Here is what our guests are saying:
"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., Pittsburgh, PA
"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.
"Breathtakingly Beautiful & Peaceful Setting!!"
Dear Thia and Raf,
We just want to thank you for allowing us to experience your wonderful hilltop home. This was our first trip to St. John and while we fell more in love with the island every day, we truly could not wait to get back "home" to our deck after our excursions and relax in the beauty, sights and sounds of the mountain. The cottage had everything we needed to cook up some great dinners and enjoy them " plen aire". It is such a happy and inviting cottage and it's our hope that we make it an annual event. Enjoy the hummingbird feeder as our thank you for your guests. Gwen was also terrific and got us settled in quickly. Thank you so much and see you next year!"
-- Dec. 2016, Debbie & Dave S., Stuart, FL
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, Portsmouth, NH
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