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Perfect for the Budget-Minded Travelers

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Cool breezes and lush foliage of the surrounding hillsides
Arched door frames the quiet hill side
View looking South into the hills of Coral Bay
Complete kitchen facilities
Cheerful, tropical comfortable leisure area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3139.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
St. John, USVI
  • Place, Virgin Islands National Park
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Emmaus Moravian Church
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Ajax Peak
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, St. Thomas (STT-Cyril E. King)
    ‪72 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Perfect for the Budget-Minded Travelers

Our economical and intimate getaway is situated within a few walking minutes to the happenings of Coral Bay, on the quiet side of the island. At the same time the location offers easy access to Cruz Bay via the ‘dollar bus’. Car rentals are optional. Separate and autonomous, living is simple and independent. The tidy and serene studio is arranged for comfort. The arched door frames your view of the surrounding lush tropical mountain landscape. Enjoy basking in the splendor of the outdoors on the spacious wrap-around deck perched on the upper level to catch the constant island breezes. The driveway is on level ground and makes for trouble-free access and parking. Local landmarks including Skinny Legs, Indigo Grill and Oasis, are all within easy walking distance. Enjoy plenty of nightly entertainment. You’ll pass the local grocery store and several gift shops along the way—all a simple 5-minute walk. Yoga classes convene several times a week at The Voyager's. The VITRAN passes hourly. Two thirds of St. John is a U.S. national park with historic ruins, protected beaches, and hiking trails. Boating, snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, surfing, and scuba diving are just some of the adventures that await you. Catch the island shuttle bus, to world-class beaches for the day, hike the many trails on the eastern end of St. John, or head to the bustling town of Cruz Bay--for a dollar. Bars and restaurants, quaint boutiques and island ferry excursions are all conveniently located to the studio.

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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1 review)
Newly renovated 2-bedroom apartment in peaceful Coral Bay, St. John

House Rules

Check in after 2:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 23
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
All rates are based on double occupancy. Any added guests will be charged $20. per person per night.

Important information

You need to know

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
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; 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 Upper Carolina, a neighbourhood in St. John, this cottage is in a rural area and by the sea. While the natural beauty of Virgin Islands National Park and Trunk Bay can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Tortola Cruise Ship Port. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and horse riding.
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Map
St. John, USVI

What's nearby

  • Virgin Islands National Park - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Emmaus Moravian Church - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Ajax Peak - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument - 5 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Trunk Bay - 21 min drive - 9.8 km

Getting around

  • St. Thomas (SPB-St. Thomas Seaplane Base) - 78 min drive

Restaurants

  • Sebastian’s Seaside Grill
  • ‪Shambles - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Maho Crossroads - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Skinny Legs - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Paddle-In Tiki Bar - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Perfect for the Budget-Minded Travelers pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Perfect for the Budget-Minded Travelers?

As of 22 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Perfect for the Budget-Minded Travelers on 16 May 2026 start from AU$225, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Perfect for the Budget-Minded Travelers?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Perfect for the Budget-Minded Travelers?

Check-in begins at 2:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Perfect for the Budget-Minded Travelers?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Perfect for the Budget-Minded Travelers located?

Located in Upper Carolina, this cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Virgin Islands National Park and Emmaus Moravian Church. Hurricane Hole and Ajax Peak are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 38 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 38 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 38 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

guy r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything we needed comfortable clean and peaceful
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Blain A.

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

Really wonderful

Our hostess Marcia and her family were a delight to get to know and we had a couple of sunset parties which included decorating the Christmas tree. They were very helpful and so friendly and forthcoming with tips on where to hike and snorkel. The accommodations are not luxurious but very nice open-air with everything you’ll need to cook your meals and be comfortable. Highly recommended.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James K.

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

Island Glo was Perfect

Loved being in the Coral Bay end of the island, but still very close to St. John’s best beaches. The Island Glo apartment is bright and airy, all that we needed, with a wrap around porch and an extraordinary view of Coral Nay. Marcia has cultivated a friendly community of renters. We’ll be back!
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Don and Nancy R.

