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St. John is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. As the island is two-thirds covered by Virgin Islands National Park, it stays pristine and largely untouched. If you are looking for awesome St. John USVI vacation rentals that allow you to take in this unmatched beauty, you’re gonna wanna keep scrolling.
Some of these I have personally stayed at, while others are so dreamy that I’ll likely eventually stay there or recommend to a friend. All have very high ratings and plenty of reviews. I also tried to stay away from St. John rentals that appear to be owned by corporations, so you can be sure you are actually supporting a local when you book.
Without further ado, and after much research, here are seven awesome vacation rentals in St. John USVI that are practical while delivering the most incredible views.
7 St John USVI Vacation Rentals with Stunning Island Views
I’ve chosen the below gems based on a myriad of factors. The biggest things I looked at were location, amenities, aesthetics, price, and obviously whether they had rave reviews.
For simplicity, I’ve grouped the locations into either Coral Bay or Cruz Bay, which corresponds with the East and West sides of the island, respectively. In the description, I’ll be more specific on the exact location, as not all of these St. John USVI rentals are located right in town.
Vacation Rentals for Couples & Small Groups
1. Sweet – St. John
- Location: Cruz Bay
- Price Range: $250-$400
‘Sweet’ is a sleek, modern cottage, and is just a quick two-minute drive from downtown Cruz Bay. This means the unit is convenient to the ferry dock, as well as to great shopping and dining in Cruz Bay.
The unit is loaded with useful amenities, such as a washer and dryer, beach chairs, and a grill. High end finishes throughout the apartment, such as polished marble flooring and quartz counter tops, really take this rental up a notch, and set it apart from others on St. John. Don’t forget to take advantage of the covered deck, where you can see views of Pillsbury Sound and St. Thomas in the distance.
Being one bedroom and one bathroom, this unit is meant for two guests max. With stunning sea views and thoughtful amenities, Sweet is perfect for a romantic couple’s getaway.
2. A House of Open Arms Cottage
- Location: Coral Bay
- Price Range: $250-$400
Are you a couple looking for something a little more remote, but still irresistibly charming? You will fall in love with the House of Open Arms Cottage. It really is just that – a one room cottage with an outdoor shower and kitchen. A warning – the cottage is about 80 steep steps down from the driveway.
Don’t get me wrong though – this cottage is beautifully built, and has the most amazing views. It’s adorable porch overlooks the sweeping blue expanse of Coral Bay below, and is the perfect spot to sip coffee and watch the sunrise. The host also provides beach necessities, including chairs and a cooler.
The cottage can fit one couple, although there is a pack ‘n play available for those bringing infants. Groups of four can additionally rent out the House of Open Arms Villa, located up the steps from the cottage. The villa has equally gorgeous views, which can be admired from its infinity pool.
3. Hawk’s View
- Location: Cruz Bay
- Price Range: Under $250
Hawk’s View is a great budget option for two people, and is a convenient five-minute drive from the action in Cruz Bay. This unit is a private room in the house of a very kind and hospitable couple. Rest assured that you’ll have plenty of privacy, as well as everything you need.
The room is very spacious, and has an attached bathroom, which is also a nice size. Both spaces are modern, impeccably clean, and comfortable. There is also a cute private balcony, from which you can see the turquoise hues of Rendezvous Bay. The sunrise and sunset views are unbelievably breathtaking.
The host, Donna, makes coffee for her guests each morning, and also provides the necessary beach amenities, like chairs, coolers, etc. You also have access to an outdoor kitchen if you’d like to cook during your stay. While Hawk’s View is for only two people, there is another unit on the property, Hawk’s Rest, that can fit two more guests.
4. BRIZAN
- Location: Cruz Bay
- Price Range: Under $250
BRIZAN is located on the Cruz Bay side of St John, but is actually a little ways out from town. Situated in the quiet Fish Bay neighborhood, this rental is adjacent to Virgin Islands National Park. This peaceful, outdoorsy environment is perfect for hiking to Reef Bay beach, stargazing at night, and seeing various wildlife.
The views from BRIZAN are incredible, as the units are southern facing and overlook gorgeous Reef Bay. You’ll be able to hear the ocean when you wake up in the morning, and feel the sea breeze while you sip coffee from the Nespresso machine. Other irresistible amenities include a pool with a view, a hot tub, and beach necessities like chairs and towels.
Two bungalows sit on the BRIZAN property, and can each host two people. When you’ve had enough peace and quiet, the restaurants and shops of Cruz Bay are just a fifteen minute drive from the rental.
5. Vista Bahia
- Location: Coral Bay
- Price Range: $250-$400
This blue, uniquely shaped villa can fit two to four people, and feels quite spacious on the inside. Whether you rent just the top unit, or the whole villa, you’ll have everything you need for cooking, beach going, and comfort. There is a/c, but with the cool trade winds Vista Bahia gets, you probably won’t need it.
The villa is easily reached by a paved uphill road, and parking is simple in the gravel driveway just off the road. The rental also provides beach chairs, towels, and snorkel equipment for your convenience. Its wraparound balcony features views for miles over Coral Bay to the British Virgin Islands, which is an extraordinary view to wake up to in the morning.
Vista Bahia is in a great location near many restaurants and shops in Coral Bay. A grocery store and one of my favorite restaurants, Aqua Bistro, are just a five-minute drive down the mountain. Just watch out for the little goats that frequent the area!
Vacation Rentals for Larger Groups
6. Villa Mar de Amores
- Location: Cruz Bay
- Price Range: $400 and up
With three bedrooms, Villa Mar de Amores can fit up to seven guests. From this villa’s perch, you can see sweeping 180 degree views of four bays, along with some very enchanting sunsets. Every room in this house has big, beautiful windows so you never forget you’re in paradise.
Awesome perks include a balcony and pool, both of which look out over the sea. The villa is well-located, being just a few minutes drive from Cruz Bay, and is easily reached via paved roads. There is a driveway with ample parking for parties renting more than one Jeep. The unit is also equipped with a washer and dryer, which is perfect for packing super light or for those planning extended stays.
Also great for light packers is the fact that this rental provides all your beach necessities. No need to squeeze towels or snorkel gear into your luggage. These items, along with beach chairs, are all provided. All that’s left is to make the ten or so minute drive down to the beaches!
7. Vela Vista
- Location: Coral Bay
- Price Range: $400 and up
Vela Vista is the perfect stay for a large group, as it can fit up to twelve guests in its five bedrooms. This spacious and tastefully decorated villa is located high up on Bordeaux Mountain, and features views over St. John’s east end out to the British Virgin Islands. Another unique perk: the majority of this villa’s electricity is sourced from its rooftop solar array, meaning you won’t be harming the environment and will also be immune to the occasional island power outage.
The views from Vela Vista can easily be appreciated from its double decker porch, which has plenty of lounge chairs and a hammock for all to enjoy. The inside of the villa is just as enjoyable, being equipped with beautiful modern furnishings and brand new appliances. It also has everything you’d need for beach days, including chairs, towels, and coolers.
While Vela Vista is closest to Coral Bay, being just ten or so minutes away, this rental is actually quite centrally located on St. John. Cruz Bay is just a sixteen minute drive away, and the pristine north shore beaches are just ten minutes away. This makes Vela Vista the perfect jumping off point for all kinds of adventures during your stay.
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That concludes my rundown of these seven beautiful vacation rentals in St. John USVI. Whether you seek convenience or peace and quiet, there is something on this list for you. Either way, you’ll enjoy absolutely stunning tropical views during your stay.
Hello Theresa. I really enjoy your site. My family and I are trying to plan a trip to one of the Virgin islands in July.
We live in S Florida and enjoy paddle boarding, snorkeling, fishing etc. Hiking sounds good too. My wife and I = son (16) daughter (13). We are also looking to relax. Balcony with a view is a prerequisite for my wife. Do you have any guidance which island and where to stay? Regards
Thank you! From the sounds of it, you would definitely love St. John. With the coral reef surrounding the island, there is good snorkeling to be found at most beaches and several of them offer SUP rentals. There are also upwards of twenty hikes all over the island. Here are a couple of posts that may also help you:
https://www.fueledbywanderlust.com/st-thomas-vs-st-john/
https://www.fueledbywanderlust.com/st-john-hiking-trails/
As far as rentals with a balcony, those exist all over St. John and St. Thomas and many of them have awesome views with the islands being so hilly. However, July is a tad last minute so your selection may be slim. I recommend booking ASAP and swooping up whatever you can find. Another thing to consider: by far the easiest way to get around St. John is with a rental car, and many villas must be accessed with a Jeep. Being so close to the date it will be difficult to find a Jeep, so you might need to find a place to stay that does not require one.
I would also advise you to consider St. Croix. I was just there in early June and did not find it crowded at all. It may be easier to find more lodging and car rental options there for a last minute trip. There were SUP rentals available at most beaches, and if you love snorkeling, the Buck Island excursion is a must. It was honestly the best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced. Hope that helps!