FAQs

Due to the increasing occupancy of our properties in the past few years due, we are no longer able to provide a direct provisioning service to our guests. Please contact Landlubber Logistics, Christy’s of St John, Starfish Market, or Judy at 340-998-9124.

We do not offer these supplies, but they can be arranged through Island Baby at www.islandbabyvi.com or Christy’s of St John www.christysofstjohn.com. Please set this up as soon as you can after your reservation and the items can be delivered to your Villa.

Yes, we do provide beach chairs, coolers, and beach towels for our guests.

You can arrange to have a massage in your Villa. There are also a few day spas in the area, please contact us directly at 340-227-1426. You can also email us at Caribbeansoulvacations@gmail.com or to reach our in-house concierge directly, please email Tara at info@caribbeantravelexperience.com.

We are happy to assist you in planning your activities while you are here on the island. There are a number of options for boating trips and other watersports activities. Please feel free to call us so we can share some recommendations with you. Getting on the water is one of the best things you can do here on St. John. It allows you to experience the island in a way that cannot be accomplished from land alone. Some popular options include a romantic sunset sail or a full day four island adventure or a motor boat based picnic or a full day of fishing or a full or half day sailing adventure. It al depends on what you like. Chances are there is a trip to match your interests. Just let us know and we will assist you in choosing the right trip for your group.  

Please contact our in-house concierge, Tara to get trips booked!  She can be reached at info@caribbeantravelexperience.com.

Browse our portfolio of St. John villas at caribbeansoulvacations.com, narrow by group size, location, pool, and view, then click on book now or submit an inquiry directly through the listing or reach out to our reservations team. We confirm availability quickly, walk you through the rental agreement, and collect a deposit to secure the dates. Most guests book 3–6 months in advance for high season (mid-December through April).

No — Caribbean Soul Vacations does not charge booking fees. The rate you see is the rental rate. Standard government taxes apply, as does a cleaning fee disclosed up front, but there are no service fees or platform markups stacked on top.

A 50% deposit confirms your reservation. The remaining balance is due 60 days before arrival. For bookings made inside the 60-day window, full payment is due at booking. We accept major credit cards and bank transfers. Specific terms are spelled out in your rental agreement.

Cancellation terms are detailed in your rental agreement. In general, deposits are non-refundable once paid, and full payments are non-refundable inside the 60-day window. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance covering the full trip cost — hurricanes, flight cancellations, and family emergencies are all reasons guests have needed it.

We don't sell travel insurance, but we strongly recommend purchasing it. We have a provider we can refer you to and its all done online and very easy. You want to make sure to purchase "for any reason" coverage. Trips to the Caribbean are subject to last minute disruptions and its not easy for airl;ines to recover quickly in most cases. Coverage for hurricane disruption, trip interruption, and medical emergencies is worth the small premium — particularly for trips during hurricane season (June through November, peak risk September–October).

For high season (mid-December through April), 3–6 months ahead is typical, and the most desirable villas book a year out. Shoulder months (May, June, November) can often be booked 1–3 months ahead. Hurricane season months (September, October) sometimes have last-minute availability at significant discounts.

Most villas require a 5–7 night minimum during regular season and a 7-night minimum during the Christmas/New Year peak. Some villas allow shorter stays in shoulder months. The minimum for each property is listed on its individual page.

Yes — last-minute availability happens, particularly in shoulder season and hurricane season. Contact our reservations team directly with your dates if you don't see what you want online; we can often pull together options that aren't fully reflected on the site.

Yes — last-minute availability happens, particularly in shoulder season and hurricane season. Contact our reservations team directly with your dates if you don't see what you want online; we can often pull together options that aren't fully reflected on the site.

Yes — a refundable security deposit (or a damage waiver in lieu) is collected before arrival and returned within 14 days of departure assuming no damage beyond normal wear. The amount varies by villa and is specified in your rental agreement.

Yes — every property has photos, video tours where available, floor plans, and detailed descriptions on the listing page. For specific questions we can't cover online (the actual sunset from this deck, the bathroom layout in the primary bedroom, the steepness of the driveway), ask our reservations team and we'll get you exactly what you need.

Fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas — St. John has no airport. Take a taxi from STT to the Red Hook ferry terminal (about 35–45 minutes, around $20–$25 per person). From Red Hook, take the passenger ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John (about 20 minutes, runs roughly hourly until 11pm). Total travel time from landing on St. Thomas to arriving on St. John is typically 1.5 to 2 hours.

We coordinate ground transportation for every arriving guest. Our sibling business Villa Man Taxi & Tours (villamantaxiandtours.com) handles villa pickups across the island and meets you at the Cruz Bay ferry dock with luggage assistance. For backup taxi availability, St. John Taxi (stjtaxi.com) is also a reliable option.

Yes — we can coordinate the full chain: STT taxi to Red Hook, ferry crossing, Cruz Bay pickup, and direct delivery to your villa with luggage handled. Tell us your flight number when you book and we'll set it up so you don't have to think about it.

US citizens do not need a passport between the US mainland and the USVI — a government-issued photo ID is sufficient. Bring a passport anyway if you plan a day trip to the British Virgin Islands (Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, Virgin Gorda). International travelers should follow standard US entry requirements.

Mid-December through April is high season — drier weather, cooler trade winds, consistent water clarity, peak villa pricing. May and June are excellent shoulder months: warm water, fewer crowds, lower prices, occasional brief showers. Hurricane season runs June through November, with September and October being peak risk; the island is quietest and prices lowest then. Late July offers Carnival on St. John, worth experiencing if you enjoy local culture and live music.

Standard check-in is 4:00 PM AST and check-out is 10:00 AM AST. Earlier arrivals are common given ferry schedules — your villa may not be ready, but we'll coordinate with you to drop bags, point you toward a beach or lunch spot, and confirm when full access is ready. Late check-out is sometimes possible if no same-day arrival is scheduled.

The last regular passenger ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay runs at 11 PM. If you miss it, options include staying overnight on St. Thomas (we can recommend nearby hotels) or assist you booking a private water taxi crossing. Text us as soon as you know there's a delay and we'll work out the best path forward — we've handled this many times.

Reef-safe sunscreen (required at National Park beaches), water shoes for rocky entries, snorkel gear if you have your own (rentals are available locally), light layers for cooler North Shore evenings, bug spray for hikes, a reusable water bottle, and any prescription medications in original containers. Don't bother with a hairdryer (most villas have them) or beach towels (provided).

No — the US Virgin Islands stays on Atlantic Standard Time (UTC−4) year-round. In winter, the USVI is one hour ahead of the US East Coast; in summer, the USVI is the same time as the US East Coast.

All villas come fully furnished with linens, towels, kitchen essentials, basic toiletries, and Wi-Fi. Most include a private pool, beach gear (snorkel sets, towels, coolers), and outdoor dining space. Specific inclusions vary by property — the listing details cover what's provided. Pre-arrival starter groceries can be arranged through our provisioning partner.

Mid-stay cleaning is included on stays of 14 or more nights. Daily housekeeping is not standard but can be arranged at additional cost — ask at booking. All villas are professionally cleaned before your arrival and after your departure.

Bedrooms have air conditioning. Most common-area living spaces are open-air and rely on St. John's reliable trade winds and ceiling fans rather than AC. This is the island standard — the climate is consistent and the trade winds are part of the experience.

Every Caribbean Soul villa has Wi-Fi. Speeds are generally good for streaming, video calls, and standard work use, though they can fluctuate during heavy weather or island-wide outages. Cell service is good in Cruz Bay and most of the North Shore; deeper into the National Park interior, expect dead zones.

Every Caribbean Soul villa has Wi-Fi. Speeds are generally good for streaming, video calls, and standard work use, though they can fluctuate during heavy weather or island-wide outages. Cell service is good in Cruz Bay and most of the North Shore; deeper into the National Park interior, expect dead zones.

Villa water comes from rainwater cisterns and is filtered. Generally safe to drink, though many visitors prefer bottled water for the first few days while their system adjusts. Restaurants use treated municipal water. If you have a sensitive stomach, stick with bottled for the duration.

Many of our villas are excellent for families with young children — fenced pools, gentle layouts, and proximity to family-friendly beaches like Maho. For cribs, high chairs, beach toys, strollers, and other baby gear, we recommend Island Baby VI (islandbabyvi.com), the island's specialist for kid equipment rentals delivered directly to your villa.

Most of our villas do not allow pets. A small number accept pets with prior approval and a pet deposit. If you need a pet-friendly villa, let us know during your search and we'll filter accordingly.

All Caribbean Soul villas are non-smoking and non-vaping indoors, including covered porches. Smoking is permitted outdoors only, away from the structure. Violations result in deep-cleaning fees from the security deposit.

Every Caribbean Soul guest has a 24-hour local contact for issues during their stay. Pool problems, AC issues, internet outages, appliance failures — we want to know immediately. Most problems are resolved same-day. The local contact number is in your pre-arrival packet and posted at the villa.

Small private gatherings — birthday dinners, anniversary celebrations, intimate elopements — are generally welcome with prior approval. Larger events (full weddings, 30+ guest parties) require a separate event agreement and additional event fee. Tell us at booking what you have in mind and we'll confirm what's feasible.

Small private gatherings — birthday dinners, anniversary celebrations, intimate elopements — are generally welcome with prior approval. Larger events (full weddings, 30+ guest parties) require a separate event agreement and additional event fee. Tell us at booking what you have in mind and we'll confirm what's feasible.

Most of our villas have a private pool. Heating varies by property — some pools are heated, others rely on ambient warmth. The listing details note whether the pool is heated and any seasonal considerations. Water temperature in unheated pools is generally pleasant year-round given the climate.

Standard villa kitchens include a full-size refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, coffee maker, toaster, blender, basic cookware, utensils, dishes, and glassware. Most include a grill (gas or charcoal) on the outdoor deck. Specialty appliances vary by villa — check the listing for specifics.

Yes — many guests blend work and vacation. Wi-Fi is solid for video calls and standard remote work. Most villas have at least one workspace with a comfortable seat and table. For mission-critical calls, schedule around late-afternoon weather patterns that can occasionally affect connectivity.

Not necessarily. If you're at a Cruz Bay or North Shore villa and primarily want beach access, a combination of beach shuttle service plus on-call taxis is often cheaper and far less stressful than a Jeep rental. St. John roads are steep, narrow, and winding, driving is on the LEFT, and parking at popular National Park beaches fills before 10 AM. Rent only if you want multiple Coral Bay days or maximum schedule flexibility.

Our sibling business Villa Man Taxi & Tours (villamantaxiandtours.com) runs a beach shuttle that picks up at most Cruz Bay hotels, departs every 90 minutes from 9 AM, and drops at every major North Shore beach. Fares are $8–$14 per person one-way. For villa pickups outside the shuttle route, evening dinner runs, Coral Bay trips, and late returns, the same operator runs on-call private taxi service.

Our sibling business Villa Man Taxi & Tours (villamantaxiandtours.com) handles villa pickups, private taxi runs, beach shuttle service, full-itinerary private driver service, island tours, and wedding/event transportation. For backup on-demand taxi service around the island, St. John Taxi (stjtaxi.com) is also reliable. Both follow the official VI Taxicab Commission tariff.

Taxi rates are set by the US Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission and posted publicly. Sample per-person fares (2+ guests): Cruz Bay to Trunk Bay $9, Cruz Bay to Maho Bay $12, Cruz Bay to Coral Bay $15. Solo riders pay slightly higher single-passenger rates. A $2 per-passenger radio dispatch surcharge applies when booking by phone. Late-night service after midnight adds a small per-passenger surcharge. www.stjtaxi.com has a cost estimator built in tho the site.

For groups of 4 or more on week-long stays, a private driver is often cheaper than a Jeep rental once you factor in rental fees, gas, insurance, and parking stress. The same driver handles ferry pickup, daily beach runs, dinner trips, and departure. Ask Villa Man Taxi & Tours (villamantaxiandtours.com) for a quote against your specific itinerary.

