HansHederman

Can anyone offer any info on a villa on the far east side of SJ called The Retreat? We plan on visiting in May for a beach wedding, hang out at a villa in SJ for a week then just me and the new wife off to Tortola for 5 days. Can anyone offer opinions on that side of the island? The beach in front of the Retreat? From what I read it is quite private which is cool.... looking for a great view... nice beach... good snorkeling. Hope someone can give an assist before I book this. Thank you much.

ishkribbl

Not familiar with that one- I posted a reply to your other inquiry. We rented a house called The Temptress from Destination St. John- it was wonderful.

Tuxedocat

This villa has always intrigued me because it is in a more remote part of the island (about 7-10 minute drive to Coral Bay, 20-25 minutes to the north shore, and about 30-35 minutes to Cruz Bay). It has a wonderfully informal lay-out. The beaches on that part of the island differ greatly, but all are smaller in scale than the north shore beaches. The Hansen Bay area has a lovely sandy beach across from Vie's Snack Shack (she owns it and charges a small but worthwhile fee for its use), and there are some other private some rocky and some sandy beaches as well. There is excellent snorkeling all over that end of the island even if it isn't right at your doorstep. The thing you should consider is that this villa is remote so that may be something you really enjoy or you may wish you were closer to other amenities like restaurants, etc.

Tuxedocat

I just looked at the Retreat again and forgot it was on Haulover, which is a fabulous spot for snorkeling. It is not however, a lie around sandy type of beach. Haulover South is quite rocky and close to the road so it's easy access but not as nice to hang out at. Haulover North is reached on foot through a little path and is also rocky with some small patches of sand here and there. You may clear a little spot to place a lounge chair or two. This is really a great snorkeling destination and if that's your fancy, then it's a great place. Also, as I mentioned previously, Vie's beach is a few minutes away and is a perfect place to relax all day.

RobertoB

If you do a search on USVI on-line ( http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/forum ) there are several references to The Retreat. Retreat is an easy word to search on.

As Tuxedocat pointed out, the snorkeling at Haulover is fabulous. You would also be near Pelican Rock.

HansHederman

Thank you everyone for the assist... still pretty overwhelmed by all the sites and villas we have to choose from. I've been told that I may prefer to be closer to activity and to stick near Cruz Bay. Prob is, the 2 villas we're really interested in (Bongo Bongo and Miles Away) are both unavailable. They seemed to be perfect for 2 couples... 2 private bedrooms on opposite sides... great views... close to beaches and activity but pretty quiet from what I understand... with that being said, that's pretty much what we're looking for. I know it's a tall order, but I'm hoping someone who's an expert in the field of all things SJ can help us further. Yes, you Tuxedocat. Looking at the Donald Schnell villas. Gift Hill seems ok. Don't want to share with other guests tho. Villa Bourganvilla is a possibility. Beach Villa may be too much. Also looked at St John Stonehouse which looks pretty neat. Really didn't want to venture into that price range, tho. More suggestions and comments from anyone would be appreciated. As it stands now we will have Anne Marie Porter perform the wedding ritual and our five nite "honeymoon" will be at Shans Bungalow in Tortola. All we need is our SJ party palace. Thanks a bunch, friends.

Pulley

HansHederman, I would avoid Gift Hill if I were you. The villa may be great but the road is terrible!! We've been going to SJ since 1999 and Gift Road has always been bad. We rented the villa LaPapaya(from Destination St. John) last August and it was awesome. Very nice for two couples or four couples. We've rented for this August as well. It has great views to Puerto Rico & St. Croix. The "problem" with St. John is that you need to drive to all the best snorkeling sites.

We like to spend a day on the East End, near Haulover, a day near VIERS & of course a day on the North Shore. If you stay at LaPapaya, Chocolate Hole is just down the road and believe it or not there is some good snorkeling at the point and then around the point toward Hart Bay.

Congratulaions on your upcoming wedding.

puznik11

I've done all the research for you over the past two months, as my wife and I were supposed to go with friends; sadly, it's now just two of us, but here's the findings (ranked in order from best to worst; I considered location, price, views, reviews, etc.)
1.) www.ahouseofopenarms.com
2.) http://www.vi-villas.com/villa-madeline/index.htm
3.) http://www.vrbo.com/93862
4.) http://www.privatehomesvi.com/islandhorizons.htm

#1 has the best of all worlds, i.e., location, value, etc.
#2 also has great value, and there is nearby construction, depending on when you're going…so inquire, I believe there may be a discounted price; also, same owner owns "Siempre Azul" which is ultra-beautiful!
#3 has great value, privacy, and is centrally located very high on the island
#4 almost seems too good to be true, but I had to scrap it when our party got cut in half.

I haven't actually stayed at any of these yet, but we are stying there in May!

Good luck & enjoy!

Pulley

Hans, May was one of the hottest trips we've ever had to St. John. We stayed at Maho Bay and the breezes were non-existent. That means it was really hot trying to sleep at night. That might not bother you but a couple of the houses that puznik11 listed don't have A/C. Something to consider.