2 couples new to SJ looking for accomodations. HELP !!

[Jo Ann - VA]

I'm sure this has been asked many times before but, I am looking for accomodations for two couples. This is my criteria
-great views
-air conditioning - at least in the bedrooms
-not too far from a store but not too close too close either (tying to stay away from noise and congestion)
-pool
-would like a hot tub but can do without it if neccessary
-reasonably priced
Dates April 20 - 28, 2007
-Need suggestions on the best areas to stay and ones to avoid.
I would apprecitate any suggestions. Thanks!
Jo Ann

[Jan&MikeVa]

Welcome fellow Virginian!!! You have taken the most important step to a wonderful vacation...........turning to this awesome forum!

You didn't mention a $$ amount for the villa, they really do vary a bit. We've only stayed on the North Shore and on Gift Hill and recommend both those areas. They are very quiet and not really any villas directly below you. We leave in two weeks for our first stay on the East End in Coral Bay.

Check out STJ at www.googleearth.com and you'll get an idea of the island itself. Check out the villa links above and also check out www.Caribbeanvilla.com that is who we've used for our previous 3 visits and this one again.

Happy Planning! Also don't forget to check out villa reviews for STJ, there is a link above. You can even do a search for a particular villa.

Jan (akaCharlie)
Toes in the Sand: 15 days

[sailorgirl]

There are many web sites which list rental agencies for villas, so many the choices can be over whelming.Google " villa rentals, St. John".

In terms of areas, Cruz Bay is the "big town". It's where the ferry's come in. Coral Bay is on the far end of the island, very pretty, quiet with more limited choices in terms of resturants, etc.

Gift Hill has easy acess, two main roads in and out, about 10 minutes from Cruz Bay and 10 minutes from the northshore beaches. We stayed there in 8/05. The views are magnificent and there are numerous Villas in you size range. Great Cruz Bay is another option. We are staying in Chocolate Hole in 7/07. The farther you get from Cruz Bay the less congested it is.

Actual beach front is limited, most beaches are part of the National Park. Also the breeze is much better up in the hills.

It's a samll island , nothing is truly out of the way.

Check out the websites, also Vinow.com has Villa reviews, which can be very helpful.

You've picked a great place to visit.

[fran]

Jo-Ann,

Check out Great Expectations. It is currently available for your time frame.

http://www.greatexpectationsusvi.com

We've stayed there a few times and greatly enjoyed it.
The bedrooms are separate from the Great Room, all equal, air conditioned, and have outdoor showers
The Great Room is fully screened. Well-stocked kitchen. Even has an ice-maker.
You will have both sunrise and sunset views. Couple of pools. Hot tub. Hammocks.
The villa has easy access, and a large parking area.
And if you're into that sort of thing, there is even a small exercise room, and a tennis court.

[sea-nile]

We really liked Gallows Point, Cruz Bay. It is a short walk to town, has air-conditioning, a small pool, great for couples, good sunsets. Oceanside is better than harbor view. I am not sure about your price range, but we went in June and it wasn't too bad. There is no hot tub. We really liked the fact that you could walk to town.

http://www.gallowspointresort.com/

We are staying at Villa Cielomar next time because we have the kids. I don't know what that is like yet.

[ILoveTheIslands]

Try the Astral Cottage, and the Astral Ridge in the Calabash Boom area of St. John. ALthough they are not equipped with AC, we never have a problem being cool due to the constant tradewinds.
Here's alink to there site:
http://www.coralbayvacations.com/astral_cottage.shtml

[liamsaunt]

Hi Jo-Ann,

If you would not mind posting your villa budget, I think you'll get a lot more responses that you will find helpful. The prices vary so much, and there are things available in so many ranges!

Also, are you looking for identical bedrooms for each couple--double masters? Or is one couple willing to have a slightly lesser room? Do both couples need king beds? Is a split king (two twins joined together) acceptable?

[Jo Ann - VA]

Thanks for the replies so far and for the suggestion liamsaunt.
Revised criteria:
-great views
-air conditioning - at least in the bedrooms
-pool
-would like a hot tub but can do without it if neccessary
-would like to keep the price around $3,000 or less if possible
-would prefer identical bedrooms but at this late date will settle for what ever.
Date: April 20 or 21 through 28, 2007

Let me also explain, I already have reservations for a condo that week for myself and hubby. This past Friday friends (one couple) asked if they could go with us. The condo isn't big enough for 4 people. We have already bought our airline tickets months ago so we can't change the date. So, I have the fun job of search for a place to stay. Lucky me!

Thank you those that have responded and hopefully future responders!
Jo Ann

[FlaGeorge]

Hi Jo Ann and welcome to the forum. Last May we stayed at a 2 bedroom ( 3rd bedroom in loft of main house) – fully A/C – pool villa in Chocolate Hole (http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/sea-wind/index.html ). The villa had a great view and was only 10 min. to Cruz Bay. Star Fish Market we on 5 min. away. Sounds like this villa will fit your needs. I wrote a villa report (http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/s ... 3247.shtml). PM me your email address and I can send you some pictures. The villa was very comfortable and we had no complaints about it.

[liamsaunt]

Hi again, I ran a quick search for your dates on a couple of sites and came up with the following houses for your dates and budget:

from vivacations.com:

Casa Luna
Mayan Sky
Adeste
Happy Moon
Inn Love
Plumeria

from vacationvistas.com:

Villa Belvedere. I have stayed at this one and it would be great for two couples. There are two equal bedrooms, central air, awesome views, a nice pool, and a hot tub too.

I hope this helps you a bit.

[Bill in Va]

Howdie there neighbor. Take a look at villa Sea Cay from seaviewhomes.com . We stayed there last year. No hot tub but all other things to meet your needs. If you want you can see some shots from it go to my webshots and look at Dec 2005 http://community.webshots.com/user/billsandieking
Mark and Nanci from seaview homes will take care of you...God bless...Bill

[b-as-u-r]

I also stayed in Sea Cay this past May through Seaview Homes. We were there with another couple and it worked out really well. There's actually a separate detached bedroom wing, so its offers each couple a little more privacy. As I recall, it was reasonably priced. Initially, it seemed a little odd that you couldn't access any of the bedrooms from the main living space (kitchen/living/dining), but not any big deal nor any real inconvenience. There was a small pool and the view was great. Not real close to any grocery marts/stores, but we usually just stopped on our way to or from the beach.

[mbw1024]

not to beat a dead horse but I think Bongo Bongo fits the bill.

[Xislandgirl]

I would stay at Bongo Bongo if it were available, It just look so cool. I wanted to stay there for outr April trip but my wonderful Husband invited an extra couple.

[Jo Ann - VA]

Thank you, thank you all who responded !!!!!

GRRRRRRRRRRRR.................................. There has been a change of plans . Now the couple that asked to go with us can't commit because of babysitting issues. So, I've washed my hands of trying to find a place for four.
If they decide to go they will have to put in the time and research like I did.

I did save the information that you gave me for future reference.

I appreciate all of the suggestions!

Jo Ann