sparks-

I haven't seen any reviews of Chocolate Hart and there are no pics of it on the web - even on DSJs site. I'm always a little leery of brand new villas because they tend to lack the little details that owners tend to add over time, are sometimes sparsely furnished, and sometimes lack other amenities. Also, the fruit trees and flowers are less mature if they weren't on the property before construction. I enjoy picking papaya, mango, passionfruit, etc and I purposely select villas with access to fruit and fragrant flowers. I can't say if that's the case here. Do you have interior pics you can share?

On the issue of the view, I did see the one exterior view pic and you're right, it doesn't look high on the hill. And, the summary says you can walk from the villa down a path to the beach....so it must be pretty low or that's one LONG Path.

On the flip side, if you're concerned about your children driving back from bars in Cruz Bay, you might not want something that's perched at the top of a steep drive. Also, might they take a cab back to the villa? If this happens, the cab will likely have multile passengers and will drop them off at the foot of the driveway to the villa, in which case they'll have to walk up (or down) the drive. Two words for anyone trying to climb a steep driveway on foot after a night at Woody's - BUZZ KILL - (I've done it). Perhaps you can get more info about driveway access to each of these villas from DSJ.

Treasure Ridge has a lovely view and the STT lights at night will be beautiful. Seems that the pool is a plunge pool - not sure if Chocolate Hart's pool is larger.

I'm guessing that Chocolate Hart is easier to access, if that's your main concern - but TR has a better view.

Not to confuse you more: but my favorite "close to Cruz Bay" villa is Calicaribe, which I see listed on DSJs site. I thought it was being sold and not being rented, but perhaps that has changed (maybe it was sold and is being rented again now). It's easy to access, has a good view, and is less than 5 mins from Cruz Bay.

Let us know what you decide.

Thanks for the reply. Have since talked to Destination St John & they said Treasure Ridge would be the better choice. Chocolate hart is still working on roof issues, etc. You are right, it's too new. Need to get all the kinks worked out. Calicaribe is more money than Treasure Ridge & since I am footing the bill, Treasure Ridge will do fine. Yes, I wish the pool were large, but that seems to be the only negitive

sparks-
TR looks like a lovely villa. Enjoy.

I should note that I only paid $1,800 for a week at Calicaribe last year - got it on a late availability special (I booked it 5 weeks before we were planning to stay there). For future trips where you don't have special requirements, this might be an option to consider for getting deals on the villas.

Calicaribe looks nice, but it doesn't mention AC in the bedrooms. Others I am looking at ar Sea View, Southern Exposure & Villa Catalina.

We stayed at Chocolate Hart the week of 8/8/05. Being the last minute planners that we are, it was either there or sea forever which looked dated on the website. So, overall a nice villa (DSJ actually was able to email unofficial pics before we went, their website actually has pics of it now). Very nicely furnished, all furniture was great and tasteful, very nice linens on all the beds. View was 3 things- the brown salt pond, the small pool(but refreshing, was enough for the 4-5 of the 10 of us who wanted to still swim after snorkeling) and the ocean. A house is being built next door so adds a little obstruction but still and we never heard construction noise from it. Kitchen appliances were great- have stayed at others where the fridge couldn't keep up in the summer months. We had terrific night sky views- were there for a meteor shower. Drive to Cruz bay is easy, is just two roads past the Westin to the right and down a bit. A/C in the MB and lowest level/pool level bedrooms worked wonderfully. The a/c in the middle 2 rooms and the living/kitchen area wasn't that good. We had 6 adults and 4 kids and had ample room. This house just sold to new owners so I would imagine that some of the minor missing items (window treatments, some trim etc) will be fixed. It does not have a view of STT at night but you can see lights from the hill across the way so we enjoyed better than the last villa which was on Rendevous Bay and only looked out towards St Croix. We have stayed at 3 villas to date, Villa Ambiance having the best view towards STT and the best pool, Sea Cay- good but we personally don't like being that far back with no view of other islands and lastly Choc Hart. We would consider staying at Choc Hart again if we can't get on the N Shore.
We are looking to go back next August-as many on this board- can't imagine going anywhere else- anyone have any suggestions for a 3+ bedroom villa with at least ac in bedrooms(preferably all) on the North Shore for no more than 4k? If not N Shore one with a view of STT and safe for kids. Thanks!

Forgot to address a couple of disappointments(got carried away with the positives): the "walk to beach" in the description- very overgrown, practically non-existent- we didn't think it existed until my husband determinedly set out to find it. Not a nice walk and not scenic- goes towards the brown water vs the ocean/beach- we suggested that it not be advertised to DSJ. The media room didn't have any of the games/videos etc that the DSJ website said it had. Disappointing initially to the kids but was quickly overcome. Also, 2 of the 4 tv's didn't work. All said, not deal breakers for us but you hate to think you are getting one thing and it is different when you show up. Again, DSJ said this house had just been sold. Our belief is that some of the minor details fell a bit in the process and was out of DSJ's control. As stated before, we would consider staying at this house again. New, nice furniture, decent view.

djctay-

Thank you for that review of Chocolate Hart. The lack of beach access, as advertised and the TVs not working is a big deal. Did anyone come out to fix the TVs? Or, did you not bother with calling?

When we talked to DSJ, they advised us to choose our other villa selection, Treasure Ridge, because they were having issues with things at this villa mostly because it is new. I figure after a while the owners will get around to putting in more detail. Probably the rent will go up then. For the price, I thought it was a good deal even though you had a few problems.

Hi Bluwater, We did let them know about the 2 tv's not working when we left but not prior. The TV's in the media room and den worked fine with numerous channels and good reception. (satellite I think).

Thanks djctay...just wondering how they responded. Guess the next renter would hold that answer. Obviously, you were enjoying your stay too much to worry about TV (good thing!).

The misguided "direct beach access" info is also concerning. I hope that detail is expanded upon for future travelers.