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Where to Stay in St. John: Cruz Views

Jenn Manes

If you are looking for a vacation rental that has gorgeous daytime views, spectacular sunsets and a convenient location close to Cruz Bay, yet far enough away from the hecticness of town, you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’d like to tell you all about Cruz Views.

Cruz Views is a charming condominium complex that is centered around a shared sundeck and pool. It’s located just a half mile from Cruz Bay, providing easy access to the ferry dock, taxis, shops, restaurants, and more. The complex includes four one-bedroom condos and five two-bedroom condos. While the layout of each condo is similar, they each incorporate unique personality and design elements. It’s time to start dreaming and planning your next St. John vacation…

Click to open Google Maps

Fast Facts

  • Each condo has a fully-equipped kitchen.
  • Each condo features high-speed internet.
  • Each condo provides beach gear, including towels, coolers and chairs.
  • Each condo has a safe to lock away your passports and valuables.
  • There is a shared BBQ grill for you to use during your stay.
  • There is a trash removal onsite, so no need to drag your trash to a dumpster in town.

Cruz View Vacation Rentals Available through Caribbean Villas 

Cruz Views #1 – Bliss

Bliss

This is a two bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps four. Click here to learn more.

Cruz Views #2 – El Capricho 

El Capricho

This is a one bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps four. Click here to learn more. 

Cruz Views #3 – Mosaic Sunsets

Mosaic Sunsets

This is a two bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps six. Click here to learn more. 

Cruz Views #4 – Destiny

Destiny

This is a two bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps four. Click here to learn more.

Cruz Views #5 – Tranquility

Tranquility

This is a two bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps six. Click here to learn more.

Cruz Views #6 – Pina Coladas

Pina Coladas

This is a one bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps four. Click here to learn more. 

Cruz Views #7 – Happy Hour

Happy Hour

This is a one bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps four. Click here to learn more.

Cruz Views #9 – Sunset Cruz 

Sunset Cruz

This is a one bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps four. Click here to learn more. 

Cruz Views #10 – Serenita

Serenita

This is a two bedroom, one bathroom unit that sleeps five. Click here to learn more. 

Rates at Cruz Views start at $275 a night a vary based on season. You can book an extended stay to save even more! You can save 10 percent on stays between 14 and 27 days, and 20 percent on stays of 28 days or longer.

Click here for more information on Cruz Views at www.caribbeanvilla.com.

Animal Care Center Fundraiser Tonight at Shambles!

Jenn Manes
Shambles is located on Centerline Road (Route 10) around mile 2.

If you are lucky enough to be on island today, please stop by Shambles tonight between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Animal Care Center is holding its first Mutt Mixer of the season, and I hope to see many of you there!

Mutt Mixers are fun, monthly events that raise money for the Animal Care Center. For every Tito’s drink that is purchased during these Mutt Mixers, $2 will be donated to the Animal Care Center. It’s that simple.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle, and Animal Care Center merchandise will be available for sale.

Shambles is located on Centerline Road, which is Route 10 on the map. It is located two miles from Cruz Bay. It is located across the street from The Windmill Bar.

Not on island today? No problem! There are Mutt Mixers scheduled for every month over the next year. Here is the schedule:

  • October 14th: Shambles
  • November 11th: Blind Donkey
  • December 9th: Drink
  • January 13th: The Beach Bar
  • February 10th: St. John Back Bar
  • March 10th: The Tap Room
  • April 14th: Shambles
  • May 12th: The Blind Donkey
  • June 9th: Drink
  • July 14th: The Beach Bar
  • August 11th: St. John Back Bar
  • September 8th; The Tap Room

The Animal Care Center is currently raising funds for its November spay and neuter event, which is happening in partnership with Visiting Vets International. During this event, the Animal Care Center is hoping to trap, spay/neuter 300 to 400 free-roaming cats here in St. John.

If you would like to donate to the Animal Care Center’s spay and neuter event, you can do so securely online at www.stjohnanimalcarecenter.com/donate.

 

 

Fun Things To Do When Visiting St John

Jenn Manes

Looking for something fun to do when visiting St John? Here are several weekly events for you to check out!

  • Sunday afternoon Bingo at The Windmill Bar – Bingo with a view? Yes, please! Check it out every Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday night Karaoke Club at The Upstairs – Let’s hear what you got! Check out The Upstairs’ karaoke night every Tuesday from 9 p.m. to midnight.
  • Wednesday Bingo at The Upstairs – There’s never too much Bingo in my world! It’s happening every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday Night Jam at Sun Dog Cafe – The weekly jam session returns October 27th! Check it out every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday Trivia at Johnny Lime – They just reopened for season, so we are waiting to hear when their extremely popular trivia nights will return. Hopefully soon!
  • Thursday night trivia at The Tap Room – Bring your crew, grab a pint, and take on St. John’s favorite trivia night with prizes, great food, and cold local brews! Trivia starts at 7 p.m. every Thursday night.

Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!

Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour

See the island of St. John with a resident. See the nooks and crannies that many visitors miss. Explore the beaches, historical sites, perhaps a tiki bar or two, and much more. Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor.

Click Here to Book Now. 

