Coral Bay is located on the southwestern side of St. John. It was once the main commercial and population center of the island due to it's sheltered harbor. Indeed, it was the center of St. John's plantation life in the early 18th century. It fell from prominence with the introduction of ferry service from St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, which is now the largest town on the island. Coral Bay is around a 30 minute drive (but only approximately 8 miles) from Cruz Bay which is where the ferries come in from St. Thomas.
Coral Bay has become a popular spot for American mainland ex-pats, sailors, artistes and many more who live on sailboats or on the hills surrounding the harbor.
Coral Bay provides visitors with the true experience of a quiet island life. The area is unhurried and friendly and offers a way of life that has long since disappeared in other parts of the Caribbean.
Coral Bay is the "other town" on the island of St. John. It is very quiet in comparison to "bustling" Cruz Bay...Many residents of Coral Bay are sailors who live on their boats in the harbor. The area is, also, quite populated with donkeys, goats, roosters and the famous mongoose. Indeed, Coral Bay is probably best described as a "community" than a true town.
Coral Bay is a sleepy town where goats, donkeys, roosters and the occasional mongoose roam free and everyone is on "island time". For those seeking the ultimate in relaxation, Coral Bay is an ideal choice.
A sleepy hideaway, Coral Bay has only one gas station, a few grocery stores and some funky bars and restaurants with lots of personality.
Places to see on this area of the island include Salt Pond which is a wonderful spot for snorkeling. Ram's Head is known for being a great spot for full moon hikes. Karaoke may be enjoyed at Island Blues and shopping at the new Cocoloba complex. A great place to purchase souvenirs is Jolly Dog or Mumbo Jumbo. Work by local artists can be enjoyed at Sloop Jones and the Syzygy gallery. Local dishes may be enjoyed at Sweet Plantains, Shipwreck Landing or Miss Lucys. The Donkey Diner is known for serving some of the best breakfasts on the island and Miss Vie's Snack Shack is famous for her fried chicken. Visitors cannot miss a stop at the famous Skinny Legs which is known for it's burgers and tropical libations.
Salt Pond Bay Beach is a spectacular white sand beach that offers two wonderful snorkeling trails to Drunk Bay, past the salt pond and Rams Head up the hill.
Villas Caribe is a villa rental agency with an exceptional reputation that offers a wonderful selection of villas to rent on the island of St. John, many in the Coral Bay area.
The Esprit villa is a quaint gingerbread styled cottage perched high on Bordeaux Mountain and offers magnificent views that range from Tortola to Norman Island. Built on several levels, the villa is nestled in lush foliage and offers many decks with different places to enjoy the amazing views. The interiors are tastefully and colorfully furnished and the villa offers two bedrooms, two baths and a private, small solar heated swimming pool. http://stjohn.villascaribe.com/villa-listing/esprit
Drake's Lookout is another romantic villa located on a hillside overlooking picturesque Coral Bay and the British Virgin Islands beyond. The villa has incredible decks that provide views that range north to Tortola and East through Drake's passage down the chain of islands known as the British Virgin Islands. Indeed, Virgin Gorda which is located forty miles to the East is clearly visible on the horizon from Drake's Lookout. A newer home, it offers two bedrooms and the interiors are nicely done and feature rich accents of wicker and rattan and many pieces from the famous tropical designer Tommy Bahama. The two bedrooms are both master suites and each offers a mahogany four poster bed. Outside, guests will enjoy the sparkling private pool. http://stjohn.villascaribe.com/villa-listing/drakes-lookout
The La Mer villa is a wonderful choice for larger groups and it is located high on a hillside on Bordeaux Mountain and offers exceptional views of Jost Van Dyke, Sandy Cay and to the North to Virgin Gorda. The interiors are nicely done and offer tiled floors and light bamboo furnishings. La Mer has four bedrooms and a sumptuous master suite with a king sized four poster bed and a spectacular stone shower large enough for two with views all the way to Virgin Gorda. An inviting pool provides a cool retreat and is a wonderful spot for stargazing. http://stjohn.villascaribe.com/villa-listing/la-mer-st.-john
Coral Cove is an exciting property located on the point at John's Folly on St. John's East End where life is slower but the relaxation complete. Coral Cove enjoys a beachfront location and offers four air-conditioned bedrooms. All of the bedrooms have cable TV and VCR/DVD and each offers a unique ocean view with a private patio. The deck at Coral Cove provides a triangular swimming pool with dramatic views of the secluded bay of John's Folly. http://stjohn.villascaribe.com/villa-listing/coral-cove
Winsome House is perched high on the slope of Ajax Peak and looks out over Coral Bay, Hurricane Hole and the British Virgin Islands. Located 800 feet above sea level, the villa offers sweeping views of the Caribbean as well as complete privacy. Although relatively new (built in '2004), the villa as built in the style of old plantation houses and offers a Great House with dining and entertainment spaces as well as a separate two story building that houses the two equal sized bedrooms and baths. The interiors feature rich mahogany French doors and tasteful Tommy Bahama and Indonesian furnishings throughout the house. Outside, there is a 30 foot covered terrace that provides alfresco dining and private swimming pool. Maho Bay and the string of North Shore beaches are only a five minute drive from the villa while Ram Head, Salt Pond and the quiet of the East End are within a fifteen minute drive. Good dining is nearby in Coral Bay. http://stjohn.villascaribe.com/villa-listing/winsome-house
It is unfortunate that many St. John vacationers do not venture to Coral Bay because it rewards visitors with rich rewards of unspoiled quietness, amazing vistas and a relaxing ambience.
Comments