We're getting ready for our first trip to STJ and we opted for the private villa. We looked at both the Westin and Caneel but just didn't want that "hotel feel." There are tons of villas to pick from, maybe you can find another villa that gives you better access to a sandy beach as opossed to the pebble one. Best Wishes!

If you stay in a villa, you can still visit Caneel beaches. You just can't use the guest services (towels, chairs, etc.). You should rent a car either way to make sure you see as much of STJ as possible.

We have used both (Caneel for us and villa for the whole family) enjoying each for what they provided. The arrangement of Caneel is less hotel and more resort so it really comes down to what services are you willing to do without in a villa? Who wants to do dishes and make beds on a honeymoon?

After two resorts, i think a villa would be a nice change. I always do villa rentals, esp in the caribbean. I see enough hotels with my job. I can tell you Caneel has some fine beaches, but they ar available with a day pass. I think the food's over-rated. Alas, aside fron the new Francis Bay estate and a the incredibly expensive Peter Bay Beach house, there are very few houses on or in walking distance of a sand beach. there's one on Tortola, but it's rented out completely till 2006. STJ is real small, so maybe a villa with a stunning view up on Bordeaux Peal or Carolina Ridge? Or my favorite area, the quiet East End? A change of pace after 2 resorts.

WHICH HOUSE IN DEVERS ?
THE HOUSE IS BETTER !!

Mr Slick

If I had to pick a house in Deavers, I'd take Dream Come True from Caribbean Villas. Brand new this year, a medium size 3 bedroom, and done very well. If I picked from any of the very few beach front houses on the southshore, I'd take Vida de Mar - you can go to the owners website. Best buy is Villa Rendezvous which has just finished a complete refurbishment and is walking distance to the beach, has a huge pool, is is a geat buy - though i wouldn't be surprised if the price went up once all the new photos are posted. All of these houses rent through CV. They have offices and full time staff in Cruz bay and a booking office in Maine. I had very prompt service for any problems with the houses I rented from them.

Actually the one that we currently have is Dream Come True. But we still can't make up our minds! Thanks for your help!

I recommend the villa. I got married on trunk bay last July – we had people staying at Caneel Bay, the Westen , and most in private villas. My wife’s grandma stayed in Caneel Bay and was unhappy with it.

The fact your villa has a hot tub is a big plus. I thought a pool would be the biggest deal, but we never used our pool. At night it was to cold, and during the day we were at the beech. There are so many great beeches you two are going to have a great time.

I stayed in a villa and enjoyed the privacy and the space to be able to do what ever we wanted. One place I recommend is a villa called Spyglass – no pool, but hot tub. Some friends stayed there and the view is incredible.

I am returning to St. John in a few weeks, and I will be staying in a villa. Hopefully this helps, please feel free to email me if you have any other questions. [email protected]

If you're unsure about Dream Come True and would prefer a Northshore location with a beach, how about Gibeny Beach Cottage? A charming little one bedroom that's had rave reviews on one of the prettiest little beaches there! More than DCT, but a killer location and great beach!

I have stayed at a villa on Deavers Bay about 3 times. It is Sunset Beach (next door to DCT). I love staying over there!!! The view of the sunset is AMAZING, but you can get that in many places on the island. The cool thing about Deavers Bay is that the snorkleing is pretty good. Standing looking out at the bay, there is a little alcove to the right that had a lot of marine life...it looked just like the Baths in the BVI (just on a mini scale). The pebble beach isn't that bad, plus you spend most of your time on the northshore beaches anyway. It is just really quite and peacful on Deavers.

I highly recommend staying in a villa. We have been going down for many years, and have always stayed in villas. We run into people in town that are staying in Cannel or the Westin, and they always tell us the wish they had opted for a villa.

Have fun..and best wishes...

Only 5 more days....yipeeee

First visit we stayed at the Westin. Our second was a one bedroom cottage up the hill from Gallows Point. Now we have rented a villa overlooking Cruz Bay. Go for the villa!