East End Vacation Rental villa: St. John

SPECIAL: Stay 7/Pay 6 or Stay 10/Pay 8 when you book after 2/12/09 and travel before 12/18/09

Notched into a beautifully-landscaped hillside and tucked behind an electronic gate, Great Turtle Villa commands sweeping views of Coral Bay, the Caribbean Sea and the emerald green hills of Bordeaux Mountain.

This charming red-roofed villa features four air-conditioned bedrooms situated in two two-story pavilions, bisected by the cool pool in between. In the west pavilion, on Great Turtle's main level, are the elegant living and dining areas, the fully-equipped kitchen, laundry closet and a powder room. Screened mahogany French doors open out from the kitchen and living areas to a scenic verandah set with comfortable wicker rocking chairs for reading, cocktails and conversation, or for enjoying the cool tradewinds and the mesmerizing wide-angled vistas of sky, sea and islands.

This verandah connects to the main level's second pavilion, separated for excellent privacy by a large palm tree, and to its air-conditioned Yellow Suite, a high-ceilinged king bedroom/bath suite. You'll awake on top of the world to St. John's inspiring natural beauty, seen right from your king bed through the french doors. A staircase leads from this verandah down to Great Turtle's pool level and to three more air-conditioned bedroom/bath suites, the office, and to a lush tropical rock garden which separates the villa's two poolside pavilions. The pool features ingenious safety gates, which easily swing open or closed. Nearest the pool and garden is one pavilion offering the Green Suite, an air-conditioned queen bedroom with an ensuite bath - when you awake, a few steps will take you from your bed right to the pool for a morning swim; what a way to start another beautiful day in paradise!

On the other side of the gardens and pool is Great Turtle's other poolside wing, which has a large covered deck for shady relaxation and which offers two more bedroom/bath suites with air-conditioning: the Blue Suite with a king bed (or two twin beds, if you prefer), and the queen Pink Suite. A lazy hammock hangs right outside on the verandah, and a convenient home office (equipped with a high-speed internet line with WiFi for your laptop, printer, fax machine, and a handy mini-fridge and coffee maker), is situated between the Blue and Pink Suites, providing guests excellent seclusion.

Great Turtle Villa has been lovingly furnished and equipped, and features original Caribbean art and an inviting mix of antiques and tropical furnishings. But it's that spellbinding, long-distance panorama which you'll remember, a breathtaking expanse of greens and blues along the horizon, dotted with palm trees and yachts and small, and the sublime peace and privacy of Great Turtle Villa which will beckon you back again and again to this charming island hideaway. And Great Turtle Villa's mid-island location gives you closer access to the island's beautiful North Shore beaches. You'll surely enjoy nearby Coral Bay, the quieter, funky side of St. John, featuring notable waterfront eateries and bars like Skinny Legs.

Please note: Thanksgiving rentals require a 7-night minimum.

Security Deposit $300.

Photos compliments of Don Hebert.