Romantic honeymoon getaway in the Virgin Islands?
Dec 13th, 2011, 04:03 PM
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Romantic honeymoon getaway in the Virgin Islands?
Hi all. My fiancee and I from Missouri, U.S. have not been travelers but are so excited to be getting married and planning a honeymoon! We'd be very grateful for your help in determining where to stay for our special trip. 
Our top priority is having a romantic and secluded vacation near the ocean. We can only afford $3000 to $4000 for the week, but our travel date of June 2012 should be the off season in the Virgin Islands which should allow for this budget I hope. My question is what do you think is the most private setup we can get and where?
Ideals:
- We are looking to rent a villa/home rather than stay at a resort/condo - we'd like the option to see no one else unless we choose to do so (and are happy to get some groceries, cook a little together and maybe grill out on our patio)
- We'd like great ocean/beach views from our home, and some once-in-a-lifetime luxuries such as our own private pool (and hopefully a jacuzzi, outdoor/garden shower, hammock, etc)
- We'd like to mix in trips to secluded beaches, probably snorkel a little, and try out some local restaurants for breakfast or dinner
- We do not want mosquitoes/bugs to ruin our trip (I've read that open-air homes have ruined many a stay, so alas we may have to go with a resort/hotel instead of a villa/home perhaps) and so we'd need a clean, air conditioned home that we can comfortably retreat into (one that locks would help our peace of mind as well)
- We will mostly be out at the pool, hot tub, or beach, but we'd love to come inside to comfort for watching a movie, or playing some games... and just basically enjoying our time together in "paradise" for a week (nightlife and crowds are completely undesired)
My research finds the Virgin Islands much more desirable than Hawaii for things like hillside villas with ocean views, and specifically it appears the most fitting locations are St. John's, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda. However, I don't know which island has the most private homes (and beaches), nor do I know which specific homes would be the best for us on the particular island.
Any general recommendations on destinations or specific suggestions on homes would be much help and greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Our top priority is having a romantic and secluded vacation near the ocean. We can only afford $3000 to $4000 for the week, but our travel date of June 2012 should be the off season in the Virgin Islands which should allow for this budget I hope. My question is what do you think is the most private setup we can get and where?
Ideals:
- We are looking to rent a villa/home rather than stay at a resort/condo - we'd like the option to see no one else unless we choose to do so (and are happy to get some groceries, cook a little together and maybe grill out on our patio)
- We'd like great ocean/beach views from our home, and some once-in-a-lifetime luxuries such as our own private pool (and hopefully a jacuzzi, outdoor/garden shower, hammock, etc)
- We'd like to mix in trips to secluded beaches, probably snorkel a little, and try out some local restaurants for breakfast or dinner
- We do not want mosquitoes/bugs to ruin our trip (I've read that open-air homes have ruined many a stay, so alas we may have to go with a resort/hotel instead of a villa/home perhaps) and so we'd need a clean, air conditioned home that we can comfortably retreat into (one that locks would help our peace of mind as well)
- We will mostly be out at the pool, hot tub, or beach, but we'd love to come inside to comfort for watching a movie, or playing some games... and just basically enjoying our time together in "paradise" for a week (nightlife and crowds are completely undesired)
My research finds the Virgin Islands much more desirable than Hawaii for things like hillside villas with ocean views, and specifically it appears the most fitting locations are St. John's, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda. However, I don't know which island has the most private homes (and beaches), nor do I know which specific homes would be the best for us on the particular island.
Any general recommendations on destinations or specific suggestions on homes would be much help and greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Dec 14th, 2011, 03:33 AM
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Westin St John www.betterbidding.com from $80 in the past for me.Join www.spg.com get upgrades maybe cash points disounts
if you get their no fee Amex CC works for me. Marriott.com
also excellent deals freestays with their new CC at Frenchman's Reef. I have stayed at Pavillions and Pools cheap private pools but other than that older not very upscale. www.jademountain.com best private plunge pools I have been to in Carib but a bit of a budget buster. www.spirit.com cheap flights down for me first class for the price of coach. vrbo.com may have something but be careful photoshpped fake reviews many scammers always pay with CC. Congrats!
if you get their no fee Amex CC works for me. Marriott.com
also excellent deals freestays with their new CC at Frenchman's Reef. I have stayed at Pavillions and Pools cheap private pools but other than that older not very upscale. www.jademountain.com best private plunge pools I have been to in Carib but a bit of a budget buster. www.spirit.com cheap flights down for me first class for the price of coach. vrbo.com may have something but be careful photoshpped fake reviews many scammers always pay with CC. Congrats!
Dec 14th, 2011, 03:35 AM
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Sorry forgot www.maho.org some eco villas there...good prices
Dec 14th, 2011, 07:31 AM
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hi, congratulations. you have pretty much described st. john. tons of gorgeous beaches to explore, some extremely private is you're willing to take a short walk/hike. excellent snorkeling from shore (no need to pay for boat excursions), tons of villas for rent - many of which will offer you a lovely private pool with a killer view of the sea & nearby islands.
if you are comfortable working directly with owners look at vrbo & homeaway. if not sites like:
caribbeanway.com
IslandHideaways.com
villascaribe.com
wimco.com
villasofdistinction.com
or if you do a search for 'st. john usvi villa rental' you'll find at least 1/2 dozen companies that only offer houses on st. john.
you will need to rent a car. if you want to eat out most nights choose a house near one of the towns as driving is on narrow, windy roads with no streetlights.
besides the pool you should look for: a house with paved driveway, full house air conditioning - bedrooms at minimum, size of pool (some are not much more than a plunge pool & few are lg by amer standards), look for one with some shade - either from trees or covered deck. check houses that have 2 or more bedrooms as they often have a reduced rate for use of only 1 bedroom. a house with screens is optimal.
fyi. you will need bug spray. mainly at dusk & dawn. staying hillside - with hopefully a breeze helps keep them at bay. staying in a resort will not change this. choosing a dryer island doesn't make much difference either.
if you are comfortable working directly with owners look at vrbo & homeaway. if not sites like:
caribbeanway.com
IslandHideaways.com
villascaribe.com
wimco.com
villasofdistinction.com
or if you do a search for 'st. john usvi villa rental' you'll find at least 1/2 dozen companies that only offer houses on st. john.
you will need to rent a car. if you want to eat out most nights choose a house near one of the towns as driving is on narrow, windy roads with no streetlights.
besides the pool you should look for: a house with paved driveway, full house air conditioning - bedrooms at minimum, size of pool (some are not much more than a plunge pool & few are lg by amer standards), look for one with some shade - either from trees or covered deck. check houses that have 2 or more bedrooms as they often have a reduced rate for use of only 1 bedroom. a house with screens is optimal.
fyi. you will need bug spray. mainly at dusk & dawn. staying hillside - with hopefully a breeze helps keep them at bay. staying in a resort will not change this. choosing a dryer island doesn't make much difference either.
Dec 14th, 2011, 09:42 AM
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This place is already booked for some of June, but it's sweet and very romantic. You need to rent a car on St. John, but it is a WONDERFUL place. You go to a different beach everyday!
http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/proper...ymoon-cottage/
http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/proper...ymoon-cottage/
Dec 14th, 2011, 12:20 PM
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Thanks, I really appreciate the response, and will take a look!
Just wanted to add a point of emphasis - we are thinking of Virgin Gorda, Tortola, and STJ in that order now, and we are really hoping someone may know specifically of a (seemingly rare) house/villa that provides an indoor respite in case extra mosquitoes/bugs are hampering our outdoor experience. Don't get me wrong, I'd love an open-air villa and don't mind the heat, but for feasible peace of mind by lowering the risk of mosquitoes (and theft) we hope to find one that can close off (and lock) the inside including the kitchen/dining/living areas (and a locking gate entry to the grounds would be additionally helpful). Thanks again!
Just wanted to add a point of emphasis - we are thinking of Virgin Gorda, Tortola, and STJ in that order now, and we are really hoping someone may know specifically of a (seemingly rare) house/villa that provides an indoor respite in case extra mosquitoes/bugs are hampering our outdoor experience. Don't get me wrong, I'd love an open-air villa and don't mind the heat, but for feasible peace of mind by lowering the risk of mosquitoes (and theft) we hope to find one that can close off (and lock) the inside including the kitchen/dining/living areas (and a locking gate entry to the grounds would be additionally helpful). Thanks again!
Dec 14th, 2011, 04:33 PM
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declownman-
We loved Virgin Gorda- we also loved St. John (got married and honeymooned there but it has been a while- VG was a much more recent visit)- we did not stay in this house but I considered it and corresponded with the nice owner and talked to others on the TA forum who did stay there and liked it so I am just passing on the link since I kept it bookmarked for future reference. I was not sure if your stated budget was for just the house or for your entire trip but this seems like a reasonable place that might fit your bill. Good luck and happy travels!
http://www.vrbo.com/64106 (there is also a link there to their own website)
We loved Virgin Gorda- we also loved St. John (got married and honeymooned there but it has been a while- VG was a much more recent visit)- we did not stay in this house but I considered it and corresponded with the nice owner and talked to others on the TA forum who did stay there and liked it so I am just passing on the link since I kept it bookmarked for future reference. I was not sure if your stated budget was for just the house or for your entire trip but this seems like a reasonable place that might fit your bill. Good luck and happy travels!
http://www.vrbo.com/64106 (there is also a link there to their own website)
Dec 14th, 2011, 07:06 PM
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declownman,
We loved Virgin Gorda also and actually stayed in the villa listed above. Very private, comfortable and casual. We loved it and would stay there again. I have lots of pictures and did a trip report. Let me know if you're interested in more info.
We were in St John in the Spring and enjoyed it tremendously too! You can't go wrong, either way.
We loved Virgin Gorda also and actually stayed in the villa listed above. Very private, comfortable and casual. We loved it and would stay there again. I have lots of pictures and did a trip report. Let me know if you're interested in more info.
We were in St John in the Spring and enjoyed it tremendously too! You can't go wrong, either way.
Dec 23rd, 2011, 11:25 AM
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Feb 17th, 2012, 12:22 PM
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I stayed in St. Croix at Sugar Beach Condominiums for a week last September. A group of 4 of us rented a 2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom condo which included a full kitchen, washer dryer and big balcony with a magnificent view. The place was very well kept and made us feel right at home.
We all loved that our room had an ocean view and that we had direct access to the beach. We kept the windows open so we could all take advantage of the fresh ocean breeze and island climate which was perfect. It was also a plus that the place was fully furnished and even had cooking utensils so we had fewer supplies to buy at the local market.
The beach is private and very tranquil; we were able to borrow kayaks and snorkeling equipment and went snorkeling right in front of our condo. Most of our days were filled with relaxing moments lounging by the water.
Another great snorkeling spot is Cane Bay; it is best to rent a car to be able to go around the island and explore the absolutely GORGEOUS beaches!!!
We all loved that our room had an ocean view and that we had direct access to the beach. We kept the windows open so we could all take advantage of the fresh ocean breeze and island climate which was perfect. It was also a plus that the place was fully furnished and even had cooking utensils so we had fewer supplies to buy at the local market.
The beach is private and very tranquil; we were able to borrow kayaks and snorkeling equipment and went snorkeling right in front of our condo. Most of our days were filled with relaxing moments lounging by the water.
Another great snorkeling spot is Cane Bay; it is best to rent a car to be able to go around the island and explore the absolutely GORGEOUS beaches!!!
Feb 27th, 2012, 10:05 PM
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I don't know if a great view is important to you, but on St John, there are so many homes/villas/cottages with stupendous views and vistas. Just my opinion, but it's kind of a waste--**IF** a specatacular view from the deck matters to you-- to stay at Honeymoon Cottage (referenced in wiiwi's link, above).
I stayed next door at Villa Serenity (which I would NOT recommend).
It's a pretty view, fairly low over a "hurricane hole" (protected small inlet) but nothing compared the jaw-dropping island and water scenes you from so many other vacatin rentals on St John
I stayed next door at Villa Serenity (which I would NOT recommend).
It's a pretty view, fairly low over a "hurricane hole" (protected small inlet) but nothing compared the jaw-dropping island and water scenes you from so many other vacatin rentals on St John
Mar 1st, 2012, 06:09 AM
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Hello. Your honeymoon....what an exciting time in life and fun to plan. I am not sure if you have already made up your mind on where to go, but if not...I'd recommend St. John. Check out VRBO #377011. It answers "yes" to most of the things you are looking for except the pool. It is new to the rental market with a full renovation in 2011. In June, you will also enjoy the summer rates. I'd be happy to answer any question you might have about St. John, the area or Cliffhanger. [email protected]
Apr 19th, 2012, 07:43 AM
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We LOVE Virgin Gorda! We have a larger family so we stay at one of the other villas in Nail Bay, but I highly reccommend that you look at this villa http://www.vrbo.com/357635 on the beach and with a pool. We had friends stay there and they loved it. They asked for a lower rate since it was just the two of them and I believe the rate they got was in your budget range. There is a new bar / BBQ shack that is very close to the nail bay resort called Hog Heaven. We spent quite a few afternoons up there. Great views, great people and very good food and drink. Best of luck to you both and congrats!
Apr 27th, 2012, 07:36 AM
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have you considered Caneel Bay - it is very serene - if you're looking for a romantic "old world caribbean" getaway i strongly recommend it. i just found this link that may be usefule to you
http//www.caribbeanonlinemagazine.com
lots of info in one place
http//www.caribbeanonlinemagazine.com
lots of info in one place
Apr 29th, 2012, 08:32 PM
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Virgin Gorda is generally reagarded as the best of the Virgin Islands, US or BVI. It sounds as though you are describing Peter Island which is on its own private island and a great honeymoon destination.
http://best-caribbean-vacations.blog...ts-top-10.html
http://best-caribbean-vacations.blog...ts-top-10.html
May 1st, 2012, 09:09 AM
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Depending on your price range, here are a couple of villas we have had the opportunity to stay at:
Amazing villa:
https://www.kaleidoscopeusvi.com/index.asp?
Amazing views:
http://www.villavacations.net/detail_stones.html
We also love Caneel and have stayed at both Little Dix Bay and Peter Island. Any questions, I'd be happy to help!
-Susan
Amazing villa:
https://www.kaleidoscopeusvi.com/index.asp?
Amazing views:
http://www.villavacations.net/detail_stones.html
We also love Caneel and have stayed at both Little Dix Bay and Peter Island. Any questions, I'd be happy to help!
-Susan
May 13th, 2012, 10:30 AM
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whoaahhh... !!! romantic honeymoon that too in Virgin Islands .... it is going to be awesome.. carribean islands are the best place to have your vacation.. it will turn into your dream destination for sure just rent a carribean villa..
amanda
website - http://www.caribbean-villa-rentals.org
amanda
website - http://www.caribbean-villa-rentals.org
