Last year we stayed in the Sterling House on Tortola and loved being able to walk the beach first thing in the morning. We are looking for something on St. John this year. I know that most of the island is Nat. Park but still wondering if anyone knows of a nice place on the beach or close access. One or two bedroom. Thanks

We like staying in Cruz Bay and being able to walk Frank Bay in the morning. Skytop by Star Villas was right there, no Cruz Bay noise, but walkable to Cruz Bay too.

Other options are the Gibney's Beach Villas, the Devers Bay villas of Dream Come True and Sunset Beach, and Villa Serenity on Francis Bay.

For morning walks, I prefer the Devers Bay/Hart Bay area. There's a ridge road that has east AND west views (rare). Dolphin Run is up there and is a remarkable deal. It does not have a/c, but the breeze through there is continuous and can blow things off your dresser.

Something to consider, St. John has amazing views and hillsides. The general mode is driving to the beach, which is unspoiled by villas and hotels. It's a national park experience. We stayed at Sunset Beach our first two trips, but then moved up the hillside for views and breezes.

No bad choices, just preferences.

Cheers, RickG

More beachfront access on St Thomas. The park gives everyone equal non-access. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Sterling House is beautiful! If you wanted to be on a north shore white sand beach I would look at Gibney Cottages. There are only 2 villas and you would have the beach all to yourself in the mornings and evenings. Now that we are empty nesters I would love to stay here with my wife!

On the south shore we've stayed on a blue cobble stone beach at Klein Bay, that villa is now off the market, but there was another large private villa that was building a guest cottage. It's a beautiful spot, check out Carnival Beach House.

On the Coral Bay side we toured the Rainbow Beach House a couple years ago. It's a laid back beach style villa that has a sand yard right on the bay. Totally different feel than North shore and South shore, but great for a group with kids.

On our bucket list has been Vida de Mar on Devers Bay, looks wonderful online, but I have no first hand knowledge.

www.caribbeanvilla.com has a search feature for beachfront properties, might check there.



<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Great suggestions. Thank you all!

What a perfect explanation! A couple of friends and family members have whined in the past about needing to drive to the beach on STJ and couldn't understand/comprehend my explanation why we couldn't "just stay on the beach."

Catered To offers two houses above Gibney - Terrahawk and Kallaloo that are in a great location. It is a short but steep walk down to the beach.

How about a rocky beach?
I have stayed in Mampoo Hill and Beit Hawa. I would recommend both.
Mampoo hill rents with a jeep, or used to, so you can drive yourself to the sandy beach

Beerman - we stayed at Vida De Mar 3 years ago. I am happy to answer any questions.

Cool! sometimes the online photo's can be outdated, was the property in good shape? were things updated? any close neighbors? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

On Vida de Mar, I've had two pretty picky friends stay there in the last 18 months and they were happy. There is not a lot of internal shared space in the Great House. I love Devers Bay, good snorkeling around both points, rock climbing and very private.

Cheers, RickG

BVISugar and RickG,

We are putting together a early December week for 5 couples. For the last 8 years we have gotten together and had an over the top pre Christmas dinner. Well one of the couples have now moved to St John... So this year we have decided to do it in STJ.

My question is about the kitchen and all the toys that go with it.

Everyone (male and female)love to cook and drink wine so I can tell you this dinner usually last for 4 or 5 hours, and believe when I say doing the dishes really sucks.

Group not real picky, but the kitchen and toys will need to be up for the job at hand.