Located in St. John, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. While the natural beauty of Virgin Islands National Park and Cinnamon Bay Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can check out Tortola Cruise Ship Port.
Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and horse riding.
Virgin Islands National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Kiddel Bay - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Little Lameshur Bay - 2 min drive - 3.1 km
Cinnamon Bay Beach - 22 min drive - 18.7 km
Trunk Bay - 27 min drive - 19.5 km
Getting around
St. Thomas (SPB-St. Thomas Seaplane Base) - 100 min drive
Restaurants
Trunk Bay Beach Bar - 28 min drive
Skinny Legs - 8 min drive
Maho Crossroads - 15 min drive
Cruz Bay Landing - 29 min drive
Shambles - 24 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Affordable Coral Bay Sanctuary. Quiet, walk to park beaches, sea & pond views. pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Affordable Coral Bay Sanctuary. Quiet, walk to park beaches, sea & pond views.?
As of Oct 25, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Affordable Coral Bay Sanctuary. Quiet, walk to park beaches, sea & pond views. on Oct 26, 2026 start from $337, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Affordable Coral Bay Sanctuary. Quiet, walk to park beaches, sea & pond views.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Affordable Coral Bay Sanctuary. Quiet, walk to park beaches, sea & pond views.?
Check-out is at 9:00 AM.
Where is Affordable Coral Bay Sanctuary. Quiet, walk to park beaches, sea & pond views. located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument and Virgin Islands National Park. Saltpond Bay and Saltpond Bay Beach are also within 15 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Secluded, peaceful, and exactly what I was hoping for. My stay was exceptional, and I would highly recommend it for those looking to unplug and enjoy the quieter side of the island.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 19, 2026
We are grateful for guests who appreciate solitude.
Had a fantastic view of the ocean, salt pond and flamingos from the house. Very quiet, peaceful location. Mary had provided great information before the trip, was quickly responsive to any questions and greeted us at check in. The place was perfect for our needs.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 9, 2026
Thank you for being great guests and an accurate review!
The host was wonderful. The home was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 11, 2026
Thanks Barbara, we do our best to insure your comforts!
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Brian O.
Nov 30, 2018
It was perfect
It was a quiet, relaxing, all natural place. The best of what real St. John is.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 28, 2020
In deep appreciation for the respect and understanding you and your family have for the natural world. It is OUR JOY to have shared this special little spot on St. John with you. Oh, and thanks for the heartfelt refrigerator poetry, green butts and all!
Peace on Earth, Les & Mary
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Marybeth
Feb 28, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
If you love nature and like to be away from it all this is the place! The only sounds we heard were birds.
Charming. Comfortable. Far out enough to feel like you are the only people on the island but close enough to Coral Bay Restaurants, Beaches and Grocery stores. No TV. Good WiFi though.
Had Friday night Barbecue Ribs to die for from the nearby food truck called Local Delights. Also nearby is The Concordia for drinks overlooking the water. Not crowded.
Mary is a wonderful host. Highly recommend her lovely cottage!
We loved our vacation in this beautiful cottage! The location was perfect for easy access to hiking and snorkeling/swimming. Many national park trails are walking distance from the house, as are several snorkeling sites. We greatly enjoyed snorkeling in Groopan and Kiddle Bays, close to the cottage, and exploring the park trails. The cottage was very well outfitted, and the garden and views are inspiring! Thank you Mary for the perfect vacation!
Stayed 12 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 20, 2023
No finer compliment than being inspired by the gifts Mother Nature surrounds us with. Thank you for taking good care of our little cottage and enjoying all the peace and quiet our little sanctuary offers.
The flora and fauna (bird sanctuary) here surround a quaintly-decorated cottage, giving one a true feel for the West Indies. Tucked away from the bustling tourism one finds on the opposite end of St.John, this place is a peaceful retreat, with everything a family needs for a fun vacation. Salt Pond Bay and Little Laneshur Bay are closeby, and we found then to be great beaches with awesome snorkeling.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 11, 2023
Absolutely wonderful guests and would host them again in a heartbeat! I made a mistake in my cleanliness rating. They get 10 Stars!! To see guests get out everyday snorkeling and enjoying all parts of the island gives me more pleasure than anything else. Don’t hesitate to have them stay. Top notch guests!
Mary was a wonderful host. She was in constant communication- before, during and after our stay.
Always available, and checked in during the frequent power outages that have been occurring throughout STT and STJ.
Mary's house is cozy with a wonderful view and fully stocked with all the amenities.
Thank you for the warm welcome and stay, Mary!
Fiddlewood cottage was the perfect spot for the relaxing, quiet week on St John my husband and I were craving. The location, just past Salt Pond, minutes to Lamshure, is away from all the crowds in Cruz Bay, but close enough to Coral Bay to easily get to the market, restaurants, and from there North Shore beaches. The cottage itself is adorable, squeaky clean, and cozy. The decks are perfect for dining, relaxing, and stargazing away from the town lights. We will definitely be returning!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 21, 2021
We’re so glad that you were able to get the R&R you needed from the hustle bustle.
This is a lovely cottage in a private spot on the quiet side of St. John. It is very well equipped and comfortable. You get a view of the pond and the bay, enjoy the breezes, and relax! Mary is a superb host. She has thought of everything to make your stay the very best. There are beach chairs, a tent, flippers for snorkeling, etc. etc. Books and games for indoor entertainment. One caution- make sure to rent a Jeep so you can get in the final road to the cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 19, 2024
Eva & Ben are what all hosts hope for. Great communicators, clean and conscientious. The best part is they love Mom Nature and walk lightly upon her. Looking forward to their return!
Fiddlewood Cottage was a great stay away from the more populated, touristy areas of St John. The stars were bright, and the grounds were filled with flowers and plants. It was relaxing to watch all the hummingbirds and the sunsets in the quiet. The cottage was very clean and well equipped with kitchen supplies, towels, games, etc. The hostess, Mary, was very helpful and kept in touch as needed during the stay. Thanks for sharing your home away from home!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 17, 2022
Thanks so much! Hosting guests such as yourselves make this "job" a true Joy!
My travel partner and I stayed for 12 days at this artfully decorated, immaculate, and well equipped cottage. The kitchen had any spice, bowl, and pan we would ever need. The beds were comfy with views galore to the National Park and Grootpan Bay. Outside the gorgeous plant and plentiful bird life surrounded the decks. Our superlative host Mary gave us great advice before we came and for our daily adventures. We will definitely book this cottage again in the future.
Stayed 11 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 29, 2024
When hosting, one always hopes for special, interested and interesting folks to find our humble, little spot. We not only got lucky but very blessed with these two lovely women! Looking forward to the next time……..
This was our second visit to Fiddlewood Cottage and it was better than ever. The post storm renovations made the place bigger, brighter and even more comfortable. The setting is peaceful and magical, even after the bumpy approach which is everywhere on St.John. Mary sent us tips before and during our stay and helped us enjoy our stay in more ways than we could count. The personal touches are quietly evident everywhere: the stocked kitchen, the impeccable bathroom, the beach equipment, island info, the lovely garden, etc. It is obvious that she cares deeply about the house and makes every effort to share her passion for it. Book early, go and enjoy a special vacation.
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2020
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Lynn O.
Mar 7, 2017
Exceeded our Expectations
My husband and I spent a week, with my sister joining us later in the week. Everything about the house and locale is wonderful. The small house has everything you need, and the wrap around porch with living space on both sides makes for easy indoor/outdoor living. There is wonderful cross ventilation, with a view overlooking the large salt pond and a more distant view of the Caribbean. There is not a house to be seen from the cottage and the stars at night are awesome. The kitchen worked well and we did breakfast outdoors, late lunch after being out in the sun, and dinner at several local restaurants - Concordia Cafe for burgers, Lucy's for fish and steel band, Inidgo for fish tacos and live music, and Shipwreck Landing for fish and chips and live swing music.
Mary has outfitted with useful beach chairs, fins, beach towels, and is extremely helpful in making recommendations for local places to snorkel, rent kayaks, and grocery shop. She is a real resource.
Generally, the area is a bit off the beaten path, at the quiet end of the island (a good 35 minute drive from Cruz bay on windy, hilly roads) , with an old time feel. The south side bays were calm and protected from the winds, which made the snorkeling great. There is a short dirt road to the cottage, and you definitely want a four wheel jeep rental to negotiate some the of pot holes and rocks.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2017
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 28, 2020
These are the type of guests that "get" what St. John is all about........The natural world that is user friendly, easy to access with one requirement: An adventuresome spirit. Those with a travelers mindset, interested in more than just the next pina colada sitting poolside, is who finds our back time cottage as delightful as we intended. Immersion in nature, allows for drama without incident and this peaceful setting is what brings one back to ones self. We are so very grateful that these are folks who finds us and get it!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Margrit and doug p.
Apr 5, 2016
Amenities, location, Fiddlewood.......Perfection
March 14 - March 25
Ontario, Canada
My husband and I landed in St. Thomas with no luggage. Quite stressful but Mary went out of her way to call and see what was going on. My cell phone was dying and couldn't call (of course my charger was in my luggage).
I am also a huge coffee drinker and because of the late hour we bought nothing and I was already worried I would have no coffee or cream for the morning. Low and behold there was everything there for us. Stocked up with everything u could possibly need. No need to worry Mary had it covered. She checked up on us the next day about our luggage to make sure we were ok.
Would I go back to Marys' Piece of Paradise? In a heartbeat and when I go back to St John it certainly will be to Fiddlewood.
If you are looking for quiet, relaxation and peace, Fiddlewood is the place for you.
If you love to snorkel, Salt Pond Beach ( 2 min away) is where you should go along with all the other beautiful beaches on this Island.
Good shopping in Coral Bay and Calabash has the best fresh fish.
All in all this was our best vacation in a long time and we have traveled to a lot of islands.
Thank you Mary.
Margrit and Doug
Everything about my experience with Mary and Estate Mandel exceeded my expectations. It had been years since I visited St John, and I never got over to the Coral Bay side, so I had a ton of questions. Communication before check in was easy and informative. The accommodations were very clean, peaceful, beautiful and the gardens lush! Each morning I woke up to watch the hummingbirds and chicks lap of the fresh rain water and nectar from flower to flower. The distant sound of the waves crashing in Grootpan Bay was soothing. In short- the setting is amazing and so peaceful- like you are the only ones on earth. The accommodations were wonderful- Mary and Les have thought of everything you could need- the kitchen well equipped, the bathroom was stocked with all the things you may have forgotten, plenty of water toys and beach needs- chairs, cooler, even frozen water bottles! The stars at night out on a show that was spectacular and it was fun watching ships and sailboats slide past our little bay. The bed was comfy, and the screened in porch, which could be used as a sleeping nook, came in handy at twilight. I can’t say enough about Mary as a host- she literally thought of everything including special needs I might have coming in from far away. Her suggestions for great snorkeling led to an amazing experience away from the crowds. I highly recommend a staying here if you want to ‘get away’ from it all but also have all the amenities of a fully stocked home. The work she is doing now to expand the sleeping capacity will make this villa so much fun for families or friends traveling together! A peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 28, 2020
We are the ones to be grateful for such wonderful travelers who still get the subtle nuances St. John offers. We so appreciate our guests and the energies of wonder they bring to our lives. Thank you!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Kathy G.
Jul 31, 2015
A beautiful, peaceful stay
Fiddlewood is a quiet, beautifully decorated cottage that is perfect for a single person or couple that would like to be away from the hustle and bustle. Mary is amazing - she will not only meet you at the ferry, but take the time to get you fully situated at the cottage and orient you to your surroundings. She is available throughout your stay with advice, guidance, and help. The cottage is a 10-15 mn drive from Coral Bay, which in turn is about a 20-30 mn drive from Cruz Bay, so you may want to rent a car for your stay (rent the smallest, most nimble vehicle available - the roads are steep, narrow, and take some gravity defying turns - and fill up in Cruz Bay before you leave for Mary's). The entrance road to the cottage is a bit bumpy, but don't let that alarm you if you normally navigate in a world of pavement. You'll be fine. The cottage has an open floor plan and is delightfully airy and welcoming. The kitchen has everything you need, and there is a lovely market in Coral Bay where you can stock up on food and sundries. There is AC in the bedroom - Mary will program it for you so it will come on when you need it and turn off when you don't. There is a filter on the tap, so no need for bottled water; water conservation measures are practiced on the property, but Mary will show you what to do. The back porch is absolutely wonderful in the morning, with cool breezes and a lovely view. There is great snorkeling nearby, and Mary provides beach chairs, towels, noodles, fins ... all you'll need is a mask and snorkel. Don't spend so much time going to the famous sandy beaches that you miss the beautiful bays and hiking trails right near the cottage! (like I almost did). If you would like some quiet time in a beautiful place, consider Fiddlewood.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 28, 2020
Oh dear Kathy, The pleasure was all ours! See you next summer!
Perhaps you have never seen a flamingo beyond the confines of a zoo. Maybe you have never heard the subtle, secret sounds of nature as night falls in a garden. If you haven’t witnessed a cloud of hummingbirds feeding on a flowering cactus or watched a tree frog’s vigil on a rainy night you will be able to do so in Mary’s garden.
St. John in April is the strangest mix of lush and arid. The stony road that leads to the cottage is the prelude to a garden where orchids cling to a tree that itself erupts into blooms that previously only existed in a book by Dr. Seuss. Cactus live cheek by jowl with blossoming perennials and palms. St John is full of magical contradictions. Water is precious here but St John blooms with proper stewardship.
This cottage was private and quiet, immaculately kept and sweetly whimsical. You have every amenity necessary for comfort. Mary is a responsive and lovely host. Need a tent to shelter from sun at the beach? She provides it. Flippers? They are available, sunscreen? In a basket, along with cortisone for the occasional bug bite. Towels? Check. Shampoo? Absolutely! A grill? On the porch. Ice? Waiting for you in the freezer. Filtered water, every item one needs to cook a meal to enjoy after a long day on the sand.
There will never be silence there – it is filled with the hum of life. Geckos, land crabs ,birds, frogs. At night? I think Mary even arranged for all those stars, as they are placed just so.
Of course we will want to go back!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on May 11, 2023
You have touched my heart and tickled my soul with your loving appreciation of the gifts Mother Nature offers when one visits St. John. We are forever blessed with guests such as yourselves and look forward to your return!
My boyfriend and I had a wonderful time at Mary’s place. We loved how remote and quiet it was, and we had beautiful views off the back deck. Definitely a great place to stay if you are looking for something less busy than Cruz Bay, and right by great hiking trails. Would love to come back again!
Mary's place is incredible. It's one of the best VRBO's we've ever stayed in. The views from the cottage are incredible, and you're staying on a part where it feels like you have the entire island to yourself. Myself, my wife, and our infant daughter stayed there for a week around new years eve, and it was the perfect spot for us. We can only hope to return as soon as possible.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 8, 2022
Thanks so much for your review Marshall and looking forward to you and your beautiful family to come visit us again!
We had a great time at the cottage. Tranquil, breezy and beautiful, you are at one with nature while you’re there.
Mary provided everything that we could possibly need during our stay and was super helpful with recommendations.
Would definitely go back again!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 24, 2021
Jon and family were lovely to host in our home. His "One with nature" comment is the perfect description for what our overall intention is from the get go! The perfect place for lovers of the natural world.
I had come to St. John last-minute, joining my family, who was staying at a larger home nearby. Mary’s home is charming, remote, comfortable, and peaceful. There was the shady porch, the sunny deck, and the large patio, where you could get either sun or shade, depending on the time of day. Gorgeous gardens, a well-stocked home, and a welcoming owner all contributed to a perfect stay for me. In addition, I was about a 10-15 minute walk from three prime areas: Kiddel, Grootpan, and Saltpond Bays. I would highly recommend this home for an individual, couple, or very small group seeking quiet and solitude.
Fiddlewood is an idyllic place to stay. Sun or shade any time of day from multiple decks, wonderful gardens and bird life, close to beaches. Plus, the best hosts ever. The cottage is very well equipped, but if there is anything else you need, Mary can help! Can't recommend a better place to stay.
Our family had the most enchanting stay at Fiddlewood Cottage. The seclusion and natural beauty of this location was beyond our expectation and will keep us coming back. Mary, the property owner is wonderful, and takes great pride in her place. The cottage and gardens are beautifully kept with all of the details covered. Her guidance and suggestions were perfect throughout our visit with valuable local knowledge from the best car rental to the most amazing snorkeling just out the door. We are grateful for having found this place and for having one of our best family vacations here.