Vacation Rentals by Owner

NJ Couple

Guest: NJ Boomers (United States)
Date of Stay: 03/24/12 Review Submitted: 04/06/12

Our second time at Sopre Mare and this property did not disappoint us! We love the location, the views, the privacy, and the accoutrements. You want for nothing at this property! It's Heaven! To have the doors open completely makes you feel like you are on a cruite ship - without any of the gross buffets! We loved watching the cruise ships from the balcony and being so glad we were at Sopre Mare!!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

SOPRA MARE MERVEILLEUSE!!!!

Guest: tom (asheville,north carolina)
Date of Stay: 03/04/12 Review Submitted: 04/18/12

MY WIFE AND I SPENT A WONDERFUL 10 DAY VACATION ON THE ISLAND OF SIANT JOHN'S AND STAYED AT THE VILLA SOPRA MARE. WE TRAVEL TO THE CARIBBEAN ANNUALLY AND ALWAYS CHOOSE TO STAY IN A PRIAVTE VILLA. SOPRA MARE FAR EXCEEDED ALL OF OUR HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS. THE PHOTOS ON THE INTERNET CANNOT COME CLOSE TO CAPTURING THE MAGNIFICANCE AND MAJESTY OF THE VIEW FROM THE POOL AND TERRACES OF THE VILLA. AS THE VILLA FACES DIRECTLY SOUTH, ONE IS ABLE TO SEE A SPECTACULAR SUNRISE EVERY MORNING AND A STUNNING SUNSET EVERY EVENING. THE TRADEWINDS BLOW CONTINUALLY FROM THE EAST SUCH THAT ALL DAY LONG THE VILLA STAYS VERY COOL AND COMFORATBLE. THE INTERIOR FURNISHINGS ARE VERY NICE AND THE VILLA IS ALSO WELL EQUIPED WITH BEACH CHAIRS AND COOLERS FOR THE ALL IMPORTANT BEACH EXCURSIONS TO ST JOHN'S INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL NORTH SHORE BEACHES. DURING OUR STAY, WE HAD THE ADDED BOUNS TO HAVE A FULL MOON FOR 5 NIGHTS. EACH OF THESE NIGHTS WE SAT ON THE TERRACE OF THE MASTER BEDROOM AND FOLLOWED THE MOONLIGHT AS IT LIT UP THE BAYS OF THE SOUTH SHORE , ONE BY ONE, UNTIL IT SHONE DIRECTLY UPON US SITTING ON THE TERRACE. THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF MARIA BLUFF IS CALM AND SERENE BUT VERY CLOSE TO THE WESTIN RESORT WHERE WE ENJOYED USE OF THE FITNESS CENTER. ALSO, THE VILLA IS A VERY SHORT DRIVE BACK TO CRUZ BAY FOR EVENING DINING. WE HAVE ALREADY BOOKED OUR RETURN FOR 10 DAYS IN WINTER OF 2013.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Perfect Vacation

Guest: 30 somethings seeking relaxation (Ohio)
Date of Stay: 10/22/11 Review Submitted: 12/07/11

If you want to relax and enjoy vacation on a beautiful island...Sopra Mare on St. John is the perfect getaway. You have the comfort of living in a magnificent home with all of the amenities, while having spectacular views from a cliffside setting. We enjoyed reading our Kindles in the pool while floating on the rafts provided. By car, the grocery store, the gas station and access to various beaches are nearby. Viva Villas was excellent as a resource and assisting for any and every need - including assistance to book excursions. We hope to return in the near future!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

Over The Top!

Guest: Gigi (Austin, Texas)
Date of Stay: 09/24/11 Review Submitted: 10/19/11

This is a fabulous house with breathtaking views and complete with every amenity you would ever wish for. Hard to believe but the pictures do not do it justice. The house is furnished so comfortably and so well appointed that you feel like you are visiting a home, not a rental space. The gourmet kitchen and stunning sunsets compelled us to cook at home many nights and enjoy the peace and beauty serenaded by the tree frog community. We loved the fold away doors in the living and master that allow you to be right on the ocean! What a great feature!! We enjoyed the pool and spacious decks so much that we had to force ourselves to go to a beach or two. (lovely by the way). This is a beautiful, tranquil relaxing space and easy to see why guests are sad to leave and eager to return. In addition, the management company was very helpful with all the information we needed prior to arrival and during our stay. Staying here was truly the best experience!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Very Disappointed

Guest: None (Atlanta)
Date of Stay: 08/27/11 Review Submitted: 09/13/11

The amazing ocean front doors in the bedroom had to remain closed at the suggestion of the villa company due to bugs because there were no screens. This was also the case for the downstairs doors which meant no through draft to cool the ground floor.The pool was not at all private,the brick wall to the side of the pool was not high enough and passing vehicles could look right down into the pool and also the dining area. On 2 occasion whilst relaxing on a float motorists spoke to me as the vehicle window was just above the wall and the slope of the road and vehicle speed allowed direct vision. The master bedroom A/C was a nightmare and would only work if a body remained in the room. Overall very hot downstairs and lacking in privacy. I would not recommend this villa to a friend or family member.

