Here is what our guests are saying:
This Cottage...Blew Away Our Expectations
This is the place that you will want to stay if you are searching for a beautiful view and a quiet, peaceful stay! This cottage was everything that we were searching for but really blew away our expectations. It really is even better than the pictures. My family of four (husband, 2 teens) adored this place. From the beginning, our host checked on us during our travel day--which was delayed. She graciously met us as we got into Coral Bay to lead us to the cottage. There, she had beautiful flowers and a coconut, banana bread waiting for us! It was scrumptious. The cottage was very clean and beautifully decorated. The Master bedroom had a stunning view of the sunrise in the morning and we loved drinking our coffee on the deck. There was plenty of room for the four of us to move around the cottage, and, best of all, the beautiful gardens surrounding the cottage made for peaceful walks every day. The kitchen was fully stocked with appliances and dishes that we needed to cook with; the Dolphin Market was a five-minute drive and had a wide selection of produce as well as pantry items. Coral Bay is a quiet place filled with locals and full of charm. After spending time at Salt Pond, hiking at Ram Trail, and snorkeling in Haulover, the hot tub was the perfect transition to spending our evenings in the cottage. The attention to detail was overwhelming. There were amazing books that taught us all about the history of St John. There were plenty of games for some family fun. Dinner on the deck was so relaxing and beautiful. What a gem this adorable cottage is!"
~ August, 2022, Stacy K. (Upper Level)
Absolute Best Possible Experience!
This property was exactly as advertised, and we could not be happier to have chosen it for our vacation. The owners and property managers were available and consistently helpful, and provided an experience that exceeded our expectations in every way. This was not our first time on St. John, but this property will be the first we will return to. We will also definitely recommend this property to our friends as well."
~July, 2022, Richard K. (Upper Level)
Amazing Honeymoon Week!
This place was AMAZING!!! We stayed for our honeymoon and it was just perfect. The view is breathtaking from all over the property, including the back patio, dining room, bedroom, and hot tub. The hot tub was spectacular! Worked, easy to control, easy to cover, and had hanging lights. Those trade winds blew all the time and were really nice to have. It was easy to keep cool with the fans in the whole cottage and winds blowing in through open screened windows. Everything worked in the place, including kitchen, wifi, grill, hot tub, fans. We didn't try the TV. Everything was also clean and well kept! The power never went out the 5 days we were there so we never got to see the Tesla power wall in action. Looked like it was fully charged based on the light indicator. (owner's note: the transition to back-up power is so seamless that you can't tell when it happens, so more than likely the Tesla turned on multiple times). Beach Gear: They had plenty of snorkel gear. It just took us some time at Maho Bay to figure out which one created a seal on our faces. And the chairs worked well too! ...... The property managers, Anysia and Scott, made sure that there was a heart shaped flower decoration on the table when we walked in, freshly backed mocha chocolate chip banana bread, and a bottle of Prosecco. Details on point! These two were also very kind, showed us everything we needed....., and were responsive via text. The meet up at the Coral Bay sign was quite easy. A few other reviews noted the steep road, and at first those reviews made me nervous. But our Jeep easily got up and down that paved road to the cottage. Easy during the day and night. And it is so close to the Coral Bay restaurants and two grocery stores. They have a few binders with local info on restaurants and to do, which is neat! Parking was easy at the cottage! We read online that our phones might pick up the British Virgin Islands cell phone towers and charge us for roaming. Looks like that didn’t happen to us. We have Cricket and our phones worked perfectly the whole time (S10 and S21 Galaxy). Call, text, and cellular internet, GPS had no problem. Island easy to navigate. We didn't have to buy any international plan. It was quiet and peaceful. It is also within 15 minutes of amazing beaches and Reef Bay hiking trail. The master bathroom is (gorgeous) because of the plants and stained glass. Love all the plants on the property."
~May 2022, Jonathan W. (Upper Level)
Another "Wonderful Time" at Stonegarden
Thia, as usual we had a very wonderful time. The Tesla Power Wall and hot tub are great additions to Stonegarden. As is the nice touch of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash...And this time we did something new…went deep sea fishing! ...The captain filleted the fish (my son caught) and we grilled it on the deck and had it with oven roasted asparagus and red potatoes. It was the best fish we ever had. Apparently the cero mackerel is one of the tastiest fish in the sea.
And finally, thank you for the canvas framed picture of Coral Bay. I will treasure it…and fight over it for custody with (my son)! It will remind us of the good times we have had at Stonegarden…and portend many more!"
~Jan. 2022, Dennis L. (Upper Level - a repeat guest)
"So Much Closer To Our Favorite Places to Explore"
We (had) a great visit. Thanks so much for sharing your house. Everyone loved it and appreciated how homey and warm it felt. We hadn't stayed on the Coral Bay side of the island before, and really enjoyed it. We had a lot of sightings of creatures we hadn't seen before in the water and appreciated being so much closer to our favorite places to explore."
~Dec. 2021, James K. (Whole House)
"One of Our Best Family Vacations Ever!"
One of our best family vacations ever! Cynthia's house is beautiful, super comfortable and has stunning views. The beds were very comfortable and we loved falling asleep to the sounds of frogs and crickets outside. The house was spotlessly clean and we had everything we needed. The property manager even brought us a delicious banana cake warm out of the oven! We loved the location in the more quiet part of the island - a true getaway! But renters should know that there are not many restaurants so cooking at home is best. Also the driving is challenging and the roads are very steep, so you need to be prepared for some challenging driving - but definitely worth the effort!!! The book of tips from the hosts was also very helpful - great tips on best beaches to visit. Thanks for a great stay!"
~Dec. 2021, Nicole G. (Whole House)
"We Loved Our Time in Your Home"
We had an amazing first visit to St. John and will definitely be back. We loved our time in your home...
Everything was wonderful for our stay, the cottage was immaculate and had everything we needed. It is clear that you have put a lot of thought into providing everything guests could need and making it a comfortable place to stay. We unpacked our suitcases completely and truly felt at home for the week. We loved the Caribbean shower and the garden next to it, had never seen anything like that. We so enjoyed walking the beautiful grounds and the incredible views of Coral Bay and the BVIs in the mornings and afternoons from the deck. We did not want to leave when it was time to go home.
(The managers) were really great, they provided great directions to meet them and showed us everything about the cottage and grounds and were so warm and welcoming, and left a beautiful display of flowers with chocolate and sparkling wine to welcome us for our honeymoon! (They) had also put fresh flowers and greenery in vases in every room which I loved. They found out my husband was interested in lobster diving and stopped by another day to bring us a lobster snare and net to borrow (and homemade banana bread)!....They are so wonderful and were excellent hosts."
~Nov., 2021, Laura M. (Upper Level - Honeymooners)
"Great for an Adventurous Family of 4"
We had a great stay. Check in was seamless and communication was welcoming. The property was everything it advertised and more. The new hot tub was perfect after a long day of snorkeling. There was plenty of hiking and nearby beaches to explore. Not having AC wasn't an issue and we found the temperature lovely. The views from the balcony during sunrise and the evening were breathtaking. We loved the special touches including the fresh flowers and homemade banana bread on arrival. We definitely hope to return soon."
~Nov., 2021, Kristen H. (Upper Level)
"This Place is Gorgeous!"
This place is gorgeous! Very quiet and private. We met the owners and they were very nice and gave us great recommendations about beaches and places. The property manager was very responsive and also helpful with recommendations. This is truly a piece of a paradise. The owner emailed us before our planned trip to inform us of travel Covid restrictions and thanks to her we were able to get to USVI without any problems. We truly appreciated that as we saw a couple that wasn’t let on the airplane due to lack of Covid test. She also suggested renting a Jeep which I highly recommend if you’re wanting to explore the island. Some beaches are only accessible via off roads and impossible to get in a sedan… The studio has all the basics you need for cooking as well as it provides towels and bedding. Unit has a wall A/C unit for hot nights as well as a fan for breezy, cooler ones. Thank you Thia and Raf for sharing you little piece of paradise with us!"
~Sept., 2021, Bogusa W. (Lower Level)
"Absolutely Stunning Inside and Out"
"The cottage is absolutely stunning inside and out! The property has the best views and has everything you could possibly think of for my entire family of 6 which included 3 somewhat handicap and a child. Words and pictures can not even begin to show the beautiful, serene tranquility of this property. It has everything anyone could want."
~July 2021, Melissa K. (Upper Level)
"Beautiful Home on St. John!"
This home is lovely, the location is great and the view from the house is amazing. The property managers were extremely helpful during check in and answered questions during our visit too. Highly recommend!"
~June 2021, Anonymous (Whole House)
"Beautiful View and Super Comfortable!"
We loved the location of Stonegarden Cottage. It was centrally located to all of the beaches we wanted to visit and had a beautiful view of Coral Bay. It was so convenient to go back to the house and have a siesta everyday. The house was perfect for our large family and everyone slept great! We loved cooking dinner for our family in the kitchen and on the grill."
~May, 2021, Amy C. (Whole House)
"Beautiful Stay!"
I really appreciated how well they prepared us for the stay. They cared not only about the quality of the property but also about our overall experience on the island! We had everything we needed, and I couldn't get enough of the view."
~ May 2021, Siobhan W. (Lower Level)
"This Home is Absolutely Exquisite!"
This home is absolutely exquisite! My family and I had such a wonderful experience here! The views are breathtaking and the location is very quiet and relaxed! You do want to have a Jeep for this place since the road leading to the home is quite steep. It is about a 20-minute drive to Maho Bay which is the closest beach to snorkel on the way to Cruz Bay, but if you want quiet this is the place to be! Both property managers for Thia are great and so responsive and helpful! We had an issue with our Jeep and Scott came to the rescue! The showers are amazing after a long day at the beach! We hope to be back soon! It was a fantastic stay during COVID!"
~April, 2021, Marina M. (Upper Level)
"Wonderful!"
Breathtaking property with breathtaking views of Coral Bay. You get a wonderful sunrise here! Conveniently located right up the hill from the Dolphin market, making trips for grocery a breeze. I love this side of the island and this is one of the more beautiful villas I’ve stayed at. Would love to come back! Special shout out to the property managers Scott and Anysia, who do a great job! We were unable to get a rental car for day 1 or the trip and Anysia actually picked us up in Cruz Bay upon arrival and took us to the villa. Above and beyond service and really helped get trip started on the right foot! Stay here; you won’t regret it!"
~ April 2021, Matt G. (Upper Level)
"Perfect Location Over Coral Bay"
Can't say enough about this property. First, location made it easy to get to East End and the North Shore. Plenty of dining and grocery options very nearby. Cool breezes all day. The cottage is very well equipped and immaculate. Loved the style and artwork Comfy! Comfy furniture, and the outdoor area was so great. Pretty morning views and serene afternoon vibe. The sun is never blazing in your face here, it just bathes the scene in light. When I return to St. John, I will schedule my stay around the availability of Stonegarden Cottage!"
~ March 2021, Janet P. (Upper Level)
"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)
Loved It So Much They Came 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)
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