IMHO, they would rank:

1.) The Ritz
2.) Caneel
3.) Westin
4.) Wyndham

But, there are some others that are equal to the Westin and Wyndham, like The Marriott/Morningstar and Secret Harbor. But there are some villas that are exceptional, as well. What are you looking for, exactly? I mean, everything has a good view, everyone's got a pool and a beach, and walking is not much of an option on these islands, as there are no sidewalks. Maybe we can help better if you were to narrow down what you are seeking?

~Marty

Something romantic -- want to sleep with doors open and be able to look out at the credible view upon waking. Nothing against kids -- but ours are grown and prefer to not hear the shrieks of them on this trip. Want to be able to walk to beach without getting in car to drive. We only have a few days, so not into driving long way or taking a long time to get to lodging. Will not be into taking excursions this trip -- just need some rest and relaxation and time to spend with each other. We are both very busy in our jobs and almost have to leave town to spend time together right now. Thanks for your help. Some of the information in these messages refer to beaches not being very nice such as at Westin -- which seems unreal based on the location of the Westin. Do you know anything about "Gallows Point" or something like that. I have been surfing the web trying to obtain information and this one seemed interesting.

Caneel is your best bet.

"Something romantic -- want to sleep with doors open and be able to look out at the credible view upon waking."
-That shouldn't be too hard here! Haha!

" Nothing against kids -- but ours are grown and prefer to not hear the shrieks of them on this trip."
-One of the things I really love about the islands is that they are not "kid friendly". What I mean is, this is not Orlando. Sure some people bring kids, but it is by far a more adult oriented vacation destination. Shoot, I like to avoid the beaches and the town when the Disney Magic is in! haha! Not a fan of kids at all.

"Want to be able to walk to beach without getting in car to drive."
-Well, that narrows it down! Haha! Most resorts are situated on beaches. The ones that aren't aren;t what you are looking for anyway.

"We only have a few days, so not into driving long way or taking a long time to get to lodging. "
-Nothing on these islands is far away. Nothing. Regardless of which hotel/resort/villa you choose, most likely you are only a maximum of a five minute drive to the beach.

"Some of the information in these messages refer to beaches not being very nice such as at Westin "
-That's comparing the beaches to each other. The Westin's beach has lots of sand, almost no waves, not as much shade, no decent snorkeling and it's kind of "land locked", so it isn't the freshest of water. Compared to the Jersey shore, it is paradise...but compared to Cinnamon, Trunk, Maho, Peter, etc. it is"not a very nice beach"

"Do you know anything about "Gallows Point" or something like that. I have been surfing the web trying to obtain information and this one seemed interesting."
-Nice place. Close to Cruz Bay, pretty sunsets, a little ferry noise, but it's probaly not what you are looking for. Maybe something like: http://www.peterbay.net/ ?

How about "Estate Lindholm"? Also, I went to PeterBay.net and this took me to a beach house -- I may not have gone far enough, but it was a large beach house. Is this the only thing here or other there single rooms, inns, etc?

No, that beach house is it. Absolutely gogeous. Very private, your own beach...can't go wrong with that one!

I'm not familiar with Lindholm.

Did I misunderstand the PeterBay house? I do not need a house with 4 bedrooms! Maybe I am not following you. I also need something that can be rented for only 3 nights -- I can't stay an entire week even though I would love to.

We stayed at the Peter Bay Gatehouse twice and loved it. View fantastic. Beach private. You would need to rent a car. Or just stay at the gatehouse and taxi it . Very romantic. Only a one bedroom.

I will check the gatehouse out. I think it said you could only rent by the week, but I will check. Thank you.

Carol:

Try Best Western Emerald Beach. You can book for as many days as you like. It is RIGHT on the beach. Not many people on beach except Sat. 2 miles from town, should you want to take a break from the beach. I found this place last year in Feb. from this site and we throughly enjoyed it just relaxing. All rooms have patio's. Are going again this year for 2 weeks, same as last year, in Feb. . Check out this forum on Emerald Beach. Message from Mandy 79, who just came back from there. Good Luck.

