POI PU ST JOHN VILLA - GREAT VIEWS & TOTAL PRIVACY

The five of us (Mom & Dad, two grown children, one with boyfriend) found Poi Pu's layout ideal. In fact, we're considering using the layout as we build a lake cottage back in the states. Wide open, spacious, and very comfortable. It lives larger than its sq ft. The view of Chocolate Hole is lovely from the deck and the French doors. Since our last trip to STJ, a condo community has been built and abandoned along the CH shore, but it wasn't obstructive. In fact, we were glad it's been foreclosed, as it was absolutely quiet. We spent most of our days snorkeling and swimming - exploring more of the east end this visit - and at the end of wonderful long hot vigorous days stood in the cooling pool with drinks (plastic glasses only!) perched on the retaining wall. Poi Pu has all the amenities we needed - we cooked a couple of complicated meals and found enough kitchen tools to work with. Eating on the porch was divine and the orientation (south and east) kept the late afternoon sun off as we sat to dinner. The restaurants, bars, and grocery stores of town are a five minute drive. The south side main road to center line was just a couple of minutes in the other direction - steep, but you'll get used to it and enjoy avoiding the hassle of driving through town. Great location reasonable price, and a really lovely cottage. We'll be back next time we stay on this end of the island.

We had a wonderful week at Poi Pu! The house was accurately described in the listing and the photos did reflect the house's appearance. There was plenty of room for our group. The location was great...off the beaten path a bit but a very short drive to downtown Cruz Bay and some lovely beaches. But you will likely have a rental Jeep like we did and then the entire island is yours to explore. The owners were happy to answer my questions prior to and after booking. Once on-island, the property management company was also very accommodating and attentive. On the whole, the house was clean and well maintained. We did have one housekeeping issue that we immediately called about and it was resolved to the best of their ability that same day. Sadly, it rendered the oven unsanitary and unusable for the remainder of our stay. (We could use the oven top, however.) It was something that required further attention after we left. Provided that happened, I would feel comfortable recommending this property to a friend or relative. Not the owner's fault, but rather the people who are in charge of cleaning the house.

All of the beaches are fabulous and do get out and explore as many as you can, because they have such unique characteristics. Snorkeling sights and conditions vary as well. If you have kids, Big Maho is a great place for your first snorkle because it has a gradual progression to deep water unlike many others that drop off but a few feet from shore. It is also protected from the wind and provides calm waters. You will see rays and turtles at Maho. Bathrooms too!

Trunk Bay has a great snorkeling opportunity, but it is the busiest beach and very crowded. Amenities abound, though.

There are only 3 parking spaces, but do try and get to Gibney beach if you're looking for privacy. You'll be hard-pressed to find it on a map but it is located just east of Hawksnest and is marked by an iron gate.

Make the hike to Waterlemon and take a drive out to Saltpond! Chocolate Hole is great for hunting for seaglass and small shells, but that's it. People bring their dogs there too.

Eat at Rhumb Lines in Cruz Bay. (You should make a reservation.)

So many great sights, food, shopping and places to explore. The locals are very friendly. We will return :)

Excellent!!! We loved PoiPu. Jackie was so pleasant to deal with. It is a very easy to drive to town. The breeze was superb through out the whole villa. We did not cook there so I cannot comment on the kitchen supplies. The mornings were glorious on the deck and perfect for star gazing at night. The shower was a real treat. It is huge. The WiFi connection was very good in the villa and on the deck. The pool looked very refreshing but we are beach people so we didn't use it. I have rented many villas on St. John and I think this was the best price I have paid for a villa that size. I would rent PoiPu again. The deck is very private because of the landscaping. Thanks again Jackie.