Where to Stay in St John: Sunset Dream

Jenn Manes
Picture yourself lounging poolside at Sunset Dream this winter…

It looks like the fall chill has arrived in many placed across the United States this week, so many of you have probably started to dream about your winter vacations. When you are looking for a place to stay in St. John, I would love for you to consider Sunset Dream, a newer, one-bedroom vacation rental located right above Cruz Bay.

Sunset Dream is a spacious, one-bedroom with southerly views of the Caribbean Sea. Sunset Dream has a king-sized bed, brand new furnishings, appliances and decor. It even has a washer and dryer, so there is less packing for you to do! It has a great balcony area too, where you can enjoy beautiful views and sunsets, and perhaps even a late afternoon cocktail while sitting at the brand new hightop bar. Check it out!

Doesn’t it look great??!!

There is also a large, shared patio outside of Sunset Dream where you have even more space to enjoy the view. Sunset Dream comes with everything you need for the perfect beach day, including chairs and coolers. It also has its own parking spot.

Rates for Sunset Dream start at $225 a night and vary based on season.

Want to know more? Ready to book? Check out Sunset Dream’s website at www.dreamstj.com.

Side note: I represented the owners, Pam and Greg Ellis, when they purchased Sunset Dream in November 2024! They are such a sweet couple, and they have done an amazing job transforming this condo into a perfect vacation rental! 

If you would like to purchase a property on St. John, I would absolutely love to help you. Please contact me at jenn@explorestj.com to learn more. I am also happy to help you list a property you currently own. I am a licensed realtor with 340 Real Estate Co.

 

The Island is Reopening!

Jenn Manes

I am excited to share that several of our restaurants have either reopened or are reopening later this week. It’s a sign that season is right around the corner!

Lime Inn was the first to reopen this week. They opened for dinner Monday night, and will be open Sunday through Friday from 3 p.nm. to 9 p.m. They have happy hour between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. They are closed on Sundays.

1864 reopened last night, and will be serving dinner only at first. They are open from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They plan to reopen for lunch on November 4th.

Cafe Roma reopens for dinner on Thursday. They will serve dinner seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. They are reopening for lunch on October 15th. Lunch will be served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Morgan’s Mango reopens on Thursday too. They are open nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Ocean 362 will also reopen for dinner on Thursday. They will be open for dinner Thursday through Monday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Johnny Lime reopens on Friday at 11 a.m. They will be open for lunch and dinner.

Lime Out reopens Sunday with new hours for the season. They will be open Sunday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Last call will be at 4:15 p.m. Happy hour will be from 2:30 p.m. to close. Lime Out will be closed on Saturdays.

The Wine Shop at Wharfside and St. John Speakeasy both reopened last week.

The following restaurants remain closed:

  • Skinny Legs – Reopens on Halloween
  • Cinnamon Bay campground & restaurant: Will reopen November 1st (Snack shack remains open.)
  • ZoZo’s: Reopens in December
  • Lovango Resort + Beach Club: Reopens in December
  • Banana Deck: Reopening date TBD
  • Colombo’s: Reopening date TBD
  • Dave & Jerry’s Island Steakhouse: Reopening date TBD
  • Dazey Drive In: Reopening date TBD
  • Extra Virgin Bistro: Reopening date TBD
  • Lovango Rum Bar: Reopening date TBD
  • Ronnie’s Pizza: Reopening date TBD

Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!

Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour

See the island of St. John with a resident. See the nooks and crannies that many visitors miss. Explore the beaches, historical sites, perhaps a tiki bar or two, and much more. Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor.

Click Here to Book Now. 

**what St John restaurants are open ** 

The Parrot Club: Cold AC, a Great Bar & Casino!

Jenn Manes

I’ve been offering island tours for more than eight years, and so many of my guests are always surprised when I tell them that there is a casino right on the water in Cruz Bay. So today, I would like to tell you about one of my favorite places to chill out – The Parrot Club.

The Parrot Club opened back in 2008 in the heart of Wharfside Village. It is located between La Tapa and Karma (formerly Joe’s Rum Hut) on the beach in Cruz Bay. The Parrot Club has dozens of slot machines and a large electronic roulette table. There are even a handful of machines on the bar.

Speaking of the bar, it’s one of my favorites. First off, The Parrot Club is air conditioned, which is not extremely common here. It’s a great place to cool off. It has a large bar with small water views through a couple of windows. There is a large specialty drink menu, and the prices are very affordable. Take a peek:

Looks great, doesn’t it??! The espresso martini with Baileys and fresh espresso is one of the best on island!

The Parrot Club has happy hour daily from noon to 6 p.m. During that time, all Cruzan cocktails and Parrot Tails are $5. Domestic beers are only $3 during happy hour.

The Parrot Club also has fun events several nights a week. Check out its current schedule:

  • Tuesday: Spin the Wheel and win prizes starting at 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday: Ladies Night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ladies get 50% off of all cocktails. There is also a balloon pop raffle at 8 p.m.
  • Thursday: Live music featuring Broheim with Love at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday: Spin the Wheel and win prizes at 8 p.m.

The Parrot Club is open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight. You must be 21 and older to gamble, however the drinking age is 18 in the US Virgin Islands. Cheers, and good luck!

Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!

Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour

See the island of St. John with a resident. See the nooks and crannies that many visitors miss. Explore the beaches, historical sites, perhaps a tiki bar or two, and much more. Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor.

Click Here to Book Now.