Outstanding across the board!

Guest: grv (Nashville, TN)
Date of Stay: 01/14/12 Review Submitted: 01/23/12

La Chatiere is an amazing property and we had a wonderful stay! Highly highly recommended for many reasons. First, the villa itself is very well maintained, is incredibly cozy, and packed with all the amenities you need. Views from the balcony are spectacular and those pictures are no exaggeration. In fact, we saw a rainbow almost identical to the one shown on the profile! Second, the location of the villa is (I think) ideal for St. Croix. La Chatiere is located in a gated community with 24-hour security guards at the entrance, so the surrounding area is very safe and secluded. At most times of the day, there is always someone running or walking their dogs along the streets in the community. And the location on the north shore of the island about 10-15 min drive to Christiansted means you are never too far from most sites/beaches you want to check out. Finally, Barry and Whit are wonderful hosts who are always at your disposal. Unlike other properties where the owners are renting their property remotely, you have the benefit of having Barry and Whit a short distance away to address any concerns or ask advice on anything. A few specific things that weren't addressed in other reviews that I thought are good to know... Though the villa has no air conditioning, trust me, you will NOT need it. Since I find it hard to sleep when it's hot, I was a little concerned. But the trade winds are pretty consistent and really cool down the house and I never had an issue with the house being too warm. Another thing to consider is that the pool area does not get full, direct sunlight the entire day. The location on the north shore and where on the hill the house is located contribute to that as well as the lush gardens around the house. The trade off is that the pool area is incredibly private, which is a plus. Nevertheless, the area does get some good mid-afternoon sun. All in all, we were all very very pleased with our experience at La Chatiere and we can't wait to go back!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children.

Perfect Vacation Spot

Guest: VickieS (Eagan,MN/USA)
Date of Stay: 12/24/11 Review Submitted: 01/12/12

We have often used vrbo to find accommodations for our vacations, and I have spent a lot of time reading reviews before we commit, but this is the first time I have felt compelled to submit a comment. Why? La Chatiere was an absolutely perfect spot for us and our two adult children during the recent holiday (12/24 - 12/31), with Barry and Whit as outstanding hosts. What can I say that others haven't already written about? Not much. All I can do, really, is to echo the rave reviews. First, the villa is beautifully decorated, completely stocked with EVERYTHING you could possibly need (for excursions away - beach chairs, coolers, good snorkel equipment, beach towels; for cooking in - you name it - including a BBQ grill, endless cook/barware, and an assortment of spices), and immaculate. Did I say absolutely, completely clean and stunningly appointed? The care and attention to detail everywhere including the pool area and surrounding gardens are impressive, and reflect the commitment Barry and Whit have made to provide a wonderful vacation experience. We really appreciated their attentiveness before, during and after our trip (sending a packet of tourist information; arranging for a rental car; tracking our flights and meeting us as the airport; making themselves available to answer questions, offer suggestions, and give directions): Barry and Whit are warm, friendly, and funny, and really made us feel welcome. The central location of the villa provides easy access to everything St. Croix has to offer, including beautiful beaches (don't miss Sandy Point), hiking (Isaac's Beach and the Anally Tide Pools are amazing), and great snorkeling (a visit to Buck Island is a must - we used Captain Heinz). Access to the towns (Fredrickstad and Christianstad) , grocery stores, and restaurants galore is a breeze. We especially liked the menus at Rowdy Joe's, Angry Nate's, and Salud, but there are plenty of fantastic options. Our obsession with packing in as much beach time as humanly possible prevented us from enjoying some of St. Croix's many attractions. In fact, our one regret is that we didn't allocate enough time for just hanging around the beautiful villa - we WILL be back! Believe me when I say that the pictures don't do the villa justice, and that the hospitality of Barry and Whit cannot be understated. You will be more than delighted if you opt for a peaceful, amazing, perfect stay at La Chatiere.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Private Paradise

Guest: Patty (Kinderhook, NY)
Date of Stay: 12/04/11 Review Submitted: 12/22/11

The Villa was perfect and I am planning on possibly making this a yearly retreat. Barry and Whit make you feel right at home first by meeting you at the airport and then providing their guests with most anything you could need to make your stay comfortable. The photos only touch upon the care which has gone into making this truly a special place to relax. The view is fantastic with a gentle breeze and beautiful sunsets, rainbows and the moon over the ocean. The pool area has complete privacy with its tropical garden foliage and still allowing you an ocean view, you couldn't ask for anything more for a romantic stay.. There are many things to do on the island such as the Botanical Gardens, Whim Estate, Beaches, Domino's Club in the rainforest where you actually give pigs non-alcoholic beer (surprising fun) and enjoy homecooked roti, Boardwalk in Christenstead (Boat Festival, shops , eating places galore), sunset sailboat trips especially the Roseway (november thru April), Cruzan rum distillary, beautiful coastline scenery. A couple of our favorite restaurants were Blue Terrace Restaurant and Rowdy's Joes. If you are an animal lover you will be delighted by the welcoming of all the cats and you will not have to leave the porch to see the anoles (friendly little lizards), frogs , hummingbirds and various other birds. I would recommend this spot as the perfect stress reliever.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Coming back

Guest: Jack (Overland Park, Kansas, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/20/11 Review Submitted: 12/09/11

We are already looking forward to next year. For those looking: Here is a place, on a hillside with fantastic views, decorated superbly and neat as a pin. Barry and Whit across the drive are the greatest hosts. Privacy, sure, but they were there if we needed to ask 'where-is' or 'how-do'. The neighborhood is in a large gated community of very nice to totally elegant homes. We had no concerns with leaving the doors open, somewhat rare today. The island has just about everything for fun day trips. A nice town minus the throngs of cruise ship visitors, laid back places to eat, good grocery stores if you decide to cook, no superhighways and getting used to driving on the left was no problem. Next year we will try some sailing, but not quite ready for diving although St Croix represents some of the best there is. This find is just too good to keep a secret, but we want to make sure there will be room for us!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Island Sanctuary

Guest: Nathan S.
Date of Stay: 08/17/11 Review Submitted: 09/09/11

We were extremely satisfied with our stay at La Chatiere. Going into vacation the bar was set high and we were not disappointed. Barry and Whit have created an environment with complete privacy; but live on the island allowing them to address guest requests in a timely fashion. The design of the villa allows for a consistent island breeze and stunning views throughout and the pool provides a sanctuary after a long day of exploring the island. The villa is unique, comfortable and stocked with everything from beach equipment (towels, hand bags, snorkel sets, chairs, etc.) to cooking equipment (coffee grinder, blender, salad spinner, etc.). Inevitably, if this is your first time to La Chatiere and St Croix you will bring too much. Barry and Whit’s intimate knowledge of the island and its history allow them to suggest the best places to dine, shop and visit, tailored to the guest’s objectives. Prior to arrival they send a packet filled with brochures and information about the island, which is helpful for planning island activities. In addition, they helped arrange a car rental (necessary for island exploration), followed up on rental status (car, villa, flight) and met us at the airport to lead us to La Chatiere. The host’s commitment to making your vacation everything you had anticipated cannot be overstated. For example, during our stay, hurricane Irene was threatening our flights home and while we were being “responsible” and ignoring the situation at the beach, Barry thoughtfully checked our flight status and left a note regarding current status and airline contact information in case a change of flights was necessary. St Croix is a special place with a lot to offer. The villa being centrally located allows Christiansted, Frederiksted, and all of the island’s great beaches to be reached by a short ride. Our return to the island and La Chatiere is inevitable. Also, knowing that La Chatiere can accommodate friends and family only increases its versatility and charm. [Note: the villa is only rented to one party at a time, meaning that as a couple you will have the upstairs and villa grounds to yourself. A deal that cannot be beat.] Take it from someone who has to pour over these websites and reviews for days to feel like he got the best deal and begin your memorable Caribbean vacation by contacting Barry. Nate and Kristen

