JON, I used to live out on Water Island in 2000. I'd contact realtor Mary Coe at [email protected] She oversees several properties that oweners have her rent in low season. These range from simple to chic and often come with a cart or car(which on Water Island is Known as a 'beater' since they are so beaten up. This could generally be said about a lot of the accomidations on the island as well. I haven't visited many of the rentals and the one's I have seen of course may have been updated since then, but I trust Mary's opinion, she's a straight shooter. I'm not sure if the "Villa's" are the same one's I'm thinking of. If they are just right off the ferry dock on the top of the hill that heads down to the beach, they are dumps! Well at least they were last time I was out there. If you don't mind the inconvience of getting to and from the Big Island by ferry (very few rentals include a boat, though I think Providence Point has one), and you like a laid back Island with frienly locals, go for Water Island. It certainly ISN'T the party capital of the Carribean, but I hear they're still doing Saturday night grills on the beach and have added a "drive-in" movie on Mondays. Just be very, VERY respectful while you're there, the residents don't tolerate jerky people AT ALL! The year I lived there I saw only a handfull of overnight tourists. It is a pretty private island of mostly retired Americans and ex-patriots. One visiting frat guy got out of hand, drunk driving his golf cart on the beach amid Water Island kids and dogs. He got taken down hard by a blow from a local who looked a lot like POPEYE. Those boys will maybe stick to places like Cancun for a wild Spring break in the future!!! IF YOU ARE A NICE AND CONSIDERATE PERSON WHO ENJOYS MEETING LOCALS AND HIKING PEACEFUL DIRT ROADS, THEN WATER ISLAND IS FOR YOU. The quiet, natural beauty will make you feel like a part of you was always there, and after you leave a part of you will stay, always beconing you to return. I've just been waiting for my son to get old enough to stand his own against one of the Island's monster iguanas! He'll be 4 when we come out in March with all our friends in tow. We're gonna try renting out the whole of Providence Point, which isn't one of Mary Coe's properties but can accomidate the huge group of people I'm bring back with me! Although I love living in the Rocky Mountains a little piece of my heart will always call Water Island HOME.

Jon, I wanted to clarify: the villas listed on this site are NOT the ones that I called a dump. The villa at Flamingo point, I have never seen the inside of, and does look lovely in the photos. I would say from those pics that if they are accurate it is as fine a rental as you will find on the island. For the most part any Water Island rental is going to be casual and simple. Like the island itself! Not pretenious or fussy, I'd consider that the best part of Water Island. The villas I had previouly refered to are the honeymoon villas of an old hotel that had been destroyed in a hurricane. They were not so much of a dump as a beautiful and charming property that had become sadly, perhaps a bit neglected. Also I believe it to be more of a monthly, rather than a weekly rental anyway. In fact, I knew a really cool couple who lived in one and really found it a nice fit. I think as long as your not expecting luxury digs you'll happy with any of the laid-back pads on Water Island.

Thanks amee - We're "50" something and outgrown the party atmosphere, so no worries there. I thank you for your input and believe Water Island will be ideal for us.

This will be our 3rd visit to STT and just want to relax.
Thanks

Jon

I'm owner of Flamingo Point Estate that you see posted on VINOW, under Water Island Accomodations. We are in the process of updating our pictures on our web site http://www.flamingopointusvi.com/. Our home and property still has those stunning views and has undergone tremendous changes both inside and out. Feel free to PM if you have any questions related to WI or our vacation home. Mary Coe is our property manager. Since 2000, Water Island has expanded commercially. In addition to Heidi Honeymoon Grill (weekends), Heidi "mini" grill is open every weekday serving up breakfast and lunch. Pirates's Ridge has bar-b-ques on Wed. and all-u-can-eat pizza on Fridays (and is open all the other time for pizza, deli, groceries). And Also, Monday Night Drive-in Movie with large moving screen between the coconut palms.

Hello, I am the owner of a villa on Water Island. Check out www.slowmocean.com. My husband and I just renovated the villa this year. The kitchen, baths and furnishings are new. The view is beautiful and the setting is very private. We love Water Island. It is fun to see the island by golf car (one comes with the house). The beaches are very nice and quite. There are several good exploring beaches that we are often the only ones on. Water Island is a great place to experience the VI without the crowds from the cruise ships. But if you want to shop--it is just a short ferry ride away.