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Waterfront Beach Cottage in Protected National Park Waters - Estate Zootenvaal

Waterfront cottage with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Waterfront Beach Cottage in Protected National Park Waters - Estate Zootenvaal

Beach
Beach
Property grounds
Terrace/patio
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Virgin Islands National Park
  • Place, Cinnamon Bay Beach
  • Place, Trunk Bay
  • Airport, St. Thomas (STT-Cyril E. King)

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Waterfront Beach Cottage in Protected National Park Waters - Estate Zootenvaal

This one bedroom/one bath postcard perfect cottage sits on a gentle grade across the calm, protected waters of the US Virgin Islands National Park. Estate Zootenvaal was well known for 4 cottages that share a private sandy beach. The 2017 hurricanes destroyed these cottages and but now they are back, better than every. Everything about this cottage is all brand new, including Solar Panels and Tesla Batteries for backup in case of power outages.
The house is elegantly furnished and well equipped with everything you'll need for a perfect vacation.
Enjoy the cooling trade winds and panoramic views while you relax on the porch or explore Hurricane Hole in the provided 2 man kayak. The gated private beach with lounge chairs and tables are perfect for reading a book or taking a swim or snorkel in this beautiful bay.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
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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
We urge you to obtain travel insurance for any unforeseen circumstances.
The private beach is only for guests actually staying at the house. The gazebo is not for guest use as it's owned by the Beach House.

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
This property uses a grey water recycling system
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
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 St. John, this cottage is in the mountains 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 explore Tortola Cruise Ship Port. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Cottages in St. JohnOpens in a new window
Map
St John, St John

What's nearby

  • Virgin Islands National Park - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Johnson Bay - 7 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Maho Beach - 13 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Cinnamon Bay Beach - 21 min drive - 11.1 km
  • Trunk Bay - 30 min drive - 12.3 km

Getting around

  • St. Thomas (SPB-St. Thomas Seaplane Base) - 84 min drive

Restaurants

  • Omar’s Dockside
  • Admiral’s Bar
  • ‪Skinny Legs - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪The Windmill Bar - ‬24 min drive
  • Mulligans

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront Beach Cottage in Protected National Park Waters - Estate Zootenvaal pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Waterfront Beach Cottage in Protected National Park Waters - Estate Zootenvaal?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront Beach Cottage in Protected National Park Waters - Estate Zootenvaal?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront Beach Cottage in Protected National Park Waters - Estate Zootenvaal located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Hurricane Hole and Virgin Islands National Park. Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument and Emmaus Moravian Church are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 52 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 52 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 52 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie C.

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

Nothing Short of Wonderful

We absolutely loved our stay! Fernando was very helpful, the villa literally had everything you could need, and the views were amazing. It was extremely clean and comfortable, and we loved the location. We would definitely love to come back. Thanks so much for everything!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katherine W., Indiana/USA

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

Fantastic house for couples!

We had a fantastic stay in St. John! The house is exactly as it's presented online; extremely clean, great natural light, stunning views. And the hosts were amazing with tips on where to eat and what to do around the island. The house was well stocked with everything we needed for cooking; and had chairs and a cooler for going out to the beach. The location is super convenient near Coral Bay and easy to get to! It is very quiet at the house and we spent many mornings and evenings watching the water from the porch. I would highly recommend this property to friends and family!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynne P.

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

Amazing and Peaceful

Located on a very quiet cove. Had everything you need for your stay. Beach chairs, cooler, Beach towels. Dorothy and Fernando have thought of everything in this beautiful appointed cottage. We had an amazing time. Have not taken a summer vacation in 20 years. This was perfect and just what we needed. We snorkeled 8+++ hours a day. Hit all the best spots. The cottage has a beautiful and breezy porch with table and chairs perfect for evening dinner or breakfast which we did both. Plus loungers great for reading and napping. The bedroom has AC and a big walk in shower. Everything you need is there. Items you would need for cooking like spices, oil, ketchup, etc. Nice dishes and pans. We had an amazing time at this cottage. The snorkeling was beyond anything we imagined. Lots of fish and corral. Met the most interesting people. Thank you for the best vacation in a very long time.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Molly L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had the best trip ever staying at Dorothy and Fernando’s amazing cottage. The house had everything you could possibly need and more! Waking up to the sounds of the waves from the beach across the street was magic. We are already looking at dates to come back to this wonderful place!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

John N.

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

Elopement bliss

My wife and I had our elopement on St. John and it was everything we had hoped for. We had a lovely private ceremony on the private beach shared by the property.The property itself is located just outside of coral bay and this is hands down the best rental we have ever stayed at. It's close enough to the ocean where you can hear the relaxing sound of the ocean waves day and night. This cozy cottage makes you feel at home from the moment you walk i.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raechel P.

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

Perfect post-elopement getaway!

We absolutely loved our stay at the Beach Cottage after our recent elopement on St. John. A peaceful, beautiful escape, we loved sitting on the porch listening to the waves. Dorothy and Fernando are lovely hosts! The cottage is very well stocked with everything you'd need, and impeccably clean. Being located just outside Coral Bay, the cottage was a wonderful home base for exploring St. John. Would love to stay at the Beach Cottage on our next visit to St. John!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karla J.

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

Fabulous property!

We loved our week at Estate Zootenvaal Beach Cottage! The location is close to the restaurants in Coral Bay yet quiet and peaceful. It’s on East End road with very little traffic and an easy drive to get to all of the beaches. The cottage is absolutely beautiful, inside and out! The kitchen has everything you will need, there are two kayaks, beach chairs, beach towels, noodles, and a cooler. The bathroom has lots of space for toiletries and as someone who wears contacts, I was so happy to see a makeup mirror! (If you know, you know.)The air conditioning in the bedroom and bathroom makes sleeping comfortable. We enjoyed every afternoon sitting on the chaise lounges on the covered porch reading, watching the boats coming in and out of the bay, and having cocktails. The private beach just a very short walk down the road was a highlight! We took a swim every day before dinner.And lastly, Dorothy and Fernando are gracious and welcoming! We really enjoyed chatting with them. They checked in with us in the middle of the week and answered any questions we had immediately. Thankyou, Dorothy and Fernando!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bill B.

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

Wonderful Stay

We immensely enjoyed our five night stay at the Beach Cottage Zootenvaal. Our visit followed a pleasant, but active week at another location with a larger family group. So, the tranquility of the Beach Cottage came as welcome change of pace. It was breezy on St John and there was no need for air conditioning. The sound of waves breaking was a constant backdrop, perfect for sleep. The house is located a convenient mile from the restaurants and shops of Coral Bay. The Brown Bay trailhead is a short walk from the house. We cooked each night and found the kitchen to have everything we needed. Lastly, but certainly not least in importance Dorothy and Fernando were excellent hosts. We look forward to a return visit in the not too distant future.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

kim c.

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

Vacation

Beautiful property and views and super nice hosts
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

nancy b.

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

Very comfortable and peaceful location!

We were celebrating our 33 anniversary and third time at STJ. Very peaceful, quiet location on very comfortable, clean and well-stocked house! Can easily hear the waves from the comfort of the porch. Also worth the short walk to the private beach because there is shade as well as sun and a gazebo there for comfort no matter the preference of the person (I am a sun lover and my husband prefers shade!). Very much worth the stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laurie W.

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

Wonderful place and perfect location!

Our stay at Fernando and Dorothy’s beach home was absolutely perfect. The house is perfectly maintained. The view from the deck is phenomenal. The location on the east end is perfect because it is so quiet, yet it is an easy drive to the beautiful beaches of St. John. They had everything anyone could possibly need while there. Fernando and Dorothy are very friendly and helpful and were always willing to answer any questions about the island. One of the best pieces of advice we received from Dorothy came before we even arrived. She said to travel light using just a carryon. She was so correct. We brought only a carryon and still didn’t use half of the clothing we brought. Everyone seems to live in swimwear by day and a simple sundress or shorts and a shirt for dining out. Fernando was able to answer any questions we had. He knows island well including the best places for snorkeling, buying produce, dining out etc. He even told me exactly where to go to buy a license plate to add to my collection. Another plus was the solar and Tesela power wall installed on this house. The power on St. John was out approximately a third of the time we were there, but did not affect us. Groceries on the island are very pricey and it would have been disappointing to loose our refrigerated items due to a power outage. I highly recommend this property to anyone looking to stay on the island. We booked totally based on the reviews and they were definitely spot on. Thanks Fernando and Dorothy!
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda S.

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

Beautiful property in paradise!

We had a great stay at this beautiful cottage overlooking Hurricane Hole. Our favorite part was the porch with the fantastic view. The cottage was stocked with everything we needed for the week and was very clean and comfortable. Thanks for the great vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew V.

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

Review of Stay

Stayed at the property for our honeymoon and had a great experience… great location, beautiful house looking over Hurricane Hole near Coral Bay. Would definitely come and stay there again in the future!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ken O.

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

Perfect for us!

Estate Zootenvaal is a fantastic place! Comfortable, well appointed and the location can not be beaten. It was exactly as described. Dorothy and Fernando were very accommodating and couldn't have been better hosts. We wanted the quieter East End with easy access to the restaurants and shops of Coral Bay. This location was perfect for that. The private beach and the balcony overlooking Hurricane Hole made for a most relaxing stay. We will definitely return.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

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

A memorable destination

Zootenvaal cottage is beyond spectacular. We were carried away by so much beauty; the jewel box interior, mesmerizing view, gentle breeze, lighting on the bay, colorful sunrises, lush green hills and star lit nights. The location is ideal, close to activity but far enough to enjoy a peaceful rural setting. We saw wild donkeys and a few deer in the hill in back of the house. There’s much to do for the adventurous, but we kept it simple. The 3 grocery stores in Coral Bay were close and had what we needed. Enjoyed early morning trips to Francis or Maho Bay. The rugged landscape of the private beach was lovely and a contrast to the popular beaches. No crowds. Needed water shoes but the water was clear and refreshing. Good snorkeling as well. Dorothy and Fernando were warm and gracious, and it was a pleasure to get to know them! So grateful that they created such an exceptional masterpiece!!
Stayed 12 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Fred F.

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

Perfect place to unwind

A perfect place for the wife and I to just relax. Everything from Fernando picking us up in Cruz Bay to the beach house being more than we expected....(the pictures don't do it justice)...we throughly enjoyed ourselves. Fernando and Dorothy are the perfect hosts. If your looking for a quiet getaway with a 5 star beach house this is the place!
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hilary T.

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

Perfection for solo travel or couple

Upon arrival, Dorothy was there to greet me. I was blown away by how beautiful this home was. The pictures do it justice. I was traveling solo and so enjoyed the privacy and quiet. It’s all about location at this house. Waking in the morning to the sunrise on the pillow. Just down the road from Coral Bay and 10 minutes to Hansen Beach. if you’re looking for quiet, this is the place to be. I ventured to the North Shore beaches just because I had to see how beautiful they are again. But was happy to get back to the quiet at hurricane hole. Excellent equipped kitchen. Beautiful bathroom with fresh tile and an extremely comfortable bed with wonderful sheets. The deck overlooking the Water view was my go to every morning. I look forward to returning next year. Do not hesitate to book this house, because it is very popular. Thank you Dorothy for creating a wonderful place to share with us.☀️💦☀️
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teresa P., Athens, AL

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

Serenity by the Sea

We had a lovely time! Dorothy and Fernando were excellent hosts, supplying a beautiful cottage with all the necessary amenities. Their suggestions were helpful and the location was perfect! We hope to visit again in the future.
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Emily T., Chicago, IL USA

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

Location + Kayak = Amazing Adventures

This is a beautiful, well built cottage in a gorgeous, serene location. We were so happy we decided to stay on the Coral Bay side of the island. This cottage is located a little over a mile outside of town. This rental offers the perk of a double kayak. We rented snorkel gear at Crabby's for a mere $40 a week each, and then we had total freedom to explore Hurricane Hole throughout the week. The cottage is equipped with a grill and very nice kitchen. The water is delicious out of the tap, but you'll want to keep some chilling in the refrigerator because it doesn't get really cold. They provide a pitcher. We bought a gallon of water before we knew the water was drinkable which we refilled repeatedly and left it in the fridge. We were glad we brought a soft cooler from home that we could strap to the kayak, and we had a few extra ziplock bags that we filled with ice. There is a nice cooler for you to use on the beach, but it doesn't work with the kayak. The food was great everywhere we went. Groceries are expensive!! Bring a stash of your favorite energy bars / snacks if you plan to do much adventuring! If this cottage is available for the dates you are looking at, grab it!! You won't regret it. Dorothy was out of town for our visit, but Fernando was a charming and knowledgable host who made many recommendations that we followed.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel M., Charlotte

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

Absolutely fabulous

This cottage was beyond out of this world. Everything made it feel immediately like home. You really should pack light because the amenities from full kitchen equipped for easy cooking and very comfortable bed with bath toiletries . The view is stunning magnificent. Dorothy and Fernando were attentive lovely hosts . She makes a great cappuccino! The use of kayak made snorkeling a breeze ! We would highly recommend this property and Dorothy and Fernando as top notch hosts!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg G.

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

Absolutely phenomenal!

Everything about the stay was exceptional! The property, the location, the amenities, the owners… everything that they had the ability to affect was simply exceptional. The owners were so incredibly attentive and hospitable. We were already planning our next visit before this one was over! Dorothy and Fernando are fantastic. Thank you both for having such a huge positive impact on our honeymoon!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Keeley L., Rincon, PR

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

Peaceful and private

We are a couple in our mid-40’s who like to escape the crowds and explore beautiful beaches. Our trip was in mid-July. Location: private and peaceful, lovely unobstructed view of the entire bay. Loved the town of Coral Bay and it was easy to access the north shore beaches from here. Liked: Beautiful place, tastefully decorated, looked brand new Air conditioning in bedroom worked great Well stocked Deck was great for morning coffee Gets a nice breeze There were no mosquitoes at all Water tastes fantastic, no need for bottled water Wifi worked great Could have been better: Beach chairs were broken Beach was rocky when we were there, but beaches change all the time so it may not be like this year round Curtains in bedroom aren’t room darkening so not ideal if you like to sleep in No air conditioning in main living area, fine for us, but I would plan to cook any big meals We loved how peaceful and private this location was, perfect if you don’t like to be where all the tourists are but still want to have easy access to the best spots on the island.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Winifred M., Mahopac

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

Perfect Beach Cottage Get Away

This property is immaculate. Super comfortable. Everything you need for a relaxing vacay. Hostess is delightful and gracious. Highly recommended.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joel F., Lake City, FL

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

Amazing property!

We celebrated our 25th anniversary with a weeklong trip to this beautiful cottage. It was the perfect place to stay. The location was super quiet in Coral Bay yet close enough to get to any of the beaches relatively quickly. The view from the back porch was amazing (even better than the pictures show) and there was so much wildlife around to watch - donkeys, goats, mongoose, pelicans and deer - that it was hard to leave everyday! We spent every waking hour we were home on that porch, sipping coffee or cocktails and enjoying the ocean breezes. This was the cleanest and most well-appointed rental I’ve ever booked and beautifully decorated. The bedroom was nice and cool at night with the AC and the bed was comfortable as well. We felt at home the moment we walked in and appreciated the wine, cheese and crackers Dorothy and Fernando left for us. They were wonderful hosts. If you’re looking for a rental near Coral Bay this is the one. We hope to be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

shelley h.

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

house

every thing in very nice, clean and working order
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Dorothy Micheletti

Host profile image
Fernando is Italian and I come from Colorado. We have lived on St John for over 20 years. Our first home, was La Dolce Vita, also in Coral Bay and also on the water. We used to short term it and do charters on Fernando's beloved "Fernando's Republic", which sadly sank in 2017.

Why they chose this property

Zootenvaal is a very special property on St John and especially on the East side of the island facing National Park Waters. The property has a gentle slop with grass lawn, very rare for St John!

What makes this property unique

Private shared beach between 3 houses.

Languages:

English, French, Italian, Spanish

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They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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