Incredible stay on St.John at Buddha Garden

Guest: CaribbeaVisitors (Sarasota, Fl)
Date of Stay: 07/22/09 Review Submitted: 08/09/09

First, I want to say how wonderful the island of St.John is for a relaxing vacation. Now the only way to improve on this was to find a place as special as St.John and we did! Buddha Garden is decorated in exotic Asian decor that was purchased by the owners on their many trips abroad. It is better than the pictures and at the end of the road so it is very private. There are two large bedrooms with attached bathrooms with walk-in showers, a great kitchen with a koi pond outside, a living room area, many neat dining areas and places to read including the roof deck. Good for yoga too. The views are something truly special. You look out on several of the British Virgin Islands, the east end of St.John and a beautiful bay below where you can hear the waves. There is always a great breeze too. We rented a jeep to travel to the numerous beaches and could not believe all the sea life we saw. No jet skiing so very relaxing. The owners Lolita and Ric were extremely helpful and answered any questions we had. We wish we had had a chance to talk to them about all their travels. Lolita provided us with a list of less known places to snorkel, their favorite places to eat and where to grocery shop. There is a market a few miles away (Lily's Gourmet Market) that had all we needed, we did shop once in town (Starfish) too. When we ate out the food was wonderful (Shipwreck, Skinny Legs...) and the servings were large so we made two meals from most places. Before coming we read about it being expensive to buy food and eat out but when you consider there is no sales tax or resort tax it worked out about the same as other island trips we have made. I saw on another review were some people stayed with out a jeep and you could do that but for us it was much easier to have transportation. My husband went into town twice to go out scuba diving (Low Key- which he said was the best group he has ever dove with) and we could go places when ever we wanted. We spent a great day on the "Baddy Kitty" that took us to several BVI (you need your passport) to swim, eat and have a drink. It could not have been a better trip. Like islands in the Caribbean in St.John you should be conscious about saving water and there is a water collection system at this home. I wish I could upload some of my pictures to better show Buddha Garden and it's views. We are hopeful to return again to say at this beautiful home.

Owner response:I am glad that you mentioned Low Key and Bad Kitty as that helps everyone else when they want to go diving or the 'BVI's. I think you can explore the island more with a jeep especially if you want to dine out in some of our great restaurants.

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

Most Relaxing Vacation We Ever Had

Guest: Gwydhar G.
Date of Stay: 11/26/11 Review Submitted: 12/12/11

We'd never been to the Virgin Islands before but after the stress of Thanksgiving and a busy personal and professional year we were burnt out and looking for a place to recharge. We absolutely found it in the tranquil, gallery-like setting of Buddha Garden. Our week at Buddha Garden was a wonderful balance of reading, napping, watching the stars and the sunrise along with visiting St John's beautiful beaches and taking a few exhilarating and unexpected car rides. (Everyone assures you that you can't get lost because there's only one road: to this we say: "you can" and "we did.") The home is welcoming and well appointed with the perks of a well equipped kitchen and wireless internet. We had the pleasure of dining at several wonderful restaurants: La Tapa was excellent food (but don't sit on the curbside if you can) and Aqua Bistro had some of the best burgers we ever had. We also had great fun visiting the owners' shop(s) Now and Zen. The owners, Ric and Lolita, are very gracious and accommodating and, if you are interested, have wonderful adventure stories from their travels around the world. I would absolutely recommend this place to any friend or family member looking for quiet and relaxation, and I would go back in a heartbeat!

Recommended for:

paradise at the end of the road

Guest: julibet (durham, nc, usa)
Date of Stay: 03/10/11 Review Submitted: 03/24/11

The pictures don't do this house justice. There are so many stunning outdoor places--sun and shade--to hang out, savor the views and catch the amazing breezes. The rooftop was our evening entertainment, watching the sunset, listening to the water, looking at the stars. I loved the bathrooms, too--lovely, natural all-tile and stone wet rooms with view portals. Chock full of art, books, and DVDs--not that we ever got around to turning on the TV. And, within walking distance, the restaurant at Concordia which is open-air, excellent, and reasonably priced. What a vacation find!

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

Good Vibes

Guest: boomernation (charlotte, nc)
Date of Stay: 01/30/11 Review Submitted: 02/14/11

The good vibes at the Buddha Garden started as soon as we walked into the villa. There was peaceful music playing and the gentle breeze was blowing through the house. The far eastern decor was wonderful. The villa was clean and well equipped with anything you might need for a great stay. The roof top terrace had the most spectacular views I have ever seen. There is total privacy. The location is perfect. We had a car rental and went to Waterlemon Cay (in 10 minutes) for great snorkeling. We swam at the uncrowded Little Lameshur Bay. Had wonderful Sunday Brunch at Miss Lucy's. Got groceries at Lily's and spirits at Love City Markey all within a 5 minute drive. Ready to go back.

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

Cloud Watching Retreat

Guest: Laura & Bill (Manasquan, NJ)
Date of Stay: 12/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/10/11

We stayed at Buddha Garden in November 2010 for an unbelievable week. If you want to really retreat & get away from the "cookie cutter" offerings, this lovely & interesting home is for you. The pictures were accurate as was the description in the listing & more. Music was playing when we arrived along with a lovely cheese & fruit plate. This was our first time in St. John & we fell in love with the island, the people, the beaches & the beautiful scenery & this home. We loved the location, which over looks the Virgin Islands & Torotola & has magnificent views of the islands, the sea & the clouds. Early morning & late afternoon brings astonishing water colors to the sky & sea. Time for "cloud watching"! The breezes are constant, so air conditioning is not needed. The house itself is comfortable & very different in decor. We found this charming & we were constantly seeing something new hidden somewhere in the Koi Pond & in the gardens. The furnishings, from the pictures are from the Far East & really give the home a unique personality. Rick & Emily, the Owners, put a lot of thought& work into their house. If you want a romantic & adventure like "get away", this is the place for you! There are plenty of beaches & good restaurants in the Coral Bay vicinity & the beaches on the north end of the island are also close in proximity. Rick & Emily are also very helpful with any questions that you may have about St. John; whether it be snorkeling, beaches, restaurants, points of interest, history etc. We plan on returning next year as we truly enjoyed our stay at Buddha Garden & came away fully rested & felt that we had been in a very magical place. Don't forget to count the Buddhas!

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

Buddha Garden Paradise

Guest: ffjfjfjfjllllfl (Bridgton, Maine, USA)
Date of Stay: 01/29/10 Review Submitted: 03/26/10

My husband and I love the East and staying at Buddha Garden was just like being there; in the most beautiful and breathtaking location one can imagine. There are many comfortable and unique spaces at Buddha Garden to just sit and drink in the beauty of the surroundings. The collection of art in this house is amazing. We saw new things each day that we hadn't noticed in previous days. Ric and Lolita have done a great job creating a very tranquil , serene and fun atmosphere. A place to just relax, read a good book, do yoga or do nothing. It's conveniently located, so it's easy to venture out when feeling like exploring. I liked being able to walk to Salt Pond to go for a swim and a snorkel, and not needing to always use our jeep to get around. We enjoyed cooking a lot of our own meals and eating them out on the porch overlooking the BVIs. The rooftop space and view is spectacular, day and night. We definately hope to return in the future.

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

Buddha Garden Delight

Guest: Zimo (Boston,Mass.)
Date of Stay: 03/05/10 Review Submitted: 03/12/10

If you like spectacular views, panoramic that is; a unique getaway that is filled with art and objects from Asia and Indonesia, on a cliff overlooking island after Island , then I highly recommend this rental. There are all these different environments to relax and hang out in. ie a gorgeous outside porch overlooking the sea, an adorable outdoor dining nook and the rooftop is simply breathtaking. We hung out in this Buddha like temple structure relaxing, reading and meditating. I experienced sitting and lying in different places in the house and everywhere I looked it was a visual treat to my eyes and my soul. This house is like nothing I have ever been in. We grew to love it in such a short time. It is fully equipped with a stereo and Cd's,Internet and T.V and is the perfect getaway retreat. We're in.

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

Every Day a New Discovery!

Guest: Tom and Patty (Oregon, WI USA)
Date of Stay: 01/12/10 Review Submitted: 01/21/10

Buddha Garden was an amazing place to stay with magnificent views, plenty of room, and amazingly interesting decor with treasures from around the world. Lolita and Ric were wonderful hosts--very gracious and willing to share travel tips and all the great features--rooftop terrace, dipping pool, koi pond, garden, and breezy porches--of their most unusual home. We just returned home yesterday and I'd love to go back tomorrow! Tom and Patty 1/21/2010

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

Fabulous Views! Amazing House!

Guest: Chihuahua (Annapolis, MD)
Date of Stay: 11/23/09 Review Submitted: 12/11/09

This house is the exactly what we look for in a vacation house. We have rented many vacation properties all over the world, and this is one of the nicest we have ever stayed in. The house is fully-equipped, the views were top-notch and the owners delightful. As other reviewers have said, the photos do not do it justice. Amazingly secluded and perched on a mountain overlooking sleepy Coral Bay and John's Folly, the house provides the ultimate in privacy on St John. You are away from the noise and expense of Cruz Bay. Nothing to bother you but the breezes, birds, and croaking geckos. The house is located convenient to many of the less traveled beaches (Salt Pond and Lameshur Bay), but just a short drive to the North Shore beaches as well. You could spend hours studying the owners worldly collections, or sit on the rooftop gazing out upon 8 islands. This is one of those places you need to see to believe. And we do recommend seeing it. After experiencing it for a week, the price seemed like a bargain!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers.

Incredible Zen-like Shangrila

Guest: Markos (Essex Junction, VT, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/14/08 Review Submitted: 04/27/09

Visiting Buddha Gardens is like falling into heaven. It is a multi-level, relaxing place, filled with the owners finds from Bali and elsewhere in Indonesia, with spectacular views of sea and islands. You can fulfill your fantasies there without budging. And you can venture into the rest of St. John easily by bus or on foot. But what a place! And if the owners are there, they have fascinating stories from their exotic travels.

Owner response:Thanks, our house is a reflection of our shop Now and Zen in Cruz Bay full of antiques and handicrafts from around the world.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.