USVI-On-Line

Besides the cost, does the time of year you go effect where you rent your villa? Do you try to rent where it's cooler in say, May, and warmer, in January? And where would that be? Would you NOT rent on the Northshore in winter due to rain? Also, I have searched and searched, but can't find the name/website of the roll-up mats forumites love. They're actually a plastic baby-type mat, I think. Can someone please tell me the name/website? Thanks a lot.

Hi CAG - Have you used them? I've seen a lot of talk about them on various forums, but I'm really trying not to overpack. Are they worth taking, especially if you're only doing carry-on?

Turtlegirl (love that name) -
You can check them out here, too.

www.neatsheet.com

I bought my Neat Sheet at www.drugstore.com

If you're thinking of it as a roll up mat you'll be disapointed...they are very thin blanket type things.

But they're lightweight and easy to tote around.

pjayer wrote:Hi CAG - Have you used them? I've seen a lot of talk about them on various forums, but I'm really trying not to overpack. Are they worth taking, especially if you're only doing carry-on?

I think they're worth it. The sand doesn't stick to them so you can shake it all off before you get back in the car, and you can use it to cover the car seat if you're wet and sandy, They're very lightweight, so easy to tote, and when you buy it, it's all rolled up real tight - about 1/2 the size of a roll of paper towels - so I didn't have any trouble fitting it into a corner of my suitcase.

Although if you're trying to figure out how to cut your stuff down, you'll get along fine without one and just using the beach towels at your villa.

Thanks so much for your replies. Neat Sheet is what I was looking for! Depending on whether we end up with just carry on we'll probably just use the villa towels. If we check luggage, we'll bring this. Can you buy the cheap straw mats on St. John?

nothing is cheap on STJ

Over the past years, I have read trip reports from various people who traveled in the winter months sayibng their pool was very cold. Some said it was too cold to use at all. Something to look for (if you rent a place with a pool) is whether it gets sun all day, which would warm it up. Being able to use our pool is an important factor for me. Also read that places on Bordeaux Mountain were quite cool at night in the winter months.
In the warmer months, I like to make sure we have a place that has plenty of outdoor covered seating for dining and chilling out. It can get pretty hot in the afternoons in the sun, so I like having a shady spot because its usually comfortable in the shade, especially with a breeze. I like to spend every minute possible outside, so when I look at villas, I carefully consider their outdoor living space.
Just some things to consider.

Thanks B&J-That's what I was getting at. The owner says the pool's in the sun all day. So hopefully we'll be able to use it in January.

Hey turtlegirl,

I know that here in FLA our un-heated pool
is usually the same temp as the Gulf of Mexico.

After living here almost 6 years a water temp
less than 82 is really too cool for us. Ideal
now is 84-86, BUT coming from New England
initially I could tolerate cooler temps.

If you look up the average water temps
for when you're going then you could
probably judge by that, give or take a few
degrees. Look for a villa with a hot tub as
well and then you're all set just in case.

Kathy

We prefer the ocean water temps in summer through December. As far as villas, I see much less seasonal variations.

Catherineberg and Bordeaux Mountain - cool, pools follow

South Shore - stronger winds, full sun exposure, pool water warmer, but chilling when you get out

East side - lack of later afternoon sun gives you less pool time

West side - warmer pools, hot afternoon sun, A/C more important

Our gang tends to like the West side.

Of course, there are a lot of variations of this theme. The lower elevations are warmer, but can be buggier.

Honestly, the more full sun you have and the lower your elevation the warmer you'll be. Seek your comfort zone.

Cheers, RickG

Thanks, all. We are staying on the West side as first timers to be closer to restaurants and sunsets. Villa has pool only, no hot tub, so hopefully the afternoon sun will warm up the pool.