We were 4 couples, aged 45-62 from Maine and North Carolina. In this most brutal of winters, a vacation on St. John was a dream come true. A relative had worked with their management company before, Caribbean Villas & Resorts, so we were confident using them and taking their advice on villa. One of my requirements was for waterfront, and after whittling the 4-bedroom options to a handful, Ciellodonna was the one recommended for our group. The published photos are totally accurate. We loved the open, spacious great room and the privacy of the far-separated bedroom suites. This is a four-bedroom with sleeping loft, not five-bedroom. We found the villa perfect for four couples. I'd think twice about having small children here because of the stairs between decks and the easy access to the pool. Because there is not central air, I would not recommend the sleeping loft for anyone uncomfortable with the heat, but otherwise it would be a fine sleeping area (but not private.)
The decks are Ciellodonna's most outstanding feature. The curved architectural design allows for expanse of deck that's hard to imagine. Step out of either upper bedroom or the great room to upper deck. We spent hours up here watching the stars move across the sky and counting shooting stars. The lower deck is even larger, with a wonderful pool and wet bar. We were able to get out of the sun when we wanted by sitting at the back, shaded by the upper deck.
Very high quality bedsheets and towels, comfortable mattresses. Bars of soap in baths was a nice touch.
Gorgeous dining table in great room easily seats 10 and there are also wonderful dining areas on upper and lower decks. (We loved passing food out the kitchen window to table there.) Kitchen is only adequate. There is a high counter separating kitchen from great room, but no stools for seating there. We only ate out twice the whole week and while a true chef's kitchen would've made Ciellodonna beyond perfect, we couldn't find her other wonderful features without moving to a much higher price point. I definitely recommend, keeping points listed in mind, and we will certainly return.