Gift Hill villa rental - Refresh from a salty beach with a dip in your private pool amidst flowers & view
Refresh from a salty beach with a dip in your private pool amidst flowers & view
 
Gift Hill villa rental - Refresh from a salty beach with a dip in your private pool amidst flowers & view

Refresh from a salty beach with a dip in your private pool amidst flowers & view

Stone work + flowers welcome you to the comforts of your island home & friends

Stone work + flowers welcome you to the comforts of your island home & friends

Enjoy your 1st cup of coffee watching Pillsbury Sound awake in the morning light

Enjoy your 1st cup of coffee watching Pillsbury Sound awake in the morning light

Toast the sunset on the pool deck with that special one or small circle of pals

Toast the sunset on the pool deck with that special one or small circle of pals

Look up from your book to see the white rimmed, green islands in the aqua blue

Look up from your book to see the white rimmed, green islands in the aqua blue

Outdoor living ala Charleston with roll-up screens ceiling fans & potted plants

Outdoor living ala Charleston with roll-up screens ceiling fans & potted plants

No bugs- no crowd- no ado- just quiet beauty all around your breezy dining table

No bugs- no crowd- no ado- just quiet beauty all around your breezy dining table

Another view of the outdoor living space showing the new furniture. Easy comfort

Another view of the outdoor living space showing the new furniture. Easy comfort

Kitchen designed by chefs who like to visit while cooking-bright & well equipped

Kitchen designed by chefs who like to visit while cooking-bright & well equipped

Kitchen is functionally well laidout for cooks. Wash dishes with a view of St T

Kitchen is functionally well laidout for cooks. Wash dishes with a view of St T

Dining area with outdoor terrace in background. Note the 2 hammock seats on left

Dining area with outdoor terrace in background. Note the 2 hammock seats on left

The comfy living space in the Great Room for TV+ quiet chats-Love the view Do U?

The comfy living space in the Great Room for TV+ quiet chats-Love the view Do U?

The Great Room with a view- that Mexican tile feels refreshing on your bare feet

The Great Room with a view- that Mexican tile feels refreshing on your bare feet

A fun catwalk joins the balcony with sleeping loft, also a cozy reading nook.

A fun catwalk joins the balcony with sleeping loft, also a cozy reading nook.

Catwalk looking from balcony to sleeping loft with privacy screens and wardrobe

Catwalk looking from balcony to sleeping loft with privacy screens and wardrobe

Your own romantic cafe on the 2nd floor balcony -linger in the double hammock

Your own romantic cafe on the 2nd floor balcony -linger in the double hammock

Drift asleep to the twinkling lights of St. T,awaken to cool balmy sea breezes

Drift asleep to the twinkling lights of St. T,awaken to cool balmy sea breezes

The 2nd BR off of the Great Room has a small veranda with two hammock chairs

The 2nd BR off of the Great Room has a small veranda with two hammock chairs

Watch the day unfold in the lounge by your bedsuite-Art work in niche has a tale

Watch the day unfold in the lounge by your bedsuite-Art work in niche has a tale

Bathrooms are breezy and light with double vanities, closeted toilet +big shower

Bathrooms are breezy and light with double vanities, closeted toilet +big shower

Big playful shower That's not a picture but a real view-Private yet feel outside

Big playful shower That's not a picture but a real view-Private yet feel outside

The soft trade winds feel good after your shower with breezy end windows or fans

The soft trade winds feel good after your shower with breezy end windows or fans

Tho seeming to be remotely private, its just 7 minutes to downtown on good roads

Tho seeming to be remotely private, its just 7 minutes to downtown on good roads

The beaches are reached by two good roads-North Shore or Centerline.Try them all

The beaches are reached by two good roads-North Shore or Centerline.Try them all

  • Bedrooms2
  • Sleeps6
  • 2 Bathrooms
 

Photos and Description of the Gift Hill vacation villa rental
Villa, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Private Baths, Plus loft (Sleeps 4-6)

Cielo Vista (Heavenly View) is a modern hilltop villa, off white stucco and Caribbean blue roof and shutters. The interior is pristine clean white plaster with rich mahogony wood trim and special Mexican tile flooring. When people come to Cielo Vista their first reaction is awe of the views and appreciation of the cleanliness and architecture. The central Great Room with its vaulted two story space with loft and catwalk is the hub. There are two private bedsuites with their own beautiful baths and special showers. There is a sleeping loft/ reading nook in the Great Room connected to an elevated balcony with even more expansive vistas. The modern, full kitchen is well laid out for efficiency and company. The large enclosed outdoor veranda with its proximity to the pool is a place of easy comfort, viewing, reading, and visiting. The pool is private and inviting, surrounded by a deck affording sunbathing, sunset viewing, and morning coffee venue, And always, there is the view.

