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Affordable Coral Bay Sanctuary. Quiet, walk to park beaches, sea & pond views.

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Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4900 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Hot Tub
  • Washer
  • Pet friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Coral Bay
  • Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
    8 min walk
  • Saltpond Bay
    12 min walk
  • Virgin Islands National Park
    15 min walk
  • St. Thomas (STT-Cyril E. King)
    103 min drive

Room options

About the neighborhood

St. John

When you stay at this cottage in St. John, you'll be on the waterfront, within a 15-minute drive of Virgin Islands National Park and Trunk Bay. .This cottage is 17.3 mi (27.8 km) from Sapphire Beach and 9 mi (14.5 km) from Cinnamon Bay Beach.
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What's nearby

  • Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument - 8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Virgin Islands National Park - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Trunk Bay - 14 min drive - 9.7 miles
  • Maho Beach - 29 min drive - 8.3 miles
  • Cinnamon Bay Beach - 33 min drive - 9.1 miles

Getting around

  • St. Thomas (SPB-St. Thomas Seaplane Base) - 100 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Skinny Legs - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Windmill Bar - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Greengo’s - ‬30 min drive
  • ‪Sun Dog Cafe - ‬30 min drive
  • ‪Shambles - ‬24 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Affordable Coral Bay Sanctuary. Quiet, walk to park beaches, sea & pond views.

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.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned cottage, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. There's a private balcony. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker, and housekeeping is provided on request.
Pamper yourself with onsite massages or enjoy recreation amenities such as a spa tub.
Guests will find features like wireless internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Les Anderson

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Massage
  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Outdoor shower
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Gas grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • One pet total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: Outside only.

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • Near the sea
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 900 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 9:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
1 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: With a $200 damage deposit. And $25/day per pet.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: 2 children max.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: $200 Event fee. Extra tables, coolers available.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Affordable Coral Bay Sanctuary. Quiet, walk to park beaches, sea & pond views. Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 33 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 33 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Pearl C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Oh St. John. Our home away from home!
Mary was a wonderful host. She was in constant communication- before, during and after our stay. Always available, and checked in during the frequent power outages that have been occurring throughout STT and STJ. Mary's house is cozy with a wonderful view and fully stocked with all the amenities. Thank you for the warm welcome and stay, Mary!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan M., El Granada and Land O Lakes, WI

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Fiddlewood Cottage
My travel partner and I stayed for 12 days at this artfully decorated, immaculate, and well equipped cottage. The kitchen had any spice, bowl, and pan we would ever need. The beds were comfy with views galore to the National Park and Grootpan Bay. Outside the gorgeous plant and plentiful bird life surrounded the decks. Our superlative host Mary gave us great advice before we came and for our daily adventures. We will definitely book this cottage again in the future.
Stayed 11 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Enchanted April
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!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Neal S., Overland Park, KS

Liked: Cleanliness
A colorful West Indies feel
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.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful spot!
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!
Stayed 12 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacey K.

Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary C.

Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marshall B., New York, NY

Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jon L.

Liked: Cleanliness
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!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia B., Groton, Massachusetts, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ann G.

Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Claude S.

Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Todd W., Zionsville, Indiana

Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Justin R.

Liked: Cleanliness
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!!

10/10 Excellent

Kimberlee M., stockbridge,Vt

Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

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.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lisa L.

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!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Brian O.

It was perfect
It was a quiet, relaxing, all natural place. The best of what real St. John is.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jodie w.

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
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Joelle T.

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.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

David M., Wimauma, FL

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.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2017

10/10 Excellent

Lynn O., Brookline, MA

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.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2017

10/10 Excellent

Jaclyn D.

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.

10/10 Excellent

Margrit and doug p., Elliot lake

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
Stayed 11 nights in Mar 2016