julieblount

Anyone have any experience with this villa in Coral Bay?? Is it easy to get to?? Are the views nice?? Any info would be appreciated.

mahobaygirl

We stayed in 2 different villas very close to it. In fact, I think it was right behind the villa we rented. It is not too far up the hill, but enough so that you have a beautiful view of the sailboats in Coral Bay. It was one of my choices, but went with the one that was a little less expensive.
We were within walking distance of Island Blues and Skinney Legs.

RobertoB

I believe it's on the road next to Crabby's ( Harold's Way? ). I drove up and it's paved, which is a big plus.Views should be decent. Convenience should be a plus. Quick access to anyplace in Coral Bay.

mahobaygirl

yes, that's the road. Great views and convenient.

turtlegirl

Can you please tell me the benefits of staying on the Coral Bay side? How is the drive to the North Shore beaches and Cruz Bay? Any good beaches on the quiet side?

Tuxedocat

We met some folks on the beach who were staying there. They remarked that they felt very lucky because it was a last minute opportunity so they didn't have much of a chance to research it. It turned out to be conveniently located above the main area of Coral Bay so it has beautiful views and is close to restaurants and groceries, etc. It is also on the newer side and they thought it was perfectly comfortable if not the poshest place. Also, they said the owners or managers lived nearby and had been very helpful and congenial. All in all, it seemed they were very pleased. The positives of staying on the Coral Bay side is the quieter less developed area. The villas are less expensive. The local beaches are less crowded and often boast better wildlife and scenery. The pubs and overall atmosphere are more laid-back. The negative is you driver further to get to the ferry and shopping. You generally have to drive as things are more spread out and it's not so easy to barhop. If you like more nightlife, Cruz Bay is livelier and its accomodations have a wider range from super posh luxury to acceptable flophouse. But if you want to relax and get away from it all, Coral Bay is better.

turtlegirl

Thanks, Tuxedocat. We're not into shopping or nightlife, but would like to get to Northshore beaches, a supermarket, some restaurants and the hiking trails easily. Can we do this from Coral Bay? I don't mind the longer drive from the ferry as it's one way there and one way back...It will be our first time on St. John and we'd like to rent a villa, just unsure WHERE to rent one.

Tuxedocat

Yes, Coral Bay is as convenient as just about anywhere on the island. From Centerline Road, about a 5-7 minute drive out of Coral Bay, there is a cut-over road to the north shore, making the north shore beaches within 15-20 minutes from Coral Bay. You'll find that is more or less how long it would take you from the Cruz Bay area too. Also, there are a couple of smaller markets in Coral Bay which are well-stocked enough for a short stay. Some of the best hiking trails are close by, too, including Brown Bay trail and Reef Bay trail. STJ is only about 8 miles long by 3 miles wide so nothing's that much of a drive.

turtlegirl

Thanks again, Tuxedocat. I have a couple of more question if you could answer? How are mosquiotes on St. John? Do they prevent you from sitting outside at night? As far as villas go, do you have any recommendations, family of 4-looking for one that's private-not on top of another one...

Tuxedocat

Mosquitos are active pretty much all of the time but most active in places that have shade, moisture and not too much wind. You can sit outside. We make this possible with a combination of bug spray and citronella candles. But what seems extremely helpful is our oscillating fan which passes a breeze over us every 10 seconds which tends to discourage mosquitos by blowing them away. As for villa suggestions, Rhumb Runners is a good choice, but what is your criteria? What is your price range and time of year?

turtlegirl

We've changed our plans...now it's just Mr. Tgirl & I and we're going in January 09-high season, but we got great airfare, I think, $299 rt from BOS to STT non-stop. Our budget is around $2,000 for a 1 br villa. Looking for privacy, view and hot tub or pool. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Mainly, we don't want to be too close to another villa...Thanks a lot

mahobaygirl

Wonderful price on the airfare, turtlegirl! A few years ago we stayed at a villa called Stoneharbor. It is on the same road as Rhumb Runners. Very cute, I had remembered admiring it the previous year. It is under $2000 and can be seen at the website Great Caribbean Getaways or just google the place. I can't say it is far away from others, but the landscaping creates a very private space.

Tuxedocat

Turtlegirl: Congrats on fantastic airfare! BTW, where did you score such good airfare. We could fly out of Boston too. With respect to the-not-too-close to other villas, that is another argument for the Coral Bay area which is pretty spread out and the villas are less pricey than the Cruz Bay area villas. Check www.carefreegetaways.com and www.destinationstjohn.com and www.vivavactions.com which are on island.

Tuxedocat

Whoops... that should have been www.vivacations.com But look at the site Mahobaygirl recommended: www.greatcaribbeangetaways.com Villas with your criteria and in your price range are not easy to find. On this site, of all of the choices, IMHO "Periwinkle" seems to fit your criteria best. It doesn't have ac but in January, high up, and with ceiling fans you should be fine. There's also a splash pool. Stoneharbor is also a good choice but it is close to town and other villas. Periwinkle may have some villas around but there's more privacy up in the Bordeaux mountain hills (not always desirable for some folks). Coral Bay tends to be much quieter than Cruz Bay so neither villa should make you feel you're lacking privacy.

Tuxedocat

Check out this site: www.stjohntour.com a little treasure trove of villa rentals. Some even I never heard of... imagine that...

turtlegirl

Yeah! I'm glad to hear you guys think the airfare is good. I got it on aa.com. I think a non-stop flight is a HUGE difference, especially when you have to take the ferry over. I'm seriously considering this villa-Island Cottage in Coral Bay, the price is right with a hot tub and nice view, but am worried that the deck may be too small and that it's not quite private enough, but access looks easy. What do you think, Tuxedocat, or anyone familiar with it? vrbo.com/108972 Rout 108/Bordeaux Mountain Rd/Costanzo's Rd/Estate Carolina. Please give me feedback on this location! Thanks so much

RobertoB

Turtlegirl

We stayed just below Island Cottage at Villa Calabreeze. Access is easy. It sits just below the road with a parking pad at road level.I don't recall any homes nearby.

Hope that helps some.

Tuxedocat

Turtlegirl: That's a very convenient location. You might hear some faint music from the nearby restaurants at night when they have live music, but otherwise, it should be fine. As for the privacy aspect, there are other buildings nearby, but not right on top of you like at a resort.

karenlf

Tuxedocat,
Are you familiar with Periwinkle and the issue of privacy and/or construction nearby? How close is the Life is Good cottage to the restaurants, etc. in Coral Bay? Thanks.

Tuxedocat

karenlf: Periwinkle is on Bordeaux Mountain which is one of the less developed areas. As you can see from the pictures, there aren't many villas nearby. But building continues at a steady pace on STJ so there seems to be a project going on everywhere. But there are no large scale projects that I know of in that area right now so I don't think it should effect Periwinkle. You can always ask the rental agency to give you a more exact, up-to-date assessment too. As for "Life is Good" cottage, I don't think I know it. What site are you looking on? Also, some of these villas change names so I could know it under a different name.