It's way out there as far as distance from where you arrive on the ferry from St. Thomas. Though St. John is a small island, it will still take you a good 35-40 minutes to get to Estate Zootenval from the ferry dock in Cruz Bay. Depending upon where you're starting your trip, this can make for a VERY long travel day. Plus your closest, and only, "grocery store" is a few minutes back into Coral Bay. Personally, for a 1st timer, I'd try and book something closer to Cruz Bay, but that's just my humble opinion (after 13 years of vacationing there).

Thanks Cynthia, I found that older posting very helpful because I was concerned about the location being so far out. I think I will look for some place closer. Cherry

We are traveling to St. John for our 10th visit in May. I love being far away from Cruz Bay. We love the part of the island you are looking at. Coral Bay has good restaurants, especially Shipwreck. Consider Beas Maison over John's Folly Bay look at vrbo. We stayed past Zootenval at the east end of the island when we brought all of our adult children and didn't mind the drive into the two towns. It all depends on what you want and how long you get to stay.

We had our 1st trip to St John last year and stayed in Coral Bay. Absolutely Loved it. Auqua Bistro is fantastic place to eat and drink as well as Donkey Diner and Skinny Legs. There is a grocery store and a few shops there as well. Since there are so many different beaches, we would just drive to the beach we wanted for the day or go to Cruz Bay. having a car (4X4) is def. worth it. In Coral Bay we have a wonderful view of the Bay which was beautiful. Last year we stayed at Into the Mystic which was beautiful and this year we are going to try Calabreeze. I'm sure where ever you stay you will love St John.