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

friendly and clean

Marcia is a wonderful host. The studio has everything you need to stay for a week or months. The bed was comfortable. Although there is no A/C there are screens all around and the nights cooled off for great sleeping. The road in was pretty rough but Marcia gave us the back way in which was easier. You will want 4wd for the roads on St. John. There are 3 restaurants within walking distance via the back trail providing non driving dining. When we go back we will try to stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Carolyn R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Listing accuracy
We found this stay lacking from its original description. The road was rougher than expected. You NEED AWD. Our car renter shorted us that. We tried the back way, which was unmaintained, filled with potholes, and a homeless man living in a rundown tent and car. The place had no potable water, first gallon only supplied by host. Toilet paper is collected in a pail. No AC and the ceiling fan barely rotated. A standup fan was supplied which cooled us but was loud at night. Two other buildings with residents stood about 30 and 60 feet away and there were no shades on our windows, no privacy especially after dark. The first morning a roach took off out of the coffee pot as we opened it. It is walkable to a couple of businesses, but area roads are very narrow and drivers move right along. The townsite is not as quaint as we imagined and everything is spread out a distance. The place is not lockable when you leave it. On a positive note our host was friendly, but when we spoke to her about our issues she offered no resolutions. The price is good for the area, so we weren't expecting greatness. We simply wanted a nicer place for our vacation.It was quite clean. We know roaches are hard to get rid of in the tropics. Roosters and dog noise at night but it was otherwise quiet and the fan drowned them out some.Large covered deck. The TV has Netflix. Bed comfortable. Good view.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rob N.

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

A Gem In Paradise

This property is perfect for an extended stay, having everything needed to cook, grill and relax, in addition to a small library about the island. The studio was clean, well kept, in a perfect location very close to Coral Bay restaurants, but what made my stay absolutely special was the host, Marcia. She is truly a wonderful woman, her intimate knowledge of the island (and passion for it!) made my stay an unforgettable experience and the reason I will be returning to stay at the property. I would speak with her almost on a daily basis about where to snorkel , eat and just to learn about the island itself. This property and host combines to make for a truly relaxing and special rental.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Megan A.

Relaxing Getaway in Coral Bay

Marcia was a fantastic host -- welcoming, considerate, and prepared. She gave a short tour of the neighborhood and of the studio apartment and then let us on our own, which was perfect. The studio apartment is the entire second floor of Marcia's home (she lives on the first floor), with a lighted stairway, a wrap-around balcony, beautiful views of Coral Bay, and incredible air flow. It's well-constructed and has a comfortable layout. The open-air shower is unique and one of our favorite features. The apartment comes with pretty much everything you'll need for a week on an island -- minus groceries, but there are markets within walking distance -- and Marcia was thoughtful in providing us with a few additional items (e.g. a squeegee to clean our filthy windshield). A note about cars: she advised that we get a four wheel drive vehicle such as a Jeep, and I would heed that advice! 4wd will make getting around St. John and getting up and down the driveway substantially easier. Our stay at the apartment was nice and relaxing, and we thank Marcia for being such a wonderful host.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christy B.

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

Tropical Getaway

My husband and I stayed at Island Gardens for two weeks in Coral Bay. We loved the seclusion and privacy that we had while on the property. Whitni and Marcia are very gracious hosts with lots of knowledge about St. John. Squirrel the kitty was so loving and greeted us every morning. We rented a car (4 wheel drive recommended) for one week to explore more beaches and Cruz Bay. The second week we were still able to discover many places in Coral Bay. Take advantage of the path on the property to cut out the steep driveway and some of the road traffic. We walked to a couple beaches close by and visited the local restaurants and enjoyed the island hospitality and cuisine. Two of our faves were Ekaete Pink Corner for Roti and Love City Cafe for veggie pate. There are also two grocery stores within walking distance. Also, use the Vitran which is the public bus to get to different places in Coral Bay and Cruz Bay. Overall we hated to leave St John and were sad to have to come back to the states with its hustle and bustle lifestyle. Everyone on the island was friendly and kind and laidback (on island time)
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew W.

