I have also rented La Miramar for a week in July. I'm traveling with 3 other women so I don't have the problem with the child. I'm sure they can answer that question if you give them a call. I spoke with a lady from Caribbean villa this morning named Cathy. She said she stayed there on her last visit to STJ. I'm sure she would know about the railing issue. If you find out anymore little bits of news (good or bad) please let me know.

I spoke to Chris at Caribbean Villa on Monday. She alleviated a lot of my concerns about it being child-friendly. There is plexiglas in between the metal railings around the patio and the pool area. It also has central A/C! She said there is parking for two jeeps, the road to the villa is paved, and the driveway is very narrow but there's plenty of room to turn around at the bottom, so you don't have to back up. And the villa is very spacious. It's also good for more than one couple (which we may have) because there is privacy between the bedrooms and the bedrooms are also comparably sized. We had also been looking at Mar de Amores, and she said that one is not as luxurious and the guest bedrooms are small (more for like teenagers than other couples/friends). Also, in Mar de Amores, the master bath has no shower, only a tub! I am pretty sure we're going to go with La Miramar. She did say it has a tendency to be a bit "buggier" because it's so close to the water. I got completely devoured by noseeums when we were in St. Thomas this past Dec., so I'm not looking forward to a replay of that! But I'll just pack my repellent and hope for the best! What's 50 bug bites, really, when you're in paradise?

It sounds great. I have stayed in several villas on STJ, but never on the water. I'm also a mosquitoe magnet and I usually just keep the deet going all the time. I think the ac (I'd NEVER stay in a villa without full ac) helps a lot with the mosquitoe problem. Keeping all crumbs wiped up, lights off at night, and trash hauled to the dumpster daily, helps with the overall bug problem. Mosquitoe coils help also.

The house seems very large and rather nice for the price. I'm traveling with 3 of my tennis girlfriends that have never been before and I'm so excited to show them STJ. Having equal sized bedrooms is a great feature. When are you traveling?

We're planning to go the last week in may/first week in june. But I still have to book. You are going in July? What a nice trip for you and your girlfriends!

I'd rather go earlier in the summer, but this was the only time we could all agree on a date. I was there in July of 2005 and there was a real heat wave. I'm hoping this summer will be a little milder.

If you go earlier, be sure to post a trip report and let me know how you liked La Miramar.

Have a fun, safe trip!!

We stayed in La Miramar in May of 2006. We LOVED it! From just about everywhere you sit, you can see the water, floor to ceiling windows/sliding doors in the living/dining area and in the master. A little zen garden is also off the master. A wonderful sound system complete with a collection of CDs, plus videos and plenty of books. Had I known, I would not have brought any. It is on the water. We went snorkeling right in front. Yes, the bugs are worse when you are close to the water, but we loved sitting on the deck and watching the boats and sunsets-so a trade off. I,m sure you will be thrilled with your choice!

WOW! I'm so excited to hear from a paying customer who has stayed there. I'm mailing in my deposit check tomorrow, so this is perfect timing. I hope you don't mind a few questions: 1.) Can you see any of STT lights at night and how is the sunset? 2.) Does the ac work well? 3.) Is it hard to get into the water from in front of the villa? We are a group of middle aged women, but we all play tennis and work out, so we are in better condition (notice I didn't say "shape") than most women our age. 4.) I'm glad to hear about the sound system and cd's. What kind of music and videos does it have? Are there cards and any other games? and finally 5.) This will be my first time to drive on STJ. Normally I travel with my husband, but since this is a girl trip, I'm planning it and I will be doing the driving. Is the villa easy to get to from STJ and is the driveway and parking reasonable? Oh....I thought of one more question...Does La Miramar have spices and things (e.i. alchol) left from previous guests. I've learned over the years to check the cabinates before heading to the store for salt, sugar, etc.

Thank you so much for your info!

cypressgirl, I'm excited for you and your girlfriends! Hopefully I can help with a couple of your questions.
1.) No, you can't see stt from here. You are sitting on the waters edge and not up high enough, same goes with the sunsets, as it goes out out view from the surrounding mountains-but that does not limit the colorful sky that graces your night.
2.) The A/C is wonderful and thru out the villa.
3.) Also a middle aged woman(I hate to admit and also hate the term), the entrance into the water is rocky and contains urchins-but the owners/proprietors/whoever have a nice walkway with signs as to were to enter, there is also a little "beach" area. Loved having coffee or evening cocktails here. Snorkeling, while not as easy as other spots, was decent considering you are right in front of your house.
4.) Don't bother packing anything. It runs the gambit from R&B, country, classical, blues. And yes board games, can't remember what titles, same with the movies and books. You won't lack of entertainment.
5.) My husband also drives, I refuse. However this is an easy one by st john standards. After the Westin, 2 rights. Long driveway and plenty of space to turn around.
6.) There were alot of spices when we were there. Coffee, filters, citronella candles, coolers, chairs, matches etc.. of course we brought things, but , once there ,all we needed were the main ingredients.
This is a awesome home and feel sure you will have a great experience. Post upon your return!

Thanks for the details. I guess I can think of one morequestion. Is it an easy swim to the Chocolate Hole beach (where there is sand) from the villa. I realize is is not a north shore beach, but one of the other ladies can sit on a beach for 12 hrs. straight. If we want to lounge around in the morning, I was thinking she could go down a bit and find sand. And yes, I will post a report when we get back. I learn so much from everyone else's, even though I have been visiting STJ for 15 years.

Guess what? I went to book yesterday and someone swiped my travel dates right out from under me! :a Miramar was booked for part of our trip. Sigh. We ended up booking Mar de Amores, which we had also been looking at. It's in Chocolate Hole too, but on a hill with a view. Hope it's nice!