See all properties
Entire home

Vela Vista ~ Stunning 5BR/3BA with Views & Pool!

Family-friendly holiday home with private pool, near Virgin Islands National Park

Photo gallery for Vela Vista ~ Stunning 5BR/3BA with Views & Pool!

Welcome to Vela Vista, your vacation headquarters
Spacious open concept living areas
Relax, unwind and get into vaca mode
The upper and lower wraparound decks offer plenty of sunny and shaded lounging areas
Vela Vista ('Sailing View') is named for the many boats dotting the azure playground as you look out on Coral Bay, St. John and the British Virgin Islands

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 113000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View in a map
St. John, VI
  • Place, Virgin Islands National Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Cruz Bay Beach
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Place, Trunk Bay
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Airport, St. Thomas (STT-Cyril E. King)
    ‪74 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 11)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Vela Vista ~ Stunning 5BR/3BA with Views & Pool!

Treat yourself to paradise as you wake up to spectacular views and the beauty of Vela Vista on Bordeaux Mountain, St. John. This beautiful, well-appointed, eco-conscious and fully air conditioned 5-bedroom, 3-bath home with a plunge pool is the perfect vacation destination!

Located just 20 minutes to Cruz Bay, 12 minutes to Coral Bay, and a 12-20 minute drive to the North Shore beaches, Vela Vista is your ideal base for exploring the entire island!

Vela Vista features an open floor plan, high ceilings, and abundant natural lighting. Revel in breathtaking views of the east end of St. John and the British Virgin Islands from the expansive 3000 sq ft abode, thoughtfully appointed with tasteful and modern decor.

The home comfortably accommodates 10 guests in three King bedrooms and two Queen bedrooms, with an additional twin-sized fold-down futon in one of the king bedrooms for an extra guest. Each room has high-quality linens, in-room air conditioning, and luxurious mattresses. All of the rooms are accessed from the interior of the home, with no need to walk outside.

The fully air conditioned main living areas and two large wraparound decks offer ample space to lounge while large sliding doors welcome the refreshing tropical breezes of Bordeaux Mountain. Take a dip in the plunge pool (~80-degree temperature) and relax on the pool deck, with shaded and sunny lounge areas!

The well-equipped kitchen and outdoor grill create the perfect setting for wining and dining, with unparalleled water views from the dining table. There is on-demand chilled water provided and a bar cart for crafting the perfect happy hour island cocktail!

High-speed Starlink internet and an office workspace with a printer are provided for those blending work and leisure. There are two Samsung Smart TVs, one in the living room and one in the upstairs Primary bedroom.

Vela Vista's electricity is primarily powered by a 14.4kW solar array with three Tesla Powerwalls, ensuring uninterrupted power even during island outages and contributing to environmental sustainability.

Perfect for families or a group of friends - we hope you book a stay to experience all that Vela Vista has to offer!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Seaside Breeze, viewed from the Caribbean Sea
Relax and Rejuvenate: Your Beachfront Sanctuary in Stunning Coral Bay
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (7 reviews)
Relax and Rejuvenate: Your Beachfront Sanctuary in Stunning Coral Bay

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 26
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Must sign rental agreement upon booking and upload a copy of your Photo ID
A $500 security hold will be placed 2 days prior to arrival and released 7days after departure, if no damages are reported
Must follow all house rules including but not limited to no pets, no parties, no smoking. Must be 26 years old to booking.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

St. John

Upper Carolina, a neighbourhood in St. John, is home to this holiday home. While the natural beauty of Virgin Islands National Park and Trunk Bay can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Tortola Cruise Ship Port. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and hiking/biking trails.
View more Holiday homes in St. JohnOpens in a new window
Map
St. John, VI

What's nearby

  • Virgin Islands National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Cinnamon Bay Beach - 18 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Cruz Bay Beach - 22 min drive - 10.8 km
  • Trunk Bay - 23 min drive - 8.1 km
  • Honeymoon Beach - 26 min drive - 11.7 km

Getting around

  • St. Thomas (SPB-St. Thomas Seaplane Base) - 76 min drive

Restaurants

  • Admiral’s Bar
  • ‪Shambles - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Greengo’s - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Maho Crossroads - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Paddle-In Tiki Bar - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Vela Vista ~ Stunning 5BR/3BA with Views & Pool! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Vela Vista ~ Stunning 5BR/3BA with Views & Pool!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Vela Vista ~ Stunning 5BR/3BA with Views & Pool!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Vela Vista ~ Stunning 5BR/3BA with Views & Pool!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Vela Vista ~ Stunning 5BR/3BA with Views & Pool! located?

