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House of Open Arms Cottage: AC, White Water Views,Romantic, Private,!

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Pool - House of Open Arms Cottage: AC, White Water Views,Romantic, Private,! (St John)
Sun loungers, beach towels - House of Open Arms Cottage: AC, White Water Views,Romantic, Private,! (St John)
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, travel crib, free WiFi - House of Open Arms Cottage: AC, White Water Views,Romantic, Private,! (St John)
Property grounds - House of Open Arms Cottage: AC, White Water Views,Romantic, Private,! (St John)
Outdoor dining - House of Open Arms Cottage: AC, White Water Views,Romantic, Private,! (St John)
On St. John, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking Hurricane Hole, The Cottage offers a serene retreat with 180-degree ocean views from its wrap-around porch. Unwind in the comfortable queen-size bed or relax on the couch while enjoying music from the BOSE system.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 270 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

House of Open Arms Cottage: AC, White Water Views,Romantic, Private,!

Come experience an amazing, beautifully appointed vacation home on St. John! Here you will be surrounded by truly green living with solar and electric power combining the best of both. Live well while remaining in balance with the world around you. My property overlooks Hurricane Hole and East End which is part of the National Park here on St. John. 180 degrees of breathtaking water beauty: the Caribbean in it's full expression!
The Cottage is a charming studio suite, featuring a wonderfully comfortable queen size pillow-top bed,where you can fall asleep to the sounds of the waves crashing on the beach directly below. Air conditioning is a lovely addition, along with a fantastic couch, and an in-laid tile breakfast table and adorondak chairs,.There is also a small library of books and board games, Surrounding the Cottage is a wonderful covered balcony and uncovered wrap-around porch, with 180-degree white water ocean views. The Cottage has a beautiful outdoor stone shower, inlaid with stone and pottery shards, an outdoor kitchen sink and prep area, a gas grill, an indoor storage area with a full size refrigerator with upper freezer unit, an electric stove top burner, fast water pot for heating water for tea or coffee, French press, percolator , and a convection/microwave.

The Cottage features beautiful, luxurious furnishings to make guests as comfortable as possible. Beach chairs and coolers provided as well as all linens and towels, shampoo, body gel, hair dryer, ironing board and iron, and anything else needed to make it your home away from home!

Need more space or want your own pool with your rental? Check out the villa on Homeaway #177239

Keywords: Cottage, Romantic, Private, Whitewater views, sound of waves heard below, Elegant,large outdoor shower.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Garden
  • Gas grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • In the city center
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the marina
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Solar energy
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Unit size: 750 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Note from host: port -a- crib available

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Located in St. John, this cottage is in the city center and on the waterfront. While the natural beauty of Virgin Islands National Park and Cinnamon Bay Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can check out Tortola Cruise Ship Port. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and horse riding nearby. Visit our St. John travel guide
View more Cottages in St. John
Map
St John, VI

What's nearby

  • Virgin Islands National Park
    Virgin Islands National Park
    1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Trunk Bay
    Trunk Bay
    29 min drive - 14.6 km
  • Hurricane Hole
    1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Fort Berg
    10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Emmaus Moravian Church
    4 min drive - 1.9 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Sebastian’s Seaside Grill
  • Skinny Legs
    19 min walk
  • Shambles
    22 min drive
  • Trunk Bay Beach Bar
    27 min drive
  • Maho Crossroads
    14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is House of Open Arms Cottage: AC, White Water Views,Romantic, Private,! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at House of Open Arms Cottage: AC, White Water Views,Romantic, Private,!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at House of Open Arms Cottage: AC, White Water Views,Romantic, Private,!?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is House of Open Arms Cottage: AC, White Water Views,Romantic, Private,! located?

Located in the heart of St. John, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Hurricane Hole and Virgin Islands National Park. Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument and Emmaus Moravian Church are also within 1 mi (2 km).

