Vacation Rentals by Owner

Island Magic

Guest: Bruce (Salem, NH)
Date of Stay: 05/05/12 Review Submitted: 05/14/12

Eigth trip to St. Croix in the last 10 years and seventh visit to La Chatiere. Better than any photo the villa is ideal for us with its pool, gated community and central location. We like scuba diving, eating out, and music and the opportunities to do all of these activities are present when based from La Chatiere. We recommend SCUBA St. Croix for diving with special focus on diving the Walls at Cane Bay as well as the wrecks and pier at the west end of the the island. Favorite restaurants include Blue Water Terrace, Tutto Bene, The Galleon, and the Terrace at the Bucaneer. One of the finest guitar players that I have ever heard, Steve Katz, plays at many of these restaurants. Plays blues to classics. Lastly, you can count on Barry and Whit as excellent hosts and rely on the consistent excellence that is La Chatiere

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Seven days in paradise.

Guest: Barefooter42 (Harwinton, Connecticut USA)
Date of Stay: 04/24/12 Review Submitted: 05/07/12

My husband and I have had the opportunity to visit a number of islands and we both agree our trip to St. Croix is our favorite. While St. Croix is a beautiful island, what made our stay so enjoyable was the La Chatiere property and Barry & Whit's hospitality. The property is absolutely gorgeous, comfortable and private. The villa is spotless, spacious and beautifully decorated. And the view, there are really no words to describe it - you must see it for yourself. We loved to sit out on the gallery and look out over the ocean - when we weren't swimming in the villa's private inground pool that is. We spent a lot of time enjoying the villa and the pool. It was hard not to as it was so relaxing. Barry and Whit have considered every detail in ensuring their guests' comfort. They even met us at the airport and waited until we got our rental car so we could follow them back to the villa. They provided information on restaurants, beaches, shopping, you name it - complete with directions - and were available for any questions we had. While we did not do much in the way of excursions on this trip, we did go to the Buccaneer Hotel twice for lunch at the Mermaid and then spent the afternoon on the beach just steps away from the restaurant which we really enjoyed. Judith's Fancy (where La Chatiere is located) is a gated community and a particularly nice area of the island. We enjoyed taking morning walks, looking at all of the houses and incredible views. The area is large enough and there are enough side streets and paths that we were able to take a different walk every day. We simply cannot wait to return to St. Croix and La Chatiere.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

A truly magical vacation home

Guest: MGMP (New York)
Date of Stay: 03/22/12 Review Submitted: 04/08/12

We cannot add too much more to the many positive comments here in the reviews which attracted us to this property in the first place. Barry and Whit are very special hosts who have planned Villa La Chatiere with comfort and relaxation in mind. They are 100% professional and exhibit a rare combination of thoughtfulness and scrupulous respect for their guest's privacy. Every step of the booking process has been thought through and all correspondence was prompt and helpful. On our last day we found that our Jeep had a flat tire - just as we were about to depart for the airport. They immediately were on the phone to the rental company and then checked us in online. The tire was replaced and we got to the airport on time. A crisis was averted with kindness, calm and a large healthy dose of humor. Several miles on the way to the airport they intercepted us to hand over the hat I had inadvertently forgotten at the villa - now that is really going the extra mile in every sense! And the villa - what can we say? We have rented from VRBO regularly since 2006 and this was the best of some wonderful and memorable properties. It is better than the photographs and we still miss it.

Recommended for:

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Best and Most Peaceful Villa on St. Croix

Guest: Sheila (Toledo, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 01/29/11 Review Submitted: 02/08/11

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:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Blissfully Relaxing Villa

Guest: Fans of St Croix (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/11/10 Review Submitted: 01/05/11

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The key piece to a perfect vacation

Guest: Bill (Madrid, Spain)
Date of Stay: 07/28/10 Review Submitted: 08/09/10

After a wonderful week at the villa, all I can say is that it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and relaxing places we've ever found. It is outfitted with every convenience (right down to masks and fins for snorkeling excursions) and is very-well maintained and beautifully decorated. The location is perfect for seeing most of the things on the island and for exploring the different beaches and its quiet seclusion is the perfect complement to a busy day of sightseeing or beach-going; the only sounds are the waves, the breeze through the trees, and the birds chirping. The views are spectacular and so expansive that you can take your pick of watching the sunrise or the sunset. Whit and Barry are extremely attentive, helpful and most of all, warm and friendly - the perfect hosts. All in all, a fantastic place and a wonderful vacation.

Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Private and Peaceful!

Guest: Janet (Shepherdsville, KY)
Date of Stay: 06/24/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

The pictures of La Chatiere don't do it justice! Spectacular views, lovely decor, and lush private pool area! We spent a week at La Chatiere for our 25th anniversary. Whit and Barry were excellent hosts! They greeted us at the airport, led us to the villa, helped us settle in, and then allowed us complete privacy! The villa is very well equipped -- beach towels, snorkeling supplies, coolers...anything you need to venture out or just stay there and enjoy the beautiful private pool. We loved the layout and the decor of the villa. Oh, and our new friend, George, the cat who visited each morning for breakfast! We ventured out each morning to do some exploring. (There's a great little booklet put together by the hosts to help with that! Use it!) Then we came back to enjoy floating around the pool. We enjoyed dinners out -- especially Rowdy Joe's, The Paradise Cafe, The Buccaneer, and The Galleon. The food was amazing at each place! We were blessed with a rainbow one morning and some beautiful sunsets almost every evening. (Take a great camera with you although the pictures don't do it justice!) This was a big trip for us and we'd love to return to La Chatiere again some day! Thanks, Barry and Whit!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Getaway

Guest: Dan & Leslie (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 04/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/11/10

Barry & Whit have done an extraordinary job of creating a wonderful escape. The home is lovely, situated very privately with fabulous vistas and constant breezes throughout. The beautiful pool, surrounded by lush plantings, was a welcome refreshment each time we came home from a long hot day at the beach. And being lulled to sleep each night by the surf was a special added treat. Having rented many other Caribbean villas we were very impressed by how well appointed the house was and the tremendous attention to detail - much more like being a guest in someone's home than a rental property. Linens, towels, beach supplies, kitchen gear - all is in abundance at La Chatiere. Barry & Whit are great hosts - they were extraordinarily respectful of our privacy but very helpful in making sure we were oriented to the island and had everything we required for our stay. The villa is also centrally located in a private gated community with convenient access to all points. We spent 10 days there with our two teenaged boys on the main floor and had grandparents occupying the ground floor suite. The ground floor is actually a full apartment - BR, kitchen, LR, DR and bath that are as well appointed as quarters on the main floor. Our favorite activities were diving with the crew at Anchor Dive Shop (some of the best diving we've ever encountered) driving East to West on the island, lounging on the beaches, and simply hanging out at the villa enjoying good books and great views. Restaurants were a very pleasant surprise - unlike other Caribbean islands the food was good, well priced, and restaurants uncrowded. Favorite eating spots were Eat at Cane Bay, La Reine Chicken Shack, Pickled Greek and Duggan's Reef. Norma's was worth a trip for local color and great johnny cakes. We're definitely looking forward to another great vacation in this magical spot.

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

Just Lovely....

Guest: Leslie & Dan (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 04/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/06/10