Owner response:Dear Atlanta: First, thank you for your response. The a/c was tested after your departure to verify it was functioning as designed and it is. There are two sensors one that allows operation when doors/windows are closed and a sensor to verify someone is in the room. There is not a sensor for movement in the room. What likely happened, is you left the room or villa with the doors closed and assumed it would continue to run. After 10 minutes it shuts off if no one is in the room. Electric on St. John at $.47/kwh is one of the highest rates in the world and while we certainly want each and every guest comfortable we also attempt to save energy when and where it's not necessary. After you left I personally stayed at the villa for three weeks and experienced no a/c problem. The pool has a privacy fence and is surrounded by landscape. Yes, if someone stops from the road they can partially see the pool but they have to strain to see anyone in the pool. Ocean doors were intentionally designed without screens. A continual easterly breeze normally eliminates any flying bug problem. While I appreciate your comments you should consider after nearly 100 rentals you are the first to show any displeasure with Sopra Mare. Thank you - Owner

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Wonderful Vacation

Guest: Mark6 (Lawrenceville)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 08/02/11

Our entire family enjoyed our trip to St. John and stay at Sopra Mare.The views were absolutely beautiful and the location was perfect.We loved our morning coffee time on the deck overlooking the Caribbean ocean! The villa was tucked away in privacy but we also appreciated how close it was to the downtown area. We also enjoyed our morning runs on the quiet road the Villa was on, it was a great workout to the Westin and back. Beautiful home and awesome family trip. We will be back someday!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Five Stars for Sopra Mare

Guest: 173*** (NJ)
Date of Stay: 04/09/11 Review Submitted: 04/18/11

The pictures did not do Sopra Mare justice. We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of Sopra Mare, including the very helpful Viva Villa agent. From our email exchanges over the year (with owner and rental agency), we always felt very confident that we were making the right choice. Then when we saw the villa, we knew all of our research had paid off. The kitchen looks so much better in person and the views are breathtaking. The interior design of the house is exquisite, down to every detail (we all loved the boat chandelier at night--such a nice touch). The kids loved the pool, including the light show at night. The house was fully equipped for all your needs (beach stuff, cooler, bags, towels, toys) so be sure to pack light. The Kenny Chesney CDs (not yours to keep) were a bonus to make us all feel the full STJ experience! We absolutely will be back--not soon enough!

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

Another great vacation at Sopra Mare!!!

Guest: Jill and Dave (Pleasant Prairie, WI)
Date of Stay: 03/12/11 Review Submitted: 03/26/11

We have been to St John five times and stayed at Sopra Mare the last two years. We are planning to stay at Sopra Mare for a third time next year....Need I say more? The villa is private, beautiful and ultra-clean. Once, you see the amazing 180 degree view from the two decks, you will know that you will never stay in another location. The owner is a joy to work with and the housekeeper and property manager are great. I have no complaints except that I wish that I could stay longer! Thanks for everything.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Best Vacation Ever!

Guest: Beach lover (Avon, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 01/08/11 Review Submitted: 02/08/11

We stayed at Sopra Mare for 7 days in Janaury 2011. The home is beautiful. We enjoy everything about the house. I would return next week for I could. I think it is a great place for couples. The island is beautiful. Try to explore the whole island and beaches. The most beautiful beaches we have ever seen. There is so much to do that 7 days was not enough, so we are planning a return trip. If you want a great location, great views and great house rent Sopra Mare. First class all the way.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Sopra Mare

Guest: Rich and Bobbie (Dublin, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 03/27/10 Review Submitted: 04/10/10

We returned to St John for a 7 day stay and were thoroughly pleased with our Villa, Sopra Mare. While not far from town, it’s perched atop a quiet hillside that offered private balcony, patio, pool and master suite views of each island sunrise and sunset. Whether watching the passing power / sail boats or star gazing, the view was spectacular. While some promotional listings exaggerate the accommodations; this one accurately reflected the expansive overlook views and the well-designed layout of the villa. One of the outstanding features was the fold-away floor to ceiling glass doors in the master suite and living room which offered a true open-air experience taking advantage of the villa’s vantage point. Sopra Mare came fully equipped with all kitchen amenities, propane outdoor grill, beach chairs, coolers and beach towels. The villa owner and management company were easy to work with and very accommodating. The “briefing materials” left with us by the management staff were thorough and complete in describing the amenities of the property as well as having current restaurant menus and convenient entertainment opportunities. We’d highly recommend staying at Sopra Mare.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Chris & Betsy R (Ada, MI)
Date of Stay: 03/07/10 Review Submitted: 03/07/10

