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.

jeremy...if you really want to surprise your wife..IMO..go to st. john !! you won't regret it at all..very beautiful,laid back and stunning beaches to relax, snorkel and explore. there are many restaurants to choose, from top notch to burgers & ribs. the night life is there but i'm not talking dance clubs etc..just some great bars with locals & tourists and always friendly/fun. most nights there's some live music somewhere in cruz bay or coral bay. sunday evenings there's great jazz at the Beach Bar(cruz bay).get there early to get a seat at the bar, watch the sunset and enjoy the music/night !!great crowd !!remember st. john is 2/3 national park so there is not as much development as st. thomas..or walmarts,burger kings,home depots etc...have enough of that at home ..it's not in my image of a caribbean paradise !! you can always take a ferry one day to check out st.thomas, maybe a shopping expedition..although for me st. john has plenty of shops to fill my needs. we've rented villas from the same company for yrs. and have stayed in some great villas www.caribbeanvilla.com which ever island you choose have a great time !!

St. John is the place to go for sure. I've been going to STJ for over 14 years. I looked up the villas you listed and here are my comments for what it's worth.

Beit Hawa - the caretaker lives in an apartment below - that would rule it out for me.
Amora - looks like lots of houses too close together for my taste.
Sun, Moon & Stars and Spyglass are both out in Coral Bay. I personally love the Coral Bay area but beware of some houses that are on bad roads and that have lots of construction around them. One of these houses (I'm not sure but I think it was Sun, Moon and Stars) was out past Coral Bay and therefore quite a drive from northshore beaches and Cruz Bay (town).

This forum is very helpful so keep the questions coming. Another forum/website that is also a good one is www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/usviforum.html

We stayed at the villa Sun Moon and Stars, and LOVED it. It is on the Coral Bay side, there is a 25-30 minute drive to get to Cruz Bay for groceries, nightlife, shopping. Yet the drive is unbelievable beutiful. You are up high on mountain roads, and the ocean is in the background it's really a wonderful drive.
The villa is clean, secluded and the balcony provides a wonderful vista that is both delightful in the evening and daytime! The villa is comfortably furnished and tastefully decorated in tropical decor. The bed was comfortable too.There is a nice size pool too. The drive up to the villa is a crazy, twisty, turning steep road, be sure to get a 4 wheel drive. But the adventure of it all, is well worth the privacy that this villa provides. There is also a nice breeze that comes from being up high above the ocean. There are several french doors that open toward the ocean allow plenty of trade winds to blow in.
I like staying in Coral Bay, there was a mini grocery store nearby, and so are a few beaches, not the BEST beaches, but a 20 minute scenic drive isn't bad at all in paradise, to drive to the better beaches located near Cruz Bay (Maho, Francis). On a side note, be sure to go to Waterlemon Cay for a great adventure and to see tons and tons of fish and STARFISH! Have fun!

You sound like us! We love STJ but STT is a little too busy for our tastes. Here’s what I’d suggest.

Do some web surfing to get a sense of price ranges for various agencies and properties. Do this long enough you will go totally blind with confusion. That’s an important step. Then CALL a couple of reputable agencies with local STJ offices (don’t write, don’t email, CALL) and tell them what you’re looking for, when, and how much you want to spend. Most of the people I’ve dealt with down there are pretty straight shooters who rely on repeat business. They’ll give you some suggestions and you can do a reality check on the forums before pulling the trigger.

But before you call, there are some things you have to consider:

LOCATION: Cruz Bay proximity is important to many who like to dine out a lot, shop, and partake of the limited night life. Coral Bay and beyond are preferred by those who like to pretend they’re alone on the island. Note that unless you’re staying within walking distance of Cruz Bay, you will need a car and most likely a 4WD. If you cook in a lot, bear in mind you’ll need to make some grocery runs.

PRIVACY: What’s the neighborhood like? How many homes can you see or be seen by? Do you have people with a clear line of sight to your pool or hot tub? Is there any current construction going on nearby?

ELEVATION/POSITION: The best views are high up, and often mosquito-free, since the breezes are generally stronger up there. But it’s a longer and possibly steeper drive to get anywhere. Closer to the water you may get more bugs, but you’re closer to the water. Note, there are very few “beach houses” on STJ. Houses on the west side, facing west have views of sunsets and St. Thomas, the north shore has Drake’s Channel and lots of smaller islands, the east side is drier and looks out to the BVI (no sunsets but glorious sunrises).

AMENITIES: Does the house have A/C? In June, you probably want it, at least in the bedrooms. It’s not just for the heat, but it helps with skeeter-control and to drown out STJ’s famous “night music” if that sort of thing keeps you awake. How about a pool? On some days, we don’t even leave the property, preferring our private pool and those great views, steaks on the grill, etc. Washer/dryer? Dishwasher? Stereo? Cable? Do they all work?

HOUSE: How old is the house, or how long since it was refurbished? Things age quickly in that climate. Some older homes are superbly maintained. Smoke-free? You want to know how recent the pictures are on the web site. Some homes had fabulous views when the pictures were taken but then got blocked by vegetation, which I think takes an act of Congress to cut back. Is there plenty of shade in the outdoor areas? Homes facing west can get a lot of hot afternoon sun and they never really cool down.

This may make you decide to forget the whole thing and check into a hotel on Bermuda, but in my view the more you know about what you want, the more likely it is you’ll get it. Also, I’m one of those nuts who thinks planning a trip is almost as much fun as taking it (certainly takes longer). The good news is, it’s hard to make a terrible mistake unless you’re going for dirt cheap. Our worst trip to STJ was still memorably good.

