I am completely overwhelmed looking over all the villas. I have been to vrbo.com, as well as every other villa rental website. I will be traveling the second week in march with my husband, so I need to book something soon. We can't spend more than $1000 on lodging.

So far I've looked at:
Angel's Roost in Coral bay
Calabash Views in Coral bay
Tropical treehouse in Coral bay
Snails pace in fish bay

These places meet our budget, but I'm up for any other suggestions. I realize that is a tiny budget for the winter season. We will probably rent a jeep, and would like to be within 20 minutes of some restaurants. I've been researching for days, but there is just so much info, and I need to book something soon before everything is booked up. Thanks!

ttt

I haven't stayed at any of these villas, but I do have knowledge of the areas. All of your choices in the Coral Bay area seem to be terrific, budget-conscious choices. They differ in amenities and also the kind of views you have. It hink you need to list and prioritize what is important to you in a villa. Some of these places are higher up which means great views but harder to get to. You will definitely need a rental jeep so I hope that's already budgeted. The place in Fish Bay seems nice but no views. The only advantage I can see that one has is that it is closer to Cruz Bay if that is important to you. Again, you should list your particulars, e.g. must have airconditioning or must have better view, etc.

Well, air conditioning in the bedroom is a big priority. A great view would be nice, so I'm leaning towards Calabash views.

How long does it take to drive from Coral bay to Cruz bay? We will be spending our days snorkeling and exploring beaches, but we will want to go out to eat at night.

if calabash views is the same as calabash cottages i would ask if the road has been paved yet, otherwise it is a very very steep and rough road- enough to make you not want to go back and forth more than once a day.

While I haven't stayed at any of these units, we did stay for two weeks on Calbash Boom so I am familiar with the area. Calabash Views does look nice. The indoor area appears small but that's one big deck. Another advantage is that the units are never rented separately so that you'd have the property to yourselves. Assuming that it's on Calabash Boom, the road is an experience.

Tropical Treehouse looks nice. Didn't see air listed and the rate that I saw was $1225 a week.

We drove to Cruz Bay for groceries but always ate in Coral Bay at Island Blues, Shipwreck Landing, or Skinny Legs. It's only a twenty minute drive to Cruz Bay depending on the condition of the road to your rental. On the Coral Bay side you're close to Salt Pond, Little Lamshur. and our favorite, Haulover for snorkeling.

Rent a jeep as soon as you decide on where to stay.

Hmmm, I'm getting concerned with all this talk about the roads. Are they very steep, or just full of potholes, or both? Are we going to have to put the jeep in 4 wheel drive and hope we don't get stuck? I live in the mountains of tennesee, so I have driven plenty of curvy, narrow roads, but I'm not sure what to think about VI.

the quick answer is "yes to all"

the specific problem with the calabash unpaved road is not potholes, it is rough gravel at very steep hairpins that absolutely requires 4 wheel in some places. you will want to go very slow. so steep that as you go up, you cannot see the rest of the road, hence the views.

the potholes and other rough patches are on the way to some place such as lameshur (i am rusty on beach names it's been a while).

the main island roads that are paved are nothing to worry about, it's the roads to 'special' places that will add time to your journey. for example, if that calabash road were now paved, i'd say it would take 5 minutes to get to the top. when i went it was 15 and slow going and i was the only car on it, don't know what happens when someone is coming the other way.

it is no reason to cancel a trip, just a consideration to factor into your lodging selection.

Since you already have some experience driving steep terrain, I think you'll do fine with just about any of these rentals. It can be unpleasant for some folks who are not used to such driving conditions, but you can also easily ask for a more specific description of the approach to the rental when you contact the agent. By the way, the island is so small you will always be at most 20 minutes to some restaurants even if it's in the hinterland. Also, did you look at La Dolce Vita? It is about $1150 a week but if it is available, maybe they'll give you a break last minute, and it is definitely an easy approach. We pass this house a lot and I've always wondered about it. You want water views? It is literally hanging over the water. It is right off the main road and the house is about 50 feet down the driveway. I don't know if that means you'll hear the cars going by, but the traffic is not heavy in the Coral Bay area anyways. Besides, what would you be doing staying at the villa all day?! Good luck in your search.

Well, I had just about decided agaist a villa, but now I'm curious about La Dolce Vita. It was another villa I had looked at and considered. I've been thinking maybe we should just stay closer to Cruz bay, so I've also been considering star villas. I can't decide! My husband will know within the next couple of days if his vacation time is approved (should be no problem) and then I need to book something. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

You won't need AC in March. Check out jeep rentals costs in advance. They are somewhat expensive and should be dialed into your budget. But you absolutely need one to enjoy and navigate the island.