Question about Orion's Hill

Travel discussion for St. John
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lmaa66
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:59 pm
Location: NJ

Question about Orion's Hill

Post by lmaa66 »

I'm considering renting Orion's (in August) but I'm not sure. I've heard the views are to die for but I've also heard the pool is pretty cold, and there appears to be a neighboring home that's close enough to be in your lap while at the pool. I'm happy with all the photos I've seen of the building (in and out) and the views, but noticeably absent are any pictures towards the house to the west, nor towards the rear of the pool. The wife and I were hoping to do a bit of clothing optional tanning, but we're not sure if this place is private enough for us. We have concerns about the house next door and what we think is their driveway that runs behind the pool?

Does anyone have any pictures they can post of the house next door and of behind the pool so we can get a sense of the level of privacy?

Any other downsides to Orion's? (besides no hot tub :( )

Any other good alternative villas that aren't over the top expensive?

Requirements for us are:
Pool, view (preferably sunset), A/C, privacy for full tanning, jacuzzi (prefer), internet (yeah I know, its supposed to be a vacation), cleanliness

Any help/advice is appreciated....
greyhoundmom
Posts: 978
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 3:06 pm
Location: Columbia South Carolina

Post by greyhoundmom »

Capt. Kirk, where are you? This poor woman needs your help! The Capt. is very knowledgeable about O'Hill since he was just recently there. He gave this poor G'Mom lots of eye candy for our upcoming stay 7/10-7/24. What say ye, Kirk?????
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cptnkirk
Posts: 1996
Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 5:35 am
Location: ohio

Post by cptnkirk »

We loved Orion I walked over to the owners property and they can't see you at all from their house. They were gone while we stayed there. A shed and landscaping blocks the veiw. When they come up the drive to park they could see you other than that you should be ok. I wouold just let them know you plan to be nudies I'm sure they will respect your privacy.
Shed is beside big tree on the right
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Pool is behind shed and landscaping the drive is behind those lounge chairs
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Pool was great in the sun bit chilly at night. Would think it would be warmer in August than the first week of May when we were there.
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lmaa66
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:59 pm
Location: NJ

Post by lmaa66 »

Thanks for the reply Capt! (and Greyhound for pushin' him:) )

And great job on your trip review btw. Day 2 looked like a really great time :)

So now some more serious questions:) This is our first trip to STJ and our first island villa rental. We've been to all-inclusives all over the carib, but we wanted to try something new. Looks like there's a bunch of great stuff to do. Any words of wisdom on itinerary? I've heard skinny legs is a must do. Any other things on the have to do list?

Do you guys rent a car in STT and drive over (ferry) or take a taxi to the ferry to STJ and then rent on STJ?

Food - I was planning on bringing only the more exotic stuff along frozen solid (a few filets, porters, etc).

Is grocery shopping better done in STT or STJ?

Any other tips for an STJ noob?
greyhoundmom
Posts: 978
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 3:06 pm
Location: Columbia South Carolina

Post by greyhoundmom »

Hi Imaa66, we are renting from Conrad Sutton on STJ this year. You can park in his yard when you're in Cruz Bay, this is a big plus because parking is minimal - get there early. As 4th timers, my advice would be to visit a different bay each day, sometimes 2 per day if you're energetic enough! Leinster, Jumbie, Hawks Nest, Big & Little Maho, Francis (one of my favorites), Gibney, the list goes on and on. We've alway shopped at Starfish but will try Pine Peace for alcohol this time. Since we are staying at Orion's for 2 weeks, we plan to do a fair amount of grilling at night. We are sending 2 USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes with delivery confirmation to Connections and will pick up when we arrive. One with snorkel gear and the other with sunscreen/toiletries, snacks, coffee, etc. I wouldn't try to over-plan, you might find that villa gravity for a day or two instead of a different bay might be more to your liking. Just go with the flow and you'll definitely "get it!"

GHM - Jan
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lmaa66
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:59 pm
Location: NJ

Post by lmaa66 »

Thanks for the advice G'mom. We are in fact planning on going with the flow for our stay, haven't had a vacation without the kids for years :P. We'll definately try a few of those beaches.

Coffee! Good point... Can't forget that otherwise it might get ugly

I've got Orion booked now for August, but I'm still second guessing myself about the fact it has no hot tub. Debating on whether or not to risk a warm pool in Aug....decisions decisions....

:idea: Maybe we can all pinch a few extra bucks and get the owners to install a hot tub in time for our visits! :wink:
CJ
Posts: 8
Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:22 pm

Orion's Hill

Post by CJ »

I am checking into Orion's Hill on Tuesday, July 2!!! Can't wait. I have been to St. John numerous times including last year at the same time and we never got in the hottub that was at our villa --- we were always in the pool!
papabou
Posts: 531
Joined: Sun Aug 13, 2006 9:34 pm

Post by papabou »

cj,

hope you and hub have a great time and really enjoy oh. i'm looking forward to your report and expect detailed info and more view pics from the hill.

peace,

papabou
greyhoundmom
Posts: 978
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 3:06 pm
Location: Columbia South Carolina

Post by greyhoundmom »

Ima, we've never missed a hot tub. It's so relaxing to jump into a warm pool at night! I don't think you'll regret renting it. I believe the pool is ionized, no clorine or chemicals - very clean.

CJ, I'll be calling you next week! Have a great trip!

Jan
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CJ
Posts: 8
Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:22 pm

Orion's Hill

Post by CJ »

Thanks so much! I am packing right now for our trip. Now I have to figure out what Pia is saying about the ferry schedule! Oh well -- I will be on the ferry on July 2 -- do not really care if I get back to St. Thomas!
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