anyone been to john's folly on st. john USVI?
 

Am getting started planning a trip to St. John----saw a 2 BR cabin that looks perfect in John's folly. It looks like that part of the island is fairly remote on the map. How far would we have to drive to beaches, restaurants, etc? Has anyone been there? I must have a villa or cabin with a view of the water. We love to hike, beach and explore. Also, what about safety? I've read a few threads that concerned me about that.

John's Folly is fairly remote, but if you think you would like the Coral Bay side of the island, you should be fine. John's Folly is close to Salt Pond and the Lameshure beaches. Taking a guess, I think it would about a half hour drive to Francis and Maho Bays on the north shore. You can also go further east and go to Vie's Beach (Hansen Bay). You should practically be in The Tourist Trap's backyard which has excellent lunch food. Also, Coral Bay has many restaurants, just not walking distance like Cruz Bay offers. I have read about theft at Salt Pond Beach's parking lot. Just don't anything valuable in your rental.

remote isolated less options for dining etc

some increased theft risk due to that still not bad

usually do a lot better closer Westin Resort from $89

betterbidding.com

vrbo.com maho.org

Thank you for the info---we would be better off near cruz bay---we've never been into "remote"----don't like to have a place where we have to drive everywhere. thanks for your input

Unless you stay right in Cruz Bay town area, you will still be driving to places/beaches. You can take a trail to Solomon and Honeymoon beaches (45min) then go further on to Caneel Bay and taxi back. Other than that, you will still have to drive to the beaches. If you stay somewhere like Gallow's Point, Lavendar Hill, or Grande Bay, you would thn be able to walk to town to shop and eat. We have recently been staying at Grande Bay Condo's because they are steps from town and ultra convenient. We still use a rental car for beach trips during the day. It is hard me me to guestimate driving times because the island is so beautiful, the drive always seems to go fast. The only time it doesn't seem to go fast is on the way back from Coral Bay in the afternoon. You can hit literally blinding sun in spots. You can rent from Grande Bay through VRBO or directly with them. This is the unit we stay in. It is a one bedroom with a pullout couch. If you need two bedrooms, those are available too. Gallow's Point has gotten to be out of our price range because we now usually stay 10 nights. I have never stayed at Lavendar Hill but have friends that so and love it.

http://www.vrbo.com/274240

Hi, I stayed at Lavender Hills last month and loved it!!! Very clean, updated and comfortable. I would stay there again in a heartbeat. The Gallow's was beautiful, but three times the cost. I have yet to write a report trip, but it will happen! :)

We also rented a car to get to many of the beautiful beaches, but it was nice to be able to walk to town for dinner, drinks and shopping. We also drove out to Coral Bay, but were so glad we chose Cruz Bay for our stay. St John is beautiful, have a great time!!

There are some villa rental reviews on the USVI Forum. Google it.

We have stayed at the Westin and it was fabulous. it sounds like you are seeking a different kind of experience but the westin was ideal for us in terms of location. We still rented a car and cruised the island. At night it was great to relax at the pool with the swimming bar. The price qwoduis is quoting is a steal, IMHO.