Hi, we are vacationing on St. John during April of 2006, and are trying to decide between two villas, Island Sun and Francis Bay Estate. We are six adults with one 2 year old child. Any comments on either villa?

Francis Bay estate is brand new this year. Island Sun, a villa I considered myself, is very nice, but is not new. It has a fabulous view, as do all Cathrineberg villas. The road in is a little difficult, esp in the rain. Island Sun has opened up the site - removed a lot of the trees - to allow more natural light. The northshore gets shady early. Ask about pool heat. Either would be wonderful. Francis would be much closer to the beaches and a less challenging drive The ride into Cathrineberg may be a bit hard on a 2 YO. (It took me 8-10 minutes to drive the 0.7 mi to Centerline Rd on a clear, dry day and we got bounced around a lot.) But that's me. One other word of advice - The view is really wonderful from Island Sun, but getting in and out at night may not be easy for folks not used to driving on very bad, unlit, badly marked dirt roads. If you've been to STJ before, you should be ok. Even though I'd been before, it did change how many times we went out to dinner. Good luck!!!

They are both gorgeous villas and will accomodate comfortably your size party. Francis Bay is a bit closer to town and does not appear to have the access challenges that Island Sun does. Island Sun does have spectacular views and up on that mountainside, it does get nice breezes, but it mentions nothing about airconditioning, and IMO, airconditioning is pretty important in April, especially with a toddler. Francis Bay is a gorgeous beach, great snorkeling and not far from town. It may not have the drop dead views, but your 2 year old won't care about that. So, in short, inquire regarding airconditioning, road conditions. And remember, when traveling with kids in the Caribbean, it's all about sunscreen and bug spray!

I agree with tuzedo regarding Francis Bay ... simply beautiful, clear water that out 5 and 3 year olds loved. Very calm, clear water and not alot of activity other than a number of yachts/boats anchored in the bay (but quit a ways out from the beach, no interference at all). Frankly, it was our favorite beach to relax at especially at the end of the day ... beautiful sunsets btw.

Thank you so much for your responses. Now we are trying to decide between Francis Bay estate and Las Brisas Caribe. Any recommendations are appreciated.

No competition. Francis Bay. Las Brisas caribe is a very beautiful home that came on the market about 2 years ago and is in an area that is fairly well developed and does have a nice view of St Thomas, but you'll need to drive through Cruz Bay to reach the Northshore Beaches. From Francis Bay Estate you can go into Cruz or Coral Bay for breakfast, or just dine at the house and walk straight to the beach. For me - I'd take the quiet, private area of Francis Bay Estate. I've stayed out near Las Brisas, and its nice, but the Northshore is better IMHO. Good luck. They're both great houses.

I agree. Las Brisas is on Maria Bluff which means it sits on a cliff of sorts and does not have beach access. While Las Brisas is very luxurious it's probably better suited to an all adult crowd.