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COUPLES RETREAT, PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS, FREE KAYAKS & PADDLE BOARDS

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A coastal landscape with multiple islands, clear blue water, and lush green hills.
A balcony with two chairs and a table, overlooking a coastal view with islands and clear blue water.
A spacious living room with a large window, a ceiling fan, and a fireplace.
Welcome cocktails with a view!
Pre dawn or evening? It's beautiful all day!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Your own private chef
    One of the few properties offering private chef services.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Johnson Bay
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dogs and cats allowed
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Place, Johnson Bay
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Place, Virgin Islands National Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Trunk Bay
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Airport, St. Thomas (STT-Cyril E. King)
    ‪83 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

COUPLES RETREAT, PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS, FREE KAYAKS & PADDLE BOARDS

Welcome to Joy of Life Villa, a private hillside retreat in Coral Bay with breathtaking 180-degree views of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, turquoise waters, coral reefs, and lush tropical landscapes.

Designed for couples, honeymooners, baby-mooners and travelers seeking peace and privacy, this beautifully crafted stone villa offers the perfect blend of island luxury and sustainable living.

**Highlights:**
• Expansive 1,200-square-foot deck accessible from each room
• Premium memory foam king bed
• Indoor and outdoor showers with local stone and hardwood finishes
• Fully equipped kitchen and spacious luxury bathroom
• Air-conditioned bedroom and living room
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and two smart TVs with Netflix
• Beach chairs, towels, and snorkel gear provided
• Large gas grill for outdoor dining
* FREE KAYAKS N PADDLEBAORDS
Joy of Life Villa is fully solar powered, ensuring uninterrupted comfort even during island power outages. Our filtered rainwater system is chemical-free and leaves your skin and hair feeling refreshed and soft.

Adventure awaits at nearby Hansen Bay Beach, where complimentary glass-bottom kayaks and paddleboards are available for your use. Paddle to vibrant coral reefs or visit the famous floating taco boat for a truly unforgettable experience.

Conveniently located just 2 minutes from Coral Bay restaurants, 10 minutes from Salt Pond Bay, and 15 minutes from St. John's renowned North Shore beaches.

Complimentary concierge service is included with every stay. We'll help you plan excursions and recommend personalized dining and activities to make the most of your island getaway.

Please note: A standard 4WD Jeep is required due to the steep hillside access road and St. John's mountainous terrain. We recommend renting your vehicle on St. John, as car barge schedules from St. Thomas can be unpredictable.

The entire main level of Joy of Life Villa is to enjoy- NO SHARED SPACES with privacy as our highest priority.

Come experience the beauty, tranquility, and unforgettable views that have earned Joy of Life Villa its many 5-star reviews.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 9 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Smoking outside on the deck is okay.

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Wash dishes and leave in dish drainer.
Take recycling out with trash to Coral Bay dumpster area.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Quiet hours outside 10 pm to 8 am; be considerate of noise/loud voices in general.
When away, please close windows and sliding doors and shut off air conditioning. Overnight or when away, store cushions for outdoor furniture away.
Follow water conservation tips at villa.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 507566vb
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
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 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 Estate Freemans Ground, a neighbourhood in St. John, this villa is in the mountains and by the sea. While the natural beauty of Virgin Islands National Park and Maho Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Tortola Cruise Ship Port. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and ecotours.
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Map
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

What's nearby

  • Johnson Bay - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Virgin Islands National Park - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Cinnamon Bay Beach - 21 min drive - 14.6 km
  • Trunk Bay - 26 min drive - 15.4 km
  • Cruz Bay Beach - 28 min drive - 19.4 km

Getting around

  • St. Thomas (SPB-St. Thomas Seaplane Base) - 88 min drive

Restaurants

  • Sebastian’s Seaside Grill
  • ‪Skinny Legs - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Trunk Bay Beach Bar - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Shambles - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Maho Crossroads - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is COUPLES RETREAT, PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS, FREE KAYAKS & PADDLE BOARDS pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

How much is parking at COUPLES RETREAT, PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS, FREE KAYAKS & PADDLE BOARDS?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at COUPLES RETREAT, PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS, FREE KAYAKS & PADDLE BOARDS?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at COUPLES RETREAT, PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS, FREE KAYAKS & PADDLE BOARDS?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is COUPLES RETREAT, PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS, FREE KAYAKS & PADDLE BOARDS located?

Located in Estate Freemans Ground, this villa is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Johnson Bay and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Virgin Islands National Park. Emmaus Moravian Church and Hurricane Hole are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 41 out of 43 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 43 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 43 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property was amazing! It was clean, comfortable, well decorated, well-equipped and had spectacular views of the water and surrounding islands. In fact, we joked that the only bad news was that we didn't want to leave to go explore other parts of St. John because it was so tempting to just stay put and take in the serenity around us.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 March 2026
So funny you should mention that because I have had many guests say the only day they didn’t love was departure day. Being here certainly is a “Joy of Life” so that’s why I named the villa that. Thanks for sharing the dream!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a very special week at Joy Of Life Villa. The view was extraordinary! Stunning! The property was very clean and up to date. Beautiful. Our host Karen was one of the most helpful, hospitable, friendly persons we have ever dealt with. She was generously available to answer our questions. We would love to come back some day!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 5 April 2026
Thank you so much, Kim. And I’d love to have you return as well. You were lovely guests and I appreciate your review!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sergey L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My wife and I stayed at the Joy of Life Villa during Christmas week. We were looking for a relaxing and private stay. This villa was better than what we imagined! We woke up early for every sunrise with some fresh brewed coffee. This Villa had everything we needed including beach chairs, towels, snorkel gear, and a cooler which came in very handy. There's even a grill which we really enjoyed using. Karen was a great host and made sure we were settled and had everything we needed. We are so happy we found her villa and would definitely come back again next time. This rental has some of the best views of the nearby islands. Her whole property feels magical with all the palm trees and beautiful landscaping. We highly recommend this rental property. It was truly an incredible experience!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 January 2026
Thank you so much, Sergey! Now you know why I named it Joy of Life Villa. It’s a joy just being in this beautiful setting. Nothing else compares, even on this island. That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to it and enjoy sharing it with everyone. Hope to see you again soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachael S.

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

beautiful property

amazing views,beautiful property,hosts were very helpful and kind. we woke up every morning to a beautiful sunrise from our bedroom and spent every evening looking over the peaceful ocean,couldnt ask for more
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 January 2023
Thanks so much, Rachel. That’s why we named it (and our website) Joy of Life Villa!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steph D.

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

Beautiful getaway for couples

Thanks so much Karen and Jeff for our lovely stay! Views were spectacular and the property was very well kept, clean, updated, comfortable ( I could go on for days!) Owners had great recommendations for the island and were INCREDIBLY accommodating during our stay. Definitely choose this rental for its serene setting away from it all! Thanks again for having us and can’t wait to stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 May 2023
Awww thanks so much, Steph! We really do love what we do and all our family of guests. I’m sure we will see you again. You can always find us direct as Joy of Life Villa!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karah F.

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

Amazing Honeymoon

Thank you so much for sharing you slice of heaven with us! Your home is beautiful and it had everything that we needed. We were so comfortable and felt very at home. We can't wait for our next trip to Joy of Life!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 4 July 2020
Thanks, Karah! We love seeing couples like you discover Joy of Life Villa and St. John, and make great memories and come back for more. We have an extended family of repeat guests - welcome to the club! See you next time. Thanks for choosing us for your honeymoon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew H.

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

Amazing View. Great place to visit or move to!

No sweat. Karen and Jeff were terrific
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 March 2023
Thank you, Andy & Kathy! We enjoyed having you guys. So glad you came to experience this beautiful island. You can always find us online under Joy of Life Villa and save $$ on future stays!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anton S.

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

Paradise!!!

Breathtaking in every way and truly unforgettable! The space, the unbelievable views, the very clean and well put together indoors and outdoor space is nothing short of mind blowing!! A super smooth check in, great host kindness and assistance and an atmosphere that is really just so hard to walk away from. Thank you for the most beautiful , peaceful and very relaxing 7 days that we have ever experienced. Hope to be back one day!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 5 November 2021
Thanks, Anton! I was born in Kentucky and hope to get back there one day soon as well. Thanks for your compliments. It makes us proud of the home we built, and the managers we have when we aren’t there. And our housekeeper too. It’s a really good team. Our many repeat guests get a discount so be sure to find us as Joy of Life Villa when you’re ready to return. Warmly, Karen & Jeff, owners
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marguerite L.

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

Gorgeous setting

Karen and Jeff are gracious and generous hosts. The property sits high on a mountain with amazing views. You need to be comfy driving up a steep hill but the island is like that. This is just a tiny bit more rugged. You won’t be disappointed. The AC in the bedroom is a plus.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 April 2020
Thanks for your review and for being the best part of our job! It was fun to see you enjoying the view and looking so relaxed after beach days. Glad you made good use of the kitchen too. We also loved your clarinet performance, wow! We are happy that you had a good time and enjoyed Joy of Life Villa. We hope to see you again soon. Follow our page until then... Karen, Jeff and Taco
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

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

Paradise found on this spectacular hillside perch!

Karen was a gracious host, and aptly named her Joie de Vivre home! We had never stayed on the tranquil Coral Bay part of St John and feel fortunate to find Joy of Life Villa for its incredible huge deck with incomparable views and sunrises! The comfortable home is stocked with dishware, toiletries and all needed to totally unwind plus beach chairs, snorkel gear, etc. Thanks Karen! We will visit you again and will try your kayaks next time!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

douglas s.

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

Unbelievable view

Joy of Life villa is a beautifully maintained property with a view that is unbeatable. The drive to the house is an adventure - a real St. John experience. Once you are at the villa, standing on the fabulous deck and looking out over the east end of St. John, Tortola and beyond, you immediately relax and get into vacation mode. The villa itself is extremely comfortable and well appointed. Karen and Jeff are truly lovely owners and are very attentive and helpful. We really couldn't have had a nicer vacation. Joy of Life Villa comes highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 4 May 2023
Thank you, Doug, for sharing your experience. It really helps others know what to expect and warms our hearts when we hear how much people love it. We also put our hearts into every feature of the villa in building it and making sure it reflects the true St. John. Now you know why we named it Joy of Life Villa. Hope to see you on your next visit. You can find us directly online and save, just look up our villa name. Cheers, Karen, Jeff & Taco
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gwen W.

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

Joy is Found in Coral Bay

It takes work to get to St. John, especially when you make the decision to stay in Coral Bay. And the effort is worth it when you are treated to accommodations like Joy of Life Villa. We received superb communication and care through the entire process of planning, staying, and leaving the villa. Karen and Jeff create a comfortable and beautiful sanctuary with world class views for others to enjoy -- and their able and personable caretaker Sandra adds the extra touches to make for an unforgettable experience. We are grateful!
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 July 2022
Wow Gwen! You should be a travel writer! Thanks so much for your thoughtful review. It makes us proud. Now you know why we named it Joy of Life Villa. Hope to see you again. As you say, it’s with the trip! Karen, Jeff & Sandra
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John M.

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

We loved this place!

Wake up early. Make coffee. As the dawn begins, go down to the comfortable nook to recline as the sun breaks the horizon. Go up on the spacious deck that overlooks the gorgeous Coral Bay and enjoy breakfast. Decide which of the dozens of beaches within minutes of Joy of Life you will go to today for snorkeling,or relaxing. After a few hours in the sun, head back but be sure to stop on the way for a drink or dinner at one of the laid-back Caribbean themed joints that dot the area. Relax at home in the evening but be sure to sit out on the deck at night to catch the star show looking out out over the water. Enjoy the silence and be thankful you found this place.
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard O.

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

Relaxed vacation.

Great stone patio and postcard view, amazing sunrise view, reflection sunsets, star gazing. Super clean property, was great having breakfast and dinners on the patio with the view. Great location on St John's by Corral Bay, best snorkeling on the east end of St John's, beach, hiking, no crowds. Local food markets and restaurants, we did most of our cooking at the property, gas stove and external gas grill. Snorkeling spots we enjoy, Brown Bay left side go around the point. North Haul over, Water Lemon Cay, and Yawzi point. Owner has kayaks on Hansen Bay Beach, that we used the double to paddle to Hurricane hole, started our snorkel from the beach right after Turner Point, was a moderate paddle, great snorkeling location. Owner terrific. Cares for the property and guests. Was my second time to St John's in the Corral Bay area, 2020 was the first. Not a fan of St. Thomas if you are thinking of heading to the USVI. 2-4 years, hoping to head back again.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jill J.

Gorgeous Pamoramic View

My husband and I spent a full nine days at Joy of Life and enjoyed every minute of it. There are many things that make this property special, starting with the view. From the deck relaxing in the very comfortable outdoor furniture, you can see 180 degrees overlooking beautiful Coral Bay, the incredible British Virgin Islands, and then out to sea. My husband and I have traveled to many of the Caribbean Islands and stayed in wonderful accommodations, and we both agreed that this view tops them all. Karen and Jeff are amazing hosts who cater to your every need. They are also simply wonderful people! The people of Coral Bay are second to none. Everyone is so welcoming and happy that you are there…and you never feel like an outsider. The house was perfect for our needs. We often find the interior furniture in many rental houses can be uncomfortable and this is not the case at Joy of Life. Whether there was rain, wanting to take a break from the sun, or a quiet evening inside, there is a very comfortable couch and chaise lounge to curl up on. The king size bed is also very comfortable. Finally, the kitchen is also well equipped if you want to skip the restaurants and cook…which we did on a few nights because the view was so gorgeous and they have a great quality new bbq. Many restaurants are now open after the hurricanes and we enjoyed The Terrace and Extra Virgin Bistro in Cruz Bay as well Margarita Phil’s, a new Mexican restaurant, was fun with very good food and service. In Coral Bay, the new Wok on the Beach was very tasty and has a nice view. Oasis Beach Bar, also great food with a view…and be sure not to miss the banana pudding. Pickles was great for Breakfast and the open mic night with dinner was terrific! Finally, no visit to Coral Bay would be complete if you did not visit Skinny Legs…lots of fun and a real local experience with great local music. Be sure to take in the hiking...especially Ram's Head Trail which is not far from the house and not to be missed. As you can tell, we loved our time in St. John discovering all that it has to offer. This was our first visit…and yes you could tell that the island got a haircut from the hurricanes but the beauty remains and the beaches are still incredible. I would highly recommend Joy of Life and St. John to all of our friends and family…and to you! Jill and Daryl Toronto, Canada
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

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

Absolutely Breathtaking

My husband and I booked this for our 40th anniversary, and for the months leading up to it, I worried that for the amount we were spending on this trip, we could have gone to many amazing places. The minute we arrived at the property, stepped onto the huge deck with a view second to NONE, and met the super friendly owners Karen and Jeff, there was NO question that we had made the BEST decision! Everything was just wonderful. We had an unforgettable visit that was so much more than we expected! Thank you Karen, Jeff, and Taco for your hospitality and kindness. We so hope to return to your paradise.
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 8 February 2022
Thanks so much, Julie. That really is a big compliment and says it all. It will help other people like you who are deciding on the best vacation investment - especially for special occasions such as anniversaries and honeymoons. We love being a couple’s retreat and seeing the happiness and relaxation on our guest’s faces. That’s why we named it Joy of Life Villa. It is that! Thanks for being the best part of it. See you next time! Karen, Jeff & Taco
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott K.

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

Amazing villa and host

The Joy of Life is amazing and the views are second to none. The villa is well kept and the owners, Karen and Jeff, are continuously updating it. While we were there, they bought several new items for the villa and had plans to make several repairs when we were getting ready to leave. Then there was taco, the cutest most friendly, rock chasing dog we have met... We recommend this great villa and will definitely return. Karen and Jeff are the best hosts.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David H.

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

Paradise in Coral Bay

Karen and Jeff have a slice of heaven at their aptly named Joy of Life Villa. We came to St John to get married and have a nice, relaxing, fun-filled week. We got in late on Christmas Eve due to airline delays and our hosts greeted us with homemade cheeseburgers. The views are tremendous from any room in the house or from the huge patio. You definitely need a 4 wheel drive as the drive to the villa is steep, but easy in a Jeep or 4 wheel drive car. We will definitely come back.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey B.

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

Paradise

Excellent property for couples getaway. The amenities are as advertised and the ‘extra leftovers’ in the house from prior travelers help make this house exceptional. We traveled to St.John from Ohio. Traveled with just carryons - the amenities in the house including chairs, umbrellas, cooler, beach towels, even snorkel gear (with flippers that fit!) made it so easy. We didn’t have to rent a thing. There’s even leftover condiments and such in the kitchen and the bathroom toiletries helped with bug spray, lotions and even some starter sunscreen options. It’s well-maintained collection too. This made the house even better than the views and descriptions can do. The service and availability of both the owner and the managers was top notch. Location in Coral Bay lets you have the best of both - access to restaurants and beaches without necessarily the congestion of Cruz Bay. We did travel in to Cruz for some things - dinghy rental, some shopping, and a meal or 2. We found the access to the North Shore beaches to very good, with a beautiful mountain/forest drive. Even had to make this twice one morning when I forgot my underwater camera - trip from Maho Beach to the Villa and back to Maho <30min. Would highly recommend this property - already trying to figure out when to come back!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy T.

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

Million dollar views

Great stay at a beautiful property! Don’t hesitate to stay here; it’s even more beautiful than the photos online. You will need a good 4x4 to get to it, preferably a Jeep Wrangler, but the view and experience is absolutely worth it!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joanne B.

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

A View To Live For

Joy of Life Villa was perfectly suited for the two of us. We came with a need to relax in a comfortable spot with a great view. We were not disappointed. From the patio we enjoyed glimpses of Coral Bay to the left, Hurricane Hole, Hansen Beach and East End straight ahead. In the distance we watched cruise ships come to port at Tortola. Karen and Jeff were awesome hosts, who gave our vacation a personal touch, spoiled us with fresh papaya, yet gave us all the privacy we needed. The master bedroom was awesome with very comfortable king bed and a view to wake up to. Thanks so much Karen and Jeff for creating Joy of Life, allowing us to bond with Taco, and making our stay so pleasant. Ben & Jo
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jackie B.

A little slice of paradise.

We just made our second trip to St John. Our first trip was long before the hurricanes. We loved the island the first time, but visiting after the hurricanes made us love the island even more. They have done so much work, but you can still see signs of destruction. All of the locals thanked us repeatedly for coming to their island. They made us feel special and appreciated.... when they are the special ones. They all truly love their beautiful island paradise. Karen and Jeff were wonderful hosts and the house is lovely. It has everything you need. And, if there is something you don't have, Karen and Jeff will get it for you! We will definitely be returning. I just hope it does not take us so long to get back!! Thank you for an incredible vacation. Jackie & John
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

Mike S.

Views from villa are unsurpassed, villa is spotless, housekeeper knowledgable and very helpful.

The views from the second floor villa are incredible. The sun rises over multiple British Virgin Islands with Coral Bay in the foreground. The colors of the sea and islands change as the sun moves from east to west. Variety of boats and ships pass by and through. The villa is perfectly clean and appears to be new. The workmanship reflects attention to detail and there is no visible wear. The trade winds are constant and seem to be perfectly aligned to the villa. Rented jeep at ST John Car Rental in Cruz Bay. Two grocery stores in Cruz Bay, couple smaller convenience stores in Coral Bay. Beaches seem to have lost a lot of vegetation. Trunk Bay beach is still a favorite and you can rent chairs and restrooms/showers available. Facilities at Cinnamon and Maho not back in full operation. Holly (one of the caretakers) was extremely helpful when our flight was delayed and showed us around the villa upon arrival. She is local expert ready and willing to share all the information you might want/need. If you want killer views, solitude, clean, modern, this is it. Highly recommend.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janet L.

Best views on the island

My husband & I stayed at Joy of Life Villa April 24-May 1st. The drive up to the Villa was magnificent, we were not sure what to expect since 4 WD was required, but soon understood why!!! It was a fun adventure & the road is in good condition. We met Jeff at the Villa & he gave us a tour, he was very pleasant & very laid back and nice. The Villa is very clean, & everything you could want from extra toiletries to paper goods & more is there. We soon met Karen who was very open & helpful and there to answer any questions. She even took a pic of us on the deck with her amazing views in the background. They are hosts who are there if you need them or not if you don’t. They were staying downstairs & we truly did not know when they were home or not, this place is sound proof it seems! The kitchen is very well equipped & everything is in working order. The bathroom is great too with extra items in drawers such as insect repellant & sunscreen which helped. The bedroom was great too, with a large closet & many drawers, the king size bed was really comfy. The dining area/family room was very nice & well equipped. There are 2 tv’s which work but we actually never once turned them on, with the view there just wasn’t any interest in tv!! So about that view.... we’ve stayed in STJ in Coral Bay many times in the last 17 years & have never had such amazing views or such an expansive outdoor deck area. The breezes flowed constantly. We thoroughly enjoyed the deck space & watching the sky every day & night, we were there during a full moon & it was beyond mesmerizing. Every detail is well thought out here, from comfortable deck furnishings to solar lanterns to the beach chairs which were in excellent condition. I cannot say enough about how wonderful this stay was & how genuine, friendly & down to earth both Karen & Jeff are. We cannot wait to return!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peg D.

PERFECT location!

We just returned from a 10-day stay at Joy of Life Villa and can't imagine having a better vacation. Joy of Life has the most amazing view, and it's worth rising early to enjoy the sunrise, which is different everyday. The constant sea breeze kept us comfortable at any time of the day or night. There's lots to do on St. John, but we were just as happy to hang out on the deck enjoying the sun, the breeze, and the view. Karen and Jeff were perfect hosts--friendly and fun to talk to, with great suggestions of their favorite things to do and see on the island, but also happy to step back and leave us to design our own vacation. We loved being on the quiet side of the island, but the drive along North Shore Road into Cruz Bay is as pretty as any place we've been in the Caribbean. You have your pick of beaches and lots of hiking trails that were just the right length! Of course there is evident damage from the hurricanes, but the green has come back and the amazing blues of the Caribbean waters never left. We were hesitant to visit St. John so soon after the storms, but we have no regrets!
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2018

About the host

Hosted by Karen Vahling

Host profile image
Growing up in Illinois and the midwest, Karen purchased the land in 2000 and saved for 10 years before starting to build. We moved here because of the incredible natural beauty, simple life and friendly community.

Why they chose this property

I fell in love with St. John 30 years ago and always wanted to live here. It is the best island because it is 2/3 National Park and US territory. Coral Bay is unique and unspoiled, full of natural beauty.

What makes this property unique

This property is unique because it is on a large parcel of land (2 acres) and has an expansive view from its large deck and all windows, overlooking the USVI and BVI with development-free Coral Reef National Monument in the center of view. Stargaze at the milky way with no light pollution, fall asleep to distant waves breaking on the reef at Johnson's Bay and tree frogs peeping. Wake to doves cooing and amazing sunrises over the islands from your bed! Then hit the beaches or go kayaking in pristine waters -- kayaks are provided for you at no extra charge! An additional king bed unit is available, with it's own separate parking, elevation and entrance, based on availability. One unit up, one down. Completely private and quiet, with solid masonry floors, walls and decks. Over sized wooded lot on a knoll overlooking the sea.

Languages:

English

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