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

On-site parking is available at the property.

COUPLES RETREAT, HUGE OCEAN VIEWS, FREE KAYAKS & PADDLE BOARDS Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025

Q: Is COUPLES RETREAT, HUGE 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.

Q: Where is COUPLES RETREAT, HUGE 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 is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) away.

10/10 Excellent

Rachael S.

22 Jan 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Steph D., Reading Pennsylvania

9 May 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Karah F.

4 Jul 2020

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

10/10 Excellent

Andrew H.

20 Mar 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

John M.

14 Jan 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Anton S., Independence, KY

5 Nov 2021

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

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

6 Feb 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Marguerite L., Boston, Massachusetts

21 Mar 2020

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

10/10 Excellent

douglas s.

4 May 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Gwen W.

1 Jul 2022

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

10/10 Excellent

Richard O.

20 Mar 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Jill J., Toronto, ON Canada

14 Mar 2018

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

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

30 Jan 2022

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

10/10 Excellent

Scott K.

14 Jan 2022

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

10/10 Excellent

David H.

31 Dec 2021

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

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey B., Sylvania,Oh

27 Jul 2021

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

10/10 Excellent

Cindy T.

2 Jul 2021

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

10/10 Excellent

Joanne B., Mohnton

27 Feb 2020

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

10/10 Excellent

Jackie B.

20 Dec 2018

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

8/10 Good

Mike S., Carmel, USA

8 Aug 2018

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

10/10 Excellent

Janet L., Lexington, KY

24 May 2018

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

10/10 Excellent

Peg D.

17 Mar 2018

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

10/10 Excellent

Sharon K.

5 Feb 2018

Post Irma and Maria- Beautiful!!!

Irma and Maria could not destroy this island paradise's beauty. The water, the flowers, the mountains, the sand, the oceans, are still there and still amaze and awe us. So did Joy of Life Villa. Everything was perfect! The photos on the website are even more beautiful when you are setting on the deck every morning watching the sunrise show. Everything you need is there and if it isn't the owners, Karen and Jeff, will see that you have it. Worth the price and right now there are no crowds. Go Go Go

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2018

8/10 Good

mia m.

17 Jan 2018

Wake up to a beautiful view every morning

Accessing the driveway feels like you might be driving off the end of the world, but once the hills become second nature you can kick back and really take in the spectacular view. If you need to be able to stroll from your bedroom to the beach, this is not the place for you, as getting to the beach takes a little work, but navigating around becomes part of the adventure and the fun. The home is very nicely decorated and very comfortable. At the time of our visit, Coral Bay was transitioning back into modernity after storm recovery, so we were actually on a generator, which was not ideal, and did not have internet for the bulk of our stay (although this was restored ). Going forward, there should be no issues. The hosts are gracious and respectful. Do not hesitate to book.

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

7 Jul 2017

The Perfect Honeymoon OR Anytime Escape

Karen and Jeff, the owners of this incredible spot, have created the perfect escape off the "beaten path" that is St. Thomas and Cruz Bay, Saint John. We were so glad that we decided to go the "locals" route, and not use the all-inclusive resort option. Joy of Life Villa is the perfect name for this property. It is impossible to have a bad day here. The amenities, views, and overall hospitality created the perfect honeymoon for us. It has only been a few days since we returned to the States, but I wish every second that we could return already. We cannot wait to be back, and will always have Joy of Life at the top of our list.

Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2017

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