Best villa location on St John?
Oct 12th, 2005, 03:21 PM
#21
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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.
But whatever you choose, it's a beautiful island, and yes Francis Bay is our favorite.
Oct 15th, 2005, 02:55 AM
#22
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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!
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!
Oct 15th, 2005, 05:02 AM
#23
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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
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
Oct 15th, 2005, 12:45 PM
#24
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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!
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!
Oct 16th, 2005, 08:34 AM
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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
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
Oct 16th, 2005, 02:27 PM
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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 $$ to pay for this....
I wish Villa Serenity had a hot tub, as your cottage does. Still, the hammock on VS deck should provide enough R and R that we can IMAGINE we're in a hot tub!
Christie, Tuxedocat, Suz, et al, I'll be sure to send a long trip report after.
Now, to earn some $$ to pay for this....
Oct 17th, 2005, 03:54 AM
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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
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
Oct 17th, 2005, 08:20 PM
#29
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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.
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.
Oct 18th, 2005, 03:50 AM
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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
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
Oct 18th, 2005, 06:30 AM
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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
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
Oct 18th, 2005, 05:31 PM
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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
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
Oct 18th, 2005, 08:54 PM
#33
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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?
I second the appreciation for ALL your suggestions!! Thank you for traking the time to write them for us all.
Suzdogg--where are you?
Oct 19th, 2005, 03:32 AM
#34
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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
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
Oct 20th, 2005, 06:34 AM
#35
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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!
Oct 20th, 2005, 04:18 PM
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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.
Oct 21st, 2005, 09:31 PM
#37
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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!
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!
Feb 18th, 2006, 06:23 AM
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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.
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.