About Chris and Harriett Bast

Chris and Harriett Bast were married in the autumn of their lives on tiny Henley Cay just off Caneel Bay in 2010. This was the joyful, improbable union of two recent retirees,a Southern belle from Charleston,SC and an Upstate NY contractor. Chris is a West Pointer with a tour of duty in VN. He started his company with his childhood sweetheart, his recently deceased wife-Nancy.. It was she who chose the site, selected the name and did much of the physical work of the building. We dedicate this to Nancy with love

Chris and Harriett Bast purchased this villa in 2005
Why Chris and Harriett Bast chose Gift Hill

We had been stymied in our 3 year search for just the right property on St John.during the real estate boom in the early 2000's

We had made many offers but were always 2nd bidder or too late. Returning stateside after one especially frustrating trip during which we had tendered two unsuccessful proposals we received an urgent phone call from our realtor which needed an immediate response. A property was about to be listed and already offers were queuing up. We would have to bid 'sight unseen' if we wished to be in the hunt. We bid based on trust and and the agent's detailed description-- An unbelievably great view, nice neighborhood, buildable lot, well treed, convenient location, good assess roads, quiet surrounds, great topography, ample space, and immediate availability. Obviously we were the successful bidder. We hurriedly returned to St John with 3 days of grace if we wanted to withdraw our bid. There was no need-It was love at 1st sight.

What makes this villa unique

Many St John locations can boast of great views but CV has one of the best. In the dark of night the vista continues. No featureless black seascape here. The lights of St Thomas twinkle in the distance. We can watch the the big cruise ships as they steam in from or out to sea from Charlotte Amalie. On clear days we can see the PR islands of Vieques and Culebras. But the best is the spectacular sunsets from the deck or balcony as we review the day.

All rooms have the great view, proximity to the pool, and easy transparent access to the outdoors. The Great Room, a two story, vaulted space with catwalk and loft, houses the functions as a group -visiting/cooking/ TV/ games, etc. The bed suites with their own verandas are get-away spots for reading or napping with privacy. The bathrooms are spacious with special showers which feel like you're outdoors. Originally the villa was built with a large open veranda tying all the areas together around the pool. To reduce the suns rays in late afternoon a special rollup screen was installed in front of the Great Room. This proved so successful that they entire veranda was screened in with overhead fans and comfy cushioned chairs. This room has become a focal point in the villa. It mimics the outdoor living spaces of Charleston, SC.

The pool is central to the villa. The surrounding deck is great for private sunbathing, It is often cool at night for cocktails and visits as the twinkling lights of St Thomas emerge after the sunset. Morning coffee or crossword puzzle are done there also.

The 2nd floor balcony provides an elevated cafe and hammock-enjoy.

7 Reviews of Property 3166327 in Gift Hill, Virgin Islands

Cielo Vista, Breathtaking panoramic views from every room/deck
average rating of 5.0 based on 7 reviews
business
Cielo Vista, Breathtaking panoramic views from every room/deck
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3166327
+1 8433452525
Gift Hill St John
5

Perfect Stay in Paradise

5 of 5
Submitted: March 8, 2013 Stayed: December 2012
We couldn't have asked for more...Cielo Vista was absolutely the perfect place to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. We arrived after the car rental closed, so the property manager Denise, not only picked us up from the ferry dock, but stopped at the store so we could have some food before she came the next morning to our jeep rental in town. We appreciated the welcoming special touches that she provided, and the quick overview of the home.

We loved the perfectly clean, beautifully decorated and fully equipped villa. Even though the villa has a tenant who lives below Cielo Vista, you are totally secluded and feel as though you are alone.
The home is so uniquely designed where the two bedrooms are on opposite ends of the home. It would be great for two couples. The shower was amazing, we loved the outdoor feel with the awesome views.

The location high on the mountain side delivers breathtaking views of St. Thomas in the distance. Very private pool /deck to soak up the warm, bronzing sun. We really liked the location alot. Although the sharp curves up the mountain are a bit intimidating, (make sure your jeep doesnt have semi bald tires like ours did) we thought the location was ideal because you could get to the beaches easy enough, and a very short drive to town, with fabulous views, and privacy. The villa has everything you need.
The bed & pillows were quite comfortable and after a couple of nights we started getting used to the loud frogs chirping in the night. We would highly recommend this Villa to family and friends, and we hope to return as well. Thank-you Harriett for sharing your beautiful comfortable villa with us.
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Cielo Vista, Breathtaking panoramic views from every room/deck
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3166327
+1 8433452525
Gift Hill St John
Charlton, New York
5

JUST PERFECT!!!