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House of Open Arms Cottage: AC, White Water Views,Romantic, Private,! Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 56 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 56 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 56 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 56 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 56 reviews

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Sitting on the terrace with unobstructed views of ocean with consistent breezes and sounds from the waves, are not beatable! All furnishings and products that were provided were of quality and beauty. Everything you could need is available and more! Catherine is a perfect and thoughtful host, and makes amazing granola for her guests and a wonderful welcoming dinner. If you want great quality, lots of charm, views, quietness and privacy look no further!
Open unobstructed Views
Views
Feed the daily friendly birds with provided sugar from host.
Steps to Private and separate Cottage.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

B B.

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

Gorgeous views, amazing cottage!

The privacy and views from the cottage are unbeatable. The cottage was well maintained and quality throughout. So many nice little touches such as the artwork in the sconces and shower tiles as well as everything to make our stay better: cooler, beach chairs, beach towels, sunscreen, plastic baggies. We enjoyed our stay immensely thanks in large part to the House of Open Arms cottage. I will warn everyone that there are a lot of steps leading down to the cottage so this is not a good place for anyone who is not fit. Also, the driveway to the cottage is steep and full of potholes so this is not the place for timid drivers.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mattie G.

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

Beautiful Views from a Peaceful and Cozy Cottage

We were in awe when we arrived. Even at night, we couldn’t believe how beautiful our surroundings were and could not wait to see it all in the morning. Once we settled in, Catherine brought us the perfect meal after a long day of travel. We enjoyed breakfast and dinners on the Villa patio with my parents who stayed in the separate property above the cottage, which also has a pool and a full kitchen. Both properties were peaceful and enjoyable places to drink coffee in the morning and relax after a day of exploring the island. It was also nice having Catherine available to chat with and offer suggestions for places to visit. Her snorkeling suggestion ended up being our favorite spot. The details like the sugar to feed the birds and the outdoor shower make this a special and memorable place!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

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

Our stay at "House of Open Arms"

I can't say enough about our great host-Catherine. She made our stay special. We especially loved our balcony overlooking Coral Bay. The cottage was clean, well-equipped, and comfortable for the two of us. Catherine even supplied a lb. of coffee and homemade granola, as well as a welcoming dinner!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie N.

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

Wonderful views of ocean and nature

Had a wonderful stay. Catherine met us at the jeep rental and lead the way to her place. Then made us a wonderful meal after a long day of travel. She had everything at the cottage that you could possibly need and gave great recommendations for snorkeling the bays. We enjoyed having meals on the patio and watching the birds and little lizards, less than 3” long, all around us. We had air conditioning to cool us off at night but otherwise enjoyed the breeze coming off the ocean. The views and privacy is spectacular.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Denah T.

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

beyond spectacular

We stayed in the cottage, which is the smaller building on the property. It was sublime, with ocean breezes filling the space, and the sounds of the waves and crickets lulling us to sleep at night. The view is every bit as wonderful as shown, and in fact is even better. You are treated to a sunrise in the morning, which is amazing. Catherine's decorating style is west indies lovely, and the place is immaculately maintained. The outdoor shower is truly wonderful -- watching the ocean as you shower. The little yellow birds in the videos are a delightful part of the experience, too. You can cook most of what you want there -- grill, or individual burner, etc. Be ready for a walk down the hilly driveway and then steps to get to the cottage, but it is oh so worth it. You'll want to rent a 4wd vehicle (Fun), since the road up to the property is not fully paved. Hope very much to go back!!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heaven H.

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

Anniversary trip

This was the best home to stay in for our anniversary! My husband & I got away from the kids for the week so we decided to travel somewhere remote for our anniversary and we choose right! We loved having to rent a jeep and driving through all the mountains and seeing different ruins , we beach hoped the entire area and had most of them to ourselves! We swam with so many sea turtles & some sting ray's in the area , she even has some local mountain goats that play by the beach , tree frogs everywhere & iguanas in the area watching the crabs run down the hill when we were cooking outside was hilarious , it's a nature lover's paradise. The outside shower was my favorite part with that view we will deffinetley never forget it this trip will be hard to top , Catherine made us the best salmon we ever had honestly. She was so welcoming and helpful and has mostly everything you need at the home we even left shirts and she didn't hesitate to send them home to us , we lost weight during this trip it's more affordable to eat organic and the local cuisine is fantastic , you have to explore the trails in the area so you walk up and down hills alot and swim so much of course ! The locals were so fun and nice and educated us so much about their island ! This is deffinetley a trip for an active couple we had a blast ! My only complaint would be the bed was firm for my liking but everyone has different likes and that wouldn't stop me from giving her property a 5 star rating ! The property was clean and well taken care of & so much to do in the area and see , We deffinetley did this trip the right way I could go on and on about it we will be back! This was definitely the escape my husband and I needed .
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynne E.

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

Paradise

Our stay at Estate Fortsberg was absolutely perfect. The cottage sits on a cliff overlooking the sea- the view is spectacular - we spent every morning and evening sitting on our deck savoring the landscape and listening to the crashing waves below. Catherine was a wonderful host- she met us at the car rental place on the day of arrival , we followed her home in our Jeep, got settled and enjoyed a delicious welcome dinner that she prepared. Catherine lives on the property so she was readily available for any questions or issues we might have. The cottage is cozy , beautifully decorated and perfect for folks like us who wanted a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle. Highlights for us were the amazing outdoor shower, porch overlooking the bay and the delightful little sugar birds who came to see us when we sat on the porch each day. Catherine provided beach chairs, umbrellas and a cooler, so each day after breakfast on the porch, we packed our lunch and explored the local beaches, choosing a new location every day. It was so fun! We hope to return again !! One item to note is the the driving is challenging - the roads are narrow, steep, bumpy and full of hairpin turns and lots of wandering goats, donkey and chickens ! Oh and the left side driving takes a little getting used to! As Catherine notes, a 4 wheel drive vehicle is a must ! My husband is a former UPS driver, so he handled it like a pro, but I wasn’t brave enough to get behind the wheel. Another thing to know- the cottage is situated down a pretty steep hill, so requires walking up and down several flights of stairs when coming or going. We are 60 and in reasonable physical shape, but the stairs could be a problem for someone with health issues. This cottage and host gets FIVE stars from us - we felt like the luckiest people on the planet to have found this gem! Lynne & John England
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rafael C.

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

Relaxing

Catherine's cottage was a perfect relaxing getaway for my wife and I. We enjoyed watching the sunrise in the mornings and relaxing in the evenings on the porch. Our favorite source of entertainment was feeding the birds throughout the day. Can't wait to visit again!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian M.

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

Paradise

Located on the quieter side of the island this cottage was its own little paradise! Hope to someday return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stacy K.

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

Perfect host and cottage

Catherine was the best host we have ever experienced. She made us feel so welcome and comfortable prior to and during our trip. She messaged us information about how to get to the island, what to expect, where to rent a car, etc. when we arrived in St. John she met us at the ferry and even cooked us a wonderful dinner! She gave us tips on where to go and when. The cottage and the view was beyond my wildest expectations. Everyone should stay with Catherine.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle P.

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

Rest, Relax and Restore

Beautiful property with amazing views in Coral Bay. This was our first time to St. John and we really appreciated the quiet of this part of the island. We spent hours on the porch being amazed by the view, even when it was raining, and we loved watching the birds get so excited when we put fresh nectar in their feeder. We spent our days hiking, snorkeling and swimming and couldn’t wait to get home to get cleaned up in the beautiful outdoor shower, enjoy a cocktail on the porch then either head out to dinner or cook on the grill at the cottage. The rental process was very easy, the property was just as advertised and Catherine was always accessible by text or phone call if we needed anything. We would 100% recommend this rental property especially if you’re looking for peace and quiet! As a reminder, there is no TV at the cottage but the WiFi worked wonderfully.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

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

Food for the soul

My husband and I stayed in the beautiful cottage. The view from the room and porch is stunning. It was so relaxing to spend time sitting outside listening to the peaceful sounds of waves crashing below and the birds singing. The refreshing breeze blowing on our faces as we fell asleep was heavily. Catherine is a wonderful host offering recommendations for our stay and also cooked a delicious welcome dinner. The cottage has everything we needed and more.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie K.

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

Heavenly

Catherine’s place was absolutely perfect. More beautiful than the pictures! My husband and I can’t wait to go back.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bridget S.

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

Perfect Stay in Paradise

This was my 2nd stay at the cottage and I am already planning my next trip! Aside from St. John being the perfect paradise, Catherine’s property is the perfect place to stay. Quiet, secluded, private off Coral Bay with the most amazing sunset view to wake up to every morning. Bed is comfortable, I never need the AC bc the breeze is just perfect. The cottage is bright, airy, clean, cozy and perfect for a couple or solo traveler. Enough kitchen amenities to do some small cooking or to store and reheat leftovers. Internet is great if you need to keep in touch with home or work remote. And if you chose to just spend a day home and not venturing out, you can enjoy the sun and breeze right from the patio! Catherine is very welcoming and accommodating- she goes above and beyond for her quests and is very friendly and happy to make friends but also very respectful of your privacy so if you’re not interested in socializing, you won’t feel intruded on at all. The cottage sits well below the villa and her place so it’s very private for those who are used to that like me! Her cooking is amazing, enjoy the welcome meal and while I haven’t tried yet, I’ve heard her breakfast is also wonderful. She is also a knowledgeable snorkel guide should you decide to do that as well. The only potential down side for some would be the “off road” drive up the road and the amount of steps to get down to the cottage. I personally don’t mind, I actually love it, but that’s the only thing I could think of that would potentially be a deal breaker for someone, if you don’t want to rent a 4WD vehicle or have physical limitations that would make large amounts of steps difficult. But honestly, it’s a nice brisk walk to start my day and the road is fun! And how else can you get that cliff view!? Can’t wait to come back for a third time, you won’t regret booking this special place!
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Austin M.

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

Coral Bay

Our children found this place and paid for a 10 day vacation. A beautiful setting overlooking Coral Bay with gorgeous sun rises and a wonderful breeze. We would highly recommend this piece of paradise in the tropics for anyone looking for a place to relax, and the hostess was most gracious.
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bridget S.

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

A Week In Paradise!

The cottage was not only as lovely and as described in the listing, but even better! There are no worlds to describe what I saw and felt when I woke up each morning- the space was clean, cozy and comfortable, the views were breathtaking and the amenities perfect. It’s very spacious for a studio space (I could stretch, do yoga and dance in the large space between the bed and sofa!) and has everything you need for a week of adventure and/or relaxation. Catherine was lovely- she was there for anything I needed but not at all intrusive. It was nice being left on my own but also knowing I had someone available should I need advice or help. The dinner she made me on my first night was outstanding and we went on an amazing snorkeling adventure! The location was perfect for me- quiet and away from Cruz, but close to Coral Bay and even the drive to the other side of the island is only 25min. There is SO much light and breeze in the cottage, I had the blinds and windows open the whole time! But there are blinds and curtains on all windows if you need it dark to sleep, and the AC if you need the windows closed. Very easy to get comfortable whatever your needs. I slept so well! The kitchen is modest but perfect- I was able to cook a couple of nights, and it was so charming to do my dishes outside in the sun! Now back at home, I miss walking out to the sink barefoot to do my dishes. The outdoor shower was also amazing. Every night I showered under the stars, and my indoor shower at home now seem so boring. There is a small steep hill and lots of steps to get to and from your parking spot to the cottage, but for me, this was a bonus, not a con. I could see that being an issue for some, but I think most people know that this is common on St. John with the homes built into the hills like this, and it’s what’s gets you the amazing view and experience- part of the charm and adventure! The steps are safe, well-maintained and well-lit at night, so no issue as far as I’m concerned. Honestly, no complaints, I wouldn’t change a thing, everything was 200% as great as I thought it would be. I’m already brainstorming some trips back to St. John and am torn over wanting exploring new places or just coming back to this special perfect cottage! Catherine really has built a special place for herself and her guests, and I hope you all have the amazing experience that I did!
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda B.

