I am planning a trip to St. John for the last week in April 2007 and have narrowed down villas to the following: Bay House, Aria, Cocolobo, Happy Moon, Oleander and Orion's Hill. I know there are several posts asking for help with choosing villas but I would appreciate any feedback available. We are renting a car and do not mind travelling around the island to get to beaches and restaurants. Travelling with me are my two sisters (all of us around 30 y/o), my mother and my baby (who is yet to be born!). Thanks for your help.

IMO, the best way to help you with your planning is for you to be as specific as you can about your requirements. Post a "wish list" and preferences so that this board can be as helpful as possible.

When searching for a Coral Bay villa a couple of years ago, I had a list of about 6 I was trying to decide upon. Bay House and Aria were on my list.
Bay House came in second, only because it was a little more expensive than my first choice! Bay House ended up being very close(maybe on the same road) to the one we stayed in. The views of Coral Bay Harbor are wonderful. I loved watching the lights of the sailboats come on in the evening while out on the deck. Aria was too far up in the hills. If you have never been there, the higher up, the more twisty, winding, and steep the roads become! Good Luck

I stayed at Coco Lobo about six years ago, previous owner, I believe. Gorgeous villa, great pool, incredible views, amazing kitchen. Loved it!

sn1121 -- it appears that all in your party are females. Please take a few minutes to read this thread and the article about safety and villa rentals -- especially if this is your first time renting a villa.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34842260

[As always, this is meant to be helpful...not a fear-monger sort of thing]

Hope this helps...
Debi

I just read the article referred to by Debitnm and it does make some very good suggestions regarding safety issues, but it is very broad in scope and it uses St. John to point out that even on this pristine, relatively safe island bad things have happened and in all likelihood will continue to happen (IMO) because... well, it's on planet Earth. Also, IMO, no matter where you go, wherever you choose to stay, whether in a hotel, rental villa, or your friend's house, you shouldn't leave your brain at home when you vacation. The article points out that people fail to use common sense when traveling. It also gives a laundry list of things to go over with your rental agent, but expectations that the property is armed like Fort Knox is not practical. I think the best security measure is to know where your resources are and how you can access help at any moment. For example, as you are pregnant, you should know the minute you unpack exactly where the Myrah Keating Smith clinic is and where the police station is and what the telephone numbers for these places. STJ is a really small island and there is a police substation right in Coral Bay. The health clinic was wonderful especially when I had an allergic reaction in the middle of the night last year. Finally, if you want a higher level of accountability, I would suggest renting through a local agency with an office right there on the island. The rental agents are very helpful in suggesting security precautions and are intimately acquainted with each property they represent and are there to address any issues. www.destinationstjohn.com www.carefreegetaways.com just to name two that come to mind.