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My girlfriend's parents want to renew their vows in a beautiful island setting and have been to STJ a few times and loved it. Can anyone help us with some options on a place to stay? The Westin is our default, stayed there before and liked it but would much rather have a house or a condo.
I just read a scathing review of the Westin. Apparently they repainted the rooms in rather strong colors and it wasn't very soothing. I gather that they'll be repainting - again. So,the rooms no longer look like the photos on the wbesite. For what it's worth. Love their pool and hate their beach.
I'd say rent a villa, but I'm a die hard villa renter, so I admit prejudice here. If you're looking for a 3-4 bedroom (remember, many 3 bedrooms are really suited to 2 couples and maybe a child, others handle 3 couples) you'll have tons of choices. Set a budget, remembering the jeep rental cost, and maybe your preference of southshore, eastend, northshore and how comfortable you'd be in the more remote locations, then start hitting the villa sites.
For easy access to Cruz bay, stick to the Southshore villas. For dropdead views, northshore - which can feel kind of remote. For a quieter location, but still close to restaurants and with views of the BVI's - eastend. Again, some folks feel isolated out there, so get a sense of your comfort zone.
www.donaldschnell.com has some very romantic, but expensive, villas directly on Great Cruz Bay that would be perfect for a vow renewal. And they're just down the road from the Westin so you'll be in an area you know. BookitVI, Caribbeanvilla, Seaviewhomes, Windspree, IslandGetaways.net and DestinationStJohn are all good sites for villas.
For condos - Gallows Point is the big favorite. All the northshore park beaches are great for vows. Have fun!
Thank you for your insight. We are devout 'locals' where we live and would much rather pass along $ to 'people' rather than The Westin if that doesn't sound too stupid. Feel free to keep dropping wisdom as you see fit...
I say go for the villa. Renewal of marriage vows is a sacrd, private affair to be remembered for the love of family and friends who attend and the feeling of everyone being "together"....and nothing does that like a villa.
I know what you mean about being a devout local. My neighborhood is rich with co-ops and locally ownded businesses (and we live in the City of Philadelphia). We buy consciously....as you do, too, I see.
If you really take the time to do your homework and shop around, you WILL find a good deal on a fabulous villa.
Best wishes to your GFs parents...and you.
