My husband and I are looking at staying at this newly constructed villa in May. Anyone have any knowledge of this villa? Also, we are renting through Carefree Getaways...good rental agency?

Vibound it looks like this villa is still under construction. As you know, things always take longer than you think they are going to, esp. in the Caribbean. I would be leary of committing to something sight unseen. It might very well be finished by they and it might be wonderful, or you might be living in a construction site with lots of bugs yet to be worked out. We rented La Encantada last year in the same general area and were very satisfied. A nice feature was full-house air conditioning. It did come in handy!
http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/la_enc...encantada.html

Thanks so very much,Maggi,for your remarks and for the suggestion of La Encantada. We are told it should be done long before our rental time. Hope this is the case.

Good luck, vibound, have a great time and be sure to report back after your trip, OK? We were in St. John last May and will be trying St. Barts this May. We love the islands!

My fiance and I are also staying at Bongo Bongo for our honeymoon in June. Have you checked out their blog? I think it's bongobongostjohn.com. They're still working on the place and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be finished in time. There's a huge outdoor veranda and pool deck and also a large pool and hot tub with a nice view. Have you definitely settled on Bongo Bongo?

Belizeshrimp: We had ordered a DVD on Bongobongo to visualize the villa before we made firm our travel dates with the rental agency. The tape was to have been here yesterday, but still no tape. Have you rented through Carefreegetaways before?

the rental agency has had good reviews..my concern would be ..will the villa be finished ?? construction on st. john and many islands doesen't move a quickly as some of us are used to. i've yet to see one completed on the original date stated...there are so many beautiful villas to choose that are ready for rental, maybe you should look for one and at least be assured that you won't be disappointed !!

vibound, no I've never rented through Carefreegetaways before (this is our first trip to St. John), but I've only heard good things about them.

Thanks for your reply, belizeshrimp.
Our plans are now definite for BongoBongo as of today. The villa will have been rented only twice prior to our arrival in May. My new husband has visited St. John several times, this will be my first. I'm soooo looking forward to it!

That's wonderful, vibound! You'll have to share your St. John experience. Have a great trip. We'll be there soon after you.

belizeshrimp: I will gladly give a trip report after our stay. Hopefully, the report will only be one of regret...regretting having to leave. Oh by the way, my congratulations to you and your fiance! May your marriage be as wonderful as mine!!

vibound:
If your husband to be has been there before and is now taking you, it will be wonderful for you.
My husband brought me to Coral Bay 3 years ago and we have been every year since, I feel this island in my heart! you will love it!

I apologize for bumping such an old thread. My wife & son will be staying at bongo bongo in early Aug and have not read any reviews positive or negative about it. The blog is really funny...and sad:

http://www.bongobongostjohn.com/blog/

We'll be in St. John for a week so regardless...life will be oh so good. Just curious if anyone was heard or read anything about this new villa rental.

Thanks.

Sean, thanks for posting that link. It is fascinating reading. Like other people, we have also fantasized about building a home on a tropical island. This is certainly a cautionary tale. By the way, vibound, the original poster, never did do a trip report. I wonder how it went?

Hello all,

I have Bongo Bongo on hold for Nov 25 to Dec 2...I am looking forward to reading any "trip reports" on the villa as well. It is a difficult choice with so many villas to choose from. Of course, the one you really want is always booked

It will actually be our first time on St. John. We sail BVI quite frequently, but decided a more relaxing holiday would be nice this time around.

Cheers,

Kenny

so, did anyone actually stay at Bongo Bongo? I'd love to hear how it was!

I do follow the blog and I agree it is one of the most hilarious yet sobering construction experiences I've encountered, and I'm in the biz. But if you do follow the blog, you can easily see how hard these guys worked to perfect this handsome villa. carefreegetaways has a very good reputation. Their home-based, mom-and-pop agency is also well profiled in the blog. I think you will be pleased with your rental experience if you choose this villa. Also, IMO, as long as you have ac in the bedrooms, ceiling fans elsewhere, a pool and a ample supply of bug spray, you'll be fine. It never seems too hot after the first ice-cold margarita anyways...

I, too, am very interested in staying at Bongo Bongo...would love to hear some reviews....anyone?????

Here is a link to a review of Bongo Bongo. Searching the associated forum will bring much info.
http://virgin-islands-on-line.com/sj...05133356.shtml