Posted by Nancy on February 13, 19100 at 13:43:47:
In R.cgiy to: reef bay beach posted by Denise on February 12, 19100 at 22:12:53:
Another poster on the USVI Traveltalk Bulletin Board was considering this villa for a June rental, and here is a copy of my response
Although I've not stayed in this area, it is remote from town and the roads to this area are adventuresome and sometimes gravel.
On the south shore of St. John as you leave town (Cruz bay) and head towards the east the areas are first Great Cruz Bay (home of the Westin resort) then Chocolate Hole and then Rendezvous Bay (which includes several small bays such as Hart Bay, Klein Bay, etc). Next is Fish Bay then the very large Reef Bay.
The southside road is no problem until just past the turnoff for Gift Hill (which junctions with Centerline Road). After this point, as you proceed on the southside road it turns into a gravel road for a distance and then back to paved, but very curvy. The Point Rendevous area is really developing and there are quite a few villas in this area. But as you proceed towards Fish Bay and Reef Bay there is much less development, so I would expect villa to be very secluded, perhaps maybe too secluded, depending on your wants.
Another point is that the south shore beaches are si.cgiy not on par with the northshore beaches. Most do not even have a sandy beach (although from the picture it appears that Reef Bay does) and the water for those with sandy beaches are filled with coral rubble and sea urchins (ouch!). It is unlikely that you will want to hang out on these beaches and it is a common co.cgiaint amongst renters that management companies often exaggerate the ease of access to the beach. It is difficult to tell from the villa's photographs at Caribbean Villas web site, but it appears that the villa is located higher up (note the other villa that appears in one of the photographs of the beach from the villa's deck). I wouldn't expect that you would be able to easily walk the trail to the beach.
The bottom line with regard to the Reef Bay villa is how much seclusion do you want and will it be a problem (stressful) to drive a co.cgie of miles over gravel and curvy roads to get to town, groceries, and north shore beaches.
If you.cgian to eat dinner out at night, I think the drive would get old. If you.cgian to day trip and arrive back at your villa before dark to eat dinner at home, you might like this area.
For me, it is a little too secluded. I prefer villas on the east side of Great Cruz Bay, or with a view of Chocolate Hole or Rendezvous Bay.
It really depends on what will make you and your family happy.
Hope this helps