Elaine,

How old is your teenager?

I am very careful about where I rent villas, because of my teenager (actually, he's 20 today...YIKES!!).

Mine likes to go out (he always brings a friend to the VI with him). A short (read: inexpensive) taxi ride is fine. But, being on one side of the island with Cruz Bay on another is a problem. I try to rent villas in the Cruz Bay area. On STT, he prefers that I rent villas near Red Hook.

That being said, the Retreat IS at the opposite end of St John from Cruz Bay. It is Q-U-I-E-T out there. IMO, great for a honeymoon or adult vacation, questionable for a family with a teen. I have always thought the Retreat was quite an interesting villa...with those opening garage doors for walls. But, IMO, most teens need diversions. I am a mom who has had her fill of shuttling my teen here and there. I do not want to be a long-distance taxi driver on my vacation. You?

Think about it.

We are trying to break up the vacation so that we can see the best that the virgin isles have to offer. Our plan is to arrive in STT on Sept 8 and go to STJ for the weekend (3 days and 2 nights); go to Water Island for a day trip , Tortola for a night; Jost Van Dyke for a day trip; and finish off the vacation in STT...all of this done in 8 days. Is it possible to get a good flavor of the islands, or am we trying to do too much and where is the best place to stay in STJ for the 2 nights?

My person opinion? Pick a place and use it as your headquarters for the entire time. Take day trips to the other islands. But don't be surprised if you wind up doing less traveling and more liming!!

Duane - Yes, I think you're trying to do much in just 8 days. We made our first trip to the USVI's last summer and spent 3 nights on St Thomas and 6 nights on St John, from St John we took a day trip to the BVI's (fantastic day by the way). I'm currently planning our second trip to the USVI's next summer and we'll do the same thing again, 2-3 nights on St Thomas and 5-6 nights on St John in a villa rental, with another day trip to the BVI's. St John is such a small island but I'm amazed at how much of it we didn't see considering we were there for 6 nights so to spend just a weekend there with one of those days spent taking a day trip to Water Island isn't worth it IMO. I would spend more nights on St John than St Thomas (unless your more into nightlife and shopping), skip the night at Tortola and take day trips to the BVI's instead, just my opinion though!!

Personally this is waaayy to much for me - you will have more time packing up and travelling than you will relaxing. I would (at the most) pick 2 islands - STT for 3-4 days and STJ for 3-4 days and visit Jost on a day trip during your stay on STJ, and Water Island during your stay on STT.

Pia

If you attempt to do that much in such a short time you won't experience the best thing the islands have to offer...island time.

If you really want to get away from the crowds and have private beaches, you might give Water Island a look. Water Island sits just off the coast of St Thomas. It is a short ferry ride from Crown Bay Marina. Crown Bay Marina is just a short taxi ride from the airport.

Water Island is approx 500 acres. All residential--no condos--no hotels--just a small deli and a lady who cooks burgers and chicken on the beach.

We have 2 houses available for rent on Water Island. We love to visit whenever we can. Take a look at www.slowmocean.com for information on the island and houses.

Day trips to WI cannot give you a feel for the place. A golf cart is needed (comes with the house) to be able to get around, explore and to see the best beaches.

Jeremy -
I am doing exactly the same thing, planning a surprise anniversary trip to the islands. I think that I have finally decided on the Gibney Beach Cottage. It is located on Hawksnest/Gibney Beach. You can rent from an agency (saw it on vivacations.com) or the Gibney Family... www.gibneybeachvillas.com I think. Check it out!

I would love to see more pictures and hear what you think of the cottages.

Can anyone make some recommendations for my situation? I've read the comments here and as I'm traveling with a 1 yr and 8 yr. old, I feel it best to stay close to Cruz Bay on St. Johns. Are there any good villas, within walking distance to the beach, 2 bedroom and a pool? I
think someone mentioned it earlier - all the villas listed on the Web is very confusing! And I'm having a hard time locating something near the beach so as to keep driving to a minimum if at all.

If you want to look at lots of villas go to VRBO (vacation rental by owner). Click down to Caribbean and then to VI. And I agree that you should stay on two islands. IT adds to the getting the feel of the islands.

Bill

Danielle,

The villa Gibney Beach cottage is on the beach and it has one bed and one sleep sofa or Gibney Garden cottage with 2 kind beds.

If you want to walk to the beach, you might be better off in the Westin.

There are other on the beach or close to the beach homes, but they command a premium, as does Gibney. Does budget matter to you? If not, you can find what you want. If you DO have a budget, you might want to either plan to drive to the beach or go with Westin.

Has anyone stayed at The Beach Estate?

Has anyone stayed at LaBella Vita? We booked this villa for June. Would love to get some feedback. Thanks, Susan

Hi-
I was just checking out what was out there...and saw your note!
I happen to be the new Manager at Sun, moon and Stars...as well as The Castle up the road. I live on the same road as well. I have lived on St. John for 25 years.
Yes-I may be biased however BOTH of these Villas have absolutely spectacular views!
Coral Bay is the quiet end of St. John.
Please e-mail me if you'd like more info.
What a GREAT gift to give your wife! You may even want to renew your vows here...many do...
Sincerely, Bonny.