Help finalizing St. Thomas/St. John itinerary
 

Hello Fodorites!
My husband and I are planning a 7 day trip in late March/early April to St. Thomas/St. John. I've been reading lots of posts on this site but still have some unanswered questions and I'm hoping the experts can help!

Currently the plan is to fly into STT, take the ferry over to St. John, stay for 4 nights in a villa with a rented car, and finish with 2 nights on St. Thomas. I know - most people would recommend spending all of our time on St. John but hubby would like a few days of "liveliness" on St. Thomas which is why we're splitting up the time [I'll keep working on him to change his mind :) ]

So, here are my specific questions:

1. ST. JOHN VILLA LOCATION- we have found a few open villas in our price range in Coral Bay, Rendezvous Bay, Gift Hill, Cinnamon Bay, and one on the Southern Shore. We would like to visit beaches, snorkel, enjoy some good restaurants, and maybe do a day trip to BVI. Thoughts on which of these areas would be best?

2. ST. THOMAS HOTEL: While I like the idea of a laid back rental villa on St. John, my husband wants a beachfront resort in St. Thomas. Beyond the Ritz, Marriott, and Wyndham - which are way out of our budget - any other suggestions? Secret Harbor? Bolongo? We will not have a car these two days so it does need to be central to dining, shopping, etc.

3. DAY TRIP TO BVI: Easier/cheaper from St. Thomas or St. John? Recommended itinerary?

4. ANY OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS?

Thanks for your help - I'll continue researching this board to see if I've missed anything.

Personally I would rent first in Rendezvous Bay then Cinnamon Bay and it would be a toss up between Coral Bay & Gift Hill road. What villas are you looking at? Some of us might have actually stayed in one of the villas you are looking at. Day trips to the BVI normally costs the same from either island. We've used Pirats Penny/Stormy Petrel at least 5 times and will continue to do so.

Lenni8, you mentioned budget and that you are traveling late March to early April. If you are flexible and can leave mid to late April it becomes low season and villa & hotel rates drop sharpely. Might be something worth considering.

Snorkeling and hiking are the real deal on St. John.

I am with you on staying the whole week on St John. I did spend a great/fun girls week in St Thomas, had a great time and we stayed at Bolongo Bay, we got a great room rate (it was April) and the room was nice and clean. There is alot of sea grass as you enter the water from the beach. The ownership changed since we were there 3 years ago but if Marco the recreation cordinator is still there he is a great help.
I went on a snokeling day trip to the Baths and Jost Van Dyke from St Thomas it was very nice and you can also take the Ferry from St John (I would recommend visiting Jost Van Dyke, the ferry does not go every day).
Beach Front rental properties are limited in St John, we rented a house with a great view, near Cruz Bay but you could not walk to the beach.
I second the snorkeling comment it is fantastic!

Just as a follow up to Pulley, here are the available rentals we are considering (in no particular order):

Rendezvous Cottage (Rendezvous Bay)
Orchid Court (Cinnamon Bay)
Johns Folley (Southern Shore)
CORAL BAY:
Anchors Aweigh
Inner Beauty
Crow's Nest (downtown)
Slice of Life

As for the dates, unfortunately that's the only time my husband has vacation time and so our flight is already booked.

Please give me your thoughts on any of the above villas/apartments.

I think Crow's Nest is in Cruz Bay, isn't it? I'd double check on that. Also, if it is the one in Cruz Bay, it looks like it would offer anyone about as much "lively" as anywhere. It overlooks the harbor and Cruz Bay is small but lively. St. Thomas is lively but the tourists activities are centered around the restaurants and resorts. The less expensive resorts still have restaurants and whatnot but you may have to take a taxi to something more "lively." Perhaps your DH would go for a week in Crow's Nest? If you stick to your split plan, it really depends on what you're looking for in a vacation. Are you looking for peace and quiet or easy access to restaurants, etc.? Having a car, both Cruz Bay and Coral Bay offer nice accommodations and restaurants but Coral Bay is quieter. Johns Folley is the most remote of these choices.