Last updated: July 3rd, 2024
If you’re dreaming of white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and gorgeous sunsets, St. John in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) is a picture-perfect vacation paradise.
Staying in a private villa lets you enjoy the tropical atmosphere each day, both close and personal. There’s plenty to do, from lazing on beaches, snorkeling, or swimming in the warm turquoise waters to taking in stunning cliffside views during drives or nature hikes.
Casual beach bars and fantastic restaurants dot the island, featuring delectable island cuisine and irresistible local cocktails. Choosing a private villa as your home base is a fabulous choice for privacy and offers more individual amenities than a resort or hotel. It’s one of the most popular types of accommodation on the island.
Luxury vacation villas abound in St. John, with opulent offerings like personal hot tubs, private swimming pools, gourmet kitchens, in-house entertainment centers, and so much more.
Most villas are situated in ideal hilltop locations, with breathtaking panoramas overlooking the beaches and the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. The owners of these private estates do everything they can to personally ensure a memorable stay.
Villa rentals offer privacy for romantic honeymoons or can also accommodate large families and friend groups. For a more local experience and an unforgettable island holiday, here’s a list of the most beautiful villas on St. John.
1. Sopra Mare
- Bedrooms: 2
- Baths: 2.5
- Price: $4450-$7800/week
Situated in St. John’s exclusive Cruz Bay area, Sopra Mare sits on Maria Bluff enjoying spectacular views of the breaking surf below. The 1600 square-foot luxury villa has 2 spacious bedrooms (the master suite and living room have panoramic vistas), 2.5 bathrooms, and a washer/dryer room. Sopra Mare can comfortably accommodate 1-4 guests with a one-week minimum.
Every room inside the villa is air-conditioned, with open and covered spaces for relaxing and delighting in the cliffside views. Guests can enjoy the fully equipped entertainment center complete with speakers, TV, and WIFI. Sopra Mare has a private swimming pool with unobstructed ocean views, plus inside and outside dining areas. The gourmet kitchen is outfitted with upscale equipment for casual meals or chef-inspired preparations.
The villa, nestled behind a security gate, requires no stairs for access. There’s a one-mile paved walking circuit adjacent to the property for morning strolls. This prime secluded dream house in Chocolate Hill is within a 5-minute drive of beach bars (live jazz on weekends!) and restaurants in Cruz Bay. The Westin Hotel with its beautiful beach and famous buffets, is just 3 minutes away.
Mulley, your generous host, makes all his guests feel comfortable by making sure you arrive at the property in a good manner and a complimentary dinner on your first night!
Reserve well in advance because Sopra Mare fills up year-round with new and returning guests during St. John’s high season ($6100-7800/week, Dec-April) and other months ($4450-4600/week mid-April through November). Third and fourth guest fees may apply on certain months.
2. Shangri-la Villa
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 4.5
- Price: $12,250/week
Just steps away from the golden sand beaches of Upscale Chocolate Hole Estate, you will find the magical Shangri-la Villa. It’s an expansive vacation home surrounded by lush vegetation in the heart of St. John’s island charm. This modernistic 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath luxury waterfront villa can accommodate up to 10 guests for a family or group vacation. It’s conveniently located near restaurants, bars, shops, and other attractions.
Complete with a private infinity pool overlooking the alluring azure Caribbean Sea, this 2-story home’s crowning feature is an open-plan great room perfect for lounging and enjoying glorious views. Fresh sea breezes flow through the villa, with additional air-conditioning in each bedroom. The entertainment center is well-equipped and there are additional TVs in each room.
A spacious kitchen has the necessary equipment in case you want to create festive meals for your group. There is an ample indoor dining area, plus an outdoor grill and veranda for alfresco dining.
Shangri-la Villa provides lots of comforts, including a 10-person hot tub, a complete laundry room, books and board games for kids, snorkeling equipment (to snorkel in the harbor right outside the villa), beach chairs, beach umbrellas, coolers, and plenty of parking.
Optional concierge service is available, and you can also order luxury transfer service to the island, plus sunset cruises and full-day charters on the property-owned new catamaran. Rates to book Shangri-la start at $12,250 per week.
3. The Maho Bay House
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 4
- Price: $11,000-$28000/week
The Maho Bay House is a phenomenal 8,250 square-foot luxury villa in the acclaimed Maho Bay area inside the Virgin Islands National Park. This accessible property was built on the site of a historic estate, giving attention to original materials and modern comfort.
Shining views of sapphire-blue Maho Bay, one of the world’s most celebrated beaches, greet visitors relaxing in the main room. Every evening presents the stunning colors of the sunset from a west view, along with the glittering lights of St. Thomas at night.
The 3-level villa comfortably sleeps eight people in four bedrooms and has its entrance and one king bedroom on the main accessible level. Two additional king bedrooms are on the second level, and the fourth is on the villa’s third level.
All bedrooms have balconies and are en suite, with dual vanities and private showers. There is air-conditioning all throughout the villa. Maho Bay House has a a huge outdoor swimming pool and a large terrace overlooking the bay, with an expansive outdoor dining area.
The open-design great room with incredible sea views features an entertainment system and a pool table. The kitchen faces the great room and windows so you can enjoy the ocean view as you prepare meals.
Striking Maho Bay, coupled with the exquisite surroundings of the National Park, makes this an exceptional location for your romantic getaway, family gathering, or other relaxing vacation.
The Maho Bay House management team provides stellar personal attention, assisting with private catering, excursions, and any other desires you might need.
Reservations are for a minimum of one week, varying from low-season rates of $11,000-15,000/week to high-season rates between $19,000-28,000/week, depending on the dates.
4. St. John Great House
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 4
- Price: $8500-$13,000/week
For an unsurpassed dream vacation in a one-of-a-kind villa, St. John Great House has it all. This custom vacation estate sits on a hilltop above magnificent Cruz Bay, offering stunning 270-degree panoramic views. The fully air-conditioned villa includes everything needed for a perfectly restful and luxurious stay for up to 7 people.
St. John Great House offers three well-appointed king bedrooms, with two on the main floor for sunrise and sunset views and one on the second level.
There are many tranquil indoor and outdoor living spaces. The villa’s spacious area has wood and native stone accents provides glorious bay views. An outdoor lap pool perches at the edge of the property, overlooking the azure bay below.
A fully equipped chef’s kitchen and dining area faces the living room and entertainment center. The pool and spa facilities also have an outdoor dining and bar space.
This splendid villa is private and secluded, yet only minutes away from bustling Cruz Bay and just a few short minutes’ drive from the beautiful, world-famous Trunk Bay beaches.
The property owners offer personalized attention, including dockside greetings and escorts, insider island advice, and more. St. John Great House is one of the most regularly booked villas in St. John, so be sure to check their calendar early for openings.
Rates are per week, with May-mid Dec (low season) fees of $8,500/week. The winter rate is $11,500/week, and the holiday week (Dec 18 – Jan 6) is set at $13,000.
5. Great Expectations
- Bedrooms: 8
- Bathrooms: 9
- Price: $5700-$9700/week
The Great Expectations vacation villa has a unique design that consists of 4 separate buildings providing eight guest rooms, each with private en suite baths. The property is located on a south shore peninsula, overlooking Hart and Rendezvous Bays to the east and Chocolate Hole to the west. The cottages are connected by outdoor walkways, adding to the romantic, tropical atmosphere.
Great Expectations is like your own private mini-resort, as the owners rent the entire villa of separate cottages to one party at a time, so you never share space with others outside your group. Even if you require less than all 8 bedrooms, you only pay for the rooms you use, yet your party can enjoy the entire property as your private compound.
The villa’s main house features a living room with comfy seating, a dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, a TV, a washer/dryer, and a half bath. The spacious grounds include a tennis court, a swimming pool, plus lots of outdoor patios and recreation areas. The rooms vary in size and configuration, with king beds, queens, and twins available. Some rooms feature semi-outdoor bathrooms for a bit of tropical fun.
Great Expectations is eco-minded, with water cisterns, solar panels, and sustainable features. The unique property is perfect for small romantic getaways, large family reunions, corporate retreats, or even weddings.
The agreeable onsite owners will work with you to ensure you have the holiday or event of a lifetime! The minimum rental is seven nights for two rooms (4 people) at $9,700 (winter) and $5,700 (summer). Additional people/rooms receive discounts.
6. Moon Cottage
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Price: $4,898/week
Enchanting Moon Cottage, tucked into a lush hillside cul-de-sac overlooking Coral Bay, is one of the U.S Virgin Islands most romantic villas for couples. The delightful custom-built 1500-square-foot two-level cottage has an open floor plan. Local stonework and native woods give Moon Cottage a decidedly laid-back Caribbean vibe.
The villa’s supreme position offers breathtaking 180-degree panoramic bay views from several vantages. Moon Cottage lists with 1-2 queen bedrooms, two full baths, and outdoor showers. The lower-level first bedroom opens directly to the outdoor pool. The second bed in the open living space with a private bathroom makes the villa a perfect choice for a romantic holiday or for 3 to 4 close friends/family members to enjoy the space together.
Moon Cottage has a comfy living room facing a large, well-appointed kitchen for indulging your inner chef. Ceiling fans in all rooms cool the property naturally. The cottage has a solar-heated private swimming pool, dreamy night lighting, plus a bubbling koi pond.
The surrounding greenery makes it super-private and you get fantastic views, but no one can see you from any outside angle!
Moon Cottage rents for $4,898/week (4 guests maximum) with additional nights at $714/night.
Helpful property managers assist you in booking transport to St. John from St. Thomas if you fly into the Cyril E. King Airport and jeep rental required to reach the property. They’ll also see to other needs, such as initial first-night provisions set up for a hassle-free introduction to your villa stay.
7. Sea Shore Allure
- Bedrooms: 1-14
- Bathrooms: 1-14
- Price: $440-$1100/night
Located in captivating Cruz Bay, Sea Shore Allure is a seaside resort offering attractive one and two-bedroom suites, plus a posh three-bedroom penthouse villa for a luxury vacation of a lifetime.
Each villa is a complete vacation home, with multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, a comfy living area, TVs, WiFi, and at least one private balcony for dining or enjoying the views. Some villas feature ultra luxurious spa bathrooms.
You can rent one or more suites for your getaway, or you can rent the entire property which is made up to 14 boutique bedrooms for complete privacy.
Sea Allure’s beautifully landscaped property faces a private beach for swimming and snorkeling in the cerulean water. There is also a large swimming pool with poolside cabanas, a tiki bar/grill, and an outdoor shower area, plus lots of sun recliners, floats, and pool toys.
Vacationers at Sea Allure can also sunbathe on the rooftop terrace, enjoying the fantastic views and the hot tub.
The upscale property is close to restaurants, shops, golf courses, and tennis courts. Sea Allure’s professional and friendly staff is available 24/7, providing concierge services like in-town reservations, nanny services, in-house massages, and car rentals.
Every comfort, luxury, and convenience is available in the secure compound. There’s a 5-night minimum reservation per room and rates range from $440-$1100/night. Sea Allure also offers special vacation packages, including amenities like chilled champagne, dinner vouchers, and massages.