Mooncottage

Utterly private and so romantic, Mooncottage will delight couples seeking a lovers' hideaway and a secluded spot for vacationing.

Tucked within lush gardens and set high on a green hill reached via a winding island road, Mooncottage commands one of the best views on St. John - a sweeping 180-degree blue and green panorama of Coral Bay, Tortola, Norman Island and Virgin Gorda. A stone staircase ushers you into the soothing zen magic of Mooncottage: two pavilions crafted in native stonework bordered by a graveled garden courtyard set with a bubbling koi pond, and connected by a solar heated pool, with an adjacent covered verandah overlooking the endless Caribbean horizon.

The Main House is tastefully done with upholstered sofas and chairs, is accented with teak and other exotic hardwoods, and shares space with the colorful gourmet kitchen and a full bath with a moon window. The restful aura of this pavilion is completed by the shaded porch just outside, which beckons relaxation.

Adjacent is the master bedroom pavilion with an outside shower, queen bed and full bath. The architecture, Feng Shui, eclectic furnishings and this villa's very serene and spiritual ambience are simplicity itself, but exceptional in so many ways.

Superbly equipped, Mooncottage offers many excellent amenities, including satellite internet access for your laptop and complimentary welcome gifts for all guests. Set on a half acre of natural Caribbean beauty, Mooncottage is exactly the right size, totally private, fully screened and graced with lovely gardens, banana, papaya, mampoo and flowering Chapeau Napoleon trees. Its high elevation and constant island tradewinds assure cool comfort, and it offers tranquility and closeness to nature, with turtle doves cooing, surf whispering below and night skies offering you the moon and a million stars. A short drive down the hill to Coral Bay puts you within minutes of bars, restaurants and beaches - but you may decide to stay at Mooncottage and just enjoy the peace, the view and each other. Unique and exceptional.

HOW IS THE ROAD UP TO MOONCOTTAGE?

Mooncottage is located in Calabash Boom - a lovely, secluded, quiet community. The Calabash Boom Road to Mooncottage is owned by the VI Territory and is largely unpaved. Seasonally, it can sometimes get pretty bumpy. However, any 4-wheel drive vehicle can handle it easily; renting a 4-wheel drive vehicle is required for Mooncottage. In late 2010, steep sections of the road were paved, and some concrete water bars were installed to help keep the road in better shape. Is it perfect? No. It will only be perfect when it is completely paved, which won't happen for a while. Is it navigable? ABSOLUTELY! Actually, many guests think it's fun going up and down! But, the road is now routinely maintained to make it as smooth as it can possibly be.

Amenities

• Flat-screen TV (no cable) with DVD player, CD player + iPod docking station in Main House; books, extensive movie + music collections, sub-compact notebook computer with complimentary high-speed satellite internet access (or bring your own laptop), answering machine, gourmet kitchen with convection oven (but no dishwasher), hair dryer, safe for valuables, binoculars, hammock, Weber gas grill, koi pond with fountain, assorted snorkel gear, beach chairs + coolers, electronic estate gate, solar-heated pool, welcome gifts for all guests.

Bedrooms

• 1 queen in separate bedroom pavilion, + upholstered double chaise lounge (folds flat) in living area

Bathrooms

• + 2 outdoor showers

Beach

• Lameshur Bay, Salt Pond (less than 1 mile away), or Francis Bay (about 2-1/2 miles away)

Pool

• 10' x 16' x 4' - 6.5' deep, solar heated

Staff

• Maid once per week, if rental is 10 nights or longer

Villa Notes

• Maximum 3 guests
• Children 12 years and older are welcome
• There is a solar-powered gate into the neighborhood. Guests will be given a code to open and close this gate
• No pets
• No smoking within villa

Additional Villa Notes

• Most photos by Don Hebert.
• A 7-night minimum at full Thanksgiving rate required on all rentals which occur during any portion of the Thanksgiving holiday week.