Affordable Coral Bay Sanctuary. Quiet, walk to park beaches, sea & pond views.
About this cottage rental
Fiddlewood Cottage is an affordable breezy, private, one bedroom (with AC), fully equipped, home on the undeveloped, quiet side of St. John, nestled within the Virgin Islands National Park. It is located a short distance from the end of the bus line at Saltpond Bay, above Mandahl Pond, with walking distance to Grootpan, Kiddel, Saltpond and Lameshur beaches. There is another 1 room efficiency "Calabash Cottage" with 2 twin beds that can be converted to a king sized bed, with separate entrance and bathroom that can be rented separately or together to accommodate larger parties. It is at the end of the driveway but both spaces have privacy. Mature gardens, with large shade trees. A peace filled sanctuary where all creatures find comfort. Except mosquitoes!!! 8 minute drive to Coral Bay for groceries, shopping and restaurants. A VERY well equipped cottage comes with all amenities including: Dish soaps, paper towels, toilet paper, all kitchen supplies, bath & beach towels, beach chairs, swim fins (masks not provided), outdoor gas grill, full size kitchen and drinking water is separately filtered at the kitchen sink. In addition to the great breezes, there are ceiling fans in every room with AC in the bedroom only. Fiddlewood's bedroom has a queen size bed, a queen pull out couch in the living room plus a single sleeping settee on the screened in porch overlooking Mandahl Pond's amazing bird life. Affordable for those who loved camping at Maho Bay, Cinnamon Bay, or Concordia but want to upgrade with more privacy, comfort and easy access. Off road parking right to the front door. Dining on both the front and back decks with fresh herbs growing in the front deck garden. WIFI provided and cell phone works best using WIFI mode. Breezy with living room that opens to screened in porch above Mandahl Pond for lounging & great bird watching. Deck with 2 lounge chairs for shaded morning coffee, sunset views to Grootpan Bay with the distant sounds of crashing waves & star filled skies devoid of light pollution. Dining inside on porch and outside in the garden. A perfect place for retreats, honeymoons & nature filled getaways. The light is always changing, magic and a plein air painters dream! We have been clearing a flat space below the cottage, planting more medicinal and edible herbs , trees and grasses. This space can be used for intimate weddings, celebrations of life, plant ceremonies or grounding within your yoga practices. Affordable, quiet, peaceful, comfortable, unpretentious living in the Caribbean is what we offer to the traveler who wants to get away far, far from the maddening crowds.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Smoking allowed
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Hot Tub / Spa
Garden
Family friendly
Map of St. John
Cottage in St. John
Reasons to book
People love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Great for pets
$$$$
Reviews
5.0/5.0
Outstanding(32 Reviews)
5.0
Perhaps you have never seen a flamingo beyond the confines of a zoo. Maybe you have never heard the subtle, secret sounds of nature as night falls in a garden. If you haven’t witnessed a cloud of hummingbirds feeding on a flowering cactus or watched a tree frog’s vigil on a rainy night you will be able to do so in Mary’s garden.
St. John in April is the strangest mix of lush and arid. The stony road that leads to the cottage is the prelude to a garden where orchids cling to a tree that itself erupts into blooms that previously only existed in a book by Dr. Seuss. Cactus live cheek by jowl with blossoming perennials and palms. St John is full of magical contradictions. Water is precious here but St John blooms with proper stewardship.
This cottage was private and quiet, immaculately kept and sweetly whimsical. You have every amenity necessary for comfort. Mary is a responsive and lovely host. Need a tent to shelter from sun at the beach? She provides it. Flippers? They are available, sunscreen? In a basket, along with cortisone for the occasional bug bite. Towels? Check. Shampoo? Absolutely! A grill? On the porch. Ice? Waiting for you in the freezer. Filtered water, every item one needs to cook a meal to enjoy after a long day on the sand.
There will never be silence there – it is filled with the hum of life. Geckos, land crabs ,birds, frogs. At night? I think Mary even arranged for all those stars, as they are placed just so.
Of course we will want to go back!
5.0
The flora and fauna (bird sanctuary) here surround a quaintly-decorated cottage, giving one a true feel for the West Indies. Tucked away from the bustling tourism one finds on the opposite end of St.John, this place is a peaceful retreat, with everything a family needs for a fun vacation. Salt Pond Bay and Little Laneshur Bay are closeby, and we found then to be great beaches with awesome snorkeling.
5.0
We loved our vacation in this beautiful cottage! The location was perfect for easy access to hiking and snorkeling/swimming. Many national park trails are walking distance from the house, as are several snorkeling sites. We greatly enjoyed snorkeling in Groopan and Kiddle Bays, close to the cottage, and exploring the park trails. The cottage was very well outfitted, and the garden and views are inspiring! Thank you Mary for the perfect vacation!
5.0
My boyfriend and I had a wonderful time at Mary’s place. We loved how remote and quiet it was, and we had beautiful views off the back deck. Definitely a great place to stay if you are looking for something less busy than Cruz Bay, and right by great hiking trails. Would love to come back again!
5.0
Quiet Island Getaway!
My boyfriend and I had a wonderful time at Mary’s place. We loved how remote and quiet it was, and we had beautiful views off the back deck. Definitely a great place to stay if you are looking for something less busy than Cruz Bay, and right by great hiking trails. Would love to come back again!
5.0
Quiet and peaceful
Fiddlewood Cottage was a great stay away from the more populated, touristy areas of St John. The stars were bright, and the grounds were filled with flowers and plants. It was relaxing to watch all the hummingbirds and the sunsets in the quiet. The cottage was very clean and well equipped with kitchen supplies, towels, games, etc. The hostess, Mary, was very helpful and kept in touch as needed during the stay. Thanks for sharing your home away from home!
5.0
Incredible Stay
Mary's place is incredible. It's one of the best VRBO's we've ever stayed in. The views from the cottage are incredible, and you're staying on a part where it feels like you have the entire island to yourself. Myself, my wife, and our infant daughter stayed there for a week around new years eve, and it was the perfect spot for us. We can only hope to return as soon as possible.
5.0
Fiddlewood cottage was the perfect spot for the relaxing, quiet week on St John my husband and I were craving. The location, just past Salt Pond, minutes to Lamshure, is away from all the crowds in Cruz Bay, but close enough to Coral Bay to easily get to the market, restaurants, and from there North Shore beaches. The cottage itself is adorable, squeaky clean, and cozy. The decks are perfect for dining, relaxing, and stargazing away from the town lights. We will definitely be returning!
5.0
Relaxing week in paradise
Fiddlewood cottage was the perfect spot for the relaxing, quiet week on St John my husband and I were craving. The location, just past Salt Pond, minutes to Lamshure, is away from all the crowds in Cruz Bay, but close enough to Coral Bay to easily get to the market, restaurants, and from there North Shore beaches. The cottage itself is adorable, squeaky clean, and cozy. The decks are perfect for dining, relaxing, and stargazing away from the town lights. We will definitely be returning!
5.0
Charming cottage
We had a great time at the cottage. Tranquil, breezy and beautiful, you are at one with nature while you’re there.
Mary provided everything that we could possibly need during our stay and was super helpful with recommendations.
Would definitely go back again!!
5.0
I had come to St. John last-minute, joining my family, who was staying at a larger home nearby. Mary’s home is charming, remote, comfortable, and peaceful. There was the shady porch, the sunny deck, and the large patio, where you could get either sun or shade, depending on the time of day. Gorgeous gardens, a well-stocked home, and a welcoming owner all contributed to a perfect stay for me. In addition, I was about a 10-15 minute walk from three prime areas: Kiddel, Grootpan, and Saltpond Bays. I would highly recommend this home for an individual, couple, or very small group seeking quiet and solitude.
5.0
Peaceful, out of the way St. John retreat
I had come to St. John last-minute, joining my family, who was staying at a larger home nearby. Mary’s home is charming, remote, comfortable, and peaceful. There was the shady porch, the sunny deck, and the large patio, where you could get either sun or shade, depending on the time of day. Gorgeous gardens, a well-stocked home, and a welcoming owner all contributed to a perfect stay for me. In addition, I was about a 10-15 minute walk from three prime areas: Kiddel, Grootpan, and Saltpond Bays. I would highly recommend this home for an individual, couple, or very small group seeking quiet and solitude.
5.0
Perfect Cottage
Fiddlewood is an idyllic place to stay. Sun or shade any time of day from multiple decks, wonderful gardens and bird life, close to beaches. Plus, the best hosts ever. The cottage is very well equipped, but if there is anything else you need, Mary can help! Can't recommend a better place to stay.
5.0
Charm, Comfort and Care
This was our second visit to Fiddlewood Cottage and it was better than ever. The post storm renovations made the place bigger, brighter and even more comfortable. The setting is peaceful and magical, even after the bumpy approach which is everywhere on St.John. Mary sent us tips before and during our stay and helped us enjoy our stay in more ways than we could count. The personal touches are quietly evident everywhere: the stocked kitchen, the impeccable bathroom, the beach equipment, island info, the lovely garden, etc. It is obvious that she cares deeply about the house and makes every effort to share her passion for it. Book early, go and enjoy a special vacation.
5.0
Fiddlewood Cottage Getaway
Our family had the most enchanting stay at Fiddlewood Cottage. The seclusion and natural beauty of this location was beyond our expectation and will keep us coming back. Mary, the property owner is wonderful, and takes great pride in her place. The cottage and gardens are beautifully kept with all of the details covered. Her guidance and suggestions were perfect throughout our visit with valuable local knowledge from the best car rental to the most amazing snorkeling just out the door. We are grateful for having found this place and for having one of our best family vacations here.
5.0
Peace at Fiddlewood
Fiddlewood was PERFECT for my wife and I! The house was clean and even more cute than the pictures show! It's secluded over Salt Pond with a beautiful view to watch the sunset. Mary was an absolute joy! She always communicated back quickly and was very helpful the entire time! She went out of her way to make sure we had the time of our lives! I highly recommend staying here to anyone who wants peace and to get away from the hustle and bustle! Truly one of the best experiences we've ever had!!
5.0
Peace at the end of a windy road
Everything about my experience with Mary and Estate Mandel exceeded my expectations. It had been years since I visited St John, and I never got over to the Coral Bay side, so I had a ton of questions. Communication before check in was easy and informative. The accommodations were very clean, peaceful, beautiful and the gardens lush! Each morning I woke up to watch the hummingbirds and chicks lap of the fresh rain water and nectar from flower to flower. The distant sound of the waves crashing in Grootpan Bay was soothing. In short- the setting is amazing and so peaceful- like you are the only ones on earth. The accommodations were wonderful- Mary and Les have thought of everything you could need- the kitchen well equipped, the bathroom was stocked with all the things you may have forgotten, plenty of water toys and beach needs- chairs, cooler, even frozen water bottles! The stars at night out on a show that was spectacular and it was fun watching ships and sailboats slide past our little bay. The bed was comfy, and the screened in porch, which could be used as a sleeping nook, came in handy at twilight. I can’t say enough about Mary as a host- she literally thought of everything including special needs I might have coming in from far away. Her suggestions for great snorkeling led to an amazing experience away from the crowds. I highly recommend a staying here if you want to ‘get away’ from it all but also have all the amenities of a fully stocked home. The work she is doing now to expand the sleeping capacity will make this villa so much fun for families or friends traveling together! A peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle!
5.0
Sweet retreat with amazing views of paradise
We all loved staying at Fiddlewood cottage! The views of St John's unspoiled mountainous interior, the salt lagoon and bay beyond were gorgeous and lush. Every morning we awakened to birds and the humming of the bees in the pink pom-pom trees. For breakfast, we'd slice open fresh papaya.
The cottage is very clean, comfortable and sweetly decorated. It has all the conveniences and yet a rustic feel which fits the remote side of the island. Beaches, hiking trails and great snorkeling are close at hand. This is truly a retreat for nature lovers who wish to escape the crowds.
5.0
The garden was serene from Bothell the front and side decks!
Mary is a wonderful host! Fiddlewood was perfect for tranquility! Beautiful home with beautiful surroundings and a short walk to two bay beaches! Perfect & Thanks again Mary!
5.0
It was perfect
It was a quiet, relaxing, all natural place. The best of what real St. John is.
5.0
BEAUTIFUL GARDENS, WELL EQUIPPED COTTAGE
I strongly recommend this cottage for those who like something small, well-maintained and remote. The setting is beautiful, the cottage is very comfortable, and we enjoyed walking to nearby beaches and snorkeling. Mary is a wonderful hostess. She loves this property, and her care shows. She had good ideas for us, ranging from when and where to snorkel, to how to use the lemongrass in her garden. We enjoyed our stay very much.
Jodie W., Brookline, MA
5.0
We had a fantastic time and throughly enjoyed the house and St John
The house was lovely. Had all the amenities you needed. We spent a lot of time on the porch listening to the birds and just enjoying the Caribbean breeze. The flowers and plants were charming and the outdoor dining area was lovely. The hammock was a wonderful way to spend the late afternoon. The owners were very helpful with directions and suggestions for our stay. The snorkeling located closest to the house was some of the best we have ever done and we loved being the only people on the beach. We were looking for a low key relaxing vacation and the Fiddlewood cottage certainly provided that.
