Vacation Rentals by Owner

Breath taking view in fish bay...

Guest: Jen (Texas)
Date of Stay: 04/14/12 Review Submitted: 04/20/12

The view from the Cottage was beautiful. The windows lining the wall overlooked the gorgeous landscape below. It's quite a trek up the mountain, but well worth it. We were met at the car barge ferry and escorted to the cottage by a very knowledgeable and sweet lady. She answered our questions and showed us the "lay of the land." It was less convenient to the beaches than staying in Cruz bay, but the island is not so big that this was a problem...AND because it sat atop a mountain, we had privacy and quiet. Even the shower overlooked the valley. It was all special.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Beautiful, new, clean, must stay here!!!

Guest: Melanie (Nashville, tn)
Date of Stay: 03/16/12 Review Submitted: 03/26/12

BREATHTAKING!!! This place is beautiful!! You cannot get better views on the island... A true feast for the eyes. This place is spotlessly clean, new, the mattress is so comfortable we slept like rocks every night. The marble bathroom/shower is really luxurious. The pool was exceptionally clean as well... Also with increadible views!! No expense was spared here. Michael was an excellent host. He met us at the dock in St John, escorted us over to the Varlack car rental, then the starfish market to pick up some groceries and then on to the house. It was dinner time when we arrived so Michael let us follow him back into Cruz bay for dinner at the lime inn where he put our names in for a table. He was great to just chat with as we came and went from the house. After i had driven up and then back down to cruz bay, the house was easy to get to and i actually enjoyed getting to drive there! Michael was able to tell us excellent dinner spots and even how to get down to some of the more private/secluded beaches. We will definitely be back!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What a View!

Guest: Jerry (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 03/10/12 Review Submitted: 03/16/12

After traveling throughout the island for a week --- returning "home" to Palm Vista each day confirmed ... this is the best and most peaceful view on the island. Mike was friendly, helpful, and yet respected our privacy. Sunrise, sunset, and a full sky of stars at night. Thanks for the best vacation ever!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

We loved this destination!

Guest: Jeff (Cortland, NY)
Date of Stay: 02/18/12 Review Submitted: 03/30/12

From the moment we walked off the pier to the moment we drove away, we truly enjoyed every minute on the island and at this property. It is truly a spectacular place to stay and Michael is a wonderful host/guide. We are already dreaming of a return and repeat of this week in paradise.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Perfection!

Guest: Donna (Harpers Ferry, WV)
Date of Stay: 02/04/12 Review Submitted: 02/13/12

Lovely, spotlessly clean (and I mean, eat off the floor clean!), with a view that will take your breath away. A studio with a king size bed, flat screen TV, large marble bathroom and enough of a kitchen area for all your needs, other than an oven - which was more than fine with us! (there is a grill if you feel the need to cook an entire meal). Private pool and beautiful landscaping - perfect place to enjoy a drink in the evenings and watch the sun set. My husband and I have rented many places over the past 17 years on St. John, and I have to say, this goes down in the books as one of my all time favorites. Not sure how to explain the sense of belonging I felt while I was there, or how safe....we didn't even bother locking the doors. To the person who wrote "it was just a room with a bed in it"......I guess they missed the magic, the beauty of simplicity, and a view that makes you wish you could stay forever. The owner, Michael, was the perfect host - very helpful and extremely hospitable. Thank you, Michael, I hope we can back and visit again soon!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Suite for 2

Guest: Couple (NYC)
Date of Stay: 01/29/12 Review Submitted: 02/06/12

We had an excellent stay here! The suite looks just like the pictures--very clean, private, comfortable king bed and cool breeze at night, and AMAZING views. I loved opening the curtains and just absorbing the view every morning. Michael was on the island during our stay and was a gracious host. He met us at the ferry in Cruz Bay and had helpful tips on getting around and activities/dining. The roads in St. John are very windy and hilly (Fish Bay is about a 10min drive to town), but you get used to it relatively quickly. Most of the beaches are on the North side--the beaches on St. John are truly beautiful and you really can't go wrong. We spent 2 days beach-hopping. Caneel is part of a resort and well-maintained ($20 parking charge but we just parked on the side of the road and walked over). Trunk Bay has an underwater snorkel "path", although we found snorkeling sites even better if you take a boat out to nearby remote islands. Hawksnest, Cinammon and Francis Bay were very nice as well. Dining--Whole grilled snapper at Lime Inn was great if you don't mind bones and the frozen key lime pie was good too. Asolare was a great gourmet restaurant with good food & cocktails and gorgeous views (get a 5:45pm resy to enjoy the sunset!). If you make it to St. Thomas, Gladys' Cafe has great authentic local food (oxtail stew and plantains). Also, do research first on any luxury items (Cartier, LV, Gucci, Breitling, etc.) you want to buy because it really is cheaper than stateside! Note St. Thomas is pretty quiet/closed on weekends as cruise ships only go on weekdays.

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

beautiful

Guest: Sheara (outside Boston)
Date of Stay: 12/16/11 Review Submitted: 12/30/11

We stayed at this studio for one week. The studio is beautifully decorated with marbel floors and counters and wonderful sheets. It also is equipped with a large flat screen television. Beach chairs, coolers, etc were provided. THere was a half refrigerator and a microwave. Also a large grill with a burner Michael was most hospitible and made us feel as HIS guests. He was most accomodating. The views were beautiful. We would stay here again in a heartbeat.

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

Week in paradise

Guest: Chantel (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 12/01/11 Review Submitted: 01/16/12

The Little Palm Villa was perfect! This studio style villa was so amazing, and had every amenity you could need. The view was so wonderful and the house is situated to take advantage of that. The king size bed was so comfortable, the bathroom is huge and the patios are perfect for drinking coffee in the morning and a cocktail in the afternoon. The pool is also great and I thought it was a big bonus that we had afternoon sun by the pool. The kitchen area is small, but it had everything you could need. When we arrived the villa was very clean and there was a helpful book of information provided for us. The owner was very respectful of our privacy but was also very helpful and friendly. He gave us great suggestions for things to do and restaurants to eat at.

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

Amazing!

Guest: Newlyweds (Morton, Illinois )
Date of Stay: 10/17/11 Review Submitted: 11/09/11

We spent our honeymoon at Little Palm and had the time of our lives! Everything was perfect. We were skeptical after our drive up the winding hills at night (we didn't arrive until 8pm), but luckily we had a fabulous guide and the second we woke up in the morning and looked out the window, we knew we were in paradise! The suite had everything two people would need for a week. The views were truly out of this world. The private pool was amazing and perfect for days in the sun and water without driving. We really appreciated the details like the beach chairs and coolers. We got a lot of use out of them! We did not want for anything, and have received so many compliments on the photos we took from our balcony. Incredible to wake up every day with that view! Also, Michael, the owner, is so easy to work with. He was very helpful with his suggestions, both prior to our visit and in the binder in the room. A lot of the places we went (Lime Inn, Woody's, snorkeling with the Wayward Sailor) and loved were due to his suggestions! Thank you for a truly unforgettable honeymoon. We really, really hope to be back in the future!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Paradise Found

Guest: Kimberly (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/12/11 Review Submitted: 08/22/11

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Little Palm Vista for our 10 year anniversary. The breathtaking views from the suite are worth the drive up the side of the hill. The amenities and finishes in the suite are top notch and the proprietor is a gracious, resourceful host. Although it was a 10 minute drive into town, it is an easy drive once you get used to driving on the other side of the road. Access to the pool was a huge selling point for us and negated the fact that we were not beach-side. A perfect getaway for a couple desiring privacy and luxury.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

A wonderful vacation!

Guest: Gail and Joe (Charlottesville, VA)
Date of Stay: 06/14/11 Review Submitted: 06/22/11

Little Palm was highly recommended to us by good friends and were not disappointed. We had an amazing stay at this property. Michael was a tremendous host and the amenities are truly first class. We were able to make our own breakfast in the suite and packed a lunch for our adventures each day. We enjoyed a few dinners out on the town but really relished a few quiet nights "staying in" for dinner and gazing at the incredible view. We had a week full of beaches: Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Watermelon Cay, Salt Pond Beach. We hiked twice: once with the guided Reef Bay Trail (sign up early!!) and once on our own to Ram Head (breathtaking). We also enjoyed a chartered trip (Bad Kitty) to the BVI's that included a visit to the Baths at Virgin Gorda, lunch on Cooper Island, snorkeling at Norman Island, and some time on White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke. We came home tan, relaxed, and happy. We wanted for nothing in the suite except to stay much, much longer. We are already planning to come back next summer. Thank you Michael for a truly memorable vacation!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A special vacation

Guest: Annie (Palo Alto California)
Date of Stay: 04/28/11 Review Submitted: 05/07/11

The honeymoon sweet was perfect. Large, well furnished...incredible views. The bed/bedding were over the top comfort. We enjoyed the private pool especially in late afternoon. The suite was well stocked from beach towels to totes...we wanted for nothing Special thanks to the property manager for all the tips on beaches, boatrides and dining! We will return

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Five Star Accomodations, 10 Star View

Guest: Sam and Amy (Alexandria, VA)
Date of Stay: 04/12/11 Review Submitted: 04/23/11

This Guest Suite is probably the best place we've ever stayed on vacation. The room was immaculate with top of the line furnishings and every amenity you need. The view is ever better than the pictures with a view of the Caribbean from pretty much every square foot of the suite, even lying in bed! We loved having the fridge, sink, and grill. We fixed breakfast at the suite every morning and a dinner or two which definitely saved some money. Michael is an excellent host, very friendly and laid back; and helpful with suggestions on where to eat, what to do, etc. The location is great. Very quiet and peaceful, right next to the border of the national park and only about a 10 minute drive to Cruz Bay. Some of our St John favorites: Lime Inn, Rhumb Lines, Beach Bar, Trunk Bay, Waterlemon Cay, Salt Pond Beach, day trip to Jost Van Dyke. Every expectation was exceeded with this rental and we would highly recommend to anyone. We're already talking about coming back.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Amazing 2 weeks in Paradise

Guest: Terri (Indiana)
Date of Stay: 02/26/11 Review Submitted: 04/06/11

My husband and I have been visiting St. John for a winter getaway for the past 7 years. St. John is the true definition of paradise. We stayed 2 weeks this year in the Palm Vista Honeymoon Suite and couldn't have picked a better place to stay. The location and view was amazing, great breezes so no air conditioning needed, and a very comfortable bed It had every thing we needed and was close to Cruz Bay and wonderful dining, and also close to all the gorgeous beaches. I loved sitting on the balcony at night at the amazing views, St. Croix, and millions of stars. I slept like a baby in the comfortable bed with the cool night breezes and the sound of the ocean waves. I would definitely recommend the Palm Vista Honeymoon Suite for two, for a romantic, relaxing, wonderful time on the beautiful island of St. John.

Owner response:Reviews like this makes renting to guests a pleasure. FYI, while the breezes are great at the suite, I did not want guests to think that the unit doesn't have air conditioning - it does. Most guests love the breezes so much and the sounds of the surf that they choose not to use it.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Little Palm Suite Getaway

Guest: Gary (Virginia)
Date of Stay: 02/06/10 Review Submitted: 07/02/10

Wish there was a "Very Good" rating as that is what I would give it. Very private (except for video cameras), beautiful setting, well appointed, exceptionally clean and comfortable. Lots of stairs to get to the suite so keep that in mind if stairs are a problem for you. Definitely need a car to drive to and from town and all over the island and to navigate the switchbacks getting here. The suite is basically one large room with a K bed, dresser, big screen TV, small table w/ chairs, mini refrig, microwave and stand, then a large bathroom (shower with a view) with coffee maker. Also there is a small balcony. The pool was great - we loved watching the birds! We enjoyed breakfast at the suite and then packed our lunch and cooler for our day trips (different beach every day). Since there was only a microwave and a mini refrig,, we went out to dinner every night (thanks for the great restaurant suggestions). Wish there had been a few more microwave cooking dishes and some hot pad holders, along with a broom to sweep out the sand. One of the beach chairs was broken when we arrived, so that was unfortunate for us because we were told another would be forthcoming and it never arrived. But that's the way it is in the islands. All in all it was a great place, the owner was very easy to work with and gave us terrific helpful information, and the property manager was attentive.

Owner response:FYI, since this guest's stay, the beach chairs were replaced, a new complete set of dishes was purchased, as well as a broom, hot pad holders, toaster, blender, new iron and ironing board and a new kitchen cabinet with sink was added along with a new grill with side burner...so there is everything you need to cook now. Also, the video security cameras are strictly external and are not located in or around the suite, are for security and is used as a safety/security/ deterrant. I appreciate my guests suggestions and have responded to thier requests to make everyone's stay more pleasurable. Thanks!

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

Escape from Reality

Guest: Ginny (Cincinnati)
Date of Stay: 01/23/10 Review Submitted: 08/24/10

This was truly our escape from reality. Between work, kids and just plain exhaustion my husband and I needed a complete getaway. And this was it. Glad we had the choice to stay in such superb accomodations. Virginia S.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

5 star

Guest: holly and michael (ann arbor, michigan)
Date of Stay: 01/05/10 Review Submitted: 07/02/10

Magnificant view of the Carribean from your personal suite decorated with Restoration Hardware decor. Overall I would rate this property 5 stars.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Amazing views!

Guest: Jill (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 01/04/10 Review Submitted: 02/26/11

We loved our stay at Little Palm. Enjoyed Fish Bay - beautiful & quiet. The villa has everything you need - grill, beach chairs, pool, flat screen. Michael's hospitality is 5 star.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway