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St. John is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. As this paradise is two-thirds covered by Virgin Islands National Park, its lush hills stay pristine and largely untouched. If you are planning a trip here soon, I put together this awesome list of St. John USVI vacation rentals that’ll deliver glittering sea views for days.
Many of these are cottages or villas I have personally stayed at with my husband, while others are on my wish list or ideal for larger groups. All are vetted with very high ratings and plenty of positive reviews. I also tried to avoid 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 eight awesome vacation rentals in St. John USVI that are practical while delivering swoonworthy views.
8 St John USVI Vacation Rentals with Stunning Caribbean Views
I chose the below gems based on a myriad of factors, including location, amenities, aesthetics, price, and 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 each description, I’ll detail out the specific location, as not all of these St. John USVI vacation rentals are located right in town.
Vacation Rentals for Couples & Small Groups
1. Sweet – St. John
- Location: Cruz Bay
- Price: $330/night
‘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. Book your stay here.
2. A House of Open Arms Cottage
- Location: Coral Bay
- Price: $283/night
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. Book your stay here.
3. Hawk’s View
- Location: Cruz Bay
- Price: $135/night
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 and helpful amenities.
The room and attached bathroom are spacious, modern, impeccably clean, and comfortable. There is also a cute private balcony, from which you can see the turquoise hues of Rendezvous Bay. To top it off, the sunrise and sunset views are unbelievably breathtaking.
The host, Donna, makes coffee for her guests each morning and also provides beach essentials 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. Book your stay here.
4. Vista Bahia
- Location: Coral Bay
- Price: $294/night
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, Salty Mongoose Pizza & Rum, are just a five-minute drive down the mountain. Just watch out for the little goats that frequent the area! Book your stay here.
5. Samsara
- Location: Coral Bay
- Price: $299/night
Samsara is a sleek cottage with pretty wooden details that brings seclusion and surfer vibes. Located high up on Ajax Peak, you’ll have a private patio with views over the entirety of Coral Bay. In fact, you’ll even be able to see beyond East End towards the British Virgin Islands of Norman Island, Peter Island, Salt Island and Cooper Island.
That said, this cabin isn’t that far off the beaten path, being located on Ajax Peak Road near the popular Colombo’s smoothie stand. Plus, it’s only a five-to-ten-minute drive to the shops and restaurants of Coral Bay. Also being minutes from North Shore Road, or St. John’s famous beach road, you’ll be just a short distance from white-sand gems like Maho Bay and Trunk Bay.
The cottage offers perfect amenities for up to two people, with a spacious interior that features one main room and a small bathroom. The kitchen is nicely stocked with appliances, cutlery, gadgets, and spices, and the small living space comes with a TV. Outside the cottage is a dedicated parking area, pool noodles, chairs, and a cooler. The cottage is easy to find at the end of Ajax Peak Road, although the pavement can be a bit bumpy in parts. Book your stay here.
Related: How to Get to St John in the US Virgin Islands
Vacation Rentals for Families & Larger Groups
6. Villa Dal Mare
- Location: Coral Bay
- Price: $495/night
For family-friendly luxury with a remote feel, book a week or two at Villa Dal Mare in Coral Bay. Perched up high on the Majestic Mile in Upper Carolina, this impeccably styled villa delivers on chic beach vibes and romantic views over Coral Bay and Hurricane Hole. Whether you are traveling as a couple, family, or friend group, prepare to fall in love with these lush mountainside surroundings.
With three fabulous suites that sleep nine guests, including a set of bunk beds for younger travelers, the villa is easy reachable via well-marked paved roads. The best local shops and restaurants of Coral Bay are just a quick five-minute drive down the hill!
Villa Dal Mare’s calm setting might even convince you to spend the day poolside instead of heading to St. John’s beaches. Appreciate sweeping views from your deck chair, sip coffee on the patio, or play cornhole while admiring the Caribbean blues below. The villa’s owner, Lauren McBride (IG: @iamlaurenmcbride), also ensures you don’t need to abandon your wellness routine by providing yoga mats and free weights for your use.
Other practical amenities include a fully-stocked kitchen, washer and dryer, two pack n plays, a high chair, and baby gates. Couples will love the Maho Suite, with it’s intimacy and charming garden atmosphere. Book your stay here.
7. Villa Mar de Amores
- Location: Cruz Bay
- Price Range: $500-875/night
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! Book your stay here.
8. Vela Vista
- Location: Coral Bay
- Price Range: $795-1,000/night
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. Book your stay here.
Related: 10 Amazing St John Hiking Trails You Need to Try
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That concludes my rundown of these eight 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!