USVI-On-Line

Hello all,
I am VERY happy to report that I am returning to STJ after a 3 year hiatus (2 kids born in that timeframe). That being said, I love staying w/in walking distance to town so was considering Gallows Point. Anyone have any input? Any other villas for a couple you all would recommend? I would prefer one on the nicer side with a little privacy and a pool. I know, that slightly contradicts the Gallows POint option (privacy/private pool) but I've always thought they were beautiful from the ferry ride over and love the location. (we tend to drink quite a bit when in STJ... )
Any thoughts or suggestions???
ANy and all input is greatly appreciated.

I think Gallows is a great choice if you want to walk to town. We stayed there on our first trip to STJ and loved it. The pool will probably be all yours that time of year, and the snorkeling right off their shoreline is pretty good. The views are wonderful if you get an ocean unit (not harbour). The harbour is fine, but for views, the ocean side is worth the $$.

krislbi
I think Gallows is a great idea for you especially after 3 years and if you are going to over-indulge in the Libation end you can Walk (stagger) back. I stayed there twice (Aug & Sept)and love the proximity
to town and of course it near one of my St. John favorites "The Beach Bar" They also usually have specials during August and September.
Good Luck, Scott

See Pia was way ahead of me!

DEFINITELY go for Gallows...it is so quiet ( for the most part) and in the afternoon it is beautiful ( well...it is beautiful always but ESP in the afternoon!) . So nice to walk into town.

Krislbi,

Looks like you found a sitter, way to go! We've stayed at Gallows twice, pre kid years. More recent visitor's can tell you about the rooms amenities now, but we were very comfortable back then. That was @ 15 years ago, however we walked around Gallows last year with my parents to show them where I knelt down on one knee and proposed (by the hammock on the little beach ). That place hasn't changed and that's a good thing!!! Very quiet and very private. The views are awesome and that's the place to watch a sunset!! The walk to or the stumble back from the Beach Bar is only 2 minutes. Go for it, if my wifey and I ever get a sitter for five days we would definately stay there. If we could get a sitter for one or two weeks we would stay in Coral Bay

This past May my husband and I spent 5 nights in STJ at Gallows in an effort to save a little money and not rent a car..this was our 3rd trip. We had a blast..the resort is beautiful and we loved sitting in the hot tub at night w/ a drink over looking the lights of STT...it seemed we always had the place to ourselves. Loved relaxing in the hammocks on the beach as well. The little shop EVERY TING does have everything...lol including THE BEST iced coffe lattes. Their prices are reasonable and we bought our breakfast supplies there..where else can you buy 2 eggs and a pat of butter..lol?? ZoZos is still wonderful..we walked tot own everyday and if we wanted to go anywehre else besides Cruz Bay we went BY BOAT...lol either by Ocean Runner or Catmaran rental..Enjoyed/witnessed (??!!##) a BAR BRAWL at Rumblines where an inebriated 6'5" 250 pd man almost cleared the place out because his girlfriend lost her Maui jim glasses there earlier that night..After he overturned the table and chairs and pushed the waiter two men sitting at the bar, various customers and the kithcen staff came out to escort him out while he pushed all the potted plants on the way..BTW ..we did save an additional $500 staying in a unit with an ocean view and the view was still lovely..we walked out and carried our breakfast to a picnic tableon theri point every morning..it was great. BTW Snorkeling at the resort seemed best in the morning with the sunlight..I rationalized the walking burned off the drinking calories but somehow I doubt it..

If you'll be traveling without the kids, I'd have to throw in a recommendation for Estate Lindholm. It's a little B&B/Hotel up North Shore road as you drive out of town. We made the easy 5 minute (downhill) walk to Cruz Bay every day, but took a taxi back up due to the hill...and the rum. It's a romantic property, and every room and balcony views the ocean. Plus, since it's 18+ and couples only, you have the option of swimming without a bathing suit in the dipping pool they have (which is very private). Also, a pretty thorough continental breakfast is included. We spent our honeymoon there last week, and I've already booked our room for next year! Highly recommended.

Is the pool at Estate Lindholm really clothing optional? Hey...not my cuppa tea, but I guess different strokes for different folks. Sorry, couldn't help myself with using the cliches....mia

Oh Pia you're killing me! Can I squeeze any more vacation time from a stone?????? HA I think not!

Hate to burst anyones bubble but the pool at Lindholm is not clothing optional - really don't think Lauren or Brion would approve....sorry (unless they have changed in recent years - you have to remember their children live on property with them)

Pia

I got back from my honeymoon at Estate Lindholm just a couple days ago. When Lauren was giving us a tour, she stopped at the pool and specifically said something like "this property is couples only, so if you'd like to swim without bathing suits you'll have plenty of privacy." If you've stayed there before, you'll remember that she's very polite, and she certainly didn't encourage anything inappropriate, but I think she was just trying to make her guests feel comfortable. Either way, it was a lovely private hide-away.
We did meet her children briefly, but never saw them on the actual hotel property. It was very romantic, private, and secluded-feeling. I still stand by my recommendation for a lovely honeymoon/anniversary/couples-only vacation. The views, lush tropical grounds, and FREE BREAKFAST make it the only choice for the new hubby and I.
Enjoy your time in STJ! Wherever you are, you will love it, I'm sure! -MrsCARolph

The vacation, wedding, and weather was all fabulous! (And Ron recognized us when we first stopped in St John Spice!) I have plenty of pics and stories to share...just trying to find the time to organize it all. Trip report will come...eventually...