Villa Marbella Suites

Villa Marbella Suites is located through a winding, hilly neighborhood, at the end of a quiet side road. As there are only four rooms here, and only a few neighboring properties around, guests may feel like they have the place to themselves. The pool, patios, and rooms are quiet and relaxing. Because of the property's size, guests will get to interact with the friendly owners, as well as their three friendly dogs, who love to greet guests. The feel is very akin to a bed-and-breakfast, except that no breakfast (or other meals) are served here. However, the rates at true bed-and-breakfasts are higher, while the suites have reasonable prices, considering all you get. For guests who want breakfast included, Bellavista and At Home In the Tropics are a good bet.

With the exception of the pool, there aren’t many public spaces. Most guests tend to spend time in their rooms, most of which are large with a separate living area or patio. There's no beachfront, but a small stretch of sand is within a 10-minute walk and the property's hillside location allows for excellent ocean views. The pool and three out of the four rooms provide incredible views of the surrounding area, including Frenchman’s Bay in the south and Charlotte-Amalie, St. Thomas’s main town, to the east.

The property is located in Frenchman’s Bay on the south coast of St. Thomas, about half way between Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook. There is not much within walking distance and a car rental is highly recommended, as cabs charge per person and can get expensive. The owners operate a car rental business on-site, so guests can rent directly through them. Though there is no beachfront, a small patch of sand can be accessed via a five- to 10-minute walk down a nature trail. As there is no restaurant on-site, expect to drive the 12 minutes to Red Hook frequently for meals. 

• Seven-minute drive to Yacht Haven Grande
• Nine-minute drive to Paradise Point Skyride
• 10-minute drive to duty-free shopping in Charlotte-Amalie
• 11-minute drive to Blackbeard's Castle
• 12-minute drive to Red Hook
• 16-minute drive to Coki Beach
• 17-minute drive to the airport
• 17-minute drive to Magens Bay
• 18-minute drive to St. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens
• 18-minute drive to Mahogany Run Golf Course    

The four units at Villa Marbella Suites all have homey, Caribbean style. Think: nautical prints on bedspreads and sofas (with seashells, fish, and the like), bright color accents on the walls (such as orange or turquoise), painted white wood furniture, and wicker accents. Each room has a Keurig coffee machine, microwave, fridge, hot plate, and toaster. Although the Cruzan View Apartment and the Mountainside Loft have a small kitchen area with a sink, there are no stoves so you won’t be preparing complex meals here. Many guests choose to stock up on a few basics for breakfast and perhaps afternoon grilling on the shared gas grill, and then drive into Red Hook for dinner. The owners have also provided thoughtful touches, such as beach chairs, beach bag, beach towels, and coolers in each room. Bathroom decor varies, but all are clean with walk-in showers, nice toiletries, and mounted plaques proclaiming "In these Isles of Sun and Fun, We Do Not Flush for Number One." Most have tropical decor in line with the rest of the room (expect details such as colorful painted or tiled walls and palm tree or seashell prints on the shower curtains) but the Mango Room bathroom is plainer, with a modern vanity.

The Frenchman's View Loft is closest to the main house. It is two stories with a spiral staircase leading up from the big living room to the loft-style bedroom with queen bed (under a vaulted wood ceiling). There is a big, furnished private patio that overlooks the pool and ocean. The aptly Mountainside Loft, in comparison, has a long outside porch with a table and chairs that faces the back of the property, but the view still includes the sea. This loft has kitchen area with a larger fridge, sink, and cabinet space, but no stove. The bedroom is also loft-style and a bit more spacious with two double beds.

The Cruzan View Apartment is located on the south side of the property and has its own porch with beautiful views of the bay. This apartment has a long entrance room that houses the fridge, microwave, toaster, and small sink, as well as a two-seater dining table and chairs. There is no couch. The bedroom is decent-size with a queen bed.

The Mango Room is the smallest room of the bunch. Located on the side of the house at the bottom level, the room has a futon which doubles as a bed (and is comfortable). Although the space is small, the rates for this room are extremely affordable, considering the property, amenities, and pool area that come with it.

The pool is the one of the best features at the property. It is large and circular, with a small wading pool on the side and gorgeous views of both the mountains and the bay. The pool area is in full sun -- there are no trees around the perimeter but there are plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas. There’s also a gas grill for guests to use. 

There is a small seating area at the front of the house near the entrance, as well as a large fridge that serves as an honor bar. Beer, ice, soda, and water are offered at reasonable prices, and guests simply write down their names under their rooms along with what they took from the fridge.

The villas are not located directly on the beach, but a small beach is a five- to 10-minute walk down a nature trail.