Keith's Nan

Susie, what rental agency did you use for Moonsong (web address if you have it. Sounds great. Was there ac in bedrooms? <BR> <BR>Michael - St. John is wonderful. Caneel is gorgeous - we did not stay there but went over and walked around and bought our "souvineers" there. Believe it or not the gift shop was no more expensive than in town ones. I would still put my hard earned money into a condo rental or villa rental, rent a 4wd and enjoy all of the Island. Gallows Point looks very nice - you need to ask for the ac ones although I do belive there are putting air in all eventually. <BR>Easy access to STT but found after a day trip there would be no need to do that again. Believe me, you won't twiddle your thumbs. Just different type of vacation and I would say a wonderful place for your honeymoon. <BR>We rented villa with another couple but will go it alone next time. <BR> <BR>Karen(W531), nice to see you here also. <BR>(Adele) <BR>It is snowing here today - I wish we were in St. John right now.

Ramona

My husband and I used this company to rent a villa from. They have great villas and are first class, in my opinion. We are already planning our next visit to the L'Autre Monde villa! <BR> <BR>http://www.cateredto.com/homes.htm

Michael

Is is it better to stay on the north end of the island or near the town? I think we might be happier if we stayed near the beach - like walking distance. Is the northend walking distance to the beaches?

Keith's Nan

Michael, the word is beaches not beach. There are so many and each is beautiful. You can take a taxi from town to Trunk and Hawksnest. Taxis are plentiful. I am not sure what the price is but they hold 8 people or so and the fares are cheap. We rented a vehicle and went to a different beach almost everyday. Hawksnest was our favorite and we visited there 2 or 3 times. There are trips to the BVIs which you will enjoy. More snorkeling, etc. You did not say when you were going, but Gallows Point is booked solid the week of Oct 29 through Nov 5. They have their own beach area and so does Caneel which boasts a number of beaches. Caneel is expensive - around $450-500 per day easy. There are villas out there that have waterfront but you need to check very closely and ask pointed questions to the rental agents.

Karen

You might check out www.donaldschnell.com for his rentals on St. John. I would definately recommend Caneel and there is another villa site but will have to check the site address for you! Although there are several local rental agencies, you might also want to look at overseasvillas.com - think they have a couple but not sure. E-mail me for the other links.

Susie

Keith's Nan: <BR> <BR>Cloud Nine villas is the rental company. The web address is: www.cloud9villas.com We rented the villa in April 1999 and there was no a/c. The last time I checked the website there is now a/c in the master bedroom.

Bert A.

Hi Michael, <BR> <BR>Gallows Point is good. Great restaurant/happy hour/sunsets. The folks that own the restaurant "Ellingtons" are wonderful hosts. Killer carib food...especially the coconut shrimp and conch fritters. Excellent seafood entrees, rack of lamb, steaks etc...Be sure to eat there if you stay at GP or not. <BR> <BR>The down side of Gallows point is Im not sure any of the units have AC, its not as common as you might think in the Caribbean. It wasnt a serious problem for us, but I would have liked it myself. They may have some units with AC, you should ask this question no matter where you decide to stay. <BR> <BR>In lieu of that, Caneel Bay is very very expensive and not worth it for my money. AC is rare there as well. Good for a vist to their gardens though. The other resort is a Marriot or a Hyatt..I dont remember which. VERY NICE, full service, gardems, tennis, hugh pool, beach, restaurant, AC, YaDa YaDa YaDa.. <BR> <BR>Gallows Point is the only one of these close enough to town to walk back and forth. The others are a mile or more away...too far to walk. Cruz Bay (the principal town) is where the ferry is. You will find everything you need there; shops, restaurants, bars etc. <BR> <BR>Although driving is a bit of a challenge on the very narrow roads and on left side, be sure to rent a car. The drives are uncrowded and spectacular. Watch out for wild donkeys abd pigs...! The vehicle of choice is a small sport utility like a Subaru Samurai or whatever. Renting a car will make all of the difference in the world. The island has so much too offer, you will be limited taking taxi's and such.If you get to a beach and there is a herd of folks from a cruise ship there or whatever....just drive a few minutes and you can always find your own private beach. Magnificent snorkeling everywhere. Coral Bay on the other side of the Island is also a good day trip. The list is endless. There is a vehicle ferry to St. Thomas, but we didnt use it. We never saw the need to leave the for anything. <BR> <BR>EAT AT THE CHATEAU BORDEAUX...! It looks like a shack from the outside, but be sure to make reservations, get there before sunset and have drinks at the little outdoor bar/grill called "Cheeseburger in Paridise" before dinner...AWESOME VIEW...AWESOME FOOD...! <BR> <BR>Mongoose Junction for shopping, Woody's for partying, Coral Bay, plantation ruins, secluded bay after bay after bay, or tons of other spots for an excursion... You'll love it. <BR> <BR>Bert

Keith's Nan

Susie: Thanks. I just added it to my favorites. Moonsong looks wonderful. <BR>Thanks again.

Karen

Just to correct an earlier post, Caneel does now have a/c ... but if you prefer open air, some of the rooms are still able to be opened in lieu of a/c. And, although it would rank up there with the pricey resorts, it definately is worth every penny! Just having seven wonderful beaches on the property makes it worth not even mentioning the accomodations, service, food, etc!!! Just remember, when you rent a villa and do your own cooking, cleaning, bed making, etc. are you really on "vacation?"