5.0
Tranquility
Mary has turned this cottage into a perfect get away, put her touches throughout.
St John has some wonderful outdoor activities and local eateries, when you're done with the day Mary's place is your sanctuary. If she tells you about quiet places to snorkel take her advice, both had clear viz, great coral, sea life and almost to ourselves! For those who are more resort or hotel oriented this may be too far outside the box, for the rest of us enjoy and relax. Recommend a 4 wheel drive on the island, useful for the unpaved roads when exploring the island.
5.0
Exceeded our Expectations
My husband and I spent a week, with my sister joining us later in the week. Everything about the house and locale is wonderful. The small house has everything you need, and the wrap around porch with living space on both sides makes for easy indoor/outdoor living. There is wonderful cross ventilation, with a view overlooking the large salt pond and a more distant view of the Caribbean. There is not a house to be seen from the cottage and the stars at night are awesome. The kitchen worked well and we did breakfast outdoors, late lunch after being out in the sun, and dinner at several local restaurants - Concordia Cafe for burgers, Lucy's for fish and steel band, Inidgo for fish tacos and live music, and Shipwreck Landing for fish and chips and live swing music.
Mary has outfitted with useful beach chairs, fins, beach towels, and is extremely helpful in making recommendations for local places to snorkel, rent kayaks, and grocery shop. She is a real resource.
Generally, the area is a bit off the beaten path, at the quiet end of the island (a good 35 minute drive from Cruz bay on windy, hilly roads) , with an old time feel. The south side bays were calm and protected from the winds, which made the snorkeling great. There is a short dirt road to the cottage, and you definitely want a four wheel jeep rental to negotiate some the of pot holes and rocks.
5.0
td
Fiddlewood is a perfect place for a romantic secluded getaway. It is also perfect for a base camp for snorkle and hiking adventures. Mary is a great hostess who wants her guests to have a wonderful vacation experience.
My friend's favorite part was the quiet and seclusion. My favorite part was the lovely cottage and gardens. Fiddlewood is a perfect getaway.
5.0
Peaceful and secluded!
This was our first time to the Virgin Islands and our stay at Fiddlewood Cottage in St. John was our favorite part of the experience. Mary's suggestions were really helpful and the cottage was the perfect basecamp for our snorkeling and hiking adventures. There were several hikes and snorkel spots nearby and we enjoyed eating at Cafe Concordia just a few miles away. The accommodations were quiet, peaceful, and had everything we needed! We would definitely stay here again.
5.0
Just what we wanted!
My wife and I loved our stay at Fiddlewood. Mary was great to work with and responsive to every question or issue. We enjoyed the isolation though beware the last couple hundred yards of the road to get there is a bit rough. But it adds to the solitude as there are no passersby. Since jeeps are about all you can rent on St John, the road was not an issue at all. And the isolation results in fabulous views of the stars at night...they seem to glow extra bright. The walk to Kiddel and Grootpan Bays was about 8-10 minutes. Both we very secluded and great snorkel spots. Fiddlewood has everything you need but do beware of the mosquitos. A good breeze helped keep them at bay and when not breezy the citronella candles Mary has helped but they are resilient. We ate in nearly every evening and all we needed to cook was at Fiddlewood. The drinking water was better than bottled and Mary has several water bottles to use. Coral Bay was 10 minutes away with groceries and a few nice eating establishments. We loved our stay at Fiddlewood and would recommend it to couples who want a great price, solitude, access to snorkeling, and a wonderful place to call home for your stay on St John
5.0
Amenities, location, Fiddlewood.......Perfection
March 14 - March 25
Ontario, Canada
My husband and I landed in St. Thomas with no luggage. Quite stressful but Mary went out of her way to call and see what was going on. My cell phone was dying and couldn't call (of course my charger was in my luggage).
I am also a huge coffee drinker and because of the late hour we bought nothing and I was already worried I would have no coffee or cream for the morning. Low and behold there was everything there for us. Stocked up with everything u could possibly need. No need to worry Mary had it covered. She checked up on us the next day about our luggage to make sure we were ok.
Would I go back to Marys' Piece of Paradise? In a heartbeat and when I go back to St John it certainly will be to Fiddlewood.
If you are looking for quiet, relaxation and peace, Fiddlewood is the place for you.
If you love to snorkel, Salt Pond Beach ( 2 min away) is where you should go along with all the other beautiful beaches on this Island.
Good shopping in Coral Bay and Calabash has the best fresh fish.
All in all this was our best vacation in a long time and we have traveled to a lot of islands.
Thank you Mary.
