Here is what our guests are saying:
"Tropical Garden Get-Away"
Our family of 6 plus my parents stayed at Stonegarden Cottage. We loved staying in quieter Coral Bay and enjoyed the Mountain View’s overlooking Coral Bay immensely. Both the owner and property manager were very attentive and informative before the trip. Highly recommend this property, it was a lush private garden oasis!"
~Jan. 2021, Jennifer A. (Whole House)
"Charm Galore"
If you're looking for a property with loads of charm, a million dollar + view, a great location, and plenty of comfort, this property is for you. I stayed at Stone Garden with my wife and sons in December 2020. I selected the property based on the location (close to beaches and hikes), views, and reasonable price. Stone Garden did not disappoint. SG is 500 feet above Coral Bay, with amazing views of SJ's East End, Tortola, and other islands. SG is clean, quiet, and has several architectural features (e.g., stone work and open air showers) that give it true charm and authenticity. For me and my family, SG was a home run."
~Dec. 2020, Eric B. (Upper Level)
"Excellent Views and a Nice Place"
We had a great stay and thought both the house and views were really nice. Joy was very helpful while we were at the house and was quick to respond anytime we needed anything. The location is excellent, an easy drive from town and to the west side beaches. I was concerned about the lack of A/C, but it was very breezy and cool at night. We would be happy to stay here again."
Feb. 2020, Jay T. (Upper Level)
"Beautiful Home, Breathtaking Views"
We just want to say thank-you for opening up your beautiful island home! We spent a week in the lower level of Stonegarden Cottage and highly recommend it. The studio is very comfortable, has everything needed, easy to fix meals in, and has breathtaking views!! Eating outside on the private patio looking down island was just so relaxing. First visit since the storms – the beaches are beautiful and the water clear. Lots of turtles at Maho Crossing. Lime out has amazing tacos. Grouper Reuben at Miss Lucy's was delicious, as was the pizza at St John Brewer's Tap Room. Love Coral Bay side of the island. Pickles in Paradise just closed, other than Miss Lucy’s Sunday Brunch there were no longer breakfast options on Coral Bay side; so plan to either drive to Cruz Bay or eat-in. The road to the villa is paved, the parking space is on a typical island incline; so 4WD required. We can't wait to plan our next trip to St John!!"
July 2019, Leslie B. (Lower Level)
"Super Sunrise Cozy Cottage"
We loved the place. Great sunrises, and alot of great outdoors living space. Very cozy, and with the tradewinds the AC was not needed. We were fortunate that no one was upstairs during our visit, so we could hang out on the upper deck. We appreciated the cooler, and the beach chairs which we used everyday. On the norm we don't spend much time during the day at our rental but here was a perfect spot to play guitar and read. I'd rent this place again without hesitation. Thank you!"
March 2019, Tim B. (Lower Level)
"Restful & Relaxing"
We very much enjoyed our stay here. It was quiet and peaceful, which was exactly what we were looking for. Every morning, we sat on the balcony to eat our breakfast and enjoy the sea breezes. Having that private outdoor space was really great. Also - the newly renovated bathroom is comfortable and very tastefully designed. We also VERY much appreciated a guide book of St. John. The book gave us detailed information about hikes in the area - without that book, I don't think we would have had such a great time. The place is clean, comfortable, quiet and we LOVED the sea breezes. Thanks again!!"
Feb. 2019, Alices Y. (Lower Level)
"A Peaceful Respite on the Hill"
Our family of 3 had a lovely, restful visit. The house is beautifully decorated and is spacious and comfortable. We enjoyed the deck overlooking Coral Bay and beyond. The home is in a quiet neighborhood, yet is close to many restaurants and is a short drive to all the wonderful beaches on the island. We enjoyed our stay at this very special place!"
Feb. 2019, Anthony, D. (Upper Level)
"Post-Irma St. John is as Beautiful as Ever!"
