simply divine!

Guest: Barbara W. (N.H.)
Date of Stay: 11/11/11 Review Submitted: 11/20/11

We couldn't have asked for a better location to explore the fabulous beaches and hiking trails of St John. With simple elegance Ed and Barbara have shared the comforts of their home to appreciate the beautiful views, savor a welcoming hot tub, and sleep in a cozy bed after a day enjoying the true beauty of St. John. After spending part of this vacation at the Westin, I would honestly prefer the character and charm of Coral Bay! Thank you for a wonderful stay! Location is perfect!

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

We're Coming Back

Guest: Rum Smugglaz (Brooklyn, NY)
Date of Stay: 08/04/11 Review Submitted: 08/21/11

We had such a great week at Simply St. John - it was our first time to St. John, and after a week or so at Simply St. John, WE LOVE V.I.! The bed is comfy and the kitchen, bathroom and living area are adequately appointed, functional and breezy. There was no one home that we could detect at the neighboring cottages (there are a few cottages nearby, but the dense and well-tended garden bushes and trees provide plenty of privacy even if there are neighbors), and it felt like we had the whole mountain to ourselves. The bird's-eye view of Coral Bay provides constant entertainment without any encroachment on privacy. The grill is functional and convenient to the kitchen. The table for two on the deck is well-placed and perfect for breakfast and dinner for two (lunch out there would be a little sunny). The two cushioned deck lounges are perfect for reading your spy novels or whatever while keeping an eye on the sailboats down in the harbor. The outdoor shower is functional and perfect for a rinse after a day at the beach. Tiny lizards of many varieties and frequent bird and butterfly visits provide deck companionship. It's up a steep but well-paved drive, so you'll probably want to have a car unless you're OK with long walks. The location is convenient by car to the East End, points south including Lameshur Bay, as well as to the North Side beaches (15 minute drive to each). The owners are very helpful, responsive and easy to do business with. Our stay at Simply St. John had us saying, "I LOVE V.I.!!!" many times daily. It was magical. We're coming back!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

Great views and a pleasant stay

Guest: mountainCO (Colorado, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/03/11 Review Submitted: 07/17/11

We enjoyed our stay at Simply St. John. The towels, kitchenette, and deck accommodations were perfect. The view is to die for and is very accurate to the pictures. It was a great location at Coral Bay - easy entrance to street, centrally located for all beach adventures and some dining, and yet away from the busier Cruz Bay, although it was far from the only gas station (don't be fooled by the signs!). The hot tub was nice (once it heated up) but we unfortunately didn't get to use the grill. The flora and fauna were definitely an adventure with all of the lizards, donkeys, ants, etc. Thank you!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers.

Boston couple

Guest: Anna (Boston, Ma)
Date of Stay: 04/15/11 Review Submitted: 05/03/11

Absolutely EVERYTHING we wanted to say was written in the review just before this one, aside from one thing. We visited Caneel Bay for the day, and left saying that without a doubt, we would pick Simply St. John over a stay at Caneel Bay any day of the week! The peace, comfort, and superbly relaxing atmosphere was top notch. We LOVED every minute of it!

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

Can't wait to return!

Guest: Bostontropix (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 03/27/11 Review Submitted: 04/15/11

Simply St. John is simply the best! If you prefer Coral Bay to Cruz Bay, would rather explore than be confined to a resort, and prefer the relative privacy of a cottage to the bustle of the Westin then this is the place for you. We stayed for four days during late March, and found the cottage to be a perfect base for touring the less crowded east side of St. John. The location was ideal for us, being a short drive (or even walk) from Skinny Legs and The Donkey Diner, two of the Islands best (and quirkiest) establishments. Nestled up in the hills above Coral Bay, we'd enjoy morning coffee on the multiple decks looking down on the harbor while we planned our day.(The cottage was equipped with beach chairs, a cooler , and even snorkel gear). After hiking to Brown Bay, snorkeling at Salt Pond Beach, or simply relaxing at Francis Bay we'd retreat to the hot tub and enjoy a glass of rum while watching the sun set. A short drive then brought us to one of many excellent Coral Bay restaurants for dinner. The cottage is perfect for a couple, with a bedroom unit and a separate living room/kitchen/bathroom. The shower is outdoors, and as with everywhere on St. John you need to be conscious about how much water you use. The main reason to go to the island isn't to spend time indoors, however. We spent as little time inside as possible, enjoying the decks to their fullest. There is a helpful caretaker next door, and a good supermarket in the local mini mall. There is a gas grill for cook outs, although we found that it was tough to compete with the burgers art Skinny Legs . While Simply St. John may not be for everyone, we (and our bank account) would rather stay here than at Caneel Bay or the Westin. (OK, well perhaps just one night at Caneel Bay!). Staying here truly captures the St. John experience.

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

Heaven on Earth

Guest: Clif (Central New York)
Date of Stay: 10/16/09 Review Submitted: 08/17/10

Just off the beaten path,but close enough to everything !! The view from the deck is breathtakingly beautiful , sitting in the hot tub after a day of snorkeling and hiking was bliss!! The caretakers were very helpful when questions arouse but were invisible for the most part, solitude ,romance, peaceful tranquility you couldn't find a better place to write a novel or read one. Clean, comfortable, just Heaven on Earth Will stay here again!!!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

Guest: Jonathan4 (Alexandria VA)
Date of Stay: 02/23/08 Review Submitted: 02/23/08

Just a wonderful place to stay, clean, relaxing and quiet! Great view of Coral Bay, and beyond. The sunrise from the deck is outstanding. Will be back again!

Recommended for: