Great Expectations vacation rental villa discounts on St. John in the US Virgin Islands

Family vacation at Great Expectations was best ever!

2011-08-01T09:25:00.002-04:00

Sent to us via e-mail:

"We had the best vacation of our lives, hands down! And- much of the
credit goes to you and Kristin for providing the perfect setting at your St John villa.
Except for a beach visit every day, we rarely left the villa (why would
we?) With toddlers in our group, cooking in was much easier than going
out, and your well-equipped kitchen made that easy (in addition to the
fact that for the most part, our "big" kids did the cooking &
bar-tending for us!)

You were totally correct about the weather. A bit of rain each day
sometime, but not enough to interfere with anything that we were doing,
except for one stormy day, but even then we managed to hit the beach
during a three-hour lull between heavy rain showers. (The 2 year-old
continued his nap on the beach, sheltered by some bushes and a gracious
aunt who held a towel over him while we packed up to leave...)

You likely know this already, but you have gem of a property manager in
Coby. He could not have been more helpful, informative and friendly.
Also, your web-site's recommendation of Tropical Focus for photos was
perfect. We spent a morning with Bob at Cinnamon Bay, and he was
wonderful, and now that we're home, examining his proofs have made
re-entering the real world a bit less painful!

Thank you, Chuck, for everything that you & Kristin did to make this
such a perfect, memorable trip for the Johnsons."

Sisters - daughters - nieces (12 women on the loose)

2011-06-01T09:24:00.000-04:00

May 2011:

We had a fantastic trip to St. John and Great Expectations was spectacular. This was my fourth stay at the property and each time is better than the last...there were so many upgrades the best of which was all the new appliances!!! We enjoyed the amazing views, the pools, and the shared living space. The private bedrooms made the stay most enjoyable as everyone had the ability to go to their own space if needed. The care taker Coby, was wonderful. He came at our beck and call, he was professional, and great at his job. We loved the location - it was close to town and a short ride to all the beaches. We will be back for a fifth trip. We love Great Expectations - a perfect St John villa choice!

Patty.

Happy Mother's Day from St John

2011-05-08T14:19:00.003-04:00

This afternoon's view to the east overlooking Rendezvous Bay and the Virgin Islands National Park. Taken from one of the patios of the Great Room of our St John villa Great Expectations.

Come see for yourself - and, feel the breezes and hear the waves breaking on the shore below. Contact us directly for great deals.

Sunsets from our St John villa are magical!

2011-04-23T09:13:00.003-04:00

Photo credit goes to Peter Dunner, a previous guest of our St John villa, Great Expectations

2007-11-22T09:09:00.000-05:00

"Hello. Heaven..."
-[phone greeting by] Bob D., one of 8 adults visiting from California

2007-11-20T11:58:00.001-05:00

"Great Expectations is a beautiful space...the ideal facility for a party of our size [11 adults] - privacy but also plenty of common space and fun things to do within easy reach. Thanks for such gracious hospitality."
-Beth B. & Paul L., Arlington, MA

2007-11-19T15:36:00.000-05:00

"The best part of Great Expectations is that it is so beautiful, accommodating and well equipped that those who stay here need think of little other than the people they are sharing their time with."
-Maureen M., Boston, MA

2007-11-16T12:35:00.000-05:00

"This was our second stay at Great Expectations...we will definitely be back!"
-The. D. Party, Philadelphia, PA

2007-11-12T13:21:00.001-05:00

"We are an experienced vacation group...arrived at this villa with high hopes...were not disappointed! Great Expectations is a true wonder with its amazing views of Hart Bay...its fantastic pool & Jacuzzi. We fully enjoyed all the amenities that accompanied this grand villa."
-The M. Clan [of 9], New York.

2007-11-09T07:09:00.000-05:00

"Our third year at Great Expectations...wonderful."
-The W. Family (grandparent, parents & kids), Harwichport, Massachusetts.

