Sitter....I know how you feel about trying to decide. Been going through the same thing myself.

There's really alot of nice units on Sapphire and if you don't mind going out to eat, or cooking some things for yourself in the unit, it really is a good deal.

Have you thought of a couple days at Sapphire, since you loved it so much and then rent a villa over on STJ for the rest of the week?

I agree with Connie, Sapphire can be a great place. I would book directly from the owners at vrbo. You will need to check out the different rates and prices and check out the pictures of the individual units. Some owners keep their units more up to date than others. STT can become a little congested at times. That is why I own property on the east end and spend my spare time their. Red Hook never seems to get that busy, not like trying to get downtown and back on an afternoon. And as Connie so nicely said, rent a villa on STJ for the rest of the week.

Why I love the Islands?

Lazy days at world class beaches
discovering new worlds while snorkeling with my family
meeting other great people on their own life's adventures
so many great resturaunts to choose from (my son is dying to get back to the Caribbean Saloon for the hotwings)
Seeing Anna at the Toad and Tart and checking in on her kitty rescue mission
Island hopping with friends
Impromptu BBQ's because you met some great new people at the pool today
Talking a newbie on the island to dare and drink the Sharktank at Duffy's
Wondering what employees music selection is playing on the loudspeaker at the Tutu mall Kmart and watching them sing and dance while they are checking your purchases
Crab races at the beach
Coki, Magen's and Trunk, need I say more

I could go on and on. I will be traveling back in the next week or two for business, obviously I can't wait to get back.

Good luck on your decision and I hope that wherever you go you have a great trip.

Molly

If you like the Sapphire Beach area try Sapphire Village. It is a nice little "community" that overlooks Sapphire Marina and the beach is a brief walk and God knows I need the exercise.

sitter: Sapphire is no more "run down" than it was when you last visited five years ago. In fact the building exteriors have gone through extensive structural renovations in the last few years and even though, from the outside, the exterior may look "dowdy" to some, the units are quite well maintained.

There is such a total misconception about the Sapphire units in general since the beach bar/restaurant closed down which has ticked off some but Sapphire has never been touted as a 5-star resort and never pretended to be so. It's on a beautiful beach - one of the best on STT - and the units are very nicely equipped. Some units are run by Antilles Resorts and some are individually owned and advertised on www.vrbo.com as has been mentioned.

I confess that the Grapevine Grill up the hill from Sapphire has, via the local grapevine (ouch!) been pretty much dunned so far by locals who've tried it out. But they DO deliver food and drinks to the beach and they do take-out dinners too. I understand that there's a pretty nice simple BBQ set-up close to the beach which serves up pretty mean burgers and sandwiches. Thus, all is not lost at Sapphire!

If visitors are seeking Ritz-style pampering at a great price then they should go to the Ritz. My perception of the majority of our visitors on this and other forums is that they seek to explore our very unique island at their leisure but also want to to be right on - or very close to - a beach. Sapphire/Crystal Cove and Secret Harbour fulfill those dreams for most. Cheers!

Unless you stay at the Westin or Caneel, you most likely won't be on the beach in your accommodations on St. John. (Well, except for the campgrounds, and you don't sound too interested in doing that for a week. :@)), and those places are hardly for the budget-conscious travel. So if you want resort accommodations on the beach, STT with some day trips to STJ might be the right choice.

If you want to rent a villa with a good view that's most likely not on a beach and rent a jeep and explore STJ, then I say you should try it out for a week. I know most folks here prefer STT, and I can see why that appeals to some folks -- there are lots more things to do over there, but with that comes a certain hustle and bustle. I'm not saying STJ doesn't have hustle and bustle, because at certain times of year it can be downright crowded on that little island with all the tourists. There's less to do, and it's a little more laid back, but it works for me because the only thing that really entertains me on vacation is the sunshine, the ocean and an occasional rum drink. If you like to "do" stuff, a week on STJ would probably bore you silly. I know it's not for everyone, but I like STJ. If you went there a few days and enjoyed it, you'd probably enjoy it to rent a house and stay for a week, and STT would only be a 20-minute boat ride away if you wanted to go there.

Either one would be a great trip, and I'm sure whatever route you go will be lots of fun!

Try the Point Pleasant Resort........www.pointpleasantresort.com

It's a little less expensive than Sapphire & the Wyndham.....these are individually owned condos (like Sapphire Beach) only larger in size. Many are newly renovated by their owners.....there is a small (romantic) beach surrounded by large boulders, a nature trail, 3 pools, exercise room, 2 restaurants, activities desk, tennis courts, free water sports equipment and Coki Beach is just a short walk away.

F.I.

Pineapple Village is another nice option. No ocean views from your room, but very close to the beach and also walking distance to Coki, Fungi's and Piccasso's.

Molly

As a St. John fanboy you know what my answer is going to be. What keeps drawing me and my girls back are the pristine beaches and dramatic views compliments of the National Park. If I want to stay on the beach rather than drive to the beach I think I would lean towards Secret Harbor on STT based on my friends' reviews. But, I'll be driving that jeep onto the car barge at Red Hook again come November.

Cheers, RickG