Entire home
Spring Special:Off-season rates! Off-road Experience! Tropical SolarEcoRetreat!
Cottage with kitchen, near Virgin Islands National Park
Photo gallery for Spring Special:Off-season rates! Off-road Experience! Tropical SolarEcoRetreat!





Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 283.6 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

St John, St John
- Place, Emmaus Moravian Church9 min walk
- Place, Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument15 min walk
- Place, Virgin Islands National Park15 min walk
- Airport, St. Thomas (STT-Cyril E. King)73 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 2)
'Life's A Beach' Suite/Bedroom
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
2 bathrooms
'Master' Bathroom
Toilet · Shower only
Main level bathroom
Toilet · Outdoor shower
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Spring Special:Off-season rates! Off-road Experience! Tropical SolarEcoRetreat!
2 BR, 2 BA furnished. Tropical living off the grid, live simply and close to nature with stunning panoramic views of the Caribbean sea, solar-powered, one of only a few homes on the border of the Virgin Islands National Park and its hiking trails plus a meditation circle nestled in natural rock formations. Hike the Johnny Horn Trail 1.5 miles to the beach and snorkeling at popular Waterlemon Cay. Only half mile to Lime Out!!
Work remotely with high speed internet, workspace, view of the sea.
The open air deck with hammock, solar umbrella table, love seat and LOTS of lush tropical plants is perfect for romantic star-gazing or hammock- warming. We're close to nature, a hiker's and lovers' paradise, private and remote, open-air and silence.
Solar-powered, spacious private decks overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Coral Bay and the British Virgin Islands. Only half a mile to Coral Bay’s restaurants, bars and shops, The Lime Out (floating taco boat) and Skinny Legs and a mile and a half hike to the beach. The retreat is best suited for a couple or solo traveler. This off-the-grid eco-retreat is an open-air/partially screened home that is solar-powered, cooled by the tradewinds, sustained by tropical showers and warmed by the sun.
Coral Bay Eco-Retreat offers the unique opportunity to be in a remote location, yet only half a mile from the heart of Coral Bay. It's perfect for hikers and adventurers wanting to get away from it all and experience island eco-living “off the beaten path” in a tropical setting. Experience quiet for writing, relaxing or contemplation, punctuated by the sounds of the surf, birds, tree frogs, island sheep and donkeys. One guest claimed, 'As I watched the sun go down, I felt my blood pressure do the same!' Others have called this home a treehouse, as it is surrounded by trees and even has a tree growing right next to the bed!
The large open deck is nestled among the trees and is perfect for admiring the view, meditating during sunrise (we call it the Morning Show) or for star-gazing on a balmy Caribbean night. It offers a glass-top solar umbrella table for outdoor dining with a Caribbean Sea view, a Weber grill and a Pawley Island hammock for two for the owner's favorite sport: hammock-warming! It is accessed by 'the stairway to heaven', lighted by solar lights and dotted with hoop-vine, orchids night-blooming cirrus and turpentine trees. It’s an open sky view for stargazing or soaking up the moonlight at night, sun for tanning during the day.
The deck connects through double cypress doors to the screened-in living room which has a large comfy sofa, smart ROKU TV with netlix, charging area for electronic devices (usb and usual electrical oulets), desk with fast internet and Caribbean art, mostly of Caribbean women, created by Caribbean artists. Generally, a strong cell signal is usually available, especially for AT&T with free wireless wifi.
The island-style open-air kitchen features a very busy hummingbird feeder and a coconut banana quit feeder, attracting many tiny yellow banana quits (official bird of the Virgin Islands) who greet you each morning. This old-time Caribbean style "mermaid kitchen" has a mermaid theme including hanging skillets, kettles.
The porch-style, open air kitchen overlooks a herb /aloe garden and utilizes solar-warmed rainwater that is gravity-fed from a small water tower made of recycled 'drums'. For true water conservation and in keeping with old island traditions, the “dishwasher” is a dishpan/bamboo dish drainer in which dishwater is saved for deck and garden plants.
It has a full-sized solar-powered frig with freezer and ice cube trays, an ice chest/cooler, a non-electronic six-burner propane stove and oven (no microwave), a bar-style seating area overlooking the view, dishes, bamboo and eco-cookware, coffee-bean grinder, French press coffee pot and a stove-top toaster. Guests make their coffee by grinding their coffee beans, (bring your own favorites), boiling water and combining it in the French press- delicious!
Eight gallons of purified island drinking water (in recycled gallon jugs) are provided as well as basic kitchen essentials: dish detergent, dishes, frying pans, wok, potholders, dish towels, paper towels, trash bags,and a pantry stocked with salt and pepper, nutmeg, There is a small amount of olive oil on hand, so bring your own favorite as well as your non-perishable foods, favorite coffee and snacks.
Most airlines allow you to bring a box and/or a cooler instead of a checked suitcase which is a great idea as groceries and supplies in general are expensive and hard-to-find in St. John's small markets.....very little grows on St. John, so there's a minimal amount of organic produce or even fresh fish. It's pricey and often flown in from the States. Many guests also order online for provisions from Dolphin or Staffish markets and pick up their orders on ther way to the retreat. It's generally not as smooth as stateside grocery store operations, but its a time-saver after a long day of traveling and helps ypu avoid shopping in an unfamilar market with limited products.
The "Life's a Beach" bedroom Suite offers fabulous views from your pillow, with a queen bed with lots of pillows, a heavenly, puffy duvet and romantic and practical mosquito netting. Cooled by the tradewinds, there is also a low voltage fan. It's an open-to-nature bedroom, (3 walls!) has a private full bath, garden with island mural (created by our first guest), deck with a tree growing bedside the bed.
Open-air bathrooms feature fixtures with water-conservation flushes, a half bath on the main-floor and an indoor shower and an outdoor garden shower. Rain water is collected from the roof, stored in cisterns, considered precious, limited and carefully conserved. Guests are encouraged to take the St. John Eco-Challenge: take cool-water, St John eco-showers (not hot), limit flushing, turn off lights when not in use, dry your hair in the breeze and leave a zero 'island eco-footprint, flip-flop style'! Basic supplies toilet paper, hand soap, limited shampoo and conditioner (suggest bringing your own), shower liquid soap, towels (hand, bath and wash cloths),
At this eco-retreat, you are at one with nature; the perfect place for you if you're okay with walking up hills (80' from the driveway to the house!), up steps (25 of them to the house), love to hike and drive a rough trail in four-wheel drive. If you're not highly allergic, critter-phobic or sensitive to tropical gheckos (little lizards) or occasion flying bugs who visit this open-air home, you'll love it! Generally, the tradewinds keep mosquitoes and no-see-ums to a minimum and frogs and hermit crabs are our natural bug exterminators!
Behind the cottage, a little trail leads to the Meditation Circle, a beautiful good-vibe natural circle of huge rocks, a little cave and a fire pit. This has been the venue for full moon gatherings and women's circles and is a powerfully energetic place for meditation and contemplation under the sun or stars.
Since it's off-the-grid, there are no hair dryers, microwave, dishwasher, hot water (Note: It is solar-warmed), air conditioners, pool. But in their place are awesome views, privacy, gentle breezes, only natural sounds and star-lit nights...and a smart tv and internet! Take the St. John Eco Challenge and see how small your environmental carbon footprint can be!
If you want a great view, peace and quiet, eco-adventure and a natural setting, then Coral Bay Eco-retreat is the home for you! Must love birds!
Work remotely with high speed internet, workspace, view of the sea.
The open air deck with hammock, solar umbrella table, love seat and LOTS of lush tropical plants is perfect for romantic star-gazing or hammock- warming. We're close to nature, a hiker's and lovers' paradise, private and remote, open-air and silence.
Solar-powered, spacious private decks overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Coral Bay and the British Virgin Islands. Only half a mile to Coral Bay’s restaurants, bars and shops, The Lime Out (floating taco boat) and Skinny Legs and a mile and a half hike to the beach. The retreat is best suited for a couple or solo traveler. This off-the-grid eco-retreat is an open-air/partially screened home that is solar-powered, cooled by the tradewinds, sustained by tropical showers and warmed by the sun.
Coral Bay Eco-Retreat offers the unique opportunity to be in a remote location, yet only half a mile from the heart of Coral Bay. It's perfect for hikers and adventurers wanting to get away from it all and experience island eco-living “off the beaten path” in a tropical setting. Experience quiet for writing, relaxing or contemplation, punctuated by the sounds of the surf, birds, tree frogs, island sheep and donkeys. One guest claimed, 'As I watched the sun go down, I felt my blood pressure do the same!' Others have called this home a treehouse, as it is surrounded by trees and even has a tree growing right next to the bed!
The large open deck is nestled among the trees and is perfect for admiring the view, meditating during sunrise (we call it the Morning Show) or for star-gazing on a balmy Caribbean night. It offers a glass-top solar umbrella table for outdoor dining with a Caribbean Sea view, a Weber grill and a Pawley Island hammock for two for the owner's favorite sport: hammock-warming! It is accessed by 'the stairway to heaven', lighted by solar lights and dotted with hoop-vine, orchids night-blooming cirrus and turpentine trees. It’s an open sky view for stargazing or soaking up the moonlight at night, sun for tanning during the day.
The deck connects through double cypress doors to the screened-in living room which has a large comfy sofa, smart ROKU TV with netlix, charging area for electronic devices (usb and usual electrical oulets), desk with fast internet and Caribbean art, mostly of Caribbean women, created by Caribbean artists. Generally, a strong cell signal is usually available, especially for AT&T with free wireless wifi.
The island-style open-air kitchen features a very busy hummingbird feeder and a coconut banana quit feeder, attracting many tiny yellow banana quits (official bird of the Virgin Islands) who greet you each morning. This old-time Caribbean style "mermaid kitchen" has a mermaid theme including hanging skillets, kettles.
The porch-style, open air kitchen overlooks a herb /aloe garden and utilizes solar-warmed rainwater that is gravity-fed from a small water tower made of recycled 'drums'. For true water conservation and in keeping with old island traditions, the “dishwasher” is a dishpan/bamboo dish drainer in which dishwater is saved for deck and garden plants.
It has a full-sized solar-powered frig with freezer and ice cube trays, an ice chest/cooler, a non-electronic six-burner propane stove and oven (no microwave), a bar-style seating area overlooking the view, dishes, bamboo and eco-cookware, coffee-bean grinder, French press coffee pot and a stove-top toaster. Guests make their coffee by grinding their coffee beans, (bring your own favorites), boiling water and combining it in the French press- delicious!
Eight gallons of purified island drinking water (in recycled gallon jugs) are provided as well as basic kitchen essentials: dish detergent, dishes, frying pans, wok, potholders, dish towels, paper towels, trash bags,and a pantry stocked with salt and pepper, nutmeg, There is a small amount of olive oil on hand, so bring your own favorite as well as your non-perishable foods, favorite coffee and snacks.
Most airlines allow you to bring a box and/or a cooler instead of a checked suitcase which is a great idea as groceries and supplies in general are expensive and hard-to-find in St. John's small markets.....very little grows on St. John, so there's a minimal amount of organic produce or even fresh fish. It's pricey and often flown in from the States. Many guests also order online for provisions from Dolphin or Staffish markets and pick up their orders on ther way to the retreat. It's generally not as smooth as stateside grocery store operations, but its a time-saver after a long day of traveling and helps ypu avoid shopping in an unfamilar market with limited products.
The "Life's a Beach" bedroom Suite offers fabulous views from your pillow, with a queen bed with lots of pillows, a heavenly, puffy duvet and romantic and practical mosquito netting. Cooled by the tradewinds, there is also a low voltage fan. It's an open-to-nature bedroom, (3 walls!) has a private full bath, garden with island mural (created by our first guest), deck with a tree growing bedside the bed.
Open-air bathrooms feature fixtures with water-conservation flushes, a half bath on the main-floor and an indoor shower and an outdoor garden shower. Rain water is collected from the roof, stored in cisterns, considered precious, limited and carefully conserved. Guests are encouraged to take the St. John Eco-Challenge: take cool-water, St John eco-showers (not hot), limit flushing, turn off lights when not in use, dry your hair in the breeze and leave a zero 'island eco-footprint, flip-flop style'! Basic supplies toilet paper, hand soap, limited shampoo and conditioner (suggest bringing your own), shower liquid soap, towels (hand, bath and wash cloths),
At this eco-retreat, you are at one with nature; the perfect place for you if you're okay with walking up hills (80' from the driveway to the house!), up steps (25 of them to the house), love to hike and drive a rough trail in four-wheel drive. If you're not highly allergic, critter-phobic or sensitive to tropical gheckos (little lizards) or occasion flying bugs who visit this open-air home, you'll love it! Generally, the tradewinds keep mosquitoes and no-see-ums to a minimum and frogs and hermit crabs are our natural bug exterminators!
Behind the cottage, a little trail leads to the Meditation Circle, a beautiful good-vibe natural circle of huge rocks, a little cave and a fire pit. This has been the venue for full moon gatherings and women's circles and is a powerfully energetic place for meditation and contemplation under the sun or stars.
Since it's off-the-grid, there are no hair dryers, microwave, dishwasher, hot water (Note: It is solar-warmed), air conditioners, pool. But in their place are awesome views, privacy, gentle breezes, only natural sounds and star-lit nights...and a smart tv and internet! Take the St. John Eco Challenge and see how small your environmental carbon footprint can be!
If you want a great view, peace and quiet, eco-adventure and a natural setting, then Coral Bay Eco-retreat is the home for you! Must love birds!
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Ocean view
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 12
Check out before 9:00 AM
Children
Adults only
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets 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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is no smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
We should mention
A car is not required for transport to and from this property
About the area
St. John
Located in St. John, this cottage is in a rural area. While the natural beauty of Virgin Islands National Park and Trunk Bay can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Tortola Cruise Ship Port.
Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain climbing and horse riding nearby.

St John, St John
What's nearby
- Emmaus Moravian Church - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
- Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
- Virgin Islands National Park - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
- Ajax Peak - 3 min drive - 3.0 km
- Trunk Bay - 20 min drive - 11.3 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Admiral’s Bar
- The Windmill Bar - 21 min drive
- Shambles - 20 min drive
- Johnny Lime - 20 min walk
- Skinny Legs - 13 min walk
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Allison Smith
37 uear resident of St. John, Allison offers her eco-home to fellow nature-lover guests as a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. She built the home herself (with a little help from her friends!) over a period of 15 years during a time of minimal access to basic construction services; ie she took materials up the rigorous Johnny Horn Trail in her jeep! She's created a natural home, complete with many birds and hopes that you'll find the same serenity as you watch the sunrise from your bed! She lives on a nearby smaller island and is readily available to help in any way. She grew up in Florida and sailed to the Virgin Islands in her own sailboat, spending five months at sea en route. She has devoted her life to service, first as a school counselor, then as the 'island shrink' and founder and director of the islands first non-profit organization, the People Moving Forward Foundation. Guided to create spiritual growth opportunities, she created Rejuvenation Vacations, specializing in retreats for relaxation, yoga and spiritual growth. She has taught workshops and classes on A Course in Miracles, prosperity consciousness, living an optimum life experience and is recently credentialed as a Licensed Unity Teacher through Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute. Until the pandemic, she led weekly community meditation gatherings on Peace Hill and taught Wednesday classes under the gri gri tree in Pickles Deli's backyard. She has a beautiful daughter, Angie, sic fabulous grandchildren and a great granddaughter.
She has a PhD in spiritual counseling,, MA in counseling and a double major BA in psychology and sociology.
She has a PhD in spiritual counseling,, MA in counseling and a double major BA in psychology and sociology.
Why they chose this property
The Coral Bay Eco Retreat offers an opportunity to experience off-the-grid living in a tropical setting. The energy of the home, overlooking the VI National Park as well as bordering it, provides a serene and peaceful setting with an awesome view and silence, a rare commodity in these times! At one point, it was a haven for 'rescue goats' who had been injured or abandoned, as an adjunct to the island's animal care center, hosting as many as 15 little goats in a stable built by her and her grandson. To be clear, the "goat years" are over, but we're still visited by many free-roaming donkeys, goats, sheep and deer. This house is like no other, unique and sweet, simple and close to nature.
What makes this property unique
* Location! Located uniquely on the historic Johnny Horn Trail, on the border of the Virgin Islands National Park, you're only a half mile jeep ride or hike from the heart of Coral Bay with its shops, bars and restaurants and a mile from the beaches of the VI National Park, including the famous snorkeling of Waterlemon Cay. Peaceful and quiet!
* Unique home: open air, solar-powered, gathered rain water, trees growing through the decks, lots of birds, sustainable, zero footprint!
* most of the time, the only sounds you hear are natural
* Unique home: open air, solar-powered, gathered rain water, trees growing through the decks, lots of birds, sustainable, zero footprint!
* most of the time, the only sounds you hear are natural
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