USVI-On-Line

Good Morning!
Having been to St. John several times we have learned we love staying off the North Shore road. We are planning a last minute (possibly Nov) trip and are considering Francis Bay Estate as many family members have decided to tag along. However, on Google Earth, we noticed the estate is right up against the road.

Is anyone here familiar with this villa and the noise level associated with the road and nearby Maho camps? Also, how suitable is the house for young children? Would also appreciate any other villa recommendations on the NS.

TIA!
Tara

Well, that area is pretty remote and very lightly traveled at night. If the villa is where I think it is, it is along the access road to Maho Bay Campground. You'll probably see a delivery truck each day and there will be back and forth traffic. If ou hear anything from the campground then it will be a band - bring a cooler and enjoy the tunes. So, not perfect seclusion.

But, having Francis Bay and Maho Bay walkable is killer. Breakfasts at the Campground are great. The house faces away from the road, so that should help...

Caribbean Villas is good about mentioning privacy when it exists. The listing says its private. Give them a call, its likely that they can answer your specific questions.

If you don't need a pool then Villa Serenity is a deal. All reviews back have been good.

Cheers, RickG

Thanks so much for your input Rick! Sounds pretty secluded to me. My main concern was disturbed nap times, as those are the most fun adult times:)

I was originally looking at Serenity until the family started coming out of the woodwork to join us. Now more bedrooms are necessary. But hey, as long as they all agree to babysit, all are welcome!

Thanks again!
Tara

Hey, Tara! We're down the road from you in beautiful Darnestown/ Seneca.
Welcome to the board!
JT

Hi Tara, A Nova-ite here. We'll be on STJ in mid-november & baby in tow as well. Glad to see you on the board.

Tara, I am very familiar with that villa's location. For the past 4 trips, I have stayed at that villa's next door neighbor. First, it is an amazing location putting you close to the Northshore beaches, and a reasonably quick drive to either Coral Bay or Cruz Bay. It's also incredibly secluded. The road only goes up to Maho Camps and the traffic is VERY minimal. Also, it's a fairly rough road, so what little traffic there is goes very slow (quiet). That villa is gorgeous and the location is near perfect.

tara wrote:My main concern was disturbed nap times, as those are the most fun adult times:)

I know how that goes. Depending on age, one of those foldup sun shades for beach naps works great. We had munchkins from 2-5 snoozing in a puppy pile under one in November. Francis Bay, Maho Bay and the far right side of Hawksnest Bay are good spots for kiddy play and knaps.

Cheers, RickG

Thanks everyone for your input!

JT - I actually used to live in Darnestown a few years ago. We are thinking of moving back and getting a larger lot for the kids to play in.

Flip Flop - Maybe we will see you down there! Always nice to have playmates for the kids. We will be the ones with the small 4.5 year old toehead and the insane tank of an almost 2 year old girl. How old is your baby?

Vicki - sounds fantastic! Now just need to book it and find some airfare...

2nd the tent - worked great two years running for our now 2 year old to nap on the beach.

haha naps! MY kids don't DO naps, the little ba$tards. I mean that in the most loving way possible of course:)

Seriously though, the tent has worked well for us in the past when my oldest son was a baby. Unfortunately he's outgrown naps and his sister is a she-devil who never slows down. Very cool, but tiring!

Thanks again for all the advice!

Hey Tara,
Small world. We live in Richmond but my husband started working in Rockville just this week. I made my first trip up Wednesday and drove back today. Seems like a nice area. If he's going to be there a while, I'll be apartment hunting soon. I may call on you for neighborhood advice if you don't mind.

Tara, we'll have a 5.5 year old girl with us - brown haired & a tub of baby, he'll be 10 months or so by then. I was hoping he'd be a little more of an underacheiver than his sister in the crawling arena, but it looks like he's going to be full speed ahead.

We are bringing a whole crowd of extra hands too. Gramma, our sitter, and another couple. Totally worth it!