Hi I think you can't go wrong with a villa on STJ it's the only way I'll go anymore. I go with bigger groups so I don't have first hand experience with smaller villas. chose one of the reputable villa agents and you won't be disappointed.
Tom

There is a nice rental property (I wouldn't call anything with 1 BR a villa) in Cruz Bay called "Crow's Nest". It sits right there in town. Google it and take a look at it. It is reasonably priced - I think it has 2 bedrooms.

You're going to get a number of opinions on STJ vs STT. Villas vs. Resorts. I'd say that STT is much larger - and you can seclude yourself on STT as much as you can on STJ, if not more. The downside to secluding yourself on STT is that since it is larger, there aren't going to be a host of activities, restaurants, etc where you seclude yourself. On STJ, since it is a small island, you can seclude yourself and still be in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay in under 30 mins. On STT, you can seclude yourself out on the West End and REALLY be secluded - but you'll be a distance from dining and nightlife options. Out on that end, there's an isthmus that connects STT to a nature sanctuary. If you want to seclude yourself, STT will offer more seclusion options that STJ, at this point. You won't read a lot about that on these message boards because they are frequented by most STJ visitors who really don't know what STT has to offer, other than what they see from their taxi seat on the route from the airport to the ferry. Thus, you really cannot rely on that for valid information about STT. STT also has many, many villas - so you wouldn't necessarily need to stay in a resort on STT. Google a villa called "Siren's Song" to see what I mean. STT is like the Land of Oz - hardly anyone peeks behind the curtain (Charlotte Amalie and East End). While those of us who know better are glad to smile and wave to everyone packing the boats to STJ - "yes, it is sooooooo crowded here on STT - better get to STJ quickly" - and then we head to the most secluded beaches in the VI - on STT.

Sherri, on this forum, has a couple of villas in the mid section of STT (Rockworks and Stone Cottage), on the North side. In her area, things are already starting to become secluded, and only get more secluded as you go farther West. However, Sherri's villas are close enough to the restaurants in the Hull Bay and Magens Bay area so that you wouldn't feel bothered by dining out, IMO. When I've travel to her area, I can feel the island and the air changing. Things get really tropical - big banana plants, very green and lush over there. Lots of bird noises and an overall tropic feeling - like another world. She's positioned smack dab in the middle of the pulse of the cosmopolitan STT and the sleepy, old-world west end where the biggest thing going is a peaceful little bible college/school of divinity - a place where I had to stop last year because I was LOST over there...and I was with an islander, so you know this place is another world.

What's happening now is that (sadly) developers are looking at the West End of STT. STJ and the East and Central part of STT are maxed out. West End of STT is completely undeveloped (though, there is a significant project underway for a boutique hotel on Botany Bay). Beaches are unspoiled and empty. Cows and chickens roaming. For people who want to be tucked away - this is where they're going.

However, STJ does offer a nice mix of seclusion and activity/amenities. You can choose between villas or resorts like Caneel or Westin (big $$). People also love the condos at Gallows, so don't rule that out as a less expensive option. Be careful about renting really cheap villas. You'll have to be careful looking for a $250/nt villa.....unless you are ok with "rustic" or what is often advertised as "charming".....unless you are going with the small condo kind of properties. I don't "do" rustic or charming....or anything close. So, others might have to weigh in on anything that is borderline.

The good villa websites should let you search by price. Try that and see what you can come up with.

Here is an aerial photo of STT's very westerly end - where villa Siren's Song is - and you can see the sand bar (Mermaid's Chair) connecting to the Nature Conservancy island/isthmus. Does this look crowded to you? (smile)

Have stayed at both island in the last few years. You can be on stt and not be involved with the shopping scene or nightlife. Like you we are a bit past that. We have stayed at the east end above Shappire village , at Rockwork,and a small but our favorite is Caribia Cottage above town. This villa has a view like a post card.
As far as security is concerned, the neighbor to this villa happens to be the VI Governor. they have guards positioned at his estate. This villa should be in your price range as well.

I just got back from st john and would say if night life is not what you want--go to st john. I have been four times and love it. We cook in for the evening meals to save money--only easy stuff--and eat lunches out. That way we can drink to whatever level and not have to drive too. Postives to everything. You do have to rent a car but that is needed anyway on either island. There are cheaper places--just look.

St. John is wonderful. But we stayed on St. Thomas and weren't bothered by crowds or what have you. You can easily feel secluded where you are staying, unless you purposely go out to a night spot or an area that is popular with cruise ship folks. Regardless, you'll enjoy both islands...if you stay on one, be sure to visit the other. You're so close, spend a few hours exploring!

Joe
We are in the Quad Cities freezing!! We have our trip booked for 10 days in March and can't wait to get back, we have always stayed on STT and visited STJ at least twice a trip, even took the car ferry last year with no problems. I turn the big 60 on the 21st and for the second year in a row I am fortunate to be able to celebrate on an island. Cuts the pain a little.

After staying in most of the resorts on STT, and visiting the Weston on STJ, we found the perfect spot for us at Watergate villas, next to Bolongo. Go to vrbo.com and look for these villas, we rent the studio condo from the Brownings and it has everything we need, I don't cook while there but it's great for breakfast and lunches, the pool and beach are right outside your door, there are 3 restaurants within walking distance (don't miss the crab night or caribbean night at Iggies!) The pool and beach are never crowded, its a nice mix of rentals, retirees and locals. The Brownings also have 2 two bedroom units which are very nice.

We love talking with the islanders and transplants and finding out more about the islands, which you won't get staying in a villa on STJ. I agree with Bluwater, STT is the island for us, there is more than snorkeling in the islands, we love the people and have never had a safety concern. I say stay on STT and take the ferry over to STJ you need to see it all!!!
Where in Iowa are you freezing?

Have to agree the Brownings place at Watergate is a reasonable alternative if money is an issue. We paid $120 a night the week before Xmas. Pool, beach & Iggies are great. The condos bedding & towels need to be refreshed, but everything was clean & convenient. Like Lolly we cooked breakfast & packed lunches for the beach ( cooler at condo) We took the car ferry 2 days & people ferry one day ( to stay late at STJ). Also a day boat trip to Jost & Baths. Coming back & hanging at Iggies or going to Red Hook for dinner was easy enough from the Watergate. The Brownings send you pages of info for STT & STJ. While I would prefer to stay on STJ, this was the only way we could afford the trip. Remember don't rent from Hertz if you want to use the auto ferry.

Joe,

We were in the same situation as you several years ago and stayed at the Westin because we didn't know what else to do. We loved St. John like no place else we'd ever been, but we hated the Westin. We had only minor problems, but it's just not our kind of place.

We've stayed in villas ever since. They've been near Cruz Bay, but not right in town, so we didn't feel too secluded. You might want to consider a condo - many of the advantages of a villa but not isolated. A friend of mine who lives on St. John and knows the rental market very well recommended Lavendar Hill. I'm not sure I'd like to go the condo route myself, but sometimes it would be nice to be right in the middle of things in town.

Thanks everyone, for your replies! Sounds like there are preferences both ways; some prefer STT, some prefer STJ. I'll take that as a good thing in that it sounds like we cannot go wrong either way. With the ferry, I imagine we will be spending time on both islands, regardless of where we stay at night.

Lolly, I am not too far north of you in Dubuque. I would love to be going to the islands soon so we could escape this nasty weather. Unfortunately, my wife works in the schools and cannot get time off until school is out, so we have to wait till June. Every time school is cancelled, they tack another day on to the end of the school year. If we get two more of those, school will start cutting into our vacation week. Pray that does not happen!

Joe

Let me add another vote for STJ. Remember the Beach Boys song "Kokomo"? The Coral Bay side of STJ is definitely Kokomo in my mind. You are going in June so the rates are low season. There are a lot of 1-bdrm villas (cottages?) available on STJ. We stayed in one called Sea Spirit, was totally secluded with fantastic views, and close to some fantastic beaches. There are a lot of villas like that on STJ. Rent a jeep and pertend you are 20 years younger. Will never regret it!
Good luck to you!

Yes, Sea Spirit is another good one - and along that line, the Honeymoon Cottage is always recommended by past visitors.

See Terry Witham's Site for Sea Spirit and Honeymoon Cottage -and others. Don't know the rates. If my memory is correct, I've not been able to reach Terry by email when I've tried. Best to call.

http://www.stjohnusvi.org/aboutus.htm

IA Joe, you should also take a look at Water Island. If you're not into crowds or shopping....if your interested in quiet, safe....if you're interested in affordable........Water Island has a lot to offer. Most of the island homes provide transportation (either a golf cart or an island car/truck) on Water Island for no additional charge. There are homes/villas with 1 and 2 bedroom well within your price range. You could do a search on this site using keyword Water Island where you'll read about other information on what to do, see, etc. on WI. Water Island is a less then 8 minute ferry ride away from STT if you want to explore either STT or STJ. If you'd like suggestions or more info, feel free to PM.