2007-11-08T07:29:00.000-05:00

"Great Expectations would make Dickens proud."
-The T. Family (grandparents, parents & kids), Reading, Massachusetts

2007-11-06T13:54:00.000-05:00

"I liked tennis and basketball and jumping in the pool and stars and lizards."
-Zech J., 3 years old"

2007-11-01T06:08:00.000-04:00

"We have vacationed on this very special island for almost 25 years...the past 8 years we have rented homes...Our stay at Great Expectations was the best yet...The "double view" is second to none. Remarkable!...The extra touches are reminders of the love Kristin and Chuck have for this wonderful home...It has been a great week of rest, relaxation and fun with our sons, wives, girlfriend and 2 grandsons!!"
-Liz & Alan J., Richard J. & Kerri Q., Beth, Bob, Zach (age 3) & Ari (8 months) J., Janette & David J. (NYC,Messoola, Montana and Jerusalem)

2007-10-30T05:49:00.001-04:00

"An Oblation to Great Expectations
A family of 12 on vacation
Spanning 72 years in generation.
We snorkeled and swum,
The adults quaffed rum.
It exceeded all our expectations!"

- The K. & S. families, CT and MA (Ed & Mary Ellen; Ed Jr. & Ann w/Elsa, Louisa, & Babette; Bill & Roberta w/Tom, Will, & Mary)

P.S. The prettiest spot on the island to have dinner is at Great Expectations' dining room table. Also, we are very appreciative of the many small details attended to that collectively make this such a superb place, Thanks!

2007-10-24T11:59:00.000-04:00

"A wonderful place for lots of people to have their own space. Beautiful sunrise/sunsets. The best place we have ever stayed on St. John."
- Ed & Shirley O., et. al., Chapel Hill, NC

2007-10-22T16:18:00.001-04:00

"Thank you for sharing a little piece of paradise...that I could restore my soul with my 3-1/2 year old and 15 month yr old along says it all."
-Sonya & Alain, NY

2007-10-21T17:04:00.000-04:00

"We're not rich or famous, but it sure felt like it! The villa is so beautiful and the views are spectacular! We will be back next year."
-The Rest of the Wedding Party

2007-10-20T06:52:00.000-04:00

"What a Villa; this place is paradise. My daughter's wedding [at the Westin] was beautiful...did a wonderful job."
-E.J. & Mike M., CT

2007-10-19T08:41:00.000-04:00

"Down for grandmother's 90th birthday. What a great time and house!"
-Peter B., CT; Jane & John B., NYC; Fiona & John B., Denver; Shelby B., VT; and Grandmother English R., Atlanta

2007-10-18T11:58:00.000-04:00

"They say that the third time is a charm but we have always thought that this was the most charming spot for our annual gathering. Thanks for yet another [3 years in a row] great visit!"
-Bob & Karen C., Charlie & Sandy G., Roger & Linnea A., George & M.J. K., Atlanta, GA

2007-10-17T06:59:00.001-04:00

"We have been coming to St. John for 15 years [up to now at Donald Schnell's Beach House]. This is our first visit to Great Expectations and it truly lived up to our expectations. The views are spectacular, the setting serene...we just love the house & look forward to future visits."
-Sharon & Ed C., NYC with their children and grandchildren ("pretty house, nice pool, nice chicken in town, great basketball." Conner C., Age 3)

2007-10-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

"This is our seventh winter vacation on St. John [last year at Villa St. John] -- and it was the best. Our group [8 adults] can be very critical but all of our 'great expectations' were more than fulfilled. The views are soothing, the facilities terrific, the tennis furious...[already booked for TWO more years!]."
-The W's, Long Island, NY

2007-10-15T15:03:00.000-04:00

"Had great expectations coming to St. John. Our first trip to this beautiful place. Thanks for building a piece of "heaven"..."
-The D. family, Westwood, MA

2007-10-10T09:03:00.001-04:00

"For Beth and me Great Expectations is synonymous with serenity, natural beauty and the opportunity to renew and recharge. Our "expectations" were realized once again...look forward to returning once again [for their fourth stay]."
-Steve & Beth D., NYC

2007-10-09T14:07:00.000-04:00

"This is our 6th (or maybe 7th) visit; we have been coming to St. John for 13 years. We have stayed at Tennis Villa and Villa St. John. Great Expectations is the nicest place we have ever stayed!"
-The W. Family, East Hampton and Roslyn, NY (January 2001)

