I second checking VRBO.com, we've been renting houses thru that site for years on various islands. We recently returned from a week's vacation on Bonaire, stayed at a great house I found on VRBO.com - we'll rent it again.

On St. John, we've stayed in villas on Maria's Bluff as well as a couple over in the Coral Bay neighborhood. We're sunset people, so we love Maria's Bluff/Contant Point areas for the south/southwest sunset views. However, I like Coral Bay, too.

It really depends on what you're looking for in a villa and what type of travelers you are. If you expect you'll dine out for dinner most evenings, I suggest staying on the west side of the island, but expect tight parking in Cruz Bay.