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

John and Debbie - Honeymoon 6/11/11

Guest: John & Debbie1 (Woonsocket,RI)
Date of Stay: 06/13/11 Review Submitted: 07/22/11

Debbie and I got engaged at LaChatiere in Aug 2008 and we got married on 6/11/11. We could have gone anywhere in the world for our Honeymoon, but decided to return to LaChatiere to celebrate our marriage where it all began. We had a very elaborate wedding with all the bells and whistles and just wanted to relax and take some well deserved time out after all the planning. The Honeymoon was just that, layed back and truly relaxing. This was our fourth year staying at the Villa. Every year we say let's try somewhere else for vacation. But, we always say we have such a great vacation due to we know the Villa, the Island and our host Barry and Whit so well and it is always the same...Just a great wonderful vacation and decide to return. The master bedroom is devine, the bed is very comfortable and when that morning sunrise comes through the windows in the morning....it says, get up and have some carribean fun today. Thats just what we do, have fun. We rip the top of the rental jeep off when we first get to the Villa and it stays that way for our entire stay. We tool aorund the Island all week and turn on the callipso tunes and have just a great time. Barry and Whit always will go out of their way to accomodte thier guest. Our stay in 2010 we missed our leaving flight. We called Barry and Whit and they put us up for another evening at the Villa at no cost. They even had us over for a great dinner at their lovely home to accomodate our situation. How cool was that... Barry and Whit never intrude while you are staying at the Villa. They will wait until you leave the Villa to explore the Island and when you return from a day of fun the pool is all cleaned and ready for a swim. We do have them over for dinner one night at our Villa and we have a great dinner ( I'm a great cook, I do it as a hobbie ). The Villa has everything you need for a romantic dinner and a great evening with good company. I read the review from the people of Texas and was totally taken back by their comments. I don't know if you all have ever been to a real Texas BBQ...I have, you should see their grilles. I also don't know why her husband slept on the couch, the spare bedroom has two more very comfortable beds, DAH!!!. They must have had a fight or too much Carribean Rum. Maybe they went to bed with their scoober gear on, that would be uncomfortable !!!! If anyone would like to contact me in reference to the Villa or the Island, my e-mail is jthis00034@aol.com. John and Debbie

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

HARDEST BED I EVER SLEPT ON

Guest: Trisha (Mesquite, TX)
Date of Stay: 04/14/11 Review Submitted: 05/30/11

I know there are a lot of positive comments about this villa, but the only things I found positive about the villa was the privacy and peacefulness of the villa along with the pool and views. Otherwise, the bed was the most uncomfortable bed I ever slept on. By the end of the trip, my hip bones were actually hurting. I actually like a firm bed but not one that's like sleeping on a bedrock, (my boyfriend had to end up sleeping on the couch cause the bed was so hard) and the bedroom windows only have sheer curtains and the sun is shining in your face at 6:00 a.m., so you can forget about sleeping in. Also, the snorkeling equipment was in a bucket in the garage with a couple inches of gross water in it and the bbq grill looked like it hasn't been cleaned in months. The maps of St Croix are horrible and it took us several days to find our way around. The highlight of the trip was Buck Island snorkeling and ATV/Jet Ski excursions and the secusion of Isaac's Bay.