Estate Lindholm has had some very favorable reviews. However, it is not right on a beach and the views from there are beautiful. Most villas rent only by the week. Caneel seems to be what you are looking for and the beaches there are some of the best in the VI. It's not inexpensive but for only a few days why not splurge. If you looked at the beach house you are looking at mucho dollars. Gallows is not on a very pretty beach as such and it is right on the ferry route, but it is close to town. There is a great restaurant there called ZoZos and you can walk to Cruz Bay from there. Have you checked with a rental agent? If not that you be my advice. Also check to see if Caneel or the Westing has any deals. The beach at the Westin leaves a lot to be desired but on STJ there are so many beautiful beaches that it would be a shame not to visit them. Emerald Beach in STT is right on the beach, close to the airport but far from town. Would not be my choice of a romantic setting.

Carol:

Try Point Pleasant Resort on St. Thomas. Reasonably priced.

Ask for a top of the hill superior suite....the views are incredible...also watch the sun rise too.....Romantic (IMHO)

Two restaurants........Agave - gourmet..................Fungi's - beach restaurant & bar - fun place. But, they are not open for breakfast.....each unit has a full kitchen.

Three pools.

Two beachs - although not the greatest, but one is very private.

Close to Red Hook (Ferry to St. John, restaurants, night spots)

Recommend that you rent a car, but taxis can be used.

Hope this helps.

F.I.

Heard about St. John a few years ago. It sounds like the perfect place to vacation.
Don't want a fancy, expensive place. I love the beach and hiking, seeing new places, and whatever that may be interesting on the island. A place on or near the beach would be wonderful. My husband is leaving it up to me to find a great vacation spot. We would love to escape the frigid weather here, and basically break up the long, cold winter. Are there any suggestions about things to do? Is it possible to rent bikes? Are there museums, places with animals, or just places to hike without crowds?
Don't know whether it is conceivable to go in February, is that too soon to book?
Thank You!!!

Hello Carol,

For what you are looking for, I'd say Ritz on St. Thomas or Caneel on St. John.

Hello Ann,

Whats your price range for the accommodation; that will help with suggestions. And do you want a villa vs. a hotel or inn? The resorts on the beach are Westin and Caneel Bay... some of the villas are near beaches. Couple of campgrounds & eco-accommodations on/close to beaches. There are a few inns & guest houses that would be less expensive but not on the beach. You might order one or two St. John guide books to help with your planning. Visit www.vitraders.com and choose Vacation Planning for a good selection. Bikes can be rented from http://www.arawakexp.com/ and I believe maybe Cinnamon Bay campground. St. John isn't very bike friendly - very steep hills and curvy roads, blind corners. No zoos or aquariums.... Coral World on St. Thomas might interest you. There is a small museum in Cruz Bay and plantation sites like Annaberg and Cinnamon bay that are worth visiting. Mostly hiking, beach hopping, water activities... You might be able to find something for February. Check out the St. John guide on this site, at the top of this page click on St. John... you can view attractions, National Park info., beach info.

--Islander

Cannel Bay in St John.

Best Western and Point Pleasant IMO are not romantic. Point Pleasant does not have a beach.

I'd suggest something totally different and on St.Thomas. Secret Harbor. Tucked away, great beach. Easy to sleep with the patio doors open (screen closed) and this time of year you can sit on your balcony or the beach and catch the sunset across the water. Good snorkeling. Red Hook and other resturants within easy reach.

Kimberly:

Point Pleasant has two beaches.

Pineapple Beach & Sugar Beach.

From Fungi's (facing the water)....Pineapple Beach is on your left, Sugar Beach is on your right.

F.I.

Hey Marty - waddayamean "Compared to the Jersey shore, it is paradise..."???
I'll tell you what, we stayed overnite at friends house who had New Years Eve party "down the shore" as we say here in NJ. New Years Day dawned sunny and 62 degrees and we hopped over with the dog to Seaside Park and Island Beach State Park and had beautiful long walks among the white sand beaches, sand dunes, boardwalk, and surf fishermen on the beach. Water was beautiful clean light green color and everybody who was out and about was in a fine mood.
Maybe not paradise, but I cant think of a nicer way to start the new year in this part of the world. It renewed my spirit enuff to make it thru the rest of winter until our first trip to your part of the world in late March.

jmq:

Let's keep the "Jersey Shore" our little secret. It's already too crowded. We wouldn't want everybody to know about it.

Incidently, did you know that the "Jersey Shore" was voted one of the 100 top beaches in the world in a Leisure Travel Magazine in 2003?

F.I.