good luck, sounds like a fun time no matter where you end up!

L'esprit has an outdoor table, but apparently it's on the side of the villa, in a little courtyard with a waterfall. Would be nice anywhere else, but not when that view is available! Also, when I made my advantages/disadvantages list, I assumed a certain amount of prerequisites: good view, obviously we like south shore and north shore better than the Coral Bay or Great Cruz Bay regions, had to have a lot of nice touches, had to have a/c in bedrooms, etc. One of the other couples is a veteran of our one trip together, the other is a newbie. So equal or close bedrooms was also a must...

What time of year are you traveling? A hot tub is a really nice touch in cooler months. AC is a must for me in the summer.

I love sitting in the hot tub with a glass of wine watching the stars haven't been to any of these a table with a view is so much nicer makes the food taste better.
Tom

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Sol Inclination on Fish Bay looks fabulous!

If the roads are paved and you are not planning on staying out after dark, I would go for it!!

Good Luck!

Or foutains right Jorge

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Be careful, Jorge. Next thing you know, young impressionable child that you are, Tom will persuade you to try Demon Rum. Flee, Jorge, flee!

Robin

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Hi Robin,

I e-mailed you regarding Lost Horizon for our November trip, however, we finally decided on booking South Shore Villa. It seems like a lot of house for the $$. What do you mean by poor outdoor furniture?

Also, do you know is Sol Inclination next door to SSV? We drove out to / up to SSV recently while on the island and we were surprised by the closeness of one villa. If it is not SI, would you know if it is a rental and its name?

I totally recognize this exercise only my spreadsheet include Price per couple including taxes and fees

Unfortunately, I know nothing about any of these houses. The only non negotiable for me is that house has to have a pool. I need my post morning at the beach afternoon dip. Doesn't have to be a fancy pool, but it must have a pool. A/C is kind of important more recently but I've stayed in houses w/ and w/o and all have been fine temp wise, still I like the option you know.

Hi Robin---Sol Inclination or Croix Vista look like wonderful, new houses---they might be a little too far from town for me, but we go in to Cruz Bay for dinner and drinks every night. If that issue doesn't bother you, I would go with one of those two. Villa Tesori is almost as nice---looks a little sparse in photos, but I understand it has "filled in" ---and its closer to town (plus, I think the price on Tesori is under market). We liked Monte Bay as a 3BR. Our only complaint was that the 4th and 5th bedrooms weren't as nice. The master and two upper BRs are very nice. Great kitchen, full A/C, waterfront, nice outdoor gallery. I think you've seen my Monte Bay photos, but if not, let me know.