Charming Accomodations in Lovely Frederiksted

Guest: SeniorTraveler (Raleigh, NC)
Date of Stay: 12/12/11 Review Submitted: 12/31/11

I am a single, senior female who enjoys traveling alone, meeting local people and getting to know my surroundings. Jasmine Manor, Lower Love, was the perfect spot for me. The short walk to one of the most beautiful waterfronts I have seen in Caribbean, the lovely people, ease in driving to enjoy the entire island's vistas, views, shoreline, and shopping provided me with one of the best vacations ever. I have traveled to and lived on a few islands and I found St. Croix and Jasmine Manor to be a destination I will return to as often as possible.

Owner response:Thank you so much for staying at and enjoying Jasmine Manor and St. Croix. It was great to see you again and reconnect. I look forward to your next visit.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+.

Wonderful place to get away from it all.

Guest: Beachsleeper ;) (Youngstown, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 02/23/11 Review Submitted: 04/06/11

I miss this place. I missed it as I was boarding my flight to return home. And I only miss it more as time passes by. The above description of Jasmine Manor is accurate, however lacking in details. Upon arrival (and being met by Vickie at the gate) I was taken up an outdoor spiral staircase to Upper Love, one of the three apartments at Jasmine Manor. It had a comfortable seating area with a 15 foot cathedral ceiling with fan. There also was a full kitchen with all utensils and cookware as well as a full bath. The bedroom also boasted a vaulted ceiling with it's own fan. The apartment didn't have air conditioning, but that was hardly a problem. Along with the fans there are plenty of wood-shuttered windows that opened out to let the gentle, cooling Caribbean breezes in. The bed was dressed with high quality linens and soft down pillows. That, paired with the sounds of the island breeze, made for some of the best sleep that I've had in a long time. Jasmine Manor doesn't offer television or clocks. This was probably the best part about the place. It didn't take long for me to relax and get into the island frame of mind. I suppose you could use your cell phone for an alarm clock, but the church bells just a block away were a great way for me to wake up and start the day. Wi-fi is available (and works great), but there was too much to do. So, I hardly used it. If you're looking for high-rise hotels, crowded beaches, and children running around screaming everywhere, go to the Bahamas. St. Croix is an island lost in a time before the tourism industry took over and forced out their culture and simple way of life. And this is exactly how they want it. There still are plenty of things to do, however. The snorkeling and diving is world class. The golf courses are the best in the Caribbean. You can shop downtown, jet-ski at Rainbow beach, see the beer drinking pigs, or just lime around at one of the white sand beaches with a very strong rum concoction in your hand. Bring sunscreen. The beach is an easy place to catch a "nap". The rum flows like water down there. And you can enjoy it practically anywhere. Prices are very cheap compared to the other islands. The restaurants are world-class. Have an awesome breakfast at Polly"s, the best reuben anywhere at Turtle's, and then finish it off with dinner at the Blue Moon. Or, for the best local food, don't miss the West End Grille. EVERYTHING is within walking distance. God, I can't wait to go back. Thanks Vickie.

Owner response:Thank you Greg for the thorough and thoughtful review- I am so glad you enjoyed your stay on St. Croix and at Jasmine Manor. You immediately felt the pulse of St. Croix, especially the west end. Hurry back! Cheers, Vicky

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, adventure seekers.

Great personalized service and

Guest: Patrick (Costa Rica)
Date of Stay: 03/13/11 Review Submitted: 04/04/11

I stayed in Wood Cottage in March 2011 while taking a course at nearby- UVI. I have to say everything was just great - better than I expected. It is a large, independent, free-standing house w/ separate kitchen (which is where you walk in) and a very large bedroom/living area. It is an old building, and that is part of the charm. Everything you need is right there. The owner, Vicky, is also super friendly and helped me out with info and help at every turn. I highly recommend Wood Cottage and Jasmine Manor if you're looking for a quaint, personalized experience.

Owner response:Patrick- thank you for the great review. It was great to have you and the other farmers at Jasmine Manor. I am so glad you enjoyed your stay. I am looking forward to the Cost Rican coffee! Thanks again Vicky

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, sightseeing.

Great Place to Stay---Location and Accomodations were GREAT!!!

Guest: Mike (Norfolk, Va)
Date of Stay: 02/27/11 Review Submitted: 03/14/11

Had a great time in St. Croix and the town of Fredriksted. Jasmine Manor was perfect for myself and some friends that came down to do some fishing and see the sights of the island. My daughter was down for a lacrosse tournament for her spring break (which is how I was able to come down). Was able to catch the games and see just about everything on the island. We rented a car which was good for us, as we were driving back and forth to various events. Our cottage that we stayed in had all we needed. The Manor is a very close to alot of restaurants and night life. A simple 2 block walk puts you in reach of many places. Great places to eat---Turtle Deli, Coconuts(if you are there on a Sunday, Coconuts has a great steak), Island Bar and Grill also had great food(awesome Mahi Mahi in various dishes, good chicken wings, stay away from the hot sauce). The whole experience was more than expected and would surely go back anytime.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers.

Lovely Island Charm

Guest: delta girls (Bluemont, VA/ USA)
Date of Stay: 03/28/10 Review Submitted: 04/06/10

My friend and I recently had the chance to spend a few days away from the cold Northeast. St Croix and Frederiksted was ideal, a quick flight from ATL, with close airport and beaches, since we didn't want to waste time getting to our destination. Jasmine Manor is an ideal location, with the added privacy and charm not possible if you were at a big resort. And since it is in the USVI, it was perfect weather, no chance of it not being warm enough! We enjoyed not having to rent a car, walked to some nice restaurants and beaches. Snorkeling was ideal right at the harbor. Shopping was fun when the cruise ship came in, but it wasn't overly crowded with people or vendors. Coffee was great at Polly's in the morning! St Croix is a refreshing change in the Caribbean, not touristy or posh, just very genuine and friendly. Vicky is a wonderful host and a wealth of information about the island. Our brief vacation was relaxing and fun.

Recommended for:

Great hospitality, good location for independent travels.

Guest: Snowshoe Psycho (Vermont)
Date of Stay: 01/07/10 Review Submitted: 03/26/10

Very affordable, comfortable, not fancy, but fully functional. Very close to the heart of Fredriksted. Easy walk to beaches, beach bar, cruise ship dock, shopping, restaurants, taxi-bus, bus stop, bike rentals, etc. I self catered with one grocery trip to one of the main stores mid-island, although a small grocery is right across the street and a slightly larger one a few blocks away. The owner and the other locals I met were incredibly warm, welcoming, inclusive, informative, and friendly. Ask for information, and you'll get all you need to design a great trip. Very relaxed, easy-going, and helpful. St. Croix itself charmed me - more down to earth, affordable, and less crowded than St. Thomas, and more diverse than St. John, the island offers an array of activities (go sailing with Big Beard). I spent a fantastic day mountain biking on two-track and single track trails. Great swimming, sailing, limin', all around Caribbean happiness are easily accessible. many people rent cars, but I managed fine with the public bus and taxi-vans, and a bike rental for part of the time. Cruise ships are only in 2-4 days a week, and only one at a time, so you get the benefits of cruise tourism without all the drawbacks. I anticipate a return myself, hopefully with friends. With four separate accommodations on a single property, this would be great for a group of friends or a few families traveling together. Owner does have a dog, but she is friendly and doesn't bother the guests. Property has locked access for security. Neighborhood is lively at night, but not unreasonably loud. Wi-Fi works great, no television, no telephone (but U.S. mobiles work fine), no dvd, no radio, no clock.... great for the vacation-minded.

Owner response:Thanks so much for your honest and detailed description of Jasmine Manor, Frederiksted and St. Croix. I call it "classic caribbean" and love it when I get reviews such as this that confirm that this property really fits a niche. I look forward to your return and having many more like-minded guests.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers.