With over 65% national parkland, you may assume St John has limited places to stay. But plenty of great neighborhoods are scattered across this beautiful Caribbean island, especially if you’re renting a St John villa. In this post, we’ll go over where to stay on St John depending on what kind of traveler you are.
Staying in Great Cruz Bay
Located on the on the southwestern coast of the island, Great Cruz Bay villas are some of the most popular choices for where to stay on St John. It’s a very short distance to Cruz Bay, which is where you’ll find the ferry port and the island’s main center for dining, shopping, and nightlife. Great Cruz Bay is just separate enough to offer a nice sense of tranquility, though, and it is home to some of the best villas on the island.
Pros of Staying in Great Cruz Bay
- Near shopping, dining, and nightlife
- Great villa selection
- Great boat watching
Cons of Staying in Great Cruz Bay
- Can be crowded in peak season
- Less secluded
Staying in Great Cruz Bay is Best for:
- Families with young children
- Multigenerational groups
Great Cruz Bay Villa Pick:
7 bed, 7 + 2 bath
Sleeps 14
$6,413-$8,321/night
Home to the largest private pool on St John, A La Mer features a private white sand beach, a waterfall, beautiful stonework, a gourmet kitchen, a bubbling fountain, and so much more. Easily one of the best villas on the island.
A La Mer – Great Cruz Bay
Staying in Rendezvous Bay
Just a little further southwest of Great Cruz Bay you’ll find Rendezvous Bay. This quiet neighborhood is all about convenience thanks to its location near Cruz Bay and the North Shore beaches. It also has its own scenic beauty thanks to its lush hills and crystal-clear water.
Pros of Staying In Rendezvous Bay
- Convenient location
- Beautiful scenery
- Secluded beaches
Cons of Staying in Rendezvous Bay
- Limited service
- Very residential
Staying in Rendezvous Bay is Best for:
- Families with older children
- Multigenerational groups
Rendezvous Bay Villa Pick:
4 bed, 6 bath
Sleeps 8
$1,171-$2,171/night
Overlooking the beautiful curves of Rendezvous Bay and Ditliff Point, this 4-bedroom villa has everything a family needs. Touches like a solar-powered heated pool, a gourmet kitchen, a media room, and a covered pool make this a perfect place to create lifelong memories with friends and family.
Island Rider – Rendezvous Bay
Staying in Trunk Bay
St John’s North Shore, located in the Maho Bay Quarter, is where you’ll find the island’s best beaches. Trunk Bay is one of the best in the Caribbean, with soft white sand, crystal clear water, a celebrated snorkeling trail, and some good amenities including lifeguards and a snack bar.
Pros of Staying in Trunk Bay
- Beautiful beach
- Great snorkeling
- Good beach amenities
Cons of Staying in Trunk Bay
- Popularity of Trunk Bay Beach
- Limited accommodation
Trunk Bay is Best for:
- Beach lovers
- Nature lovers
Trunk Bay Villa Pick
7 bed, 7+1 bath
Sleeps 14
From $6,714/night
Featured in publications like Architectural Digest, Solenberg is one of the most distinct properties on St John. It stands out beautifully from its hillside location, emerging to overlook the stunning scenery around it. Inside, its use of natural materials and warm colors evokes a comfortable, sophisticated vibe. A true villa masterpiece.
Solenborg – Trunk Bay
Staying in Peter Bay
Just to the east of Trunk Bay, you’ll find Peter Bay, nestled between two of the North Shore’s most famous beaches – Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay. Thanks to this central location, it makes a great base from which to enjoy the North Shore.
Pros of Staying in Peter Bay
- Access to beautiful beaches
- Central North Shore location
- Beautiful landscapes
Cons of Staying in Peter Bay
- Limited services
- Narrow, winding roads
Peter Bay is Best for:
- Beach lovers
- Families with older children
Peter Bay Villa Pick:
7 bed, 7+1 bath
Sleeps 14
$4,000-$5,000/night
Located high above Peter Bay with 180-degree views of St Thomas, Tortola, and the cays in between, Utopia Villa combines tropical landscaping with a well-appointed interior and direct access to Peter Bay Beach. An easy choice to enjoy everything the North Shore has to offer.
Utopia Villa – Peter Bay
Staying in Fish Bay
St John’s Reef Bay Quarter has some of the island’s highest peaks. As a result, Fish Bay villas, towards the south of the island, combine hillside views with stunning ocean landscapes. Fish Bay also offers a real community feel, as well as plenty of opportunities for privacy and seclusion.
Pros of Staying in Fish Bay
- Quiet and private
- Nice scenery
- Community feel
Cons of Staying in Fish Bay
- Limited beachfront
- More wildlife than other areas
- Limited dining and shopping
Fish Bay is Best for:
- Nature lovers
- Eco tourists
Fish Bay Villa Pick:
7 bed, 7 bath
Sleeps 14
$8,900-$10,900/night
One of St John’s most celebrated villas, Eco Serendib has been featured in the Robb Report, the Travel Channel, and more. It features its own full-service Sodashi spa, as well as a saltwater pool, a hot tub, billiards, and a full fitness center. It’s all complemented by stunning ocean views and a team with over 32 years of hospitality experience.
Eco Serendib – Fish Bay
Staying in Ditliff Point
To the southwest of Fish Bay, you’ll find Ditliff Point, a private peninsula offering spectacular views and some of the most private residences on St John. If you’re looking for that perfect mix of seclusion and dramatic landscapes, this is it.
Pros of Staying in Ditliff Point
- Exclusive and private
- Stunning views
- Dramatic landscapes
Cons of Staying in Ditliff Point
- Isolation
- Limited amenities
Ditliff Point is Best for:
- Privacy lovers
- Honeymooners
Ditliff Point Villa Pick:
5 bed, 5+1 bath
Sleeps 10
From $5,000/night
One of the most secluded villas in the Caribbean, Marea amazes with fun features like an outdoor Tiki bar, a rooftop stargazing terrace, a gorgeous waterfall, a walk-in wine cellar, and access to a private sandy beach. It all combines to create a truly serene experience, accentuated by modern luxuries.
Marea – Ditliff Point
Summary of Where to Stay on St John
- For families with young children: Great Cruz Bay, Fish Bay
- For families with older children: Rendezvous Bay, Peter Bay
- For multigenerational groups: Great Cruz Bay, Rendezvous Bay
- For beach lovers: Trunk Bay, Peter Bay
- For nature lovers: Fish Bay
- For privacy: Ditliff Point
Still Wondering Where to Stay on St John?
Hopefully this guide gives you a better idea of what the best place to stay on St John is for you. If you’re still wondering where to stay on St John, let one of our Villa Specialists help – contact us today for a personalized recommendation.
1 Comment
You should do one for Costa Rica!