The exchange power out of Sunset Ridge Villas is excellent. All red time, four year wait to exchange in again after you've done it once, not unheard of to get 2-for-1 exchanges. Great location. Nice place. If at all possible, look into re-sales, as they are the exact same thing, just cost less money. I was the Sales Manager for two of the resorts here on STT, so I know the industry very well. Any questions, feel free to e-mail me. Also, check out TCI before you buy a timeshare. JMO,of course.

Argh. I keep thinking I'll buy a timeshare in the USVI, but then I'd be tied down to the same place year after year. Well ok, I know I could exchange. But I really like the option of being able to rent whichever Villa suits my fancy. So I've never purchased a timeshare. Also in my opinion, even with a resale you don't save that much over renting a Villa every year.

Of course, I could be convinced otherwise.

JFP

Sunset Ridge Villas was one of our best vacations ever! My wife and I absolutely loved it. It is one helluva drive to the top of Jacob's Ladder, but once there you will love it. It may not be paradise, but you can certianly see it from there.

Here was a trip report we did back in 2004 with some pics - just click on the St John link

http://www.geocities.com/travelagain56/index.html

John from Puyallup,

I've owned a timeshare on St.Thomas since 1997 and feel that it's the best thing I've ever done (well, not really the BEST, but it's up there.) I love the quiet solitude of my resort. I love being beachfront and walking a mere few steps to dig my toes in the sand. I love seeing old friends each year. I love the low annual cost relative to a resort or villa rental. I love having a kitchen to use should I so chose or to ignore. I love having a restaurant on premises. I love the network of fellow owners that allows me to rent a second weeek to add on to my owned fixed week for just the cost of maintenance fees, or offers extremely low resale prices if I want to buy a second week. I love the fact that owning it makes me go there every year whether I want to or not. (HA!)

The truth is that I drooled over the book showing the possible exchanges, but I've never exchanged at all. I eagerly await my annual visit to my home in the sun, to my very own timeshare unit. Hey, I'm now even a USVI taxpayer!

Timesharing isn't for everyone. I hardly use it the way most others who own timeshares do by exchanging all over the world. But for me it worked out just fine and provides me with a perfect vacation each year.

Gerie

I TOTALLY agree with Geri. We've owned at Sunset Ridge since 1995 and with a maintenance fee of just under $1000 each year it is certainly well worth it compared to what it seems people shell out for other villas!! We also own in St. Thomas & have never bothered to exchange either as we LOVE our home away from home in the sun during the winter months!

My wife and i own a studio at the westin and a unit at sunset (week 4). THey are 2 differant worlds. But i will have to say i like sunset ridge better. THe beach at the westin is nothing special and the main pool is always full.

At sunset ridge the view imho is one of the best on the island. being only 6 units there is never a crow or even people 🙂 You will be sharing the pool area with Angel the resident dog 🙂

The units are huge also you have 2 seperat buildings with a small sitting pool in between. Morning breakfest is a must on your balcony over looking st. thomas.

On clear days you can see St. croix and Vasquez (sp). I have tons of pic if you want any.

Mike

Thanks everyone for your feedback. Marty, I did email you, but the auction ended before I heard back - thank you for your help anyway - I totally understand the crashing computer problem!

We will be heading to STJ (for the 6th time -first with our kids) at the end of June to enjoy our new timeshare!

Hubby needed a little convincing, but the auction ended on Mother's Day - he couldn't resist!

Enjoy! we are headed back in oct with our baby (due in july) have fun

Thanks for the input. I've been considering a timeshare purchase in USVI's but just haven't been convinced that it's a good idea. All of you make a very good argument for the purchase.

The argument I like the best is the fact that you're forced to return year after year. Argh, what torture - warm water, white sand beaches, snorkling, cheap rum and more cheap rum, who could possibly endure this year after year.

This sounds wonderful, especially considering the fact that Seattle weather is gloomy from October until April - I could use a vacation from the yuck.

JFP