Opinions on Villas?

[petunia]

Just because you have a kitchen, doesn't mean you have to cook....LOL. You could use the kitchen for breakfasts and lunches, casual, self-serve, not elaborate meals, but then take advantage of some of the many wonderful restaurants on St. Thomas. Many restaurants are moderately priced, or you could go for a late lunch and have a smaller meal or snack later in the evening. I stay on St. Thomas every year for two weeks in a timeshare with a kitchen and never make dinner at the resort. There are plenty of ways to have great dining experiences without spending a fortune.

I don't believe villas come with chefs on St. Thomas unless you request (and pay dearly) for that service.

McLauglin Anderson (St. Thomas Villas and St. Thomas Villa Rentals - McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas) has some beautiful villas. If you want to be on Peterborg Peninsula near Magen's Bay, one villa that gets wonderful reviews on St. Thomas travel forums is Stone Cottage, a beautiful one-bedroom villa perfect for a honeymoon.

Just some villa thoughts.

[Kristy!]

Biance, have you made any progress in your decision?

I am planning on going down to St thomas Memorial Day weekend... so I plan on checking out some villas then. At the moment I am looking at Corrine's villa, The Sign of the Dove and the villa next to hers, Allure. There was also Frenchmans Beach Villa, which is basically two 3 bedroom villas semi attached. And I am still interested in Three Palms Villa and Aqua Vista Villa. One deciding factor is going to be if the villa has a nice area to host a dinner for my reception.
I also learned how much my dad is giving us for our wedding! So I know I have more than I need for the ceremony and reception so I can put the extra money towards a nicer villa. So I have a couple ideas, but no definite decisions.

[Kristy!]

Gotta love having more money than expected! Keep us posted on what you decide.

[sherri]

Stone Cottage that Petunia mentioned is a one bedroom located West of Magen's Bay, in Dorothea Est. and great for honeymooners! I manage this villa. I also do p/u's for Villa Allure and is a nice choice, airy and roomy! Master Bedroom is upstairs with 2 bedrooms side by side below. Nice pool and jacuzzi! Happy to help with the villas that I know!
Good Luck in your search! Villas are the way to go!

As for chef's being included with a rental, the only villa that I know that includes your own personal chef is Villa Indochine! Otherwise you hire you own chef! Hope this helps!

[rachcmn]

Hi Sherri,

I am also considering having a beach ceremony and then holding the reception at a villa. The villa needs to be roomy enough (nice pool, patio area) for about 35-40 people. But, my finace and I are the only ones that would stay there...do you have any recomendations on some? I would have guests stay at a nearby hotel..any rec's for that too? Thanks!!!

[sherri]

Villa Ventana is a very popular villa, especially for weddings! You can pay for 1 bedroom vs. for the whole villa which will be less expensive and still allows you privacy! It is located just past Marriot Frenchman's Reef!
Another popular villa is Blue Serenity, again you can rent only 1 bedroom and have your guests stay nearby at Secret Harbor. Blue Serenity has a trail which takes you down to Secret Harbor Beach.
Go to: Caribbean Villas: Caribbean Villa Rentals by McLaughlin Anderson Villas Virgin Islands
They DO charge a fee for holding wedding functions at these villas.
Another villa that just came to mind is Belagio Estate -very large! The closest hotel to this estate is Holiday Inn Windward Passage.
Other villas that allow for large functions are: Coral Gardens- Est. Peterborg, Siren's Song- West End of Island. Neither are near hotels tho.
I have had the wedding couple stay at the above mentioned Stone Cottage, Rockworks or even Corrine's Villa for that matter- guests stay at Frenchman's Reef OR a differant villa and then have the ceremony wherever you choose....Magen's Bay, One the Hotels, etc.
Hope this helps some!
ps- I don't know if Corrine offers a one bedroom rate? I'm guessing she does!

[rachcmn]

Wow, thanks Sherri!! That is really helpful. I'm going to check on all of those that you mentioned!

[sherri]

Hey, no problem! If I can answer any questions you may have on these villas, feel free to pm me!

[FYB87]

Sherri, do you know how far Bellagio Estate is from the beach? Is it walking distance? Thanks!