Barry & Whit have done an extraordinary job of creating a wonderful escape. The home is lovely, situated very privately with fabulous vistas and constant breezes throughout. Being lulled to sleep each night by the surf was a special added treat. Having rented many other caribbean villas we were very impressed by how well appointed the house was and the tremendous attention to detail - much more like being a guest in someone's home than a rental property. Linens, towels, beach chairs, kitchen gear - all is in abundance at La Chatiere. Barry & Whit are great hosts - they were extraordinarily respectful of our privacy but very helpful in making sure we were oriented to the island and had everything we required for our stay. The villa is also centrally located in a private gated community with easy access to all points on the island. We spent 10 days there with our two teenaged boys on the main floor and had grandparents occupying the ground floor suite. The ground floor is actually a full apartment - BR, kitchen, LR, DR and bath that are as well appointed as quarters on the main floor. Our favorite activities were diving with the crew at Anchor Dive Shop (some of the best diving we've ever encountered) driving East to West on the island, lounging on the beaches, and simply hanging out at the villa enjoying good books and great views. Restaurants were a very pleasant surprise - unlike other Caribbean islands the food was good, well priced, and restaurants uncrowded. Favorite eating spots were Eat at Cane Bay, La Reine Chicken Shack, Pickled Greek and Duggan's Reef. Norma's was worth a trip for local color and great johnny cakes. We're definitely looking forward to another great vacation in this magical spot.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Guest: Kari and Hank Bullamore (Frostburg, MD)
Date of Stay: 01/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/25/10

We visited St. Croix and Villa La Chatiere with our family between Christmas and New Years. The Villa was perfect for our group. The four "kids" (ages 22-26) resided upstairs with the lovely Isis (the resident kitty) while we parents stayed on the first floor. It was a perfect arrangement. We were able to co-exist very comfortably in the lovely villa. We had everything that a varied group like ours required: incredible views for the early birds and for happy hour (plus the sound of the waves is the best sleep aid ever!), a well equipped kitchen for the chefs, very comfortable and classy furnishings and lush vegetation and gardens that made our stay esthetically pleasing, a pool that kept us happy for hours at a time, and a location that made for quick access to necessary spots on the island. Barry and Whit (landlords and neighbors) were unobtrusive but so friendly and informative. Our stay was hopefully the first of many. Many thanks for the wonderful vacation and see you soon!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Michael Sweda (Washington DC area)
Date of Stay: 01/17/10 Review Submitted: 01/17/10

Located on a hill just west of the lovely port of Christiansted, Le Chatiere provides everything one is looking for in a Caribbean vacation: privacy, beauty, relaxation, convenience and, security, all at a great price. Le Chatiere has a panoramic view of the ocean from the outside decks, and comes equipped with a fully stocked kitchen. No need to go elsewhere to enjoy a ocean view with a meal, though plenty of restaurants will accomodate you on the stunning island of St. Croix should you prefer. The villa comes with beach towels, beach chairs, beach books, washer/dryer, TV/DVD, and wireless internet. There is a very private pool surrounded by flowering and tropical vegetation. Le Chatiere is located in the gated community of Judith's Fancy. No need to lock your villa unless you prefer. The villa's hospitable owners, Barry and Whit, live nearby, and can provide tips on things to do and insight into island life. All aspects of the villa's decorations and furniture were personally selected by its owners. Being somewhat veteran vacation villa travelers, we are happy to say that La Chatiere is at the top of our list!

Recommended for:

Guest: Al & Lori Lauck (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 11/24/09 Review Submitted: 11/24/09

It is wonderful when two senior citizens discover paradise before they (maybe ever/never) reach the real Thing. Staying at The Villa for two wonderful weeks was truly a unique experience--the beautifully detailed cottage, the luxury of the private pool, the fantastic views in every direction, a gorgeous sunrise waking us every morning (except the few rainy days), the cool breezes billowing the curtains--the memories will last us the rest of our lives. But the best part of the whole visit was the unobtrusive but always helpful presence of Barry & Whit, our hosts. What delightful, thoughtful, personable, ingenious care they gave us! We cannot thank them enough for an unforgettable two weeks.

