Hello, I am trying to decide which island to go to for a surprise wedding anniversary trip in June. My wife and I are very laid back and do not care about a lot of night life. We do enjoy going out to the beaches during the day and basically having a nice dinner and relaxing at night. I have looked at a couple of villas: Sun, Moon, and Stars, Beit Hawa, Amora, and Spyglass on St. John and Sea Forever on St. Thomas. I was just looking for any information anyone may have to help out. Any information would be greatly appreciated.http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44169#msg-44169Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:49:15 -0400 Phorum 5.2.9a http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,83787#msg-83787 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,83787#msg-83787I was just checking out what was out there...and saw your note!
I happen to be the new Manager at Sun, moon and Stars...as well as The Castle up the road. I live on the same road as well. I have lived on St. John for 25 years.
Yes-I may be biased however BOTH of these Villas have absolutely spectacular views!
Coral Bay is the quiet end of St. John.
Please e-mail me if you'd like more info.
What a GREAT gift to give your wife! You may even want to renew your vows here...many do...
Sincerely, Bonny.]]> Bonny Corbeil Virgin Islands NowFri, 26 Oct 2007 16:04:01 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,83739#msg-83739 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,83739#msg-83739 Susan Matrone Virgin Islands NowThu, 25 Oct 2007 21:18:00 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,83340#msg-83340 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,83340#msg-83340 Bonita Virgin Islands NowMon, 15 Oct 2007 11:27:35 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,82950#msg-82950 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,82950#msg-82950
The villa Gibney Beach cottage is on the beach and it has one bed and one sleep sofa or Gibney Garden cottage with 2 kind beds.

If you want to walk to the beach, you might be better off in the Westin.

There are other on the beach or close to the beach homes, but they command a premium, as does Gibney. Does budget matter to you? If not, you can find what you want. If you DO have a budget, you might want to either plan to drive to the beach or go with Westin.]]> Bluwater Virgin Islands NowWed, 03 Oct 2007 17:21:22 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,82941#msg-82941 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,82941#msg-82941
Bill]]> william Virgin Islands NowWed, 03 Oct 2007 15:58:36 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,80703#msg-80703 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,80703#msg-80703think someone mentioned it earlier - all the villas listed on the Web is very confusing! And I'm having a hard time locating something near the beach so as to keep driving to a minimum if at all.]]> Danielle Virgin Islands NowThu, 23 Aug 2007 14:24:00 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,80067#msg-80067 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,80067#msg-80067 KK Virgin Islands NowWed, 15 Aug 2007 19:43:05 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,79877#msg-79877 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,79877#msg-79877I am doing exactly the same thing, planning a surprise anniversary trip to the islands. I think that I have finally decided on the Gibney Beach Cottage. It is located on Hawksnest/Gibney Beach. You can rent from an agency (saw it on vivacations.com) or the Gibney Family... www.gibneybeachvillas.com I think. Check it out!]]> katie00224 Virgin Islands NowMon, 13 Aug 2007 17:36:27 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,79852#msg-79852 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,79852#msg-79852
Water Island is approx 500 acres. All residential--no condos--no hotels--just a small deli and a lady who cooks burgers and chicken on the beach.

We have 2 houses available for rent on Water Island. We love to visit whenever we can. Take a look at www.slowmocean.com for information on the island and houses.

Day trips to WI cannot give you a feel for the place. A golf cart is needed (comes with the house) to be able to get around, explore and to see the best beaches.]]> Carolina Virgin Islands NowMon, 13 Aug 2007 12:19:41 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,79844#msg-79844 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,79844#msg-79844 Chris at Work Virgin Islands NowMon, 13 Aug 2007 09:27:08 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,79840#msg-79840 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,79840#msg-79840
Pia]]> Pia Virgin Islands NowMon, 13 Aug 2007 07:45:07 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,79836#msg-79836 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,79836#msg-79836 JeanneB Virgin Islands NowMon, 13 Aug 2007 07:10:46 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,79797#msg-79797 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,79797#msg-79797 Linda J Virgin Islands NowSun, 12 Aug 2007 10:48:34 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,79792#msg-79792 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,79792#msg-79792 Duane Virgin Islands NowSun, 12 Aug 2007 10:10:41 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,74761#msg-74761 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,74761#msg-74761
How old is your teenager?

I am very careful about where I rent villas, because of my teenager (actually, he's 20 today...YIKES!!).

Mine likes to go out (he always brings a friend to the VI with him). A short (read: inexpensive) taxi ride is fine. But, being on one side of the island with Cruz Bay on another is a problem. I try to rent villas in the Cruz Bay area. On STT, he prefers that I rent villas near Red Hook.