One other thing. Even though June seems a long way off, don’t wait too much longer. We booked last April for NEXT May and many of our preferences were already gone.

Thanks for the information so far. Right now I am leaning towards Sun, Moon, & Stars, but I am going to keep looking and listening to see what else comes up. I am a fairly athletic person and enjoy running and working out would it be possible to go for a morning jog at Sun, Moon, and Stars or would it be too rugged and steep? Any information is greatly appreciated.

Hello again, I just found a place that looks really great on the internet, wondering if anyone has stayed there and can give me some feedback on Estate Lindholm. Also if we were going to do one excursion or trip while on the island what would you recommend as a can't miss? Thank you for the help.

Estate Lindholm is great. We've stayed there for a night or two if we get to STJ and our villa isn't yet available. The owners are so friendly and helpful and the rooms are clean and comfortable. The only draw back is that it's a room and not a house. They do provide a small frig and a microwave but if you want more space and privacy I'd recommend a villa.

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.

We stayed at La Serena last year, which is through and south of Coral Bay, and we loved it but, it's not available for us this trip. These are some of our options: The Retreat, Callaloo, A Son Tour, Casa Luna, Mayan Sky & Plumeria. We would love any insight that anyone may have on these units.

Thanks!

I have no first hand knowledge of any of these houses but given your list I'd look twice at Casa Luna (looks really nice - this would be my first pick) or Mayan Sky. Both of these houses are out Coral Bay way and I would say would be private, quiet with wonderful views. These are both newer houses (or newly refurbished) which is a plus.

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.

any help on Serendip on St. John would be helpful. We are thinking of staying there

Thanks Diana! We prefer the Coral Bay side of the island too and are excited to get back down.

Take a look at Perelandra in St. John. (We LOVE St. John). Hubbie & I have stayed there twice for anniversaries & from reading the house journal there are numerous happy honeymooners who've stayed there.

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)

Wonderful!!! The owner is a runner as well! Lauren and Brion were the perfect host and hostess. You cannot go wrong here. This is one of the best kept secrets! Small and quaint -- not a lot of people running around. We met some wonderful people by the small intimate pool! Met another couple celebrating their wedding anniversary that we still stay in touch with. Pretty views, close to Cruz Bay, but high enough that you are not in the middle of everything.l Asolare is right next door!

Has anyone stayed at the Retreat villa on St John?

We stayed at the retreat this past August. 2 adults. 3 kids including two teenagers. We loved everything about the place. It has to have one of the best locations on the island for sea watching and snorkeling.It may not work for everyone, but for us it was perfect!

For what its worth -- we just got back from STT and stayed at a wonderful -- charming place. Here is the website www.harmonysuite.com. The views are incredible and the owners (Tom and Monica) give a personal and quaint service unlike any hotel or villa that we have stayed at in the Caribbean. We did take our car over to STJ for the day and highly recommend it. We had been to Trunk Bay before -- but this time went to Hawkes Nest and really enjoyed!

Jeremy - We spent five days at Estate Lindholm in December for our 25th - all I can say is FABULOUS! I wrote a quite detailed review for tripadvisor.com and included some pictures. I won't repeat myself here, but you might want to check that out at www.tripadvisor.com. Lauren, Brion and their manager, Chris, will make your stay everything you want it to be! Have a wonderful, memorable trip!

My family and I are thinking about staying at Stonegarden on St. John. Anyone styed there?

Could you please tell me more about The Retreat? We have a teen ager and a 10 year old. Did you find it was too far away from town? Was the beach nice?

Thank you for any inormation you can provide.

Elaine Keaton

Elaine,

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.

~Blu

*Here is the link to the FAQ post with lots of links from former posts covering some of our most popular topics: [www.vinow.com]

We are trying to break up the vacation so that we can see the best that the virgin isles have to offer. Our plan is to arrive in STT on Sept 8 and go to STJ for the weekend (3 days and 2 nights); go to Water Island for a day trip , Tortola for a night; Jost Van Dyke for a day trip; and finish off the vacation in STT...all of this done in 8 days. Is it possible to get a good flavor of the islands, or am we trying to do too much and where is the best place to stay in STJ for the 2 nights?

My person opinion? Pick a place and use it as your headquarters for the entire time. Take day trips to the other islands. But don't be surprised if you wind up doing less traveling and more liming!!

Duane - Yes, I think you're trying to do much in just 8 days. We made our first trip to the USVI's last summer and spent 3 nights on St Thomas and 6 nights on St John, from St John we took a day trip to the BVI's (fantastic day by the way). I'm currently planning our second trip to the USVI's next summer and we'll do the same thing again, 2-3 nights on St Thomas and 5-6 nights on St John in a villa rental, with another day trip to the BVI's. St John is such a small island but I'm amazed at how much of it we didn't see considering we were there for 6 nights so to spend just a weekend there with one of those days spent taking a day trip to Water Island isn't worth it IMO. I would spend more nights on St John than St Thomas (unless your more into nightlife and shopping), skip the night at Tortola and take day trips to the BVI's instead, just my opinion though!!

Personally this is waaayy to much for me - you will have more time packing up and travelling than you will relaxing. I would (at the most) pick 2 islands - STT for 3-4 days and STJ for 3-4 days and visit Jost on a day trip during your stay on STJ, and Water Island during your stay on STT.

Pia