USVI-On-Line

As a first timer, I've decided I would like to stay on the North Shore. Now I'm debating between the Gatehouse and Honeymoon Cottage. While the GH, is much more expensive, I'm leaning toward it. I can't help it, I love luxury, but think the HC would be more private. Is there construction noise I should be worried about at PBGH? Are there power line poles there? Can I really walk to the beach from the GH? Or should I give up "luxury" for the "rustic" (in my eyes)HC for privacy? To add to the mix, if I'm going to pay that much for PBGH, maybe I should go to Caneel for amenities. Please let me know your thoughts...

We used returned from Peter Bay (not the GH) and I checked the GH out from the exterior as I have had my eye on it for some time.

The views are clear from what I could tell, no power lines in the way. There is one new house under construction below and off to the right of the GH. We heard construction during the week, some days more than others. There is at least one house on the upper side of Peter Bay also under construction so I suspect one might hear noise from that site too.

We did hear lots of general maintenance noise in Peter Bay - weed wackers, leaf blowers, etc.

Yes, you can walk to the beach but the walk back up will be very steep and rather long. There is a small parking/pull off area at the beach path entrance. We only saw one car there during our stay.

To add to the mix, if I'm going to pay that much for PBGH, maybe I should go to Caneel for amenities - I would. As a former Caneel honeymooner, I loved having the sheets and towels changed daily, the quietness of the resort, the direct beach access. That being said, Caneel is one of those places that you have to "get." Do lots of research.

Hi Turtlegirl!
We stayed at the Peter Bay Gatehouse lower level & loved it! Fortunately no one had rented the upstairs while we were there. If so, I think total privacy would be an issue, especially the deck and hot tub.
The upper level was smaller, but same killer view!
If I had to do it again, I would stay at Caneel if I was not planning on cooking. I thought Caneel's rates were much higher than the Gatehouse though.
Honeymoon Cottage sounds nice if you have a good view, privacy & hot tub. (Then you can charter a boat to Jost Van Dyke with the money you saved!)

Good Luck! Let us know what you decide!

I've stayed at the PBGH, absolutely loved it and look forward to renting it again in the future! However, you should not plan on walking to the private beach (remember, you'll have chairs and coolers in tow) because the walk back up will definitely be challenging. If you're looking for privacy, it can be somewhat compromised if someone is renting the lower unit. I wouldn't really describe it as luxurious but the views are to die for. There are many villas that I would consider more luxurious. I'd call it more cozy and romantic than luxurious. If you like to cook, the kitchen is less than adequate. Yes, if there is construction going on somewhere within the PB community, you can hear it, as well as the trucks slowing down before heading down that hill. I probably would not like Caneel so much, but that's just me. On the other hand, I've stayed in The Westin timeshares and I like it there, though I do prefer a private villa (I think it depends on who you are traveling with). I'm not hard to please and honestly, my vacation at PBGH remains in my top ten of all-time great times. So, although I absolutely love PBGH, of course there are drawbacks. Ali~

any luxury villas on the northshore under $4,000 or in another good location? for 2 peeps?

turtlegirl wrote:any luxury villas on the northshore under $4,000 or in another good location? for 2 peeps?

If you are not going in high season, I would think Le Chateau in Catherineberg would fit your budget. It's a gorgeous villa, and really only good for 2 people.

How about Le Chateau http://cateredto.com/VillaPage/LCT
or Cinnamon Tarn http://www.vacationvistas.com/2007/cinnamon-tarn.html
both on top of Cinnamon Ridge.

Thank you, but we ARE going during high season and Le Chateau is a bit too luxurious for me!

Check this one out. Moon Cottage - To me it is quite literally the PERFECT "retreat for couples". Private, quiet, and very "zen" feeling. The location is in Coral Bay, but it's not at all your typical St. John cottage.
Pricing looks right too.

Moon Cottage
http://www.villafish.com/Browse-The-St. ... ttage.html