This family-friendly St. John holiday home is located in Upper Carolina, within 3 mi (5 km) of Virgin Islands National Park, Lameshure Beach and Whistling Cay. Cinnamon Bay and Johnson Bay are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 57 out of 59 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 59 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 59 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 59 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 59 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cathy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Would definitely stay here again. Layout, amenities, and location are great! Appreciated attention to small details such as availability of games and children’s beach toys, chairs, umbrella, etc.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Timothy O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay!!

We had 5 couples and the house worked out perfectly!!
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shawn D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Family Vacation

This was a fantastic place to stay for our family of 8! The host and property manager were very easy to communicate with and helpful in answering questions and providing suggestions. The night time temps and breeze on the mountain made for comfortable sleeping. Everything we could have needed was provided as well! Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vivian C., Denver, CO

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful view over Coral Bay!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Evenings out on the deck enjoying the spectacular view over Coral Bay is a must! House was very comfortable and well stocked. Check in and communication was great!
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marny N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful View, Beautiful Breezes

A beautiful place high above Coral Bay to relax and enjoy great breezes and a lovely vista. The kitchen is well equipped, and the home is a great place for families to spend time together.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Breathe of Paradise

Our family of 10 stayed for 1 week. The house was large enough that everyone had ample room and plenty of family time. The bedrooms are all airconditioned and the pool was a fun meeting place for kids and adults. I would highly recommended this beautiful hone as a vacation paradise.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing getaway

We loved our stay. My wife and I and our four teens loved the house. Mornings were amazing. We could get to Cruz and coral bays many beaches. We will be back
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceptional rental

Our family of four had a phenomenal stay over Spring Break 2024. The home is lovely, well maintained with all amenities you could ask for. Home is within 20-30 minutes of anywhere you want to go. Highly recommended.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay

We had a 40th birthday celebration week and the property was great. the views were amazing and everyone had a fun time. Property was centrally located making driving to different parts of the island convienent. Although if you are familiar with driving around St John - its actually its own adventure. But we felt safe in the area and around the island. communcation was great the entire trip, no issues.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Vacation

Vela Vista very much met expectations for my family and I. We were 9 adults and one child and had plenty of room to hang out inside and outside as well as dine together. We ate in about half the time and the kitchen had everything we needed plus an outdoor gas grill. We loved the dipping pool and can't forget to mention the view which is amazing!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shari k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful clean nautical great views

One of the best places I have had my family in. The drive in is a little confusing the first time but totally marked and Katyä met us there which was great. Easy to get to really and spotless. Plenty of room and amenities. Decks are beautiful for sunrises and relaxing! Will stay here again . Love the sailing nautical feel to this beautiful home.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A special slice of St John

Perfect home for a large group or family stay. Everything as advertised. I especially appreciated the kitchen facilities and supplies. Beautiful decor inside. Lovely landscaping. But the real treasures are the view over Coral Bay facing down island to the BVI and just being immersed in the special microclimate that is Bordeaux Mountain. Falling asleep under the canopy of stars to the chorus of tree frogs. That’s what you pay for. That’s what you get.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lyndi S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Trip to Vela Vista

Our extended family of 10 ranging in age from 6 to 65 spent 5 nights at Vela Vista. The pics do not do the house and view justice!! Million dollar view! This is a beautiful property and we loved the seclusion on Bordeaux Mountain. The owner and property manager were very responsive and accommodating. 10/10 recommend booking this property!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Salvatore C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

On top of the world.

This is our eighth time to st john in the past 10 years. And I used this opportunity to celebrate our 35th anniversary with my family. We all loved it here and there’s everything you need to have a great time thank you Meredith and Katie

10/10 Excellent

Julie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another unforgettable stay

This was our second time staying at Vela Vista. We are a family of eight with six kids ranging from 14-26. Although we have stayed at other homes on St. John we chose to stay in Vela Vista again for several reasons: We love the common area and how conducive it is to spending time together while enjoying amazing views. Although it is a touch of a drive to get to beaches and Cruz Bay it is worth it (for us) to be able to come home to what feels like our own private paradise. The bedrooms are big and comfortable. The kitchen is awesome. I spent many mornings reading my book, looking out over the BVI's, feeling very grateful. The pool (it's def more of a dipping pool) was a nice new touch. I highly recommend anyone who wants to feel like they are in their own private paradise to book this property.
Stayed 14 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Noel T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Spot on St. John's!

My wife, three kids, and in-laws got away from the hustle and bustle of city life looking for a place to relax for a week and found it at this great house. The check in was seamless, and the property manager Katja was amazing. We had a small issue with the door lock one day, and she was literally on site within 10 minutes to help solve the problem! This vacation ended up being one of the best vacations we have had. The kids loved the local beaches and all the different places to eat nearby, especially Skinny Legs. The pool at the house was nice as well if we wanted to just have easy dip in the afternoon and preparing our own meals was easy with everything provided for in the house.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nick G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Well appointed and comfortable home with a great view

The house was unique, well appointed and very comfortable. It hosted 4 couples and one adult child very comfortably in 5 nice bedrooms. Kitchen was very well equipped, decks had high-end, comfortable furnishings. it was well stocked with quality beach gear. Be aware that this mountaintop retreat is relatively remote and requires a jeep to get to/from and will take you about 10-15 minutes on winding narrow and steep roads to reach popular destinations. Also the MBR on the top level is luxurious, but has a 'window' looking down into the open concept living/kitchen area possibly compromising privacy if you have a big group. we would definitely stay here again or check out other properties this host may have.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catherine B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Villa with Stunning Views!

Vela Vista surpassed all our expectations. We were looking for a house to comfortably accommodate ourselves, our three adult children, son-in-law & 2 teen-aged grandsons for a family vacation we’d been dreaming of for years. The view of Coral Bay is spectacular- and the star gazing at night was phenomenal. The house is light, airy and well-appointed- it was the perfect base of operations for our getaway adventure! We felt the location was perfect, never more than 20-25 minutes to our choice of beaches, restaurants, shopping or sightseeing!!! Katja & Jeff, the property managers, were very attentive & promptly responded to any questions or concerns. Highly recommended!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Host Helped Make it a Vacation of a Lifetime

First and foremost, I have been using VRBO for many years and I can tell you that this property owner and their manager are THE most responsive individuals I have ever engaged with. From quickly confirming the reservation, and asking if I had any questions to prompt responses and excellent recommendations they were the best I have ever worked with. The property is AMAZING (but you already know that from the pictures). Besides having excellent service, the little things made a huge difference. Going to the beach? They have everything you need from snorkeling equipment to beach chairs and a beach tent. Planning to cook some meals? Not only is the kitchen spacious, the equipment is top-notch and well-stocked. The property itself is very well maintained and very clean. My final comment is this: traveling, especially with a large family is stressful enough. If you want a stress-free property experience and simply relax and enjoy St. John with your family at a beautiful property, this is the place.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gabe L., Fort Worth

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice property up in the hills

Had a group of six and this was a great option for accommodating three separate couples. Property owners and management were great. The house is about 20 minutes away from town. I only had a couple of small gripes. The windows in the master suite bathroom were not all working and ventilating the room after someone had done their business was a very slow process. The shades in the room did not seem to cover the entire open window area, so you were just kind of on display to anyone outside the front of the house. This is also kind of nitpicky, but the TV in the main room of the house is about the size of one of my computer monitors. Would be great to see something a bit larger so people could unwind after a beach day and watch a movie together. These are small complaints about what was otherwise a great house.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

beth m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous property

The photos of the property do not do it justice, probably because it’s impossible to include sound in photos. Every morning we sat on the deck looking out at the gorgeous views of the ocean and islands listening to a cacophony of birdsong and at night we looked at the lights in the distance while listening to the tree frogs and insects. No traffic, no other voices, just nature. This is the quintessential St John luxury property. The entire home was spotless and included all the items we wanted to make it feel like a home - every small kitchen appliance imaginable, plates, glasses, games in the living room and even a guitar which was a fantastically wonderful surprise for our 18-year old music major; beach chairs and even snorkeling equipment. A truly exceptional property!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sue C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family trip

