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So we're looking to book another trip to St. John in July. This past summer, our first time there, we stayed in Orion's Hill and it was absolutely incredible. Anybody considering staying there absolutely should. It's just outrageous. The views, the house, everything. Since we're returning to St. John, we figure we'll make the trip a little different by staying in a different villa.
So here's what we're looking for, and I'm hoping you can help. We loved the North Shore beaches, and we loved the views from Orion's, which is between Coral Bay and Cruz, closer to Coral Bay. It's really hard to not just stay at Orion's again, but we're committed to making each vacation a little different. This being said, we do want to be in the same area, with the same sweeping views and access to the North Shore beaches.
There are six of us. We're looking to spend between $2750 and $3600. We need a pool, and we need a clean house with at least 2, preferably three bathrooms, and three bedrooms. I've been looking and compiled a list of possibilities thus far, but I'm really just going by website images. I'd truly appreciate your personal insight into a place that would give us similar views, amenities, and access to both ends of the island--closer to Coral Bay preferably--to those of Orion's.
Here's a bunch that I've liked. Prices and places vary, but I'm really just hoping for a place just like Orion's. Thanks so much in advance for your help.
Villas:
Carolina
Notre Ciel
Le Virage
Coral Rays
Winsome
What else can you think of? Thanks again.
Craig
Our Friends have rented Notre Ciel for the past two winter vacations and are renting it again in April when we all return for a wedding. It's a great villa......clean, great views, comfortable and nicely decorated with local art. The pool and hot tub are situated in order to take full advantage of the views........it's a romantic spot for sure and the views are fabulous! Hop this helps.
It's a good location too, sort of halfway between Coral and Cruz Bay.
Hi Craig,
I"m glad that you gave Orion's hill good reviews...were staying there in November for a week and i was concerned about our privacy a bit, but it sounds like you totally loved it.
we stayed in La Bella Vita 1 year ago, it too was incredible. however we decided to stay longer this year and go with a cheaper villa with a longer stay. but i can tell you that, la Bella villa has a ton of privacy with awesome views. the showers are awesome and the pool was terrific. it might be on the high side a little but take a look at it.
good luck and thank you for making me feel better on our choice for a villa this year.
Samantha
Samantha,
I can't tell you how incredible Orion's is. I just sorta glossed over it here. The views are absolutely stunning. The house is beautiful, the deck is amazing. You've picked a wonderful place. If you would like some photos, email me. You've got a lot to look forward to though.
Craig
Craig i e-mailed you.
Sam
Didn't get it Samantha, try resending.
Craig i e-mailed you again...let me know if you get it. I'm using the one you have given to reply on the this message.
Sam
Having recommended Orion's Hill several times, I am pleased that you liked it. From your post it would seem that the view was your favorite aspect of OH. But you have created a problem in trying to find an equally good view. Given your parameters I don't think you will.
Caroline or any of the houses on that ridge would come closest to great view as you have the view back to Bordeaux, the view down into Coral Bay, and the Tortola/Drake's Passage view. Nice house too, good pool, but one unequal BR.
Le Virage is total other end of the island in terms of road travel and to my mind has a very unimpressive view relative to other STJ spots. Notre Ciel has a similar view to OH, but no northside. Coral Rays has a great view, but you need to go through Coral Bay to get to it. Winsome has a lower OH view without the northside.
Changing some parameters makes houses like La Mer attractive for its view, but of course further (albeit not very much)from northshore beaches.
Of course there are lots of other spectacular views on St. John if you were to include western or northern looking villas.
mls,
I take it you have stayed at Orion's Hill or do you live on the Island? were very excited about coming next month an have rented out OH Villa for 9 days.
just out of curiosity why do you or did you recommend this villa?
thank you
Samantha
OH has a unique view looking down into Coral Bay with the full sweep of the eastern slopes of Bordeaux Mtn and a northside view into Cinnamon and the north side even to the northern side of St.Thomas. The perch on top of the house is mesmerizing. As far as I know it is the only house on the island with this dramatic view.
The location is excellent for northshore beaches. There is a very nice serenity to Ajax Mtn. OH is well kept up with very nice plantings. Maybe the best owners on the island literally.
I don't like that there are no king size beds. And the pool is always cold.
So Craig, have you made your decision yet?
Sam -- can you e-mail me some photos of this villa? I am staying there in July. Thanks.
I stayed in "Spellbound" villa a few years back through Catered To, when it was called "Lyon's Pride". It was astounding, and my recommendation for a party your size. It has 3 bedrooms, all with private baths-(one has an outdoor shower which was pretty swanky-) and each is on their own floor. I've stayed at a number of villas,all with incredible views, but this was hands down the most lovely. I can't say enough about the panoramic views. It's in the Chateau Bordeaux vicinity, if I remember correctly. Great pool,-not as small as the others I've seen in different villas...You can take the virtual tour at www.cateredto.com .-Good times- J
