Posted by Nancy on March 18, 19100 at 20:22:40:
In R.cgiy to: best locations posted by Bill on March 18, 19100 at 09:52:11:
Since this will be your first trip to St. John, it is good to understand the layout of the island to help in choosing a villa (I assume that you will be looking for a villa).
Most first-time visitors put a high emphasis on finding a villa with beach access. Because 2/3's of St. John is national park and most of the north shore is within the park, there are very few accommodations available with access to these beaches. The Peter Bay development is on the north shore, but these villas rent for $7,000 to $15,000 per week, which I think is too much to spend. There are a few other villas off of the north shore road, but we have decided against them for one reason or another, however, they might be right for you.
Most rental villas are located either in the Cruz Bay area (in town), on the south shore (Great Cruz Bay, Chocolate Hole, Rendezvous Bay, Fish Bay, and Reef Bay), mountain top (Ajax and Bordeaux Mountains, Estate Catherineberg, etc.), or Coral Bay (the eastern side of St. John). The south shore bays are scenic, but the beaches are rocky or coral rubble with sea urchins (ouch), and it is unlikely that you will opt to hang out at these beaches rather than the sandy north shore beaches. When looking for a villa, do not put any emphasis on beach access but rather select a villa with a wonderful view, perhaps a swimming pool, and a layout that you will enjoy.
The area that I most favor is the south shore and specifically the peninsula with Maria Bluff, the next peninsula, which overlooks Chocolate Hole on one side and Hart Bay on the other, the Rendezvous Bay area (prefer the villas mid way up-not too high--not too low). I try to stay away from the Gift Hill location (too far inland), the villas off Centerline Road (too high up and too far inland with a "distant" view of the water), and Coral Bay (eastern side of St. John because it is too far from Cruz Bay, restaurants, grocery stores, shops, etc.)
Before ruling out an area, try to decide what would be your ideal vacation--you might love what we consider too secluded or a high up view might be just what you'd love. Make a list of your "must haves" and "like to haves" and set your budget, but be realistic and try not to let price be the absolute deciding factor. It costs a lot of money to "get" to St. John, make sure you select a villa that is sure to.cgiease. We economize by eating most of our meals "in" which is no hardship if you are staying in a great villa with a "million dollar" view.
We travel with another co.cgie and our short list includes 2 equal master bedrooms with king beds and a/c; a swimming pool; a great view (we like to be midway up from the water); and we favor newer villas that are light and airy and less likely to have "rat" problems.
If you will be traveling during the off season, a great villa can be had for $1,800 to $2,500 per week. You can stay for less or more, depending on your budget, but you pretty much get what you pay for.
Good Luck.