5 of 5
Submitted: December 6, 2012 Stayed: September 2012
We vacationed at Cielo Vista this past October. This was our second visit to St. John and we had a wonderul time both times that we stayed at Cielo Vista. The accommodations are spectacular -- along with the view. The location of this beautiful and well cared for home is the best; atop the winding roads of St. John - looking over to the beautiful sight of St. Thomas; which is lovely and most beautful when lit up at night. Each bedroom is private and spacious with each having a private bath. The living room and kitchen area is open to the screened-in porch - which leads right to the steps into your own personal in-ground salt water pool!! We spent many hours enjoying the pool and admiring the view. We enjoyed delicious food which we prepared in the spacious and well-supplied kitchen -- out on the screened in porch which has a dining table and the spectacular view once again!!. The beaches of St. John are gorgeous and we enjoyed visiting many. Cielo Vista is a lovely home with a perfect view; which makes for a most lovely and relaxing and perfect vacation. We would most surely go again!!
Recommended for:  Girls Getaway, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
business
Cielo Vista, Breathtaking panoramic views from every room/deck
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3166327
+1 8433452525
Gift Hill St John
Kinderhook, NY
5

Truly paradise, we are never more relaxed than we are at Cielo Vista

5 of 5
Submitted: December 1, 2012 Stayed: July 2012
My wife and I honeymooned at Cielo Vista in 2007 and have returned every year since to celebrate our anniversary. We love our time on St John and Cielo Vista is the perfect place to stay. The house is amazing, the bedrooms are set up like private master suits at each end of the house both with some of the best views in the Caribbean. One our favorite parts about Cielo Vista is waking up every morning to the beautiful view from the bedroom and hearing the bananaquits feeding from feeder on the railing by the pool. The villa has everything you will need to make your stay on the island truly wonderful, whether you enjoy a relaxing day at the pool admiring the view or exploring the island with easy access from the centrally located Villa. The villa and Island are both breath taking! We look forward to our return every year.
Recommended for:  Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Romantic Getaway
business
Cielo Vista, Breathtaking panoramic views from every room/deck
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3166327
+1 8433452525
Gift Hill St John
Delmar, NY
5

Fantastic home

5 of 5
Submitted: December 1, 2012 Stayed: April 2012
Fantastic Home

This home is extremely well maintained and is everything the listing says it is.
My husband and I (and children - young adults) have returned several times to
this villa always to find something new has been added. Short drive to beaches
and Cruz Bay restaurants. A/C in bedrooms but we've never needed to use it with
evening breezes coming thru the floor to ceiling bedroom patio doors. Beautiful
evening sunsets, delightful pool and patio, great location - can't wait to
return.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Romantic Getaway
business
Cielo Vista, Breathtaking panoramic views from every room/deck
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3166327
+1 8433452525
Gift Hill St John
Albany, New York
5

Peaceful Escape

5 of 5
Submitted: November 27, 2012 Stayed: December 2011
I had the opportunity to stay at this stunning home on two separate occassions with my family. The kitchen and living room had an inviting open layout, which also led into the ever so comfortable outdoor lounge/eating area. We spent many nights sharing food, drinks and playing games in this part of the house, which was also screened-in...a nice bonus! The pool has spectacular views. Sunset cocktails were always a MUST from this area before heading into town for the evening. I've stayed in each bedroom and up in the loft. All sleeping accomadations were comfortable and the bathrooms were more than accomodating. The showers are both sizeable with amazing veiws and the counter space is ample. The beaches and town are all within reasonable distances which was another bonus for us. I can't wait to head back down! Simply GORGEOUS.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Girls Getaway, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: Alison, I hope you will be able to visit Cielo Vista again in 2013.

Thank you for your wonderful review.

Chris and Harriett Bast
business
Cielo Vista, Breathtaking panoramic views from every room/deck
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3166327
+1 8433452525
Gift Hill St John
Queensbury, NY
5

We can't wait to go back! Perfect Getaway!

We can't wait to go back! Perfect Getaway!
5 of 5
Submitted: November 25, 2012 Stayed: May 2012
My husband and I went there with 4 of our friends. We were worried about there being enough room for all of us but it was perfect! The views from the house are absolutely spectacular! It is so close to anywhere on the island but has enough amenities if you want to stay at the house for the day! The layout of the house is perfect for a group of people or even a family. Lots of privacy in the 2 main bedrooms with outstanding views from both rooms. We would absolute recommend staying here for any family looking for a getaway or a group of 6 or less friends looking for a vacation house. We can't wait to visit again!
Recommended for:  Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: We are so pleased to read your wonderful review and we thank you for taking your time to write to us. We hope you will come back to visit soon.
Chris and Harriett
business
Cielo Vista, Breathtaking panoramic views from every room/deck
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3166327
+1 8433452525
Gift Hill St John
Albany, NY
5

Can't wait to go back!!!

Can't wait to go back!!!
5 of 5
Submitted: November 2, 2012 Stayed: December 2011
This hilltop villa has stunning views - the pictures don't do it justice. The floorplan is well thought out with private, spacious bedrooms and an open main room/kitchen. We’ve visited this villa 4 times in the past 5 years and can always count on a clean, well-cared for property with all the amenities needed for a stress-free vacation. It’s a quick drive to the National Park beaches, and the Gift Hill location makes it easy to explore both sides of the island. There’s something for everyone – hiking for all levels, amazing snorkeling, sun bathing, bird watching, etc. Cruz Bay and Mongoose Junction are also nearby, with shops and delicious restaurants if you don’t want to cook. It all adds up to an unforgettable experience, which is why we keep going back!
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Romantic Getaway