NEtrippers

I am overwhelmed looking at all the possibilities for renting a villa. We are planning a trip in Feb/March with another couple. It appears renting a villa is the most economical way to go but there are so many choices. I understand Cruz Bay is fun, any suggestions for villas, do we need to rent a jeep the whole time? Any suggestions would be welcomed because my head is spinning...I should have done this before looking!!!

susannj

If this is your first time to St. John I would recommend staying closer to Cruz Bay. I would also suggest renting a jeep during your stay. My husband and I are staying at Wings Over Water villa which would be perfect for 2 couples, however it looks as though it is booked up during your dates. http://www.vacationvistas.com/Villas...Over-Water.htm This villa recently caught my eye: http://stjohnhouserentals.com/Coral-Oasis.htm

Also for more info check out the virgin islands online forum. A lot of St. John regulars over there http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.co...wforum.php?f=1

-Susan
http://susannj.travellerspoint.com/toc/

NEtrippers

We are deciding between Coral Bay and Cruz Bay. Any suggestions? Also has anyone stayed at Kinja in Cruz Bay or Rhumb Runners in Coral. Thanks

susannj

If you have never been to St. John before I would suggest first staying near or close to Cruz Bay vs. Coral Bay. Coral Bay is the quieter side of the island, while very nice, you do not have as many dining options, etc. I have not stayed at either villa so I cannot recommend one over the other. I am not sure what your budget is, but this is another villa that looks nice:
http://www.cateredto.com/beach-garden/

wliwl

Check out villa reviews here:
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.co...hp?f=1&t=23545

It's an excellent St. John forum.

Be aware that even if a villa looks close to Cruz Bay it is HIGHLY unlikely you'll be walking into town. The roads are way too dangerous and it is REALLY hilly.

My preference is Coral Bay, but that's because out favorite restaurants are there. You'll be driving to the beach anyway, so it doesn't matter that much.

Rvfosdick

First let me say that I completely understand how overwhelming it can be trying to find the "perfect" villa. My husband and I have been to St. John twice now and are booking another visit for next year.
We have stayed on both sides of the island (Cruz Bay first time and Coral Bay second time). By far and away, Coral Bay is our favorite place to be. It's much more laid back and less touristy than Cruz Bay. Not that Cruz Bay is bad by any stretch of the imagination. I'm not sure if it's available or not but when we stayed in Coral Bay, we stayed in a villa called Amarilla Villa. It was fantastic! I would highly recommend it!!!
Good luck finding that special place to creat your memories.

Sherri1

Staying close to Cruz Bay allows you to walk to town for dinner and taxis to beaches etc. My friends own www.condocruzbay.com so I can reccomend it having stayed there. Wouldn't be available in Feb, as they stay there in the winter but worth checking out for another time of year.
Walking distance would include a few that I can think of .
Coconut coast, gallows point, lavender hill, palm terrace,
donald schnell and a few more I can't think of right now. I will try and look up some of the other place I have on file and post.
Sherri

TPAYT

Here's one we enjoyed. The views were incredible. You would need a jeep(car) for the whole time, but you really need one anyway to explore the island.

http://www.chococruz.com/index.html

Note: outside stairway only from the lower level bedrooms right on the pool. Huge amount of outside deck space.

The drive from Cruz Bay where you would arrive to Coral is long. Coral Bay is very quiet. If we were to stay there we probably would eat in a lot. As we like dinner out every night we prefer to be closer to Cruz Bay.

bostonallison

Check out Aqua Bay Villas, we stayed in the L'Isle Amour villa in January and loved it. I think the Dolphina villa has two bedrooms. Quick walk into Cruz Bay (less than 10 minutes), parking for your jeep, reasonable prices.

http://www.aquabayvillas.com/

MsTravelpage

We have rented villas with http://www.cloud9villas.com/ on 3 occasions on St. John and were very happy. Moonsong and Cloud 9 are the 2 homes we have stayed in. Spectacular views, with well-equipped homes. These homes are not within walking distance of Cruz Bay, so a jeep is a necessity, but you are within 10-15 minutes of town and grocery shopping. The owners live on island and greet guests on arrival with plenty of good local information regarding snorkeling, shopping, etc.

Bassguy66

There are several different villas rental companies for villas on St John. I would contact them, and tell them what you are looking for. Most will be more than glad to find the perfect situation to suit (your) needs.

lamangasa

I would recommend Sea Shore Allure. It is upscale yet affordable and they have a 15% off coupon in the VI saver book

snowrooster

We visited St John for the first time in 2003 and LOVED Coral Bay. We are returning w/our kids in July and have booked a villa in Coral Bay again. Think about what you really want in a villa (for us, 3bdrms, king bed, pool, a/c in bedrooms, great view and Coral Bay) and then create a list in your favorites of those that meet you needs.

BTW, there is no need to eat in if you stay in Coral Bay. We NEVER ate in. There are plenty of restaurants in Coral Bay, and it is just more laid back.

joethebear

When is the busy season?

susannj

I also agree if you wind up staying in a villa, have a meal cooked for you one night at your villa. A couple years ago we had Ted, from Ted's Supper Club cook for us. It was delicious. Worth every penny and he can work with you as far as what your likes/dislikes and your budget. Highly recommend!!

http://tedssupperclub.com/Teds_Supper_Club/welcome.html