A magical place!

Guest: Monica K. (Weatogue, Connecticut)
Date of Stay: 01/15/12 Review Submitted: 01/27/12

I don't know where to begin! The cottage was one of the most beautiful and serene places I have ever stayed. I would be selling it short by saying it was "an upscale treehouse" yet the privacy and the lush surroundings almost made it like Swiss Family Robinson meets Four Star hotel. The view was spectacular, and on one rainy (brief!) morning, we viewed a beautiful double rainbow while sipping coffee on the balcony off the bedroom. The management staff was incredibly attentive, answering questions well in advance of our trip and checking in with us during our trip to make sure everything was meeting our expectations. The only negative would be the road leading up to the cottage - a bit bumpy! However, I think this is a small price to pay for the expansive view and privacy obtained once the cottage is reached. I would definitely recommend staying in this cottage, especially if you desire a bit of peace and quiet on a less traveled part of St. John.

Owner response:Dear Monica and Mick, Thank you for the lovely review. Knowing that you have been to St. John numerous times makes it that much sweeter to us that you were so pleased. I hope we see you again. Susan

Recommended for:

Astral Cottage......absolutely perfect!

Guest: Suzy A.
Date of Stay: 09/14/11 Review Submitted: 09/28/11

We looked for weeks for the perfect spot for our 25th anniversary trip. The cottage delivered on everything the pictures promised and more. Susan and her staff were awesome. Everyone we dealt with was friendly and helpful. Every detail was explained in advance and lots of extra information and advice was offered when we arrived. The house is nestled into the foliage on the side of a hill with stunning views from every window and balcony. Very clean and well maintained, with attention to every detail. The island itself is amazing with one gorgeous beach after another. Our new favorite thing to do....snorkeling! We saw many different kinds of coral, fish, turtles, a manta ray and even a shark! The snorkeling gear, coolers beach chairs, etc. was all provided at the cottage. When it rained during our visit, we were happy to just stay at the cottage and enjoy the hot tub, the hammock and the grill. Just the most perfect place in the world to relax and unwind! We'd recommend this cottage to anyone looking for a perfect romantic getaway. Our thanks to Susan, Paul, Diane and Jenn for everything! Can't wait to see you all again!

Owner response:Dear Suzy and Paul, Thanks for your visit and your kind words about Astral Cottage. We are very happy that your stay was so enjoyable. Look forward to seeing you on your next visit to St. John! Susan

Recommended for:Romantic getaway.

one week in paradise!

Guest: mary (madison wi)
Date of Stay: 04/10/11 Review Submitted: 04/18/11

My husband and I just returned from a week at the Astral Cottage. It was absolutely wonderful! The view and location are amazing. Every morning as we sat on the deck with our coffee we marveled at the view. We were 10 minutes from several beautiful uncrowded beaches with great snorkeling, also close to great places to eat. The "cottage" is actually a beautiful luxurious home. It really is as beautiful as it looks in the photos. It is very private so perfect for a romantic vacation. (The shower is a special treat. You have to experience it to appreciate it.) everything we needed was supplied- snorkel gear. beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, full kitchen set-up (including coffee grinder and blender). It was perfect!

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

Beautiful Cottage

Guest: KC (tewksbury, ma)
Date of Stay: 03/27/11 Review Submitted: 04/05/11

My husband and I spent a week at Astral cottage. The place is beautiful and very clean. All of the pictures are accurate. The views are amazing and the setting is so peaceful and relaxing. We loved watching the stars from the hot tub! Susan & her staff arranged airport pickup, our jeep rental and providing an escort to the cottage making everything very easy. We loved staying here and would definitely come back and recommend this for anyone who needs a week of relaxation!

Owner response:Hi Carol and Ken, I am so glad that you enjoyed your stay at Astral Cottage. Thanks for your review. If you travel to St. John we hope you'll stay with us again! Susan

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway.

Relaxing & Beautiful

Guest: JGates (Rising Sun, Maryland, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/11/10 Review Submitted: 07/21/10

This was my first visit to St. John, we stayed at the Astral Cottage. I will have to say this was the best vacation I have ever taken, actually it was my honeymoon. The cottage was very clean and well maintained. We just loved the views from the balconies. We traveled around Coral Bay and visited a number of beaches while we were there, we really liked the snorkeling, lots of things to see in the water that is crystal clear, many types of fish. It is such a great thing to view sea turtles at Maho Bay in their natural habitat. The sights and sounds were amazing everywhere we went. We found a nice local restaurant in Coral Bay called Aqua Bistro, it was fabulous, and the breakfasts at the Donkey Diner was amazing. We are planning on going back next year to visit and will be sure to stay at the cottage again. If you are looking for a great place to stay, look no further.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway.

amazing!

Guest: chefgretch (Lewes, DE)
Date of Stay: 01/03/10 Review Submitted: 02/14/10

We have stayed with calabash cottages for two years and we plan to again next year. The cottages look almost exactly as they are pictured. Someone will be there to guide you to Coral Bay and up the hill called Calabash Boom and give you a brief and very helpful tour of your cottage. All properties are equipped with St. John tour books (Fins, Feet and Four-Wheel Drive is the BEST ONE!) For a great meal go to Asolare. It's very pricey but well worth it. We went both years and think it has the best food and service on the island (we are both chefs.) It's also one of the best places on the island to view the sunset. Call for an early reservation on the balcony.

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