We just returned from Sopra Mare after a 10 day stay and are ready to return! This villa was a wonderful find...a beautiful property in a great location. The owner provided lots of amenities like beach chairs, coolers and beach towels which allowed us to settle in quickly and really enjoy our stay. Beautiful views of sunrise, sunset, sailboats and cruise ships...not to mention the beautiful night sky. Lots of windows and lovely furnishings throughout. So nice, it's hard to leave, but so nice to return to after a day of island exploration. We highly recommend Sopra Mare and hope to return.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/20/09 Review Submitted: 12/19/09

The intent of our short visit was to spend days exploring St. John, snorkeling and diving. We did enjoy each moment on, in and under the beautiful waters surrounding us, but from the moment we entered the gate of Sopra Mare, it too became a part of wonderful moments turned memories. At night you feel as though you are suspended in the star filled sky, truly a falcon's roost. Yet with this very private view of the island's sunrises and sunsets we also had a location convenient to Cruz Bay and the Westin based dive operation we liked, Cruz Bay Watersports. Sopra Mare itself was beautifully designed and decorated with attention to every detail. It was really a wonderful vacation and we look forward to returning to Sopra Mare whenever we can.

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Guest: Mary & Scott B
Date of Stay: 11/01/09 Review Submitted: 10/31/09

Stayed 7 days in October, 2009 We loved our stay at Sopra Mare! It was a beautiful house in a spectacular location. We look so forward to staying at Sopra Mare again the future and highly recommend this house to anyone looking to stay in St. John! Mary & Scott B, Columbia, SC

Recommended for:

Guest: Hanne Marte Norman (Trondheim, Norway)
Date of Stay: 08/25/09 Review Submitted: 08/25/09

"Sopra Mare" is just amazing. I must admit we had quite high expectations judging from the photos Mr. Mullen has posted, but this is over the top! This villa has it all. It`s away from the crowds, yet near Cruz Bay(just what we wanted), it`s beautifully designed and furnished, the view is plain terrific, and it`s got every equipment that you`d need. Another thing- the nearest supermarket is a 20 min. walk away (near Westin Resort), so if you like a little exercise in the morning, this is perfect. We did not rent a car, but the cabs will take you here. Walking into Cruz Bay is also posssible- we walked to Salomon Bay yesterday. Worth mentioning is the Viva greeter who met us. She was extremely friendly and helpful, and maade us feel very welcome. I love it! And we still have 11 days left...! Bliss! Thank you from two norwegians who made their way down to St. John. Love, Hanne

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Guest: John & Donna Cardamon (Dallas Texas)
Date of Stay: 08/25/09 Review Submitted: 08/25/09

We thought the decor and the lay out of this house was ausome, the view from the master suit, and the living room were to die for. we would get up every morning and thought we were in another world. The pool was magnifisent and the convienence to the the short trip to the town was perfect. We both highly recoment this house to anyone that wants a first class get away, and we would love to come back. John & Donna

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Guest: Kevin Keyser (Frederick, Maryland)
Date of Stay: 08/20/09 Review Submitted: 08/20/09

Sopra Mare is a beautifully decorated, efficiently designed oceanfront villa high on a cliff with one of the best views I've ever seen. The walls of the master suite and living room open entirely so you can fully experience the ocean sounds and breeze. No detail was missed, from the surround sound stereo/DVD system including iPod dock to the well-equipped kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless appliances to the pool and patio complete with large gas grill. Location is perfect for enjoying St. John island paradise, just outside of the main town of Cruz Bay and minutes from all the best beaches. The property manager, as well as the owner himself, are absolutely wonderful, responding quickly and meeting every need. Sopra Mare helped make our first family vacation to St. John a truly relaxing, enjoyable and memorable experience.

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Guest: Penny and Tim M (Bourne, MA)
Date of Stay: 07/31/09 Review Submitted: 07/31/09

STUNNING SETTING! Stayed 12 days in July, 2009 Sopra Mare was brand new when we arrived. We were the first to use the house and everything was meticulously clean and fresh. The chef (my husband) gives the kitchen 5 stars for equipment and counter space. No matter where you stand in the house the view is stunning. We were so comfortable we barely ventured out for the first few days. We will be back!

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