The property was even nicer than we had imagined. It looked out over Coral Bay, and located a short drive from restaurants and the town. Also not far from the spectacular north shore beaches. Amanda was lovely, and was keen to make sure everything went well for us.
For those unfamiliar with the area, this location is at the other end of St John from the main town of Cruz Bay and the resorts. A jeep is not essential, but get something with power and clearance because the major roads are narrow, steep, and are either winding upwards or plunging downwards. Fortunately, Amanda's house is comparatively easy to access. The views as you drive around are spectacular. Roads there are populated by "wild" donkeys, goats, deer, iguanas, occassional hermit crabs, and other jeeps, which are also on the wrong side of the road. Fun places to eat are close by, as are markets to buy food. These are not suburban supermarkets, however, and the prices reflect how far the food has to travel to get to you. The people are a lot of fun, and get pizza at the Salty Mongoose and hang out there. You will need insect repellant esp around sunset, because of the no-see-ums. And coral-friendly sunblock. The best coral snorkeling is probably at Hawksnest, and Maho beach has turtles if you snorkel out toward where the boats moor. You can rent snorkel fins and mask for about ten dollars a day at the dive shack.