2007-10-07T15:00:00.000-04:00

"We loved sitting outside at night by the pool and talking with breezes blowing and the stars shining. We loved the hot tub after a day at the beach. We loved the gorgeous views on both sides. We loved the peacefulness...We loved being surrounded by beautiful flowers and plants, seeing hummingbirds...many, many thanks for providing us with such lovely digs in which to have our family Thanksgiving. We've done this [on] St. Martin, Puerta Vallarta and now St. John and this was the best...You guys were so wonderful and helpful. Thanks so much for your genuine hospitality and warmth. It made the week markedly better than it already was. Your home is beautiful and peaceful and we all had a blast. (especially Jaime, the little one)"
-Lynne B., Wendy S. and family, Massachusetts, New York, and Oregon

2007-10-06T08:26:00.001-04:00

"We are a group of 4 couples...from California, New York and Texas...My hope is that those who follow find the peace and beauty that is but a glance out over Hart and Chocolate Bays. May your stay be as wonderful as ours."
-Bruce T., Houston, TX

2007-10-05T06:18:00.001-04:00

"I love swimming in the pool...the fiber optic [pool perimeter] lights are really cool...the view is gorgeous" (granddaughter of the L. Family)..."the senior members' 50th anniversary celebration...7 of us...from the Oregon coast...Philadelphia...Pennsylvania mountains. It's been a great vacation..."

2007-10-04T09:28:00.000-04:00

"Kitchen and outdoor gas grill are great. House has been perfect; love the dueling views."
-Inger, Peter, Steve, Mary, Leslie, Atlanta & Houston

2007-10-02T08:51:00.000-04:00

"This house is really nice!"
-Laura C. (age 9)

2007-10-01T08:52:00.001-04:00

"14 of us from Circleville, Ohio (3 families) friends & neighbors. Had a great time...we've been to St. John several times...the house is awesome!"
-Scott, Kathy, Jordna & Mark S.; Larry, Kim, Scott & Mark S.; Tim, Vicki, TJ, Cassidy & Steve W.

2007-09-30T09:39:00.001-04:00

"The J. Family -- 15 of us -- 67 yrs to 7 weeks-- we had everything we needed to keep us happy --all the baby equipment-- just right-- we thank you for a wonderful family vacation."
-Olivet, MD

2007-09-29T07:02:00.001-04:00

Review from USVI-On-Line.com St. John Hotel, Resort, & Villa Reviews
Great Expectations 08/04/01
Reviewers Rating: Excellent
From our Trip Report for Sept. 2000: I could write a book about how wonderful Great Expectations was. Suffice to say, it met ALL of our expectations, and surpassed them! We had four equal airconditioned bedrooms and bathrooms, complete with outdoor showers (what a treat!). The villa is located on the crest of a hill, overlooking both Chocolate Hole and Hart Bay. This gave us both Sunrise and Sunset views. (sigh. I wanna go back...) It also allowed a constant breeze to blow through the villa. The doubles tennis court was very underutilized by us, but the Hermit crabs seemed to appreciate it. The kitchen had up-to-date appliances, and Caphalon cookware. Please note, however, there were no spices of any kind in the cupboard - not even salt! We all agreed that if they could have fit in our luggage, the world's most comfortable lawn chairs would have disappeared when we left. Having a pool and Jacuzzi was just adding icing to the cake!"

2007-09-28T08:47:00.001-04:00

"The kids all had a blast...no one wants to leave...can't wait to come back...what a perfect name --GREAT expectations!"
-Chris & Sue R., Robin C. -- NYC; Chris, Amie & Charlie R., Buffalo, NY

2007-09-27T06:19:00.001-04:00

"Great Expectations will be seeing us again. It truly met all our expectations and more."
-The S. Family, Metamora, IL

2007-09-26T06:16:00.000-04:00

"Isn't Great Expectations really cool?"
-Ten Little Indians (5 couples)

2007-09-25T08:15:00.000-04:00

"...the name of the villa seems apropos...the architect and the builder did inspired work, taking full advantage of the tradewinds and double-view...we simply migrated with the shade --starting in the pool, moving inside at mid-day, and spending afternoons looking over Hart Bay, waiting for the sky to fill with stars.."
-Bill R. & Lisa W. (honeymooners), Muskegon, MI

2007-09-24T08:30:00.001-04:00

"Great Expectations surpassed our expectations!...to find binoculars when you left yours at home; to find a lemon zester the week after you learned to use one; to wake up at night because of the moonshine and in the AM because of the sunshine; to see the mysterious islets...shrouded in early morning mist...and to finish up a perfect day glancing at more stars than you have ever seen!!...We will be back because one week is not enough!!
-John & Louanna McD, Martha & Patrick, Max (age 6), NY, NY

2007-09-23T06:32:00.001-04:00

"This was our second year here!...What a wonderful spot we hate to leave but hope to return next year"
-Dana & Peter., Carolyn W., Margot & Ted M., and all 5 kids: Andrew, Whitney, Will, Alix & Spencer (Cape Cod, Massachusetts)

2007-09-22T06:56:00.001-04:00

"The villa is fantastic...breezes in both directions and both sunrise & sunset views --really incredible...2-yr old loved "her" wading pool & it meant Mom & Dad didn't always have to be in [the pool] with her.
-Leigh and Jeff S., Lonnie (2), Will (8 months) (Cohasset, Massachusetts)

2007-09-21T10:35:00.000-04:00

"Our first time at this Villa...will be here again. We love the beaches, the sunrises, sunsets & the quiet surroundings...the set-up of the rooms, with cross breezes was ideal...Kristin & Chuck are great hosts -- we knew they were available but we had absolute privacy. It's a fabulous vacation home & met every need."
-Dan, Linda, Katie, MaryJo & Alex. C. and Jim, Carol, Ali & Darcie K. (Westfield, Massachusetts)

2007-09-06T14:33:00.000-04:00

"...the most beautiful setting we have ever experienced...These last two years [staying at Great Expectations] have provided our family memories for our whole life...we hope to be here (a third time)..."
-Charlie, Theresa, Andrew & Eliz G. (Portland, Maine)

2007-09-03T11:06:00.000-04:00

"...a fabulous house with fantastic views...Great Expectations has been perfect!...recommend this house to others and we hope to come back."
-Catlin & Peter G. (New York)

2007-08-07T06:29:00.000-04:00

"...the most beautiful experience that we ever had..."
-Alex & Pia. B. (Turin, Italy)
-Nico, Annarella & Ennica B. (London, England)
-Giulio, Mischi, Alessandro, & Erica (Detroit, Michigan)

2007-08-04T13:17:00.001-04:00

"Another great week at Great Expectations...best...on the island...we look forward to our next (third) trip to Great Expectations."
-Linnea & Roger A.
-Bob & Karen C.
-George & M.J. K.
-Charles & Judy G.
(Atlanta, Georgia)

2007-08-03T13:24:00.001-04:00

"Our 2nd trip to Great Expectations...we will be back in 2000 for our 3rd trip to Great Expectations!"
-Beth & Steve D. (New York)

2007-08-02T07:04:00.000-04:00

"Our choice for villas is Great Expectations. Book early or we may get your dates...You can't beat the views and breezes."
- Gary & Mona H., Lonnie & Nancy B.(New Orleans, Louisiana)

2007-08-01T16:09:00.001-04:00

"...through the eyes of a 14 year old this place is incredible... The hot tub was great on cooler nights. I also loved your tennis court...goodbye Great Expectations till next year."
- Kristyn B. (Pittsburgh, PA)

2007-08-01T08:44:00.001-04:00

"This house has everything one would want and the views, the birds and the plant life were all spectacular"
- Linda H. (Providence, Rhode Island)

2007-07-31T09:17:00.001-04:00

"I was mesmerized by the spectacular views...to be able to watch the sun rise AND set was wonderful!"
- Pat M. (Shaftsbury, Vermont and New York)

2007-07-29T08:01:00.000-04:00

"Great Expectations will hear from us again. We are already planning our next trip. Why? This place has everything you would want for a relaxing vacation: great accommodations, close to town & the beaches"
- The Gang from San Diego, California & Frankfort, Kentucky

2007-07-28T06:41:00.001-04:00

"Beautiful home with lots of amenities. The view is spectacular! Loved the hot tub & pool...The beds were almost as comfortable as our water bed & the breezes wonderful!...The decorations were very tasteful. The fish & masks [wall decorations] really neat!...This house certainly was named well!"
-Sherry, Mike, Ian, Lisa, Jennifer, Christopher, Nancy & Rich (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania & Baltimore, Maryland)

2007-07-27T17:02:00.001-04:00

"As my teenage daughters would say [Great Expectations is] 'totally awesome'."
- Ross, Leslie, Bryn (19) and Jamie (16) E. (Dayton, Maryland)

2007-07-27T09:28:00.001-04:00

"...enjoyed the privacy of our separate bedrooms with patio. We cook a lot so the wonderful cookware & serving dishes was a plus...the pool, the showers, the location, Hart Bay, Chocolate Hole...We plan to return."
- Lydia C. (Washington, D.C.)

2007-07-26T17:20:00.000-04:00

"...beautiful breeze on the front porch...relaxing...clean & exclusively equipped. Really charming...appreciate it after we saw some other villas to compare..."
- Adam & Vera (Miami, Florida & Nurenberg, Germany)

2007-07-26T05:26:00.000-04:00

"Thanks so much for a luxurious, pampered, relaxing vacation! We loved the feel of your Villa - it was so beautiful and thoughtfully appointed...especially loved the colored pool lights! We are so thrilled to be coming back next year!"
- Sue, Roger, Pete & Ted G. (Yarmouth, Maine)

2007-07-25T14:25:00.001-04:00

"We've been coming to St. John for 16 years and have never been in lovelier surroundings"
- Tom & Julie S., Steve & Tammy, Charlie & Carolyn, 3 little Charlies & teeny Steve (Illinois)

2007-07-25T08:54:00.001-04:00

"We have been coming to St. John for 10 years...Great Expectations is undoubtedly our favorite villa that we have stayed in. The location, seeing the sun rise and set - have been exceptional. My special place is the Hart Bay side - breezes, the way the sun hits [the water]. The Great Room is wonderful. Kristin and Chuck have thought of everything...Beautiful! We enjoyed! We will be back!"
- Maureen C. (Easton, Connecticut)

2007-07-23T09:09:00.001-04:00

"...I couldn't believe how well stocked the home was - even down to the beach towels & laundry detergent. I've never seen such a well-stocked kitchen at any of the homes we've rented...how often do you see games, puzzles & books for your use?"
- Linda K.

2007-07-22T14:19:00.001-04:00

"...fabulous home with every amenity...thoughtful layout & careful attention to detail...unsurpassed privacy... the breathtaking views & exquisite breezes...Our 5th trip to St. John has been our best ever...We are already looking forward to coming back same time next year!"
-Steve & Beth D. (New York)

2007-07-22T10:24:00.000-04:00

"Great Expectations met all of mine!..."
-Danell, Rob & Natalie G. (Delaware)

- by Terry Trucco, The Sunday New York Times Travel Section:

2007-03-19T16:12:00.000-04:00

" I sat on a weathered wood bench and gazed out at a sea of blue--peacock, sapphire, teal and every other shade in a Crayola 64 [crayons] box. From my vantage point high on a hill, I saw nothing remotely connected with civilization. No people. No houses. No electrical wires. No cola cans. Just rugged green volcanic hills to punctuate all those blues. Behind me, the overgrown dirt trail I had walked poked bravely through dense tropical foliage. the air, which had felt heavy and humid on the trail, was now a sweet breeze that caressed my bare legs. The sensation was doubly pleasing because it was December. This, I thought, is why people come to the Caribbean... I was on the island of St. John, the prettiest and least spoiled of the United Stated Virgin Islands."

Great Expectations - "best damn villa on St. John!"

2007-03-19T15:59:00.000-04:00

Honest, that's what one of our guests wrote in our Guest Book! Great Expectations is a 5 bedroom Villa with a 2 bedroom Guest House on the idyllic island of St. John in the United States Virgin Islands. All the bedrooms are air-conditioned and have magnificient views overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Each bedroom has its own private bathroom with indoor/outdoor showers that, as our other guest comments attest, are worth the trip alone, not to mention the 2 swimming pools, 2 hot tubs and private basketball and tennis court! There are 2 beaches withing walking distance of the villa and it is less than a 10 minute drive on paved roads to the world-famous white sand beaches in the U.S. National Park.

Great Expectations has spectacular 'dual views' to the east for a phenomeal sunrise and to the west for a romantic sunset. We charge only by the number of bedrooms used and can accomodate up to 14 people. Great Expectations is a perfect vacation rental villa for families or couples sharing the cost of a vacation in Paradise. Perhaps best of all, we can offer discounts as long as you contact the owners directly by e-mail (vacation@GreatExpectationsUSVI.com) or toll-free phone (1-800-553-0109) to reserve Great Expectations!