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

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

Property grounds
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 484 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Coral Bay
  • Place, Virgin Islands National Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Kiddel Bay
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Saltpond Bay
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, St. Thomas (STT-Cyril E. King)
    ‪88 min drive‬

Room options

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About the area

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 National Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Kiddel Bay - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Saltpond Bay - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Saltpond Bay Beach - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Lameshure Beach - 3 min drive - 3.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Skinny Legs - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Shambles - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Trunk Bay Beach Bar - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Maho Crossroads - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Johnny Lime - ‬6 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. Its location is short distances from the end of the bus line at Saltpond Bay entrance, with walking distance to Grootpan, Kiddle, and Lameshure beaches. Mature gardens, and large shade trees surround the cottage. 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.

SW 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!

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. Off road parking right to the front door. Dining on both the front and back decks.

There’s an additional 10’x10’ tent on a platform below Fiddlewood. Sleeps 2 on twin beds that converts into a king if needed. Has a fan, lights, and 2 side tables. There’s a short, lite path down to it. Additional costs apply.

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, sunsets over Grootpan Bay.

Many books in the library highlighting local flora, fauna and sea creatures as well as an eclectic array of other interests. Hiking maps and board games too.

I have my quiet frequency practice in an adjacent cottage. Both space have separate entrances so privacy is maintained.

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 take in the view from a garden.
Guests will find features like wireless internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Massage

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • 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

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Up to 23 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • 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
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; 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

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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.
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; 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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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. 39 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 39 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Helom B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Secluded, peaceful, and exactly what I was hoping for. My stay was exceptional, and I would highly recommend it for those looking to unplug and enjoy the quieter side of the island.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026

10/10 Excellent

Helen O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Had a fantastic view of the ocean, salt pond and flamingos from the house. Very quiet, peaceful location. Mary had provided great information before the trip, was quickly responsive to any questions and greeted us at check in. The place was perfect for our needs.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Barbara E.

Liked: Cleanliness
The host was wonderful. The home was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

William C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cottage

Awesome
Stayed 28 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eva G., Philadelphia PA

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful private cottage

This is a lovely cottage in a private spot on the quiet side of St. John. It is very well equipped and comfortable. You get a view of the pond and the bay, enjoy the breezes, and relax! Mary is a superb host. She has thought of everything to make your stay the very best. There are beach chairs, a tent, flippers for snorkeling, etc. etc. Books and games for indoor entertainment. One caution- make sure to rent a Jeep so you can get in the final road to the cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

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 traveller

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