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

November Week Stay

We had an excellent time! The cottage is a perfect, peaceful getaway! The accommodations were comfortable and clean. Catherine was a great host, very attentive and knowledgeable about the island. The arrival dinner was excellent and a very welcomed touch to our travel day.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kris W.

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

Perfect St. John cottage

House of Open Arms cottage deserves five stars plus! We could not have asked for a better vacation spot or host for our week long St. John vacation rental! The cottage is more amazing than the pictures show,, beautiful views, private and everything you could possibly need available to you. Catherine is the most caring host, she spares nothing when it comes to taking care of her guests!! We had the opportunity to have Catherine cook 2 meals for us, she provided the two best meals we ate while in St. John! We hope to be back soon and definitely would choose cottage of open arms!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley K.

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

Best Mom and daughter trip

Staying at the cottage was literally a DREAM! The view from the deck during morning coffee and the view from the shower was by far the best part! Catherine made us feel at home and I absolutely loved how much passion and hard work goes into her property! Not to mention her amazing pottery and art you can spot all around in the cottage. Not everyone will go out of their way the way Catherine did and we really appreciated how accommodating she was. If I had to change anything it would have been the stairs and road but despite that it was perfect and I would still stay again and again! ❤️ Thanks again house of open arms for the lifelong memories!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl G.

Looking for a magical getaway on one of the most beautiful spots on earth? This is it!

This was by far our very best HomeAway rental experience ever! We just spent the last nine nights in the cottage and are already planning our return trip. The cottage sits on a hillside overlooking the water. The views, the sounds of the ocean and the seclusion make this such an inviting place to read, relax and connect with each other after a day filled with adventure. Our mornings began on the deck with a beautiful sunrise as we enjoyed our coffee and breakfast. Our evenings ended gazing at the stars as we enjoyed a bottle of wine. The deck is truly the crown jewel of this rental! I was a little unsure about the kitchen but it is actually perfect! The outdoor sink/prep area and grill gave us everything we needed to cook some amazing meals and prepare lunches for the beach. The bathroom and outdoor shower were stocked with everything we could need and the bed was so comfortable! There is AC but we didn't turn it on once. The breezes keep the cottage the perfect temperature! There are blinds, curtains and a sunshade if you aren't an early riser - but trust me - treat yourself to at least one sunrise! Catherine is the absolute perfect host! She met us at the ferry, helped us locate a place to rent snorkel gear for the week, took us to the rental car company and then to the grocery before leading us to the rental. The road to the rental is somewhat steep and unpaved, however we had zero problems getting up and down the hill. The rental car company that Catherine recommends knows the road and will provide you with a 4WD vehicle (with appropriate tires) to get there without issue. We stayed longer than 7 days so she provided a lovely dinner for us the first night and she will provide breakfast at your request for an additional cost - definitely do that at least once during your stay! She was readily available for questions and recommendations - but never intrusive. She knows the island well so definitely take her advice on where to snorkel and hike. There are many extra perks included: great wifi, Bose stereo, acoustic guitar, books, board games, french press coffee, granola, coolers, beach chairs, beach towels, extra toiletries. It’s difficult to find the words that capture the magic of this place. We HIGHLY recommend House of Open Arms Cottage!
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2019
Verified

6/10 Okay

Tori R.

TWENTY YARDS SHORT OF PERFECTION

The Cottage is a little gem box with a perfect attention to every detail. The design is exquisite with a vaulted, trussed, and clear wood ceiling. It has a gorgeously tiled outdoor shower and kitchen as well as a porch that oversees more than 180 degrees. The view is amazing, the winds gentle, and the quiet absolute. Everything a traveler would need has been provided - basic condiments, pans, and good knives. There's also coffee, juice, granola, and sugar for the birds. Beach needs are met - chairs, coolers, and an umbrella. The bedding and linens are of good quality. There isn't a TV but the Wi-Fi is strong, although not streamable. The welcome dinner was excellent and very, very welcome after a traveling day. One night we were greeted at the door by an enormous hermit crab (there are many other smaller ones lurking!), another night by a knot of frogs (in addition to the shower friends!), a friendly cat one day, and of course, the ubiquitous geckos and sugarbirds. It is absolutely wonderful! Things to know: - the steps to/from the cottage are many and steep. We live in a fifth floor brownstone walk-up and the steps here are a tad more challenging. staying here REQUIRES a car. The car MUST be a 4-wheel drive - an all-wheel jeep just won't cut it . . . - . . . because the last twenty yards to the property is sheer, cratered, and topped with scree. Without the right car, it's nearly impossible to make it to the top. The one mile road leading to the this last obstacle is also a one-lane dirt road - very rutted, cratered, and with two very steep grades. - Skinny Legs, the closest restaurant, is at the bottom of the same last mile. Although close, getting there/back for dinner means either driving the same road, on the side of a cliff, on a moonless night, after a drink or two OR walking the same road when others may have had a drink or two themselves. - We're hikers but we were happy that we self-provisioned and didn't need to leave and return from dinner after dark. However, we felt somewhat isolated at night. It is a lovely cottage in a special place - perfect but for the last twenty yards.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trevor R.

Fabulous get-away!

A House of Open Arms Cottage was exactly what my wife and I were looking for. We had never been to the Virgin Islands including St. John so everything was completely new to us. Catherine was a fantastic host from the moment we initially booked the trip to the time we left. Her prompt communications and the wealth of "local" information she was able to provide eased any apprehensions we had about taking a trip of this nature. The island is rugged but so beautiful. The cottage itself was well-appointed and had all of the amenities that we needed for making some of our own meals as well as spending our days on any number of beaches (we really enjoyed Salt Pond!) We were very glad we opted for Coral Bay; it was so tranquil we constantly found ourselves asking each other what time it was, is it Sunday or Monday, etc. Prior to booking with Catherine we spent a lot of time looking at different properties but kept coming back to A House of Open Arms. We couldn't find any reviews less than 5 stars, and after spending the past week there, I now know why. Fabulous trip, fabulous host, and wouldn't change a thing!
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vince H.

Great location, great cottage and great owner....sitting on the porch with view is amazing.

Cottage is perfect for a couple, has everything you need. Catherine's artistic spirit and attention to detail is reflected throughout the cottage. Tradewinds kept everything cool and wonderful. Cannot wait to get back...... Tons of activities to keep you busy, eclectic variety of restaurants (all good in their own way), wonderfully friendly people but our favorite part of the entire vacation was waking up to the view every morning.......we will be back.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

Amazing experience!

We have stayed on St John numerous times but this was our first time at House of Open Arms. I have to admit that we were skeptical about visiting the island after reviewing numerous reports of power outages, closed restaurants, and other hurricane related issues. To our delight this was one of our very best vacations and we owe it all to Catherine, the owner of House of Open Arms. Open Arms is a perfect way to describe Catherine. Not only did we feel life valued guests but after a few days we felt like family. The cottage was a dream to stay in - we are avid sailors and we joked that it was like staying on a magnificent yacht but not having to worry about the anchor. The cottage was pristine, comfortable and the outdoor shower was superb. To add to our experience, Catherine offered to deliver us breakfasts and dinners at a nominal fee as many of the local restaurants are still open on a limited basis. This was a most generous offer and we were not disappointed as the meals were elegant and delicious — from homemade muffins and eggs Florentine in the morning to gourmet fish meals in the evening. Each meal delivered to our front deck table. We were so pleased with our stay and with Catherine’s gracious personality that we have booked again for the same time next year and are doing our best to make another visit during Christmas or Thanksgiving. Five stars are not enough for this delightful experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2018