We've never stayed there, but have stayed on that side of STJ and love it over there (although it's changing). There are some reviews at this site:

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/sj/sjhotelreviews/index.shtml

Wow, what a great site for reviews. It's exactly what I've been looking for (besides this one).

Thanks Nick!

We stayed there and loved it. Totally private, great views, wonderful ambience. No Laundry. This place is BETTER than it looks on the webpage.

The road is "interesting". The owners are great.

Darn! Our secret hideaway is out!! Take my advice you will love Sago cottage. We have stayed there a total of seven times over the past nine trips and could not have found a more beautiful spot. The view is just fantastic. You will be pretty high up on a hillside, and you are looking over the east end and the BVI's. In the afternoon, you can sit on the covered deck, with libations!, and watch the sailboats go by, and watch the showers coming over the water, and sometimes you get rainbows. There is always a breeze, and the sun shines on the deck in the morning, so you will wake up to sunshine beating in, but by the hot afternoon, you are in cool shade (sometimes a bit too cool for my thin blood). The trip up the hillside can be an adventure, but this ensures privacy. There are all the amenities--stove, fridge, dishes, utensils, etc. Grill, beach chairs, snorkel gear, umbrellas. Hot tub for starwatching. Books for reading, a VCR for movies, phone, etc, etc, etc,. Susan and co. are the best people and will help you out at a moment's notice. They also have some outside cottage cats to keep you amused and from missing you feline friends. Please be sure to feed them!!! Don't forget to write in the journal, and be sure to read other guests entries. Pretty amusing. The only problem I have found about Sago Cottage is that every year, after a week in paradise, I have to leave my little bit of heaven. It's not fair. But there always next year. Have a great time, Lysa, and please let us know how you liked Sago!

Hello Lysa,

We stayed at another one of the Calabash houses (Windwardside)We loved it. Susan and company are nice people and easy to work with.
The ride up the mountain is very adventurious as others have mentioned. Easy once you drive it a couple of times. My only advice to you is get 4WD and make sure the tires are good and the spare has air in it. We rented from Courtesy Car rental on STJ and they were great. They have a small lot but we always got a spot when going into Cruz Bay. We did get a 10% discount renting from them because Susan recommended them. Every bit of savings helps.

We orginally wanted to rent Sago Cottage but it was booked the week we wanted.

You will have a great time and please post a report when you return
because we would love to rent Sago.

When are you going?

OOOOOHH! Thank you so much! Yes, Sago must be a secret hideaway cuz it's hard to find any reviews on it. We know someone who rented the other Calabash Views property so we knew the owners were great. And, c'mon, who can resist those photos of Sago. So incredibly cute! It was also affordable and in Coral Bay which is where we always end up (Miss Lucy's, Haulover Bay, Island Blues, etc). And my husband and I are animal lovers so we were excited to hear about the cats.

We are going in December. This will be our 3rd trip to St John. We had the option to go anywhere in the Caribbean and after researching for weeks, we realized that there really wasn't any option other than St John. We are sorta obsessed.

Thank you both and I can't friggin' wait!!!!!!

Oh Lysa, you are so right St John is so contagious. We have been back 2 months now and I have been plotting a way back. We fell in love with USVI 16 years ago. We have been all over the caribbean,Mexico, Hawaii and St John is our favorite. Our next trip will be longer then a week. I need more time.

Enjoy your dreaming and before you know it December will be here and you will be in your cottage star gazing.......

We also like Coral Bay. Check out Hansen Bay near Vie's in the East End.

I'm excited for you!!!!!

Grace

my husband and I are booked to stay in windward cottage, august2006
and I am looking for any info about the surrounding area. thanks

Hello Donna,
My hubby and I loved the area.
Are you familiar with Coral Bay? It's more spread out, less crowded and more laid back than Cruz Bay. Calabash Boom is perfectly situated in Coral Bay as it is just far enough away from "town" for privacy and yet just around the cornier from two very good restaurants-Miss Lucy's to the right and Shipwreck to the left.
The view is spectacular as you see the East End of STJ, Jost, Tortola. The moon rising over the ocean is gorgeous!
The drive up from the Community Center is a bit hairy the first time up and down but after that...no problem. The road is dirt and there are at least three switchbacks. But, it is only used by residents so there's not any traffic. Just remember to go slow and pay attention.
This was our first time staying in Coral Bay and we loved it. Lots of places to eat, expensive and affordable. Two stores that met our needs (we ended up eating out most meals at the casual places).
Highly reccomend Miss Lucy's for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. We love Miss Lucy's. And it's right downt the road from the Community Center.
Shipwreck Landing has good food, a surprisingly good dinner and great little shops. This is also right up the street but going the other way.
The Donkey Diner has a very heart breakfasty, can't go wrong.
Skinny Legs has good burgers, chix sandwiches, strong bushwackers and a very casual island atmosphere.
Island Blues is also good for drinks, lunch and dinner.
I've heard Sweet Plaintains is great high end local fair and I've heard good reviews of Aqua Bistro, another high end menu.

We stayed at Sago in December and we didnb't need AC at all. The tradewinds actually made it chilly enough for a long sleeved shirt at night. It was awesome hottub weather!