My husband, our 2 boys and I were really torn about making our yearly trip down to St. John after the terrible devastation from the hurricanes, but because of our deep love for this little piece of paradise, we decided to book our stay at Stonegarden Cottage and we are so happy we did! In fact we had such a hard time leaving, more so than in the past. It has become such a special place to us as has Stonegarden Cottage. As soon as we arrived in Cruz Bay we were thoroughly impressed with how hard everyone has and is continuing to work to repair the island. We immediately got “Thank you” after “Thank you” for coming. These sincere expressions brought tears to our eyes. It’s amazing how our beautiful earth, although beaten and bruised at times, can heal itself. Our week in Coral Bay didn’t disappoint. We saw so much sea life as we snorkeled from our favorite beaches. There are a few restaurants back open, including a new one, Wok on the Beach, that didn’t disappoint. We spent Super Bowl Sunday at our favorite place (Skinny Legs) and the burgers are still the best we’ve ever had! Stonegarden Cottage looks as beautiful as ever and we felt like home as soon as we walked in. It truly has become our home away from home. Whitni is a terrific host and was very helpful - she’s definitely a keeper! We hope to be back to celebrate our 25th anniversary next year! Thank you for another great stay!"
--Feb. 2018, Heather M. (Upper Level)
"Quaint Cottage with Wonderful View of Coral Bay Paradise"
My wife and I stayed in the upper level Stonegarden Cottage for the entire month of October and absolutely loved it. As soon as we walked in, we fell in love with the quaint Caribbean architecture and vibrant colors. The cottage immediately felt like our home away from home. The kitchen was furnished with just about everything we needed when we decided to cook in (which was often) and the owner advised me that they are upgrading some of the kitchen utensils which will make your experience even better. The "in-door/outdoor bathrooms" are a real special feature of the home. The many plants growing on the wall of the master bath, combined with the screens which allow the rain in (but not the bugs) to water the plants is like nothing we have back on the mainland. The views are simply incredible and the pictures can not do justice to what we saw every day. At first, your mind literally will have trouble processing the view that your eyes are providing. The views of Coral Bay combined with the mountains and the many other islands in the distance, such as the British Virgin Islands, leaves you speechless. We loved the stone paths that encircle the property and the grounds were spectacular, especially when it rained and there was a small stream running through the property.
We enjoyed the laid back vibe of Coral Bay. When you want the more developed upscale feel of Cruz Bay it is just a 25 minute drive, though we don't recommend you do it at night until you get used to the mountainous curvy roads. Be sure to check out the many hiking trails with numerous sugar plantation ruins that are in their natural state of decay (there is a great book about St John in the Cottage that gives intricate details about each trail). The white sand beaches on the North side of the Island are what make St John a true paradise. Again, be sure to read the St. John book for the best beaches for snorkeling. Some advice for those who are "virgins" to St John: Be sure to rent a Jeep (preferably a 4 door as they handle better and are more user friendly) as the roads are quite mountainous. Water is precious since drinking and bathing water is collected solely from the rain and kept in a cistern so you have to learn how to conserve water. Also, be sure to keep your food in the cabinets or refrigerator otherwise you will attract critters that you really don't want inside in your house."
~ Nov., 2016, Joe A. (Upper Level)
Love It So Much They Come Back Every Year!
We loved Stonegarden Cottage so much we almost didn’t post a review because wanted to keep it a secret. This was our second year renting this cottage (the upper level) and it was even better than the first year. We’ve already reserved it again for next year. (editor's note: they stayed for the 5th time 2018)
Frequent visitors to St John eventually learn that Coral Bay is the best place to stay if you like a laid-back vacation. No hotels, no casinos, no traffic, no worries. You’re close to the north shore beaches but also close to the east end of St John which is much less developed than Cruz Bay at the west end. The pace is slower but the basic necessities are all there including great markets, restaurants and friendly people everywhere..."
-- March, 2015, Roger & Jacky (Upper Level)