SSypniewski

Okay I have been doing some research and looking at a lot of different villas. I sort have narrowed it down. Basically I am looking for a villa with a beautiful view (not surrounded by other buildings), easy to get to - don't want to hold my breath everytime we go up the roadway to the villa and not too far from town (Cruz Bay). I want to be far enough away where its not real noisy but close enough to have lunch, dinner, etc. Okay with that said, here are the villas that I am looking at: Keeward, Southern Cross, Spledora, Amibance, Le Virtage, Mandavilla and Orchid Hill. This for my husband and myself but we're going in October so the larger villas are somewhat affordable. Thanks for your help! Susan

His2Love

I've heard good things about Mandavilla. Also check out Perelandra...outstanding views, great location--close to Cruz Bay etc--yet very private, neat pool, nice accomodations. A+ in every way...we've stayed there twice and would stay again in a heartbeat.

mewmon

SSypniewski,
Her is my two cents about your choices:
I am assuming you mean "Leeward" not Keeward. If this is true, this is a very nice villa with an unobstructed view. It overlooks Rendevous bay and is close enough to Cruz Bay on good road.
I would avoid Orchard Hill, it is mostly open air. Ask your rental agent about construction in the area you intend to stay. There will be major construction in the Chocolate Hole area as well as in downtown Cruz bay, as 2 large complexes are being built.
Don't know which rental agent you are looking at. May want to check with bookitvi.com and carefreegetaways.com
I have stayed at many of the villas over the last 13 years. I can give you a lot of info about the island. My cautions would be avoid open air homes, and check about the age of the house as well as construction in the area. If you want more information contact me at [email protected]

SSypniewski

Oops that was a typo, I should say Leeward. I will look into Perelandra as well. Thanks again for the help. This would be my husband and my first time renting a villa ANYWHERE so any advice (dos and don'ts) would be much appreciated! Thanks - Susan

His2Love

Susan,

Renting a villa on St. John is probably the best experience a 'first-timer' can have. Since there's only 2 resorts on the island, the vast majority of people who stay on St. John stay in villas. There are a lot of very good reputable rental agencies.

I would definitely stick with an on-island agency though (these are villa rental/management companies that are actually located right on St. John and are staffed by locals who know their island and villas very well). It's in their interest to help you select the villa that's best for you and have a great time...their 'bread and butter' are all of us many repeat visitors. Personally, we've been going there for over 15 years!

Why don't you try starting with Carefree Getaways (www.carefreegetaways.com), very friendly folks. We've also gone through villa owners directly (via www.vrbo.com and www.a1vacations.com) but because this is your 1st time you might feel more comfortable going through an agency.

I'm the one that recommended Perelandra and I was just looking at one of its websites myself to book our next trip. If you go to either the a1 or vrbo site, you can click on guest comments which will take you to a ton of, yup, guest comments. It gives you a good feel for the kind of experiences that guests feel, many of them 1st-time villa renters such as you (I'm assuming 1st-timers just from the many honeymooner comments).

You'll have a great vacation.