That being said, the Retreat IS at the opposite end of St John from Cruz Bay. It is Q-U-I-E-T out there. IMO, great for a honeymoon or adult vacation, questionable for a family with a teen. I have always thought the Retreat was quite an interesting villa...with those opening garage doors for walls. But, IMO, most teens need diversions. I am a mom who has had her fill of shuttling my teen here and there. I do not want to be a long-distance taxi driver on my vacation. You?

Think about it.]]> Bluwater Virgin Islands NowTue, 05 Jun 2007 19:06:26 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,74749#msg-74749 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,74749#msg-74749
Thank you for any inormation you can provide.

Elaine Keaton]]> Elaine Keaton Virgin Islands NowTue, 05 Jun 2007 17:03:48 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,48090#msg-48090 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,48090#msg-48090 ses1450 Virgin Islands NowFri, 20 Jan 2006 00:00:47 -0500 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,46998#msg-46998 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,46998#msg-46998 spicy Virgin Islands NowTue, 03 Jan 2006 18:58:37 -0500 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,46953#msg-46953 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,46953#msg-46953 Linda Virgin Islands NowTue, 03 Jan 2006 08:43:58 -0500 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,46817#msg-46817 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,46817#msg-46817 irish58 Virgin Islands NowFri, 30 Dec 2005 18:17:16 -0500 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,46332#msg-46332 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,46332#msg-46332 mjreed Virgin Islands NowFri, 16 Dec 2005 15:04:40 -0500 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,45344#msg-45344 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,45344#msg-45344 CJ Virgin Islands NowSun, 20 Nov 2005 15:19:52 -0500 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44276#msg-44276 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44276#msg-44276
It's very nice, quiet, private, awesome views--just very comfortable and romantic. It's about 5 minutes from Cruz Bay, 15 minutes from National Park Beaches. You could run up past Sunset Ridge and further on a not very busy road for your morning jog.

It's booked through Carefree Getaways, Book It VI, Online Vacations, and direct through owner. We booked once through Carefree and once through owner (www.vrbo.com)]]> Paradise Lover Virgin Islands NowSun, 30 Oct 2005 16:36:33 -0500 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44268#msg-44268 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44268#msg-44268 5under Virgin Islands NowSun, 30 Oct 2005 13:36:51 -0500 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44264#msg-44264 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44264#msg-44264 music46 Virgin Islands NowSun, 30 Oct 2005 11:00:37 -0500 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44223#msg-44223 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44223#msg-44223
The houses closer to Cruz Bay are less appealing to my family they would be deleted automatically. Lots (probably most) of people prefer that side of the island but if you liked La Serena my guess is you like the quiet and privacy you found out that way.]]> Diana Virgin Islands NowSat, 29 Oct 2005 14:09:23 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44220#msg-44220 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44220#msg-44220
Thanks!]]> 5under Virgin Islands NowSat, 29 Oct 2005 12:39:33 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44189#msg-44189 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44189#msg-44189
And don't be afraid of of the roads or of driving on the left side. It's actually part of the fun of St. John. You're going to want to rent a Jeep no matter where you stay. As much as I love Estate Lindholm I wouldn't stay there if I was going to be on-island for a week or more. I'd definitely rent a villa.

Sounds like DJones really liked Sun, Moon and Stars. There are lots more houses out in the Coral Bay area too. When we first started going to STJ there weren't very many villas out on that end. The first house we stayed at was out near Coral Bay (it's now privately owned and not rented any longer). Our next trip we are staying out in Coral Bay too.

The first time you go it's a leap of faith but believe me you'll love St. John. It gets in your blood and you'll be planning your next trip before leave for the airport to return home.

Must Do Excursion - Definitely do a day trip snorkeling (assuming you snorkel) The Indians off Norman Island and have lunch at the Willy T. If that's not your cup of tea perhaps you'd enjoy a day sail (but don't do it until until your skin has tanned a bit or you'll fry out on the water for a whole day).

My best advise is - don't try to do it all. Relax and explore the island and it's beaches. Wander through the great little shops in Cruz Bay, Coral Bay and by Ship Wreck Landing. Enjoy the island's many restaurants. If you love Italian you want to try Cafe Roma. Definitely have BarBQ at Uncle Joe's. Have a Margarita at Polli's. Enjoy a meal at Island Blues and of course Skinny Legs is a must for a burger or mahi mahi sandwich.]]> Diana Virgin Islands NowFri, 28 Oct 2005 11:31:51 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44188#msg-44188 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44188#msg-44188 Jeremy Virgin Islands NowFri, 28 Oct 2005 10:46:18 -0400 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44186#msg-44186 http://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,44169,44186#msg-44186 Jeremy Virgin Islands NowFri, 28 Oct 2005 09:28:29 -0400