Best "sure thing" St. John villa for honeymoon privacy under $2k/wk
 

Ideals for our 1-week stay in June 2012:
- Must have private pool, then outdoor shower and spa/hot tub needed... with completely private grounds - a getaway from civilization
- Need to mitigate/lower risk of bugs/mosquitoes or heat wave that week - doors that close/seal and a/c is ideal, with at least the house being screened in all around (high elevation may reduce bugs too I hear; and obviously a well kept villa is a must)
- Feeling of safety - so locking doors, gated entry, etc
- Below $2k/wk for the two of us

Front runners based on my research so far:
- Cloud Nine (not sure if "garden shower" means outdoor, or just a window)
- Lille Paradis http://www.windspree.com/home.php/19/Lille%20Paradis%20
- Papaya Moon (no a/c though)
- Palladio's View (alas, already booked for june; no a/c)
- Notre Ciel
- Haiku
- Honeymoon Hiker's Inn
- It's About Time villa on ajax peak - http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p145688
- Mimosa Villa
- then... Coconut Hill Cottage, Starlit Escape, Waterklip, Beas Maison

Side note: Astral Ridge was a front-runner but has been taken off because it has an adjoining sister villa being rented out - even though the total villa is far away from civilization, we will have strangers for immediate neighbors; even though it seems there is probably visual privacy due to bushes, etc, we don't feel comfortable chancing that setup for a honeymoon

Concerns:
- Figuring out villa privacy seems so tough. Example 1: overhead maps show neighbors MUCH closer to Cloud Nine (http://g.co/maps/2rxtc) than Papaya Moon (http://www.vrbo.com/119689#ownerprofile) for example, yet posts seem to rave about Cloud Nine for honeymooners. Example 2: Honeymoon Hiker's Inn is touted as private 5 acres up north by Nat'l Park, but I have to think high hillside seems more private.
- Don't know which location preference on the island we should have (Gift Hill by Cruz Bay, Ajax Hill by Coral Bay, etc) - we will mainly just be enjoying amenities/view at home then sprinkle in some secluded beach and quaint restaurant outings (nightlife/parties and crowds completely undesirable)
- New construction before our stay - I'd rather have a villa with stably known neighboring houses than one at risk for near-term construction

With a focus on the most secluded grounds on STJ, I'd LOVE to hear your feedback on my front runners and any better recommendations. I hope to find the villa that "sure thing" for our one-time vacation to VI and your help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Aria.

http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/property/aria/

Here's our choice -- it's a bit over your budget though ($2380/week for two in June). Fits all your criteria though.

http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/property/summerwind/

I absolutely love Coconut Hill. Have not stayed there but toured with owners and was sold. Recommended to a friend who did stay there and was very pleased. The owners live just below the house so factor that into your privacy concerns. Great views.

Last trip we stayed on Ajax Peak. I like this location because it gives you good elevation without a steep drive.

This link may help with your decision:

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.co...views/st-john/

Congrats on your upcoming wedding.

A few more luxury villas for you to choose from at http://www.luxeinacity.com/city-guid...ds/Saint_John/.

There is another villa (La Sirena) very close, right next door to Lille Paradis. We have driven by these two villas when going to Kiddel Bay (beautiful, great snorkeling). The neighborhood, not so beautiful with some abandoned cars along the road.

Maybe too late, as I just saw this, and you may have already picked your place.

Just to add what Roberto said...the ownrs at Coconut Hiill actually live waaayyyyy below the "cottage ' (more like a big house) you rent. They are essentially in the jungle , down 100 plus steps from where the rental propery is So you never hear them, or feel like they are there while you are...but if you have problems, or qustions, they can just walk up all those steps from their place, to help you!!

Thanks so much for your great responses!