We had a wonderful time celebrating our high school graduate with family. The house was perfect for our multigenerational (87-18) trip.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

James K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vela Vista

Overall it was ideal for a group of 10. The kitchen is especially well-equipped and the grill is great. Nice open living/dining area and spacious and comfortable bedrooms.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Matthew G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great view and breeze

During the spring this place has a great breeze and we enjoyed sleet with the windows open. No AC necessary.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Judy K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home with fabulous view of Coral Bay!!

My husband and I celebrated our 50th Anniversary by bringing our children and grandchildren to stay at Vela Vista on St John. The home is lovely, well maintained, kitchen extremely well appointed with everything I even have at my home. We loved the beautiful decks and comfortable furniture. Bedrooms and bathrooms are lovely and recently updated. Both the owner and property manager were fabulous to work with and offered suggestions on local adventures, favorite beaches, must see sights / hikes and things to do. We highly recommend Vela Vista!!
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2022

About the host

Hosted by Meredith Erickson

Host profile image
Having based our careers around sailing and the hospitality industry - my husband and I found our little spot of heaven on Bordeaux Mountain, St. John. Overlooking one if our favorite water playgrounds in the world, "Vela Vista" or "Sailing View" couldn't make us, or our guests, feel more at home!

Why they chose this property

Our team is dedicated to making your stay seamless and enjoyable! In the lead-up to your stay, we are happy to answer any questions, as well as offer recommendations and island insights and assist with your itinerary. Vela Vista's local Property Manager will meet you to tour the home upon your arrival and will be available 24/7 to address issues during your stay.

AMENITIES:
• All linens/bedding, bath, and beach towels
• Beach chairs, beach umbrella, waterproof Bluetooth speaker, and two beach coolers
• Samsung washer and dryer, iron, and ironing board
• Children’s high chair, baby gates, and pack-n-play
• Cleaning equipment (vacuum, broom, swiffer, etc.)
• Cleaning supplies (dish soap, dish detergent, laundry detergent, fabric softener, etc.)
• Basic toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap)
• Basic paper products (enough toilet paper and paper towels to get you started!)

What makes this property unique

Situated high atop Bordeaux Mountain at 1100 feet elevation, Vela Vista offers spectacular views of the East End of St. John and the British Virgin Islands. The home is in a quiet residential area on a safe, peaceful road with no pass-through traffic. You won't hear the sounds of roosters calling, trucks rumbling, or the bustle of town - just the peace and tranquility of your lush natural surroundings!

Bordeaux Mountain is slightly cooler than the rest of the island (you may want a long-sleeved option for the evenings), and the home faces east to make the most of the tropical tradewinds.

Vela Vista is located in close proximity to several V.I. National Park trailheads: the Bordeaux Mountain Trail (3/4 mile away), Reef Bay Trail (1.5 mile), and L'Esperance Trail (3 miles). The island is 70% protected by National Park, and you will drive through a large section of it on your way to the home. The famous Windmill Bar is located 10 minutes away!

Drive times:
20-minute drive to Cruz Bay
12-minute drive to Coral Bay
10-20-minute drive to the North Shore beaches

NOTE: A car rental is absolutely necessary for your stay! We provide free on-site parking for three cars at Vela Vista.

Due to high demand, we advise booking your car rental as you confirm your reservation.

Any type of car is suitable, as the roads to the home are all paved and not steep (although the last mile on Bordeaux Mountain is narrow and winding!). If you'd like to explore the more remote parts of the island, you should consider renting a 4WD vehicle like an SUV or Jeep.

Please be aware that taxis are unreliable, and ride-sharing services like Uber/Left do not exist. Remember, in the USVI we drive on the LEFT!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback