Best villa location on St John?
 

I am searching for the perfect villa and I am completely overwhelmed. My husband and I are interested in these things: great view, easy beach access, privacy, and a pool. We are looking in the $2000-2500 price range for the off season. My heart is set on Francis Bay because it sounds so amazing. I would love any suggestions you could offer!

suzdogg,
Hi! Why not look into Gallows Point..it is close to Cruz Bay with snorkeling access onsite.

Also did I recommend "Honeymoon Cottage" on a previous post to you?If not,here's a link..it's a 5 minute walk to Francis Bay.It's also fully air conditioned..which is a must during the Summer months.

www.stjohnusvi.org/new_page_2.htm

Good luck!!:)

Christie

christiegr:
How important do you think a pool is in St John? I have seen several villa listings w/o a pool that sound great, I just don't want to regret being w/o one.

suz,
If you have AC..I would say that a pool is not necessary.We stayed at the beach so not having a pool..did not bother us.:)We enjoyed the jaquzzi at night.;)

Just to say that my husband and I very much enjoyed Gallows Point--BUT I think it's impt that you understand that there's no beach and also that the pool isn't great (it's ok). Views are wonderful and privacy is not bad (though also not great). Wonderful being so close to town, and I agree that the snorkeling is ok (not as good as many other spots around the island). All depends on what you most want. Good luck.

We are renting the Honeymoon Cottage that christie mentioned in her post. When I started looking for villas, I really wanted a place with a pool up in the hills for the views and the breezes, but I started thinking that if I was close enough to a swimmable beach and the place had a/c (we're going in mid June), then I might be able to do without it. The HC does not have a pool. From what I understand it is a few minutes to Francis Bay. We'll see how it works out without the pool.
It has a hot tub. Maybe we'll just turn it off, let it cool down and use it as a mini pool! :-d

-Bill

Suzdogg: Bear in mind that St. John is a small island. If you don't find a villa right on Frnacis Bay or without a pool, it hardly matters because you are really never that far from a beach or Francis Bay for that matter. You will love the entire island. There really isn't a "bad" place to stay.

Bill,
I have not stayed at Honeymoon Cottage..but it looks wonderful.I would love to hear your thoughts on it when you return.(though months away).I think that you will be glad that you have AC during June as it gets pretty hot.;)I would like to stay there..next time I go to St John.Francis bay was my favorite beach.

I liked the comment about the jaquzzi..that was cute.:)

BTW...I enjoyed your pictures of your trip to Kauai.;)

Take care

Christie

You may want to check out this villa:
www.villacielomar.com
It is not on the beach, (there are very few, if any on the beach in St. John since most beaches are in the Ntl. Park)but it has a pool, jacuzzi and is withing easy walking distance to Cruz Bay. I know the couple that manages it and they are wonderful. We have rented from them in the past.

Everyone on this forum is always so helpful. The HC is one of our top choices now. Also, there is a new villa called Miles Away that fits the bill, although not on Francis Bay. Like Tuxedocat says, the island is so small and we plan to do a lot of exploring anyway, Miles Away is starting to sound better. It has a pool and a/c, two important features for us. Out trip isn't until next fall, but villas seem to book pretty quick. Your advice is much appreciated!

We are considering the Honeymoon Cottage too. It's between this cottage and Island View Guest House on St. Thomas. Both places get very good reviews. IV would be a lot less expensive and includes breakfast. But we think we would really like to be on St. John. The more laid back atmosphere is more our style. I guess we'll decide over the weekend.

drdesign... if you have not been to either st. john or st. thomas, my suggestion is to stay on st. john, even if the price of HC is a bit more money. st. john is such a beautiful island/smaller,easier to get around,so many stunning beaches and as you said "laid back"..you would not regret going there. also you may hop a ferry to do a day trip or 2 to st. thomas to do sightseeing/ major shopping.. for me st. john has enough shops to keep me happy.10 yrs ago when we were planning our 1st vi trip we almost stayed on st. thomas/changed plans for st. john and NEVER regreted it !!! some yrs we go twice in the 12 mos. just my opinion!

suzdogg,

I don't know when you are going to SJ but if it's in the summer, I would make sure you have a pool and A/C. We were there in April 2005 and after going to the beach and coming back to the villa I wish we had a pool to cool off. It was hot. We had a hot tub but never used it because of the heat. We stayed in Calabash Boom and it was high up in the mountain and we didn't need air but the pool would have been lovely.
STJ is my favorite island and no matter where you stay you will love it. I do like the Coral Bay side better because it's less crowded. Plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Enjoy your trip.

Does anyone out there have any experience with Argonauta villa. I would love to get as many details as possible on the house. We have it rented in July and I would love to chat with anyone who has stayed there.

There is a villa (possibly two) that is located right along the gravel road to Francis Bay. I looked at the web site several years ago and it had a balcony with a view of the water. Unfortunately I can't remember the name but if you search the internet you migth find it. good luck.

The villa overlooking Francis Bay is Sunnyledge and the website is francisbeach.com. I stayed there last January it is great.

I looked up Sunnyledge- it isn't the villa I meant. This villa is probably a two minute walk from Francis Bay right off the gravel road that leads to the Francis Bay parking lot.

Could it have been Villa Serenity?

http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/villas...y/default.html

-Bill

I'm staying at Villa Serenity nr Francis Bay in July, and will be glad to report back. Note that there are TWO Villa Serenity s listed on different sites for St John villas when you "google."
This one does NOT have a pool, but is a 5 min walk from Francis Bay and nr Maho Campground/restaurant (a plus for me).
I WANTED a pool but having three young grandkids with us, we thought safety might be an issue. If there are only two of you, Suzdogg, and you like this villa, they will rent it to you at a lower price.
This one has a washer-dryer which is a plus for us (I don't htink Honeymoon Cottage does) but again, we are looking at it with 6 person family needs. Also it is fully ac'd, and I've been told to go for that in summer, rather than ac only in bedrooms.

CaliNurse I'm confused about which villa you are talking about. Which one would they rent to me at a lower price? And do you mean because there would only be two of us? Thanks!

Check out Island-Getaways.net You might like Daffodil Villa. It's new, it's got a beautiful pool, A/C in the bedrooms and the most awesome view. It's not on the beach, but as everyone knows, the beach isn't far away and you can cut across the middle of the island from Marina Drive, which shortens the trip since you don't have to go through town. Oh, and if you are lucky, you get to see the deer that live below the house. Plus it's in your price range.

But whatever you choose, it's a beautiful island, and yes Francis Bay is our favorite.

Suzdogg, apologies for the confusion, and the delay in answering.
Here's a review of Villa Serenity:
http://www.usvi-on-line.com/sj/sjhot...14121741.shtml

Here's another very detailed review of both St John and Villa Serentity. Scan about halfway down the page to the review by Sandy and Dave from 2002:
http://caribtravelnews.com/c1202_01.htm

The wesbsite for Villa Serenity is as Bill/ IAMQ posted above. If you look at top of webpage, you'll see that the price during off- season is $1960 for 2 people, and then goes up as the number of people increases.

In my hunt for the perfect St Thomas or St John villa, I've noticed that many villas are rented this way--the fewer folks staying, the lower the price. However, villa owners/mgrs usually close off bedrooms if not needed. I don't know if this is the case at Villa Serenity. Considering the cost of air-conditioning (especially if the entire house is ac'd, as at Villa Serenity) that makes lots of sense.

Good luck with your choices and research, Suzdogg! Except for a pool (and yes, if it were just aduilts in our group, that would have been a main requirement for me) it does seem the 3 villas/homes on this private road (Serenity, Honeymoon Cottage, and ?) have what you desire: privacy, easy access to St Francis Bay beach, great view, and price within your limits.
In which month are you going? I've been to St John only once before and oh, how I look forward to a return trip!

suzdogg,
If you like to snorkel...a great spot on Francis bay is to the left of the beach..you will see some rocks in the waters edge..we saw a variety of fish here.It was the only place that we saw the beautiful blue angel fish.Enjoy!!

Christie

Hi Christie! I'm reading Suzdogg's mail (-: Thanks much for info about Francis Bay snorkeling. Oh, this is gonna be a great trip--only a 4 - 5 minute walk to Francis Bay from the villa. Now, if we can just wait patiently 'til July!

calinurse,
On any future trips to St John..for us..we will be staying at one of the villas you mentioned because its so close to our favorite bay..Francis.Have fun and I bet that you are counting the days until you go!;)

Christie

christie and cali,

I'm counting the days too!

266! ((R))

Hi IAMQ, You are going about a week prior to me, I think? So I'll have to start counting down from 272--thanks for saving calculation time work for me! We arrive July 2, the day you leave Honeymoon Cottage. Darn--we'd have been Francis Bay neighbors! Will you still be on St John (at Caneel?) for Carnival? Can't recall in which order you're doing the villa and hotel.
I wish Villa Serenity had a hot tub, as your cottage does. Still, the hammock on VS deck should provide enough R and R that we can IMAGINE we're in a hot tub!
Christie, Tuxedocat, Suz, et al, I'll be sure to send a long trip report after.
Now, to earn some $$ to pay for this....

Bill,
You have also been to Kauai right?Well I wanted to tell you that St John is also beautiful and has much more beautiful beaches with calmer,clearer blue waters than Kauai.I am so jealous and wish I was going back soon but DH wants to try someplace new.Make sure to go to Gecko Gazebo in Mongoose Junction..its a little outside bar that can be alot of fun!If Tyler the bartender is working...he is very entertaining.Also The Quiet Mon was alot of fun.

Bill and calinurse..I will be looking forward to a trip report!!;) Maybe I can talk DH into going back when you guys are there and we could have a Fodors get together!:)

Christie

Christie, thanks so much for your info to Bill re: island bars, and for encouraging those trip reports!!
I too love Kauai and have been several times (to St John only once before). I love Kauai, and all of Hawaii, but you are right: the beaches and water in St John are stunning and better for snorkeling, swimming, and just gazing and walking in soft at white sand. But the look of Hawaii, with coconut palms over the sand, and those amazing mountain backdrops in places like Ke'e Beach, make for unforgettable trips too. The islands are equally wonderful, but different for sure. We're all blessed indeed that we've been able to go to both!
Thanks again for your input,
from Calinurse.

Calinurse,
Your welcome!:) We also loved Kee' Beach and I think that Kauai is more beautiful..scenery wise but St John is ALOT closer for us (we live in NC).But I definitely cannot wait to go back oneday.I also love the "Aloha Spirit" and the beautiful waterfalls of Kauai.Did you ever go to Queens Bath in Kauai?We did and loved the swimming pool feel of it.

In St John we ate at Sogo's one night and I thought that it was the best meal that we had.When you get off the ferry..go straight up the road and turn right at First Bank and it's on the right beside Conrad Sutton's and The Fish Trap..they have wonderful West Indie dishes,the prices are good for the amount of food that you get.Also for a cheap, quick lunch or Dinner Senorita's pizza and The Beach Bar in Wharfside Village are pretty good.

Giftshops..not sure if you went to "Every Ting"..but it's a neat little shop near Wharfside Village and there prices seem a little better than the Pink Papaya.We found the best shopping in front of the ferry docks on Saturdays and Sundays..the locals set up stands and sell handmade items that are unique and very reasonable.

Have fun!!
Christie

Kaua'i?

Huh?

Ohhhh...yes that overrated backwater! I am going to try to give my aloha addiction a pass this year and am hoping that St. John can help ease the withdrawl symptoms. Thanks for the eats and drinks suggestions Christie.

-Bill

Your welcome Bill!;) I checked out your Kauai pictures a few months ago and they were good...thanks for sharing them with us.Have fun!!and don't forget to try a drink called a "PAINKILLER" if you have not already..but be careful..they can have one bad hangover!;)A "BUSHWHACKER" is also very good..but strong and goes down good so also use caution with this drink..that is, if you drink.

Christie ((R))

Christie, when you spoke of snorkeling at St Francis Bay "to the left of the beach"...do you mean as you are facing the ocean,, or facing away from it?
I second the appreciation for ALL your suggestions!! Thank you for traking the time to write them for us all.
Suzdogg--where are you?

Facing the ocean..you will see some rocks to the far left of the beach..snorkel around them and you will see a large variety of fish and other critters.

Also I believe that straight out there was some seagrass..so if you see it snorkel around the grass and you might come across some seaturtles having lunch!They are my favorite to follow.

Christie

CaliNurse I'm still here...I have four little squirts keeping me busy! I found myself getting way too obsessed about St John and I haven't even been there yet! I love to learn and research any place we visit so I enjoy reading posts from everyone about St. John. Our vacation isn't until next fall, so I'm pacing myself. Not to worry, I'm learning alot from everyone else's questions and posts. You guys seem to be pros at this, I'm just a beginner. Hopefully by this time next year, I'll be able to do some of the answering instead of the asking!

Suzdogg: I think Christie's experience with three kids is very informative. We've had friends visit us with their 4 kids in tow and we all had a great time although quarters were very cramped. The key is to have airconditioning with kids around. Good airconditioning. A dvd player and you're set.

Suzdogg, hi again!!! Is this trip for you and your husband only, or are you bringing the "four little squirts"? Reason I'm asking is that Viilla Serenity was recommended to us becausee it is NOT posh, NOT the kind of place where we have to be nervous about having little ones around (running into a pool, handprints on perfect white furniture, etc). If you are all going, that feedback on Villa Serenity might help with your plans.
Don't get me wrong--i'd love the elegant villas that look like they're out of a vacation magazine ,...but will save for a vacation sans grandchildren.
Have a great family weekend!

There's only a couple villas near Francis, but really it's so easy to get there, that it doesn't matter where you stay & can opt for a cheaper place. There are some cheaper places in Coral Bay & it's not that far from Francis.
We always want a pool. It's so deliciously indulgent to come back to the villa after all day on the beach and instead of showering & changing for the day, just throw down your stuff by the pool and jump in MORE water! And yes there are places that ac is a must, but we don't like to close up the villa and sequester ourselves inside--we've waited all year to feel those fabulous breezes and smell the wonderful smells. Sometimes we put on ac at bedtime for awhile & cut it off during the night. Nothing like waking up with the breezes blowing over you in the a.m. Of course villas down low, by the water don't get the breezes as well. Also, breezes keep away mosquitos. We never have a problem with them at mid-level or better--I'm afraid of heights so we don't go to the highest elevations although I know the views are fab.