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Rebecca's Fancy -- directly across from Hansen Bay

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REBECCA'S FANCY COTTAGE
Rebecca's Fancy Cottage
REBECCA'S FANCY ON HANSEN BAY
PATIO WITH PROPANE GRILL, TEAK LOUNGERS, DINING TABLE
REBECCA'S FANCY ACROSS FROM THE BEACH

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Rebecca's Fancy -- directly across from Hansen Bay

Rebecca's Fancy is ideal for couples who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA, kayaking, SOP, sailing, hiking, star gazing, fishing, and beach combing right outside your door. Shallow calm waters, cool tropical tradewinds, lush landscaping, amazing rainbows, and enchanting starry nights await.

The spotless air-conditioned, one bedroom, one bath cottage has full kitchen with dishwasher, decks and patio with chaise lounges and gas grill. Rebecca's Fancy was designed and equipped with full amenities for your comfort and convenience. Nature provides all the sights, sounds and smells.

The friendly easy-going island of St. John remains one of the most pristine and uncrowded in the Caribbean. Most of St. John's land (2/3's) and surrounding waters are managed by the United States National Park Service. Rebecca's Fancy is located on the east end of St John on Hansen Bay, directly across from the accessible sandy beach.

After driving through the National Park's Hurricane Hole you arrive at the quiet East End that is remote and completely surrounded by aquamarine crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and breathtaking views. Several uncrowded beaches are a walk away. A relaxing ten minute drive to Coral Bay and you will enjoy dining, live music, horseback riding and boutique shopping. National Park activities are nearby.

Because our electricity is expensive and unreliable we installed a 8kwh solar system in 2013. We are powering the cottage and main house 100% with solar power and a battery backup system.



Keywords: One Bedroom, One Bath Stand alone Cottage By the Sea

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Adults only

Property is on a steep driveway

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Events

No events allowed

The cottage is small and has no room for entertain

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Pets

No pets allowed

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Smoking permitted on outdoor deck and patio areas

Important information

You need to know

Property # 108570vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: The cottage is small and has no room for entertain
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

St. John

Located in St. John, this cottage is in a rural area and near the beach. While the natural beauty of Virgin Islands National Park and Cinnamon Bay Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Tortola Cruise Ship Port. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and horse riding nearby.
View more Cottages in St. JohnOpens in a new window
Map
St John, VI

What's nearby

  • Hansen Bay Beach - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Virgin Islands National Park - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Long Bay - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Privateer Bay - 19 min walk - 1.7 km

Getting around

  • St. Thomas (SPB-St. Thomas Seaplane Base) - 99 min drive

Restaurants

  • Sebastian’s Seaside Grill
  • Myetts Garden & Grill
  • Omar’s Dockside
  • ‪Skinny Legs - ‬17 min drive
  • Paradise Club Lounge Bar & Restaurant

Frequently asked questions

Is Rebecca's Fancy -- directly across from Hansen Bay pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Rebecca's Fancy -- directly across from Hansen Bay?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Rebecca's Fancy -- directly across from Hansen Bay?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rebecca's Fancy -- directly across from Hansen Bay?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Rebecca's Fancy -- directly across from Hansen Bay located?

Offering direct access to the beach, this St. John cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Hansen Bay Beach and Virgin Islands National Park. Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument and Privateer Bay are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 66 out of 69 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 69 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 69 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 69 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 69 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

sarah Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This cottage was everything we needed! Quiet area away from the hustle and bustle. Athena and Jay were always available! We slept so well...i need to know what mattress brand they have!! This island is so very clean, friendly and safe.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

john h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location! Beach access right across the street is a rare find in St. John and it did not disappoint. Villa was perfect for our needs. The hosts were wonderful. Would highly recommend this villa.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chanda A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was more than we expected. The hosts are exceptional. The close beach was awesome. We ventured all over the island, hiking and snorkeling. We enjoy our trip here every year and will stay here again. We enjoy the coral bay and east end areas. Thank you for the visit.
Stayed 14 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our host was very welcoming and eager to help make our stay as positive as possible.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rebecca’s Fancy delighted us from the first moment we opened the door! It was spotless, and so well maintained. We felt at home immediately!Our hosts Jay and Athena provided every amenity we could possibly use or desire. The villa was so thoughtfully equipped!The vibe was so peaceful, the bed so comfortable, we slept so soundly.Jay and Athena were so responsive and generous with their time to help us with any need, while also being respectful of our privacy.We loved staying on the east end of St. John and found it easy to drive to all beaches from there. We loved snorkeling at Hansen Bay which is right across the road. A hidden gem!We enjoyed an absolutely amazing week and hope to return soon.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elliot R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay

My wife and I had a wonderful time at Rebecca’s Fancy Cottage for our honeymoon. We loved being directly across the street from the Hansen Beach and the quiet of the east end. Jay and Athena were great hosts, always open to questions and conversation but allowed us privacy.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 May 2025
Elliot, good day and Athena and I were happy to meet you and that you enjoyed your honeymoon here at Rebecca's Fancy. St John is a special place and I know when you look back over the years your memories of your wedding and honeymoon will shine!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leah M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peacefull Retreat

The location is perfect and the property is very quiet. The hosts were so friendly and the property is well maintained.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Holly D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location, location, location

If you want to walk to the beach and have your little slice of paradise this is the place.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great get away!

Great clean and quiet cottage overlooking the beach. Jay & Athena were very friendly and helpful. Looking forward to staying here again when we return.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dixon K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

We had an excellent stay at Rebecca’s Fancy! Jay and Athena were very welcoming and the stay was everything we had hoped.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely lovely!!

What a wonderful day we had! The hosts were amazing, the property fabulous and in the proximity of multiple areas of interest with Hansen Bay a short stroll down the driveway!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tammie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay in Hansen Bay

Rebecca's Fancy was exactly what we wanted for this trip to STJ. We have stayed in several villas in different areas of the island. This visit we wanted to stay on the quieter East End. Although we enjoy beaching, exploring, and hiking other areas of the island, we found ourselves being happy to return to this quiet villa in the perfect location on Hansen Bay. The beach at Hansen Bay was so beautiful and convenient. Jay and Athena were the great hosts.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Johnine C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location

If your desire is to snorkel, kayak and swim this is your ideal place. We loved being able to do this without getting in the car. The quiet and peaceful location suited us and had everything we needed for an extended stay. The hosts were delightful and helpful and the views memorable.
Stayed 28 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Property to Relax & Enjoy Quiet Beach

This was our second stay at Rebecca's Fancy & it will not be our last. Perfect accommodations for two people who are wanting to relax. We enjoyed beach & great snorkeling. View from property is amazing. Jay & Athena are the best hosts we have had through VRBO and we have had some really good ones over the years so that is saying alot.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic visit to the East End!

Athena and Jay's cottage is the perfect spot for peace, quiet, and relaxation.Located right on Hansen Bay the beach, the views, the turtles, the fish were all wonderful. The cottage had everything you could need and the connection with Jay and Athena was special and made it easy to be there
Stayed 12 nights in Jan 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anthony K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Best Experience

The hosts, Jay and Athena, were the best hosts I have ever encountered - in forty five years of travel and work. These are authentic people who have carefully created a guest house experience perfect for a peaceful St John's retreat. We are very grateful.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Meryl A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Best!

Everything was terrific! Mornings on the balcony… sunsets in the Adirondack chairs… swirling ceiling fans as we listened to the night noises of St. John and drifted off to sleep. Beautiful linens, a gracious perfect little cottage. Great location…. Amazing!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dean S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Snow Relief

Very nice villa located across the road from a great beach on Hanson Bay. Athena and Jay were great hosts. Being from Minnesota, it was a welcome relief from the snow and cold.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

elisah m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another blissful stay

As usual, we enjoyed every moment of our getaway to the East End of the island in this cozy cottage, especially prime location to the waters edge on the beautiful Hansen Beach. The cottage has all you need for a resting place after a full days journey around the island. Thank you again Jay and Athena! See you next year, God willing!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

PEPPER B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Much needed vacation!

We had the best vacation stay at Rebecca's Fancy. Jay and Athena were the loveliest of hosts! We went to sleep listening to the waves and woke up with a swim at Hansen Beach where we would plan our day. We enjoyed hanging on the balcony allowing life to slow down so we could really take in the view. Most nights we cooked dinner at our cottage as it was well stocked with everything you need, it was a bonus having an outdoor grill on the patio! The bed was extremely comfortable, and we caught up on some much-needed rest. We had the best sleep of our lives especially after an evening snorkel at Hansen. As with many stays in Coral Bay you do need 4 wheel drive but the adventure is part of the enjoyment! We will definitely be back and are already planning our dates to return!
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 June 2025
Thank you for your kind comments Pepper. St John is a special place to visit and to live ! Athena and I hope to see you JD again soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Cottage, Amazing Location!

Our stay at Rebecca's Fancy allowed us to spend most of our days across the street at Hanson's Bay, where we enjoyed snorkeling, swimming and beach play. Jay set up a covered shelter over their picnic table on the beach, so we had shade and a place to put our stuff. We did drive out to Cruz Bay and the north shore beaches one of our days, and spent one day at Salt Pond bay, but we were there for the snorkeling and quiet relaxation, so there was no need to spend too much time driving about. Jay and Athena were wonderful hosts, and the cottage was very nice. We were surprised at the high cost of food (~ 3x the cost of groceries at home), and the lack of much island-grown fruits or veggies. There are several restaurants/bars and 3 grocery stores in Coral Bay, which is a ~ 20 minute drive away. We are definitely hoping to return here!
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A week in paradise

My husband and I were looking for a relaxing, secluded place to spend our vacation - Rebecca's Fancy was everything we wanted and more. Located in the beautiful and remote East End of St. John, the property was extremely well kept, comfortable, full of thoughtful amenities and decor. The wraparound deck offered stunning views, and we spent each morning enjoying the sounds of the birds and wildlife, basking in the breathtaking vista of teal waters and lush mountains across the way. The bay is just steps away from the cottage and offers a lovely sandy beach as well as plenty of reefs for snorkeling and exploring. Jay was the perfect host, an endless source of information and laughs - he made himself available whenever we needed him while also giving us plenty of space and privacy the rest of our stay. Thank you Jay and Athena for the most beautiful memories in your little slice of paradise. We are already dreaming of our return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Gloria B.

ALL THE LITTLE THINGS....!

It started with our 1st inquiry about this property... ALL THE LITTLE THINGS ~how quick Jay & Athena were to respond~ALWAYS ~their patience in answering all our questions ~sharing tons of "need to know" info before we even left for St John ALL THE LITTLE THINGS ~how "at home" we felt the minute we arrived at Rebecca's Fancy, as if Jay & Athena were welcoming old friends ~being greeted with a freshly baked rum cake (paradise indeed!!) ~a bouquet of local flowers for the table ALL THE LITTLE THINGS ~a clean, cozy, comfortable cottage with all the comforts of home ~a well appointed kitchen with everything you could possibly need ~spaghetti & meatballs in the fridge on our day of arrival after 2 long days of travel(talk about thoughtfulness!) ALL THE LITTLE THINGS ~being directly across the street from the beach (Hansen Bay is one of the best snorkeling areas on the island!) ~the beauty and peacefulness of the East End ~the donkeys surprise visit in the driveway one evening ~the bull finches demanding some of our breakfast every morning on the deck ~the hummingbirds, bananaquits & nightly serenade of frogs & crickets ~the beauty of the East End (oh, I already said that!) ALL THE LITTLE THINGS ~the wealth of local knowledge Jay & Athena will readily share with you (if you want to know about it) ~the conversations Jay & Athena will have with you IF you invite them for a chat ~the feeling like you are at home (oh, I already said that too!) It was ALL THE LITTLE THINGS that added up to one incredible stay at Rebecca's Fancy. Thank you Jay & Athena for EVERYTHING and for sharing your beautiful property with the rest of us, who can only pretend for a mere week or two that we live on a Caribbean island. You, both, make Rebecca's Fancy as special as it is. Thank you for your kindness, your generousity, and for thinking of ALL THOSE LITTLE THINGS!!!
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Dear Gloria & Steve, Thank you so much for your compliments and kind words. We enjoyed your company too! Our guests are like extended family and living here on St John is all the better when we can share it with our "family". Please keep in touch and hopefully we see you again (maybe Idaho in the summer) Athena & Jay
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Walt D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

great place

We enjoyed our week at Rebecca's Fancy so much! It was wonderful to have such a beautiful beach so close, and hiking trails and places to snorkel weren't far away.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

elisah m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

“Just another day in paradise”

In our favorite little part of the island lies the coziest cottage overlooking the crystal blues of Coral Bay. Jay’s build perfectly embodies the heart of St John, allowing cool breezes to float through the windows. The porch sitting is one of the best on the island. The king bed invites you to play with its plush surface and white linens, the soft white curtains floating in the breeze. While quaint accommodations, you don’t need anything more to rest after a day of adventuring the island. WiFi is quick, so you can connect back to life when and if needed! We will be back again as this place has become our yearly summer disconnect. Thank you Jay and Athena!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by JAY & ATHENA

Host profile image

Greetings, after living in the Philadelphia area our entire lives and raising our 3 children there, we relocated to St. John in 2002 fulfilling a 12 year dream (plan)of living in our paradise. We have been fortunate to have traveled and visited many beautiful places around the world. When we first visited St John in 1989 we knew we found our paradise.

We designed and built Rebecca's Fancy ourselves to provide a practical and fun place to enjoy all that St John has to offer. Athena and I take pleasure in sharing our blessings with others. As our guests, you too will enjoy the magical sights, sounds and smells of St. John. Athena and Jay Swartley

Why they chose this property

We choose this property because of it's proximity to the beach and the sea 100 feet away! St. John is a small 20 square mile mountainous island with a limited number of properties that are on the water. Rebecca's Fancy is less than a quarter mile from the end of the road that begins at the ferry dock in Cruz Bay. This provides us a very quiet, peaceful place to live and enjoy all that St John has to offer.

What makes this property unique

Living in a private, quiet and safe community is a blessing. Most of our neighbors are full time residents. We chose to live here because we are remote and we hear the lapping up of the Hansen Bay waves, very serene...

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