Oh, Fodorites, please come to my rescue! Fodor forum posters have helped so much on the Australia board and here on a trip to Grand Cayman, that I am hopeful I can get some good answers. My sister and her husband and my husband and I like to snorkel together and have been to Cozumel and Grand Cayman. Now another couple is in on our trip and wants freedom from cooking, so wants us to go to Club Med in Cancun. After reading mixed reviews of CM, I am hoping to find a good place on St. John that the new couple will be happy with. Here's what we want: shore snorkeling from our place or a short drive away, good restaurants near by, three nice bedrooms and bathrooms and pleasant places to relax outside with shade and sun, preferrably a beach. The two family couples like to have breakfast in the condo and pack a lunch for the afternoon, then go out for dinner. BTW, we are in late 50's and are snorkeling fanatics, not nightlife, wouldn't mind the sports available at Club Med, but don't drink so don't want to pay for what we don't use. BTW #2, sister and other couple are coming from NY and we are in Seattle. We are not looking for super luxury, and can't afford it anyway. For reference--Club Med is $2,100 a week for two, all inclusive. THANKS!
SnRSeattle aka Sally and Randy

Ahhh... you have stumbled onto the path of the St. John insomniac. Indeed, St. John is great for snorkeling as is most of the Virgin Islands. There are many fabulous villa/condo rentals on St. John and the island is small so a great snorkeling spot is always only a short drive away. Many villas, especially if you're splitting it with 2 other couples, are affordable, on or near the water, and offer great amenities. If you rent at least 2 vehicles, the couple that wants to eat out all the time can access the many food options. For the folks who do drink, you will find preparing your own cocktails will save a bundle. Liquor is incredibly cheap in the islands. Anyway, check out caribbeandays.com and carefreegetaways.com to start. The Westin also rents out 3 bedroom villas with your own private swimming pool. They are not on a beach but they are pretty luxurious and you can use any of the resort's facilities. They are also less expensive than if you rented out individual rooms. Feel free to ask any questions regarding specific villas. This board seems to know alot about St. John.

Thanks so much for giving me some suggestions. I am looking at Calypso villa (if the non-cooking couple bails on us) and Rainbow Beach. Anyone have experience or knowledge of these?
Thanks!
Sally

if you want beach front, Rainbow Beach Villa would be the best choice.it is a sandy beach..Calypso isn't.also,Rainbow has a pool.Coral Bay is the quieter town of the two(other Cruz Bay)but enough restaurants/bars and some shops to keep you happy.also a small mkt(Lilys?)to pick up food items. plenty of beaches on this island to snorkel/swim/relax,none too far,remember this is a small island !!IMO St. John beats ANY club med !!!

I agree with Tess... Club Med vs. St. John? No contest! Besides if 2 out of 3 couples are ecstatic... that's pretty good.

I vastly prefer St. John to the Yucatan, but I will say that I'm glad I went to the Yucatan ONCE and had an opportunity to see the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba. An unforgettable experience.

Also, I understand that Club Med is the best of the Cancun hotels for snorkeling, although Cozumel and Akumal (where we stayed) are excellent.