Recommended for:

Guest: Mike and Kaarina Patton (Toronto, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 04/14/09 Review Submitted: 04/14/09

We enjoyed a wonderful week at Villa Chatiere in early April with out Detroit cousins. The upstairs downstairs layout offers total privacy for two couples plus many common areas for mutual enjoyment. The large upstairs livingroom/kitchen is a natural gathering place. And it's a tossup between the long upstairs gallery with spectacular sunset views over the mouth of Salt River and the poolside surrounded by lush tropical plantings — each is equally inviting. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces are inspired, colourful and comfortable. Everything you can possibly need is there, including mountains of beach towels and friendly cats. Supplies are a 5- to 10-minute drive away — most everything else not much more than 20 or 30 minutes. There are lots of fun shops in Christiansted. The north shore drives both east and west are well worthwhile. Take bathing suits — lots of beaches along the way. Buck Island might be a bit over-rated but Isaac Bay is stunning in its isolation and the off-beach snorkeling is excellent. Ask Barry and Whit for directions. It's a serious hike and not for the faint of heart. Barry and Whit are the perfect hosts, going beyond the call of duty by helping with car rental, meeting their guests at the airport and guiding them through left-hand traffic across the island to Estate Judith's Fancy. Thank you for making your bit of paradise even more beautiful and for sharing it with us.

Recommended for:

Guest: Maggie Patton (Ferndale, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 04/10/09 Review Submitted: 04/10/09

If you're looking for a comfortable, nicely decorated, private cottage with a pool, great views AND wonderful kitties, this is the place for you. Everything is well-kept and the landscaping is lovely. Owners Barry and Whit live right next door, but you'd never know it. They gave us complete privacy, though they were always happy to chat when we met up with them in the driveway coming or going. The location is convenient to Christiansted and Salt River (the little restaurant at the Salt River marina turned out to be our favorite during our stay). You won't be disappointed if you stay here. In fact, you'll be dreaming about your next visit on your way home.

Recommended for:

Guest: Janet Darnall (Nashville, TN)
Date of Stay: 02/18/09 Review Submitted: 02/18/09

My mother, siblings and I just celebrated our mother's 80th birthday at La Chatiere and we couldn't have chosen a better place. One of the reasons we chose it was because of the glowing comments that we read here on VRBO. When we arrived, we realized that the comments and reviews were true! It really is a lovely place, incredible views, safe, and private, beautiful garden by the pool and is a nicely decorated villa. Barry and Whit are very helpful, and they go out of their way to make sure everything is just right. My sister said that they really are in the right business because they're so good at what they do. Also, you really can travel here with just a backpack. The villa is well-stocked. We had a great time and enjoyed Isis, the little black kitty who lives there.

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Guest: Monica Olson (Country Club Hills, IL)
Date of Stay: 11/12/08 Review Submitted: 11/12/08

My 91 year old mom, my daughter, her friend and I just returned from a week at the Villa. Our trip was fantastic! Everything you could possibly need and want is here. It is clean, well stocked, wonderfully decorated and located in a safe, gated community. We loved having a private pool and being able to swim at all hours. Pictures cannot capture the beauty of the views from the pool and the gallery. Barry and Whit will go above and beyond to make sure you have a great vacation but at the same time give you total privacy. They met us at the airport and unfortunately, only one of the suitcases made it. The other 3 were lost but arrived the next day and we were all set to go back to the airport. Barry stopped by and told us to have a drink, relax and enjoy our vacation; they were going to the airport to retrieve our luggage! When it was time to leave they told us not to worry about getting all of the luggage and wheelchair in one car because they would go to the airport with us. So not only was this place the best ever, the owners made sure you enjoyed your stay to the fullest. We will definitely return.

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Guest: Angela Renee hoag (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 09/08/08 Review Submitted: 09/08/08

We searched for months to find the best place to stay while on our honeymoon. We could have not picked a better place. Our own family has never been as hospitable and thoughtful as Barry, Whit, and the kitty cats. We felt right at home! We arrived at night to only be greeted at our gate by Barry and Whit ready to escort us to our villa. We would have NEVER found our way without them and it was very helpful for them to demonstrate how to drive on the left hand side of the road. It is very clean, well stocked (we were shocked every corner we turned we found EVERYTHING we ever needed) and the views are tremendous. After showing all of our friends the pictures, they are dying to go! I do not think any pictures truly can capture how great this place is. Quiet too, all you hear is the waves of the ocean. You can see Buck Island on one side of the villa and St. Thomas & St. John from the other end. We were AMAZED at the gem we had found. The island felt safe, but staying in a gated community made us feel even more at ease. We made so many friends on the island and we have actually had a couple call us at home to make sure we made it!!! I could write a 10-page letter on how great our stay was at the villa and St. Croix was. Trust me do not over pack! We brought one carry on each and still only used 1/2 of what we brought!! We will return as soon as we can to stay at this villa.