Owner response:It's good for us as owners to receive honest commentary but even better if guests address an issue during the rental so we can attempt to maximize their satisfaction with their vacation experience. As you can see from many other reviews, we go out of our way to assist our guests and to address their vacation problems whether they relate to us and the villa or not. I wish that we had had such an opportunity with these guests. I had anticipated disappointment by these guests shortly following their arrival. They expressed a primary vacation objective experiencing a fast-paced nightlife, a St. Croix that existed when the gentleman last visited the island in 1980. It was a hopping town at that time but the big late night bar and club scene does not exist here anymore. We honestly and thoroughly answer all guest questions asked during the booking process because we do not want guests to be dissatisfied with the villa or with St. Croix after they arrive. As for the guest's other points: We have never had any comment that the bed in the master bedroom is uncomfortable. In fact, any comments about the bed or quality of sleep while here have been quite the opposite. Nevertheless, I will sleep in the bed myself when the villa is open next week and if the mattress is uncomfortable to me or to the guests currently in residence (because I will ask them and other past guests), I will replace it. Our guests have never complained about being awakened by the sun rising over the Caribbean - for most, it is the type of experience that they seek in this part of the world. The snorkeling equipment is in a corner of the garage where water can gather if there are heavy rains. April is the beginning of the rainy season in the Caribbean and this year was no exception. I have moved the snorkeling gear to higher ground - easy enough to do and something I would have been more than happy to do if asked or presented with the problem. The same holds true for the charcoal grille. If we have a "tight turn" to accommodate flight schedules of back-to-back guests, the charcoal grille is probably last on the list and something that could easily have been overlooked. Maps are provided by VI Dept of Tourism. They seem to be adequate for most visitors and we make ourselves available to provide directions to specific places whenever asked. We work hard to continuously improve our offering, but realize that we will never please everyone. Whit and Barry

Recommended for:Age 55+.

Relaxing vacation in St Croix

Guest: Sue (Tolland, Connecticut, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/19/11 Review Submitted: 04/02/11

We just returned from St. Croix and our stay at the Villa. The house is beautiful, has incredible views and has so many great amenities, that we felt right at home and very relaxed. Barry & Whit are excellent hosts and provided us a lot of information about the island, places to eat and things to do. I highly recommend the Villa and I'm looking forward to a return visit!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

The Best and Most Peaceful Villa on St. Croix

Guest: Sheila (Toledo, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 01/29/11 Review Submitted: 02/09/11

It's hard to know where to start-My husband and I wanted a villa that was private and peaceful. It took me a month of searching to find the perfect place. And perfect is what villa La Chatiere is! It really is more then both my husband and I expected. I can't find the right words to describe how beautiful and peaseful this villa is. If you go anywhere else other then La Chatiere you are wasting your money and a wonderful experience! Everything you need is close, stores, restaurants,beaches. Our hosts were the very best! They provide just about everything you need. So make the right decision you will have the perfect vacation. I know on our next vacation that I won't spend a month looking for a villa, because I won't go anywhere but to villa La Chatiere. Geez I sound like a commercial.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.

Blissfully Relaxing Villa

Guest: Fans of St Croix (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/11/10 Review Submitted: 01/06/11

Our family of 4 stayed at Villa La Chatiere for almost 2 weeks, just before Christmas. We are so grateful to have stayed here--it was a quintessential Caribbean experience, a perfect choice for us, and we highly recommend it. The owners have beautifully prepared the Villa for your comfort, and we felt at home immediately. The Villa is breezy and inviting with extraordinary views of the Ocean and Salt River, and a lovely and large private pool in the garden courtyard. It feels very private and safe to stay here, which was a big plus. The Villa is centrally located in a gated, pretty beach community--one of the top locations on the island-- with a selection of great restaurants conveniently close by. It is easy to get to and to get around from; the hosts are happy to provide directions and suggestions for your outings if you would like (they leave you your privacy but are there if you need them). We enjoyed walking every morning around Judith's Fancy; the people are very friendly and it's a great chance to learn more about St Croix. Our hosts could not have been friendlier or more accommodating, and their attentiveness began as soon as we inquired about the booking. We felt at home immediately and hated to leave; we look forward to a return stay! We recommend Villa La Chatiere without hesitation. It provided us with everything we could have hoped for on our Caribbean vacation and we had a great time. Many thanks!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.