USVI-On-Line

Hubby and I are trying to plan a last minute trip for tihs summer and are looking at Viewtiful as a place to stay (http://www.privatehomesvi.com/viewtiful.htm).

PLEASE, anyone with information or comments, let me know what you think of this villa, the company, the location, or anything else you can think of.

I'd also take suggestions for a small place in the $1500-$1800/week range, pool required, AC nice but not necessary, no tan lines privacy a must.

Thanks a million!

I have never stayed in the villa but I am familiar with it from my real estate days. Great location and great view. The bedrooms are on the lower level, off the pool deck, which if it is just the 2 of you it should be no problem but I would not bring children. It can get pretty windy so you should be ok without AC, although I think the bedrooms may have AC. Plus the wind will help keep the bugs away

I always thought it was a neat villa and I would probably stay there if the price was right.

Chickadee - We stayed at Viewtiful 5 years ago when it was known as Miles Away. The management company "Private Homes for Private Vacations" is first rate. They only manage about 10 villas and they take good care of the homes and their guests. We were there in January and the breeze was so strong that it was actually uncomfortable to sit outside. The pool doesn't get a lot of sun and therefore was a little cool. The bedrooms are air conditioned and we used the AC despite the breeze as there wasn't a lot of circulation in the bedrooms. The house itself was clean and comfortable and the view into Coral Bay is absolutely outstanding. I would imagine that in the summer the pool would be warmer, and on a ride up to the house a couple of years ago the breeze didn't seem nearly as strong. But as Xislandgirl noted - we had no problem with bugs. Let me know if you have any other specific questions...

Thank you, both, for your replies and information.

Randy:

How's the house, is it nice, spacious, well equipped, would you stay there again?

Is it "no tan lines" private? If the pool doesn't get much sun, is there deck space that does?

If we brought light pants and a long-sleeved shirt would we be comfortable sitting outside at night?

Chickadee - Although I wouldn't hesitate booking another villa with Private Homes, I would not stay at Viewtiful again, mainly because there are so many other options on St. John. The wind during our stay was so strong on the deck it could blow the hat off your head, or more importantly, your drink off the table. The deck around the pool was shaded as much as the pool itself, however there is an upper deck with much more sun, although that's where the wind was the strongest. That was a shame as the view was amazing, but it was simply unpleasant to sit out. Again, the weather during that week may have been an anomaly, but it's my understanding that the trade winds do sweep up Mamey Peak and Viewtiful is pretty much on the ridgeline. I really don't like to knock any property, so I will say that the villa itself was well-equiped and comfortable. But my wife and I like to spend quality deck and pool time wherever we stay, and it just wasn't possible during that trip.

We stayed there 4 years ago, and while the view is indeed beautiful, and the house very nice, the wind was so strong we never went outside, and it was so cold at night, I could understand why they had a hot tub. This was in late May, by the way. Never used the pool, as it was too cold to get in. My husband got a horrible skin infection that lasted the entire 10 day trip from bacteria in the hot tub. If you don't mind a longer drive, we stayed for 2 years at La Sirena, past Coral Bay, near Salt Pond. Every amenity, beautiful pool, warm, private, nice breezes. We loved it! A beach withing walking distance all to yourself, with great snorkeling. It is a bit of a haul though if you go out often for dinner, etc.