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Guest: John & Debbie1 (Woonsocket,RI)
Date of Stay: 08/26/08 Review Submitted: 08/26/08

Hi, We are John and Debbie from Rhode Island.I wanted to find a nice relaxing place, laid back, relaxing and a nice place to propose to my girl. Well, we found the most beuatiful place, La Chatire on St Croix. We contacted the Owners Barry and Whit, they describe the Villa and all the amenities that would be provided. It was as they told us and even more. We were extremly pleased with the entire accomadations as well as our host Barry, Whit and Isis who ownes the Villa. We got engaged on the deck of the Villa on our 4th day. With Isis looking on and gave approval over looking the gorgous sunrise. We had Barry and Whit over for supper and we all had a very nice evening to celebrate the engagement.now I will let the future other half add her comments as well. Debbie Say's: It is the perfect place and we can not wait to go back. We were not disappointed. Call to dicuess or e-mail us for more info, it would be our pleasure. John & Debbie

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Guest: Patrick Shannon (Fairfax, VA)
Date of Stay: 03/19/08 Review Submitted: 03/19/08

We completed our 2nd family vacation at Villa La Chatiere in Feb 2008 and once again everything exceeded our expectations. This is not like going to a hotel or a "sterile" rental property - you truly get the experience of living in a home with wonderful appointments and multi-million dollar views and atmosphere. The private pool and veranda have breathtaking views of the Salt Pond - one of the Columbus landing points in the new world. Barry and Whit provide the personal touch to make your vacation memorable without ever being intrusive. Estate Judith's Fancy is a wonderful community giving you a true feeling of safety yet close enough to everything that you get to fully experience St. Croix. Trust me - this will be the experience and bargain of a lifetime for a vacation. We plan to return many, many more times over the coming years.

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Guest: David Robbins (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/15/08 Review Submitted: 01/15/08

We arrived at the airport with a friendly greating from the owners Barry & Whit, they lead us to their beautiful gated community called the Estate Judith's Fancy. Barry indicated that they are always available if required to ask any questions about the Island or Villa. The Villa wowed!! us when we 1st walked in. It was nicely decorated, clean and had the feeling of safety immediately. We could not believe the Ocean views which were seen from every window. The lanai is a whole other living area, which wraps around so you can enjoy the sea views. We spent our early morning going for walks around the entire neighbourhood which is safe and beautiful. When we left the Villa there was know need to lock the doors, imagine that! The Villa had everything you would need for your vacation. The pool area is a very lush and private,take a morning swim or spend the day enjoying the sunshine on the west side. You can watch and listen to all kind of birds beacuse the area is so quiet and peaceful. We also enjoyed visiting St Croix, people are friendly and it is easy to get around the Island. We will definately return.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/16/07 Review Submitted: 06/16/07

What a wonderful vacation we had! We chose St Croix to avoid the hustle and tourist ship crowds of St Thomas. The island is beautiful and the people friendly. We looked into many different villas and were pleased that the website for this property was accurate and the booking process prompt and professional. The villa exceeded our expectations and is beautifully appointed with what I suspect is the best view on the island. The pool is beautiful and the hosts thought of everything down to snorkle gear and pool toys. We were not lacking in any comfort and there is full privacy. We were provided with maps and brochures prior to arrival which made it easier to plan our vacation days. Our deposit was promptly refunded as well. What a wonderful experience!

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Guest: jeff burdi (new jersey)
Date of Stay: 06/12/07 Review Submitted: 06/12/07

So glad we found La Chatiere. Centrally located in Judith's Fancy, just west of Christiansted, it is a great location from which to explore the island. The villa has all the comforts of home. Tastefully decorated, it has a fully equipped kitchen, washer, dryer, cable, wireless internet, and more. The owners met us at the airport, and led us back to the villa. Along with that, they sent us a package of materials,(maps, restaurants, island activities) prior to ur visit. They are very helpful, and went out of there way to assure that we had a pleasant visit. The deck of the villa had wonderful water views, and the pool had all the privacy two people could ever ask for. Wether it's for two, or the whole family, this is a great place to stay. We're already planning another trip to St Croix, and we know where we are going to stay. La Chatiere.

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Guest: Branka and David (Brookline, MA 02446 )
Date of Stay: 06/09/07 Review Submitted: 06/09/07

Mu husband and I explored the Virgin Islands(US and BVI) for 15 years in search of a perfect place that would accomodate my passion for swimming and his to have a place where he could peacefully write. It wasn't an easy task. Three years ago we visited St. Croix and since then we've been returning to the beautiful villa La Chatiere each year. The wraparound porch with stunning ocean views, well equiped kitchen with whimsical china, casual yet elegant rooms decorated in the Caribbean/Colonial style and comp-letely secluded, tiled swimming pool surrounded with lush vegetation provide almost everything we're looking for when on vacation. The owners are truly helpful. They wait for their guests at the airport, suggest the best car rentals and give great advice regarding local restaurants, beaches and sight-seeings. The house is located on a small hill in a completely safe, gated community and having a car is a must. Though we rent the upper floor, (the owners never rent the first floor while we are there and we appreciate it), there is a very nice, but smaller, first level apartment for those interested in two separate spaces. We consider villa La Chatiere to be our house on the Caribbean, and highly recommend it. Branka and David, Brookline, MA

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Guest: Terry Haring (Battle Creek, MI 49017)
Date of Stay: 06/07/07 Review Submitted: 06/07/07

From the moment I clicked on this site to the thank-yous and waves goodbye in the driveway our vacation was fantastic. Barry was patient with all of my questions and even mailed us an Island information packet prior to arrival! The villa was well-appointed, well stocked, & very clean. You can spend your days exploring the Island easily as the Villa is located midpoint, spend the time relaxing in your own private pool, or sit and enjoy the beautiful view from the gallery. The view is picture perfect and the gardens on the property beautiful. You could literally travel with a backpack as everything you need is there. We will definately return.

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Guest: Becky & Andy (Maine)
Date of Stay: 06/04/07 Review Submitted: 06/04/07

Found on the net 3 years ago; just sent our deposit for our third stay. Every statement in the description is an understatement! The owners have a definite gift to provide a very special situation and then manage it very well; they are available, but only if needed or requested. Cat lovers will have a special bonus as there are a very unique group at the property who will visit if encouraged.

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Guest: Joan Hoelzel (West Hartford, CT USA)
Date of Stay: 06/04/07 Review Submitted: 06/04/07

We have stayed at Villa La Chatiere several times and have had wonderful experiences. The Villa is immaculate and beautifully appointed with everything you would need for a relaxing vacation. The Villa, its surrounding grounds and views are lovely and very private. The Villa is a short distance from Christiansted which has many restaurants and attractions (we visited the fort during our last stay - even our 7 and 10 year olds loved it!). And we usually visit during Jump Up which is a carnival-like event that happens four times a year at Christiansted. The streets are shut down, people walk through town eating, listening to singing groups and bands including steel drum bands, and watching the Mokojumbies (stilt walkers). All the stores are open and we have always had a lot of fun. During our stays, we have taken horse back rides through the rain forest and out onto a beach (quite memorable), gone to Buck Island, a protected island which you can see from the Villa and where you can snorkel along a "path," gone to the botanical garden, the casino and many great beaches. We love going to St. Croix and staying at Villa La Chatiere due to the ease of getting there and getting around - there just aren't any hassles. The owners meet us at the airport, help us pick up our rental car, and lead us to their property. They are a lot of fun and always available for help, to answer questions, respond to any of our needs, etc. We highly recommend a visit to Villa La Chatiere.

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