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

Perfect Island Escape

I spent 2 weeks in St John in Island Garden Cottage. You will not find a better host anywhere in St John, Marcia is very welcoming, knowledgeable about the island and will go above and beyond to make your stay enjoyable and was very easy to communicate with. The cottage was everything I was looking for and so much more. The cottage is very spacious and has everything you need! Perfect for a solo adventurer or a couple. The property is beautiful and well kept and has total privacy. loved grilling out in the evenings on the wrap around balcony overlooking the mountains and harbor. The trade winds and ceiling fans kept me cool and comfortable all day and night! Loved staying in Coral Bay on the quiet side of the island, the Locals are so friendly and welcoming only noises you may here at night is the wild life, birds, tree frogs and the occasional rooster but slept like a baby every night after a long day of beach hopping and hiking! Dolphin Market and Love City grocery stores are an easy 5 minute drive. Resturants: Skinny Legs and Rhum Lines are a quick 5 minute walk and Surf Club Cantina and Jonny Lime are a quick 5 minute drive, Miss Lucys is 15 minute drive, ( Dont miss Open Mic night on Thursday s) Very close to the beautiful North Shore beaches, Annaberg Sugermill Ruins , Waterlemon Cay, Jonny Horn Trail, Salt Pond Bay and Ram Head Trail. Rent a Jeep!!! All in all Perfect Island Escape will be back!10/10
Stayed 14 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Abigail f.

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

Amazing!

An amazing getaway on the quieter side of the island near Coral Bay. Marcia was extremely accommodating and checked in to make sure everything was well! We couldn't have picked a better place to stay!
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna G.

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

Beautiful view everywhere you look!

We have always wanted to visit St John so after our usual two weeks in Florida were cancelled due to the awful hurricane, we came here instead. Marcia and her property manager Whitni took great care of us, down to the last detail of how to get to the property, which was super helpful as we arrived after dark. Island life is a unique experience and we felt well prepared. The property is private, but right 'in town' at Coral Bay. The unit has everything you need to be comfortable. We went to many beaches, snorkeled almost every day of the 12 days we were there and had a great fishing experience with a charter. We rented our Jeep on St Thomas, they picked us up at the airport, we drove to the car ferry and we were off on a great adventure! KEEP LEFT! Looking forward to a return trip. Thank you for everything, especially to Whitni the property manager. Exceptional service.
Stayed 12 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher B.

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

Gorgeous Spot on the Quiet Side of the Island

We had a wonderful week here - everything was clean and in good repair and we had a wonderful stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott L.

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

Quiet side of the island

Lived like a local here. Really enjoyed it. Pretty detached from any nightlife as everything closes by 8:00pm, except the life saving Love City Market, open until 10:30pm 7 days with anything you may need. Rent a car and STAY LEFT! Gets noisy at night, not with night life but with wildlife, donkeys, goats, ROOSTERS, DOGS ... Bring ear plugs. Cool, safe neighborhood, no need to lock your doors! Host and property manager were awesome to deal with!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff W.

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

Wonderful Tropical Stay!

We loved this property. Everything we needed was there right down to a little ice chest for our day use. The view of the harbor, the breezes, the humingbirds, ... all just great. Marcia, stayed in touch and was very helpful as was her onsite assistant, Whitney. We look forward to our return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Doug K.

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

Wonderful vacation property

We had a great week staying here. Cottage was excellent, loved sitting outside on the deck. Marcia was a great host, she answered all of our questions & provided lots of good local tips. Great location, very convenient to the whole island. Easy parking. We hope to return someday..
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey R.

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

The perfect cottage vacation!

My boyfriend and I stayed for a week in April and it was the most amazing experience! We chose st. John and coral bay specifically to be in a quiet area, and this was the perfect place to do so! Marcia is the absolute sweetest, kindest, and informative host and we are beyond thankful to her for going out of her way to make sure we had everything we need and that we were having a great time. (We did instantly regret not renting a car and ended up getting one on our second day, which allowed us to really explore the island) the views were unbelievable, I've never seen water so blue! We will absolutely be back to see even more of the island and of course to visit our new friend Marcia! -Lindsey & Oliver
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carla A J.

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

Love Coral Bay/St John

I cannot say enough good things about our stay in Lower Carolina, Coral Bay. It was our 30th wedding anniversary and we were looking for something quiet and that is exactly what we got except for maybe the sounds of the local sheep, goats, donkeys, & roosters (which I loved as I grew up on a farm in North Dakota). Marcia, the property owner, could not have been more helpful. She helped us find many amazing snorkeling spots and she is delightful to have a conversation with and has much knowledge of the area and many things. The house we stayed in was wonderful as well and we enjoyed spending time on the wrap-around porch with a coffee or cocktail. I always miss my pets when travelling and her cat, Squirrel, was happy to get some love while we hung out on the deck (he is not allowed inside). The location is great as it is not far from the town of Coral Bay and the view of the bay was beautiful and the breeze cooling. We hope to return someday..
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sue & Jeff N.

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

Beautiful views, great accomodations

We love staying at Marcia's place in Coral Bay on the quiet side of St John. Living space is wonderful with 2 sided balcony with views of the bay. Marcia is kind, fun and gives us all the information we need about St John. Walking distance to groceries and restaurants. We never want to go home!
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Austin T.

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

Perfect

Marcia is as good as hosts come, maybe even better. We loved our stay at her place. It was exactly what we were looking for and had everything we needed. We were very satisfied with the accommodations. We particularly enjoyed the many tips we received from Marcia. Each and every one of them turned out to be the right move. Highly recommend!
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Minjoe W.

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

Marvelous property. Marcia was a dream communicator.

Everything about this place was superb.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Don G.

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

As good as it gets.

Wonderful house, wonderful view, wonderful host, great location. We couldn't have asked for more. And our host, Marcia, was as hospitable, helpful, and thoughtful as she could possibly be. We're going back!
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brianna O.

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

She thought of EVERYTHING.

Marcia was absolutely spot on incredible! If you're thinking about booking at Island Gardens, just go for it. You will be so pleasantly surprised. The place is very private, safe, and clean with all of the comforts of home! Marcia goes above and beyond to ensure that you reach her home efficiently and you have what you need when you're there. She'll also check in to ensure you have means back to the ferry. The appliances and amenties were all perfect, she left us a gallon of water and the WiFi worked for communicating back home. The deck is gorgeous with incredible views of the mountains and bay. The neighbors are nice and the driveway was perfect for our little one to use the toys Marcia let us borrow. The fans kept us cool at night and the bug net was perfect for limiting bites. Enjoy your time!
Stayed 8 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

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

Great stay!

Had a great stay! Host made sure everything was in perfect order. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 15 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa T.

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

Peaceful stay in Coral Bay

Stunning views of Bordeaux mountain & water view of Coral Bay from the great wraparound porch, perfect for sunset cocktails & AM coffee. All the basic amenities, well stocked kitchenette with quality pans, containers, glasses, microwave. Nice wood vaulted ceilings make for a spacious living area. Host is very gracious, friendly and will meet you to make sure you find her property. Good location- can walk to markets, restaurants, bus stop, & some hiking if u don’t have a car/Jeep. But with a Jeep there are so many off the beaten spots to explore in Coral Bay & the east end. Good area for nature-oriented, ecologically minded tourists who appreciate a quieter vacation with a more local feel, & those who can appreciate & support resource conservation. Coral Bay is more rural so be prepared for bumpy roads, wild roosters, bugs, baby geckos, wild goats & donkeys! Running a tall fan will keep the place cool & drown out any early AM rooster calls. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the good WiFi & AT&T cell service. Like most homes in this area, water supply is a cistern. The fenced property has about 4-5 rentals which are spaced amongst a few different buildings. It was convenient to have the owner/host in the building next door for questions, assistance. Felt safe staying here. Locals are very nice. Nearby businesses have a lot of island character. A beautiful artists’ studio & coffee shop < 15 min. walk. Two weeks flew by!
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine S.

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

Best rental experience I've ever had!

Its hard for any photos or review to do this rental experience justice. The beautiful, clean cottages are nestled in the mountains with a lovely breeze and view of the water. You have all the privacy you need, and are a short distance to all the best snorkeling (the hiddden gems that don't get run down by tourists). The host Marcia is so responsive, helpful, and unintrusive but if you want some good company or reccomendations she knows the ins and outs of the island and has some amazing stories to tell. I came for a week and ended up staying a month :). Will be back!
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2021

About the host

Hosted by Marcia Stewart

Host profile image

Languages:

English
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