Margrit and Doug
5.0
Wonderful Cottage with Perfect Amenities and Location
Fiddlewood Cottage is exactly what we needed for our vacation. The cottage is perfectly located in Coral Bay next to all our favorite snorkeling beaches. Last year we stayed at Cruz Bay end and were driving way too much. Nearby restaurants are great (we recommend Aqua Bistro and Lucy's) and there are plenty of options for eating, drinking and shopping. The cottage was so peaceful. No noise at all except for birds and tree frogs. The porch had a spectacular view and the cottage had lots of outdoor seating. Everything was in perfect working order -- even WiFi! My Verizon phone worked perfectly. The cottage was immaculately maintained and the owners had all kinds of extras there for the beach. We had a great time and will definitely return.
5.0
A Peaceful Retreat
Fiddlewood Cottage is a wonderful retreat. I had met my cousin, Jimmy, and his wife, Lorna, in Seattle for the long flight(s) to St. Thomas. They came from Anchorage, AK, so deserve some kind of a travel award. We are all “mature” folk, so needed some R&R after the long trip, and from life in general. Well, we came to the right place. We arrived to a fruit plate, snacks, and wine. We sat on the covered deck overlooking Mandah Pond and a hillside that is part of the Virgin Islands National Park. We soaked in the warmth and the quiet. Oh, the quiet. Over the next two weeks we often walked to Salt Pond Bay and Drunk Bay (don’t miss the “beach sculptures”). We drove to nearby Little Lameshur Bay to swim. Mary had thought of every detail: beach towels, chairs, coolers, picnic supplies, snorkel gear, sunscreen, etc. And rum (oh, yeah!). It is a 45 min. drive into Cruz Bay, and we made the drive a few times. But mostly we chose to stay “home” or nearby. We enjoyed the cable/Dish TV at night. The wifi is strong, so we could stay connected with our families. This was important to us. And, although the cottage has only one bedroom, we found it comfortably appointed for a third person. At night we opened out the sleeper sofa in the living room, where I slept well (and fell in love with one of the pillows). The landscaping is lovely – including exotic vanda orchids on the south side deck, and herbs to use in cooking. I could go on. I highly recommend this cottage.
5.0
Wonderful sanctuary
Fiddlewood is a wonderful cottage on the far side of the island tucked into the national forest. It's within walking distance of 3 gorgeous beaches. Quiet and serene. The perfect get away.
We've stayed here twice.
Mary and Les couldn't have been more helpful
5.0
A beautiful, peaceful stay
Fiddlewood is a quiet, beautifully decorated cottage that is perfect for a single person or couple that would like to be away from the hustle and bustle. Mary is amazing - she will not only meet you at the ferry, but take the time to get you fully situated at the cottage and orient you to your surroundings. She is available throughout your stay with advice, guidance, and help. The cottage is a 10-15 mn drive from Coral Bay, which in turn is about a 20-30 mn drive from Cruz Bay, so you may want to rent a car for your stay (rent the smallest, most nimble vehicle available - the roads are steep, narrow, and take some gravity defying turns - and fill up in Cruz Bay before you leave for Mary's). The entrance road to the cottage is a bit bumpy, but don't let that alarm you if you normally navigate in a world of pavement. You'll be fine. The cottage has an open floor plan and is delightfully airy and welcoming. The kitchen has everything you need, and there is a lovely market in Coral Bay where you can stock up on food and sundries. There is AC in the bedroom - Mary will program it for you so it will come on when you need it and turn off when you don't. There is a filter on the tap, so no need for bottled water; water conservation measures are practiced on the property, but Mary will show you what to do. The back porch is absolutely wonderful in the morning, with cool breezes and a lovely view. There is great snorkeling nearby, and Mary provides beach chairs, towels, noodles, fins ... all you'll need is a mask and snorkel. Don't spend so much time going to the famous sandy beaches that you miss the beautiful bays and hiking trails right near the cottage! (like I almost did). If you would like some quiet time in a beautiful place, consider Fiddlewood.
FAQs
How much does this cottage cost compared to others in St. John?
The average price for a rental in St. John is $855 per night. This rental is $513 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this cottage?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Affordable Coral Bay Sanctuary. Quiet, walk to park beaches, sea & pond views.. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cottage?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cottage. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Affordable Coral Bay Sanctuary. Quiet, walk to park beaches, sea & pond views. pet friendly?
Yes! This cottage is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Affordable Coral Bay Sanctuary. Quiet, walk to park beaches, sea & pond views.?
We found 11 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, and smoking allowed.
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