Recommended

Guest: RS (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 01/02/12 Review Submitted: 01/21/12

Our family of 4 stayed at Estate Dorethea the week after New Year's. The property was exactly as described and we found it to be clean and comfortable. We were not looking for a resort experience (been there, done that), but something off the beaten trail where we could get into the rhythm of island life. The kitchen is updated and well stocked with appliances and utensils. The bedrooms are a good size and equipped with AC, which are a must to knock down the humidity levels. The beds are adequate. There are two generous sized bathrooms, though enough hot water for back-to-back showers was sometimes a problem. A TV with DVD is available, though the satelite service was not working during our stay - which was not much of an issue since we didn't come to St. Thomas to watch TV. This is a quiet location with a great view of the bay. Swimming is limited due to the rocky shoreline, but definitely possible. Another bay is accessible via a 20' hike through the woods, that is deserted during the week and offers beautiful sandy beaches. Hull Bay is a short drive away and was a nice diversion from the more popular beaches that are favorite of the cruise ship tourists. Given the remote location of the property, a rental car is highly recommended. We enjoyed our stay and for the money, it is a great value compared to other VRBO sites and especially compared to the resorts. For a family of 4, our other option was two hotel rooms at $300-350/night. Since we were able to prepare our own meals, this property was a bargain in comparison.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway.

Heaven on Earth!

Guest: Kendra & Shaun (Connecticut)
Date of Stay: 04/06/11 Review Submitted: 06/19/11

Words cannot do this place justice. Truly paradise on earth. Dorthea Bay offered the perfect retreat off the beaten path, yet was only a short drive to restaurants and public beaches for exploring. However, both the beach outside the front door and the ten minute walk to secluded Neltjeberg beach, were our favorite parts of this location, as well as cooking lovely meals here to be enjoyed on the ocean front balcony. This property was comfortable and totally relaxing, a retreat away from the world, yet we met many friendly locals who made us feel completely welcomed. The condo was equipped with everything necessary to have all the comforts of home plus an amazing view and a pounding surf to sleep to. WARNING: if you are allergic to palm trees, whites sand, clear azure water, pelicans, fishing, snorkeling, relaxation or bliss- do not rent!

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

A View of Paradise

Guest: Delighted (Long Island, NY)
Date of Stay: 04/26/11 Review Submitted: 05/06/11

This condo was clean and comfortable. The view is spectacular. The pictures on the website are accurate but nowhere near as beautiful as the reality of watching the bay. The sounds of the waves just transported us. We had a sense of peace and calm just being there. The owner of the condo was also helpful and responsive. The challenge was the driving through the hills!! However, it was well worth it since those views were also gorgeous. St. Thomas is simply a wonderful place to be. The people are friendly and helpful. All in all, we had a great time and came home renewed.

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

dream vacation spot

Guest: Connie (Great Barrington, MA, the Berkshires of Western MA)
Date of Stay: 03/08/11 Review Submitted: 03/20/11

Loved this place and highly recommend it. Everything was just as promised and even more delightful. Jeff made booking it easy, answered all questions promptly, and checked in with us to make sure everything was perfect. The setting is great particularly for quiet and seclusion, and really is only about 50 feet to the ocean and the fascinating diving pelicans and boobies, with a fantastic view and sound of the surf. It's the Atlantic, north side of the island, and well away from the crowds from the cruise ships. We couldn't believe, especially for this price, we could be this close to what amounts to a private beach. The apartment is clean, tasteful, and extremely comfortable. The photos are accurate but can't express the lovely feeling the place has of being very relaxed and having just exactly what you need. There's plenty of space for our family of 4, and having 2 bathrooms is such a plus because we have 2 teenaged daughters. Kitchen is well appointed, nice appliances, etc. and it's nice that Jeff stocks condiments and a few basics like oil and vinegar. Everything was very clean and well maintained inside the apartment. Many things to do on the island, and everything is within a 20 minute drive. We particularly enjoyed Coral World where you can pet stingrays, sharks, and starfish, and see a sea lion do his thing up close and personal, also Eco Tours where you can kayak with a guide the mangrove lagoons, race hermit crabs, and snorkel quiet spots. As well as of course there are many more than you can visit in a week fabulous beaches where they bring you drinks, plus great restaurants and shopping. We also loved our daysail with Capt Kathleen on the sloop HighPockets, and she took us to prime snorkeling on neighboring islands and provided a delicious gourmet lunch. Perhaps best though was knowing we could also really enjoy just kicking back at the apartment, playing in the surf or in the pool, or just gazing at the ocean, palm trees, and birds, having a genuine island experience, without going anywhere. Since this place is a bit off the beaten path, you are going to want to rent a car, and brave the left hand driving on narrow twisty steep roads. Also, it's one flight of steps up to the apartment, so not handicapped accessible. We truly loved this place, shed a tear to leave, will be telling everyone we know about it, and hope to come back.

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

Perfect for ocean lovers!

Guest: Brad & Shawna (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 02/23/11 Review Submitted: 03/09/11

The condo is only steps away from the beach! We really enjoyed hearing the waves roll up on the shore. The view was amazing. The condo was very clean and it's located in a friendly, safe, local community. It also had everything we needed... cooking items, beach towels, cooler & chairs, etc. We liked that the condo is close to Hull Bay, Magen's Bay, Charoltte Amalie and many wonderful restaurants. We had a wonderful time!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Looking for Paradise? This. Is. It.

Guest: Camden (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 12/20/10 Review Submitted: 01/16/11

I cannot even remember the last time I enjoyed a vacation this much. Probably never. It sometimes verged on the ridiculous. Like my wife and friends and I were in a Corona commercial or something. Jeff was very attentive to our needs and questions. His neighbors also looked out for us. The house is gorgeous, the beach outstanding, and the adventure life changing. I cannot recommend this property enough. Will definitely go back! Excellent! Thanks again Jeff! It was magical!!

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

Heaven on earth

Guest: J & B (denver, co)
Date of Stay: 06/23/10 Review Submitted: 07/15/10

This is a fabulous place to stay if you want to get away from the tourist crowd for a more authentic stay on St. Thomas. The condo has everything you will need if you don't expect to be catered to and is within easy reach of many beautiful beaches. We enjoyed packing up a lunch, getting in the car and exploring beaches. Nearby Sandy Bay was one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever been to and it was completely secluded. We didn't even see a boat in the distance!! The neighbors are welcoming and helpful with everything. Can't wait to get back.

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

Guest: Linda B3 (West Bloomfield, MI)
Date of Stay: 04/28/10 Review Submitted: 04/28/10

We had a great stay. It was fun being away from the tourists. We got a real taste of what it's like to live in St. Thomas.

Recommended for:

Guest: bill anderson1 (-)
Date of Stay: 03/28/10 Review Submitted: 03/28/10

if you are looking to relax this is the place. very quite and peaceful, the view of the water from the living room is great. the best part was going to sleep with the waves crashing on the beach.

Recommended for:

Guest: Kathy82 (-)
Date of Stay: 02/10/10 Review Submitted: 02/10/10

What a wonderful time and great condo. The view was beautiful, over looking the ocean. I would recommend this location to anyone. We are looking forward to returning.

Recommended for: