Spyglass Hill - Family Friendly and Ready for Your Visit!
Spyglass Hill house is situated above Calabash Boom near Coral Bay, on beautiful St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, an island of mostly National Park, incredible beaches and fabulous snorkeling.
Perfect for one or two families, the house features a main floor with a large living/dining/kitchen area, two bedrooms (one with a king-sized bed and the other with two twin beds) and a full bathroom. The main floor opens to a beautiful deck with views of St John's East End and the British Virgin Islands. The downstairs suite has a queen bedroom, double futon, full bathroom, and living space as well as a kitchenette. There is also a unique star tower deck attached to the house and an additional 'star tower' bedroom with three twin beds.
Languages
English
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Amenities
Kitchen
Outdoor space
Parking available
Ocean view
Barbecue grill
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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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; 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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
St. John
Located in St. John, this holiday home is by the sea. 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.
St John, St John
What's nearby
Virgin Islands National Park - 2 min drive - 2.4 km
Maho Beach - 11 min drive - 6.9 km
Cinnamon Bay - 18 min drive - 8.1 km
Cinnamon Bay Beach - 20 min drive - 10.7 km
Trunk Bay - 29 min drive - 11.9 km
Getting around
St. Thomas (SPB-St. Thomas Seaplane Base) - 97 min drive
Restaurants
The Willy T
Pirates Bight
Skinny Legs - 5 min drive
The Windmill Bar - 21 min drive
1748 Restaurant
Frequently asked questions
Is Spyglass Hill - Family Friendly and Ready for Your Visit! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at Spyglass Hill - Family Friendly and Ready for Your Visit!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Spyglass Hill - Family Friendly and Ready for Your Visit!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Spyglass Hill - Family Friendly and Ready for Your Visit! located?
Situated by the sea, this holiday home is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument and 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Virgin Islands National Park. Johnson Bay and Saltpond Bay 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.
As a native Virgin Islander it’s difficult to find the time to return home from the states. However, whenever there’s a window I jump at the chance. The stay here was peaceful, convenient, and accommodating. I love to cook and the kitchen provided everything I needed. Whether I wanted to rest outside or go to the beach my wife and I had everything at our fingertips. I would definitely return.
Kemani T.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Katie S.
15 November 2016
A great Caribbean Escape
I've been fortunate enough to stay at Spyglass Hill on two different occasions. Our last trip down this October was fantastic. Although it was technically hurricane season (and Hurricane Matthew was battering our home coast), the weather in St. John was perfect. From our home base at Spyglass Hill, five of us (all in our 30s) set out to see all STJ had to offer. Trunk Bay, Cinnamon, Jumbie Beach, East End, Salt Pond, Cruz Bay, Francis, Maho-- all within easy driving distance. After each day at the beach, Spyglass Hill welcomed us back home-- a kitchen well suited to host a family meal, a porch with amazing views of the East End and BVIs, and plenty of space. My only suggestion would be to add wall-unit air conditioning to the bedrooms-- or maybe some more oscillating fans-- at night it was a little warm in the bedrooms. Otherwise, it was the perfect getaway.
Spyglass Hill was a fantastic place to stay. The morning sunrise, the beautiful view, hammock, star deck, convenience to Coral Bay, always a warm wind off of the water
Kitchen was well stocked with cooking utensils and pots and pans. Lots of space for our young adult couple to have their own apartment downstairs. Would definitely stay here again. We miss it already!!!
Our family had a wonderful time on the island and the house was perfect for us. The owner and manager were very accessible and answered all of our questions. We had access to beach chairs and a small cooler and used the gas grill often. The breeze would cool things off most evenings but we did have a couple of warm ones but fans in the bedrooms were helpful. The north shore beaches weren’t that far away and we love the Coral Bay area.
We had an amazing week (our first time) on St John. Spyglass Hill House was an excellent home base for our group of 7 (4 adults and 3 children). We loved staying on the quieter, Coral Bay side of the island. There are restaurants to eat at and markets to shop in. The location was nice for getting to the north shore beaches as well as the east end beaches (Salt Pond and Hansen were great for swimming and snorkeling)! The house has amazing evening breezes, and was very comfortable for sleeping. The mornings and evenings were so comfortable to sit out on the large deck. The house had everything we needed in the kitchen for cooking. There was a variety of items for beach use (towels, coolers, chairs, etc…). The kids loved the selections of games and activities. The living spaces were great for spreading out or gathering together. We fell in love with St John and were so sad to leave. We would definitely stay in this home again if we get the chance to come back!
This was the perfect home base on the quiet side of the island for our family. My parents are in their 60s and the downstairs apartment was the perfect space for them (gave them some space from our 2 wild toddlers). We spent hours on the deck and grilled every night. Can't say enough good things. Seriously already planning our next trip, St. John has our heart!
We loved our time at Spyglass! It was just perfect for our family (2 adults, 5 kids) It totally fits our style - a little bit off the beaten path (about 25 minutes outside of Cruz Bay), but comfortable. We have been to St. John a couple of times before and prefer the less crowded beach towards the east end of this island, so this location was perfect. You are about 7 minutes from Salt Pond, which has something for everyone. We enjoyed having everyone unplugged but we were still able to sneak in a little work at night with the Wifi. The house not "new" but it is very well maintained. It is accessible with a van (you don't have to have jeep). Eating meals on the back deck overlooking the bay was incredible. There was a constant ocean breeze from the east while we were there, when combined with the various fans in the house kept us comfortable. The house, like many on the island, does not have A/C, but it wasn't ever uncomfortable for us or our kids.
There are a number of games and books there that our family enjoyed. Our kids would snorkel during the day and then would look up the fish / animals they saw in the guide books at the house. It was great.
The owner and property manager were both super responsive and helpful before and during our stay. I hope we get to stay here again!
Spyglass Hill is oriented around group fun - from the games and library of island books to the snorkel gear and big common areas. We loved the location near to everything on the adventurous side of St. John and the easy access and gorgeous views. For a big group of adventurers that don't want to sit around the TV but want to relax at a breezy, bedecked beauty, Spyglass Hill.
Such an amazing place and a great family to rent from
Verified traveller
Stayed 11 nights in Apr 2019
10/10 Excellent
Ann H.
12 March 2019
Beautiful St John
We have been coming to Spyglass Hill for over 16 years. The renovations following hurricanes Irma/Maria are wonderful. The kitchen cabinets and counters and new sinks are spiffy and the furniture looks good. We love St John because the weather is always good and there are so many beautiful beaches. There is still obvious hurricane damage but much work being done to restore homes and restaurants. The goats, sheep and donkeys are so cute and add to the atmosphere. For relaxing, this place is the greatest!
Ann H.
Stayed 11 nights in Feb 2019
10/10 Excellent
Jeremy S.
27 February 2019
A jewel in paradise
fabulous remodel and unbelievable views welcomed us to this fully stocked home on the private and exclusive side of the island. Great family vacation spot and all our needs taken care of.
Jeremy S.
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2019
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
16 January 2019
Wonderful!
We loved our stay at spyglass Hill! The view was spectacular everybody love their room the kids thought the tower was a whole lot of fun! Can’t wait to return. Happy to see the island 🌴 healing.
Verified traveller
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2018
10/10 Excellent
Paul J.
26 November 2018
Beautiful as always! House looks great after Irma.
As always, we loved our stay at Spyglass. Had great snorkeling at Hansen and Haulover. The house looks great, and Jerekmy does a wonderful job.
Paul J.
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2018
10/10 Excellent
Katherine M.
14 June 2018
Post Irma still the same lovely home and views
We had a GREAT time at Spyglass Hill. Jeremy, Paul, and others have done an amazing job of putting the house back together after the hurricanes. We were sad to lose Shipwreck, our favorite dinner spot, but we enjoyed Miss Lucy's, Indigo, and Aqua Bistro. Our hearts go out to everyone in the VI's, Puerto Rico, and everywhere else as this year's hurricane season begins.
Katherine M.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Katherine M.
30 June 2017
A great place for getting away!
Beautiful views, lovely space. A wonderful place to stay in Coral Bay.
Katherine M.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Halon A.
29 March 2017
Great spot, clean, comfortable, quiet . Good views and fantastic beaches witin a 15 minute drive.
We have been enjoying Spyglass Hill for over 10 years. We come with another couple and enjoy hiking, snorkeling , swimming and the beautiful beaches. There is plenty of room to have larger groups and to eat in or enjoy many different restaurants. The stargazer deck is wonderful on a clear evening.
Halon A.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Daniel S.
5 March 2017
Perect St. John Holiday
This was our 9th visit to St. John and our best rental ever. The house was accessible, beautifully situated, airy, comfortable, completely furnished and equipped with both a responsive owner and house manager. It was ideal for a week with friends followed by another week with children and grandchildren. The absence of television was a plus; the star gazing was magnificent.
Daniel S.
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
ellen a.
5 July 2015
Spyglass Hill House
Spyglass Hill is a spacious, comfortable, unfussy place to relax, play games, look forward to at the end of a busy day snorkeling, beaching, swimming, hiking. It is far from the center of Cruz Bay and in an area with reduced traffic and gift shops. The Dolphin Market is great for shopping and probably has all one needs. The kitchen is well stocked with cooking utensils and pots and pans. We had no reason to drive back to the hub bub of the touristy section. A 4 wheel drive is a must. Would not recommend night driving. Just enjoy this place. E.
ellen a.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
John R.
11 April 2015
A most delightful and relaxing vacation was had by all!!
My wife and I brought our two sons, 13 and 8. Each of the 8 days that we spent on Spyglass Hill we had to answer one critical question: Which beach should we go to today? There was no wrong answer. Whether we went to Maho Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, Salt Pond, Brown Bay or Jumbie, there was sparking clear blue water, white sand, shady palms, and coral reefs teeming with colorful fish of all shapes and sizes. The result - prune fingers.
The house has everything we needed for full-on relax mode. Blenders, deck chairs, views of Tortola, Leduc and Virgin Gorda, tropical breezes, ceiling fans, friendly lizards, sunshine, moonlight reflecting off the ocean like on Loveboat, and comfortable beds with cotton sheets.
If they had 6 stars, I would have to go for that rating for this dreamy property. You can't go wrong with this one!! We'll be back.
John R.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Jen M.
14 March 2015
Fantastic Family Vacation House in Awesome Location
Spy Glass Hill is a great house -- spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped with everything you need to feel at home. The full kitchen is a huge help if you are traveling with children and the bathrooms are clean and well stocked with towels. There is a clothes washer and Wi-fi. The house has beautiful decks as well. Bedrooms are comfortable, clean, and good-sized. We were very, very happy with this house and our trip to St. John. Spy Glass Hill is in a quiet neighborhood and it is near absolutely stunning beaches that are never crowded and offer some of the best snorkeling imaginable. The perfect vacation. Highly recommend the house and its location on St. John.
Jen M.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
13 March 2015
Great house and perfect location
We had an amazing vacation in this house and on St. John. The house is very comfortable, great indoor and outdoor space. It works well for kids and also for several families. It's a perfect place for sitting on the deck relaxing, looking at the amazing view and it's in a great location for exploring the island and all of the beaches. It was the best vacation we have had!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Nicolas B.
7 March 2015
A great house at a great price
We were there with a substantial group, including a whole bunch of kids. The interior and exterior spaces were perfect, especially the star tower, where we could relax after dinner while kids played games inside. Fantastic view, and we have great memories of sitting on the deck with a drink after a day of exploration. Mornings are glorious with sun streaming in. Overall it felt cozy without feeling tight, and we were delighted with our stay.
Nicolas B.
About the host
Your host
Molly Robinson and her family first came to St. John in March 1966 and stayed on one of the cabins at Cinnamon Bay. We toured the island with Miss Lucy and took a boat trip around the island, stopping in Coral Bay. None of the vacation houses in this area were built at that time and electricity and completion of the paved road came later.
We fell in love with St. John on that trip and returned in 1968. The beginning of the original Spyglass Hill began in May 1970, and our first renters came in March, 1971. The name Spyglass Hill comes from Robert Lewis Stevenson's Treasure Island, which my husband was reading to our children at the time we named the house. We both rented the house and came frequently ourselves until my husband's death in the Summer of 1973. St. John was a place he loved and a haven for him during his years of illness.
Then on September 17th., 1989 Hurricane Hugo swept through the islands causing terrible damage in some places. St. Croix was devastated as were many parts of other islands. St. John did not fair too badly, but sadly, Spyglass Hill was completely destroyed. As winds reaching 200 miles per hour.
We rebuilt the home in 1990, better and stronger. On September 6, 2017, Irma devastated Coral Bay. Spyglass Hill was damaged but stood strong.
She has now been renovated and is better than ever.
Why they chose this property
A spectacular view! Great for one or two families! Our vacation home that we hope to share with you. St John has the best collection of beaches of anywhere in the world. Coral Bay is the quieter (and we definitely think better) side of the island.