First trip, Anniversary, 5 nights alone...and you're quibbling over $250? Seriously Eric, spend the $250+ or you might not make it to your 6th 🙂

The trip from Cruz to Coral is about 20-25 minutes. Nice ride but fairly winding route.

I have no problem spending the $250 a night....my question is whether the other place in Coral Bay is worth the extra $50/nt and the pros/cons of being all the way out in Coral Bay.

Eric

Eric, I've never stayed at Villa Cielomar but I know where it is. I've stayed at Sea Wing twice and I'd recommend it. We actually sent our daughter and son-in-law there for their honeymoon. You need a Jeep staying at Sea Wing but you need a Jeep IMO no matter where you stay on St. John if you want to do the beaches with minimum amount of hassle. You will have a MUCH BETTER view with this house and more privacy as well. One of the best things about this house is the outdoor shower. Out door showers for 2 are great and the views from this house are fabulous.

Sea Wing is the house that we stayed in on our first trip to STJ and we have been going back for nearly 15 years. GO FOR IT!

Oh, and I'd rather deal with driving around Coral Bay rather than the traffic in Cruz Bay any day! Yes, it's about a 25 minute drive into Cruz Bay from Sea Wing but no matter where you stay (with the exception of a few very high priced places) you're going to driving. We actually prefer the Coral Bay side of the island because is quieter away from the hussle and bussle of town.

Of the two choices it's definitely Sea Wing.

I also prefer Coral Bay. But, it is a drive back to Cruz Bay, @ 30 minutes.

However, if your going to STJ for the first time alone with your lovely wife after being parents of twin 2 year olds (oh my), I think the privacy and views and relaxed atmosphere of Coral Bay seem to be the way to go.

It seems as if there's a lot of "sharing" and "connectivity" with other villas at Villa Cielomar.

Sounds like youse guys need more privacy and quiet. You never know who you will be "sharing" with at Cielomar.

Go Sea Wing!

lbrlwyr,

We just made our first trip to St. John last June and we stayed on the Coral Bay side and LOVED it! It was so quiet and it was great to get away from the "hustle and bustle" of Cruz Bay. Our villa was pretty high on the mountain which you definitly need a Jeep for, but we had breathtaking views of Coral Bay, East End, and Tortola. We loved sitting in the hot tub (or swimming in the pool) and watching the lights come on over on Tortola. In fact, we can't wait to go back!

I vote for the Coral Bay side! (Also don't forget to do the guided Reef Bay Trail hike with the NPS. You learn so much neat information from the guides and get to enjoy a boat ride back to Cruz Bay.)

LMarie

You will find the Coral Bay side slower and it still has more of the 'old time' island feel compared with Cruz Bay. If you want more privacy, Sea Wing and the East end get my vote.

You will want to see as many beaches as you can in the 5 days, so a car is a must anyway.

If you like to and can get up early, I really recommend going to Haulover Bay on the far East side for sunrise. You're not far away and it really is beautiful.

Thanks -- We have decided to book Sea Wing in Coral Bay. I definitely think the seclusion/privacy that Coral Bay provides is well worth the extra $50/nt.

SEAWING!!!!!!

Seawing is secluded, it's private, and it's romantic. My wife and I stayed there for a week on my 20th Anniversary, and it was fantastic.

The morning view is phenomanal. We ate breakfast on the deck every morning and enjoyed the view. The only tiny downside is that you won't be sleeping in at Seawing, because the sun shinning in the window will beckon you to get up and enjoy St. John.

The evenings at Seawing are also wonderful. You're backed right up to the mountain and at night the place comes alive with the sounds of the jungle.

It's so relaxing that after you've been there for 2 days, you'll totally forget about the mainland.

JFP

I had never run across Sea Wing before. Looks like a great little villa for a couple. We love Coral Bay and will have to keep this one in mind for future trips. Congratulations on a decision (always the toughest part). Have a great time.

Sea Wing is a nice little villa for 2 people (though there is second bedroom on the lower level. It was out of the rental market for a while and I'm glad to see it back. The location is great (between Island Blues and Shipwreck restaurants). It's really great for a honeymoon. It's not a luxury villa but very confortable with wonderful views. There is no pool (there is a hot tub) but if you're on a budget it's really great.