jofus-

I haven't stayed here...nor do I recall any reviews of it. But, I will say that the price seems fair (on the La Sirena website - $1,820 wk), they have a nice sized pool, washer and dryer (is there a dishwasher?? - that's important) and the interior looks up to date and fresh. What I've learned about villas is that they're usually nicer than the pics make them appear - sort if like the "extra 10 lb rule" with people pics....they just look better in person. This looks like a winner.

It will be nice to have your review after your trip. Enjoy!

La sirena has gotten some good reviews, but it is very far out toward Salt Pond and somewhat isolated. the loft is OK for kids, but might be a bit difficult for adults. Great view and the tree frogs are very noisey at night out that way. You'll be closest to Miss Lucy's for dinner, my favorite restaurant, and them about 5-10 minutes to Coral Bay where there are few bars, restaurants, gas, mimi-mart, etc. The northshore beaches will be about 20-30 minutes and Maho the closest, up and over the hill then down the Northshore road. Cruz Bay, the main town, is a solid 35 minutes, all on paved roads once you're down from the house. Cruz has the ferry dock and is the main area for restaurants, shops and markets. As it happens, I prefer the east end and northshore to the very popular southshore. Some nice villas have been built out that way in the last 2 years, so you won't be all alone! plus you'll be close to Salt Pond, a favorite island snorkeling spot that frequent visitors like. Enjoy!!!

Joyfus,

Before you make a reservation you might want to check whether or not La Sirena is still on the market (it was a couple of months ago) and think about whether or not it being for sale might have an impact on your enjoyment of the villa.

Just as a matter of general interest, quite a few of the houses for rent on STJ are up for sale, so this is a fairly common issue. Many terms of sale require honoring all existing reservations. Others won't accept reservations more than 6 months out. Since La Sirena is no longer with Viva Vacations as a rental, in this case I would ask what the terms of sale may be. The name is still on the Viva list, but the property is not on the website, so the move to direct rental is fairly recent. Humm.

Thanks everyone for the input. I've been to St. John several times and am familiar where everything is located. The location was what we like about the villa (Little Lameshure is our favorite beach....at least for sunrise walks). I've already booked(50% deposite already paid) the villa and it had already been sold before I booked.... maybe it's for sale again but that would mean the new owner only had it for a couple of months. What I'm looking to find out is..... Is it private enough for clothing to be optional? How long does the sun exposure last on the pool area?

Just digging for details to assist in my daydreaming. I'll be at LaSirena for the first week on island and Drakes Lookout for my second. I stopped in at Drakes last year to check it out before I rented it. Its a great villa and I chose to end our stay there because my hubby and I already know we love the place. I didn't get the chance to stop at LaSirena so I haven't seen it in person yet just the pics on the web. I read some great reviews on other message board but they were from 2-3 years ago. Unfortunately the villa I rented for our last trip did not live up to it's pictures or reviews that it got. The maintainence/upkeep had definately gone down hill since the pics and reviews were posted.
Thanks again for all the replys. I will definately post a detailed trip report and review of the villas. I may even be so bold as to post it while I'm still on island since I take my laptop with me!

Jofus

Thanks for the info. I'm pretty familiar with the island. Hubby and I love just driving around when we're there. Last trip we put 500 miles on our rental jeep for the 2 weeks we were there! Island Blues is our favorite food trough and watering hole.

Jofus

Hello Jofus,

LaSirena looks beautiful on the web site. I am very interested in your report on the villa.

I wish you good luck on your choice and will be anxious to read
your impressions.

Grace

It will be a while coming Grace. I'm not going until Feb. But I will post a report

Jofus

jofus

Would appreciate your assessment of Drakes without A/C. I assume its location gets tropical breezes but look forward to your report.

2 weeks...I'm jealous.

There'a a review of it on the virgin-islands-on-line message board and a trip report from Kim who just stayed there recently. She said she would of preferred having AC to drown out the night noises and the early morning rooster and also just got tired of the constant breezes. Her want of the AC had nothing to do with the temps.
The villa I stayed at last Feb was also up on a Coral Bay Hillside it had AC but we never used it as we felt no need...........we enjoy the night noises and are up at the crack of dawn out of habit

Jofus

Greetings,ya'll.I've been to St.John 4 times,and stayed at a few remarkable villas.My fiance and I are taking another couple again in april,2007.The problem may be that as the 3 of us love the beaches& sights,the other is more interested in the bar nightlife.(darts,live music,games of horseshoes,etc...)I've been to Skinny Legs,but spent most of the time in the Cruz Bay area.Any help would be appreciated.My e-mail is [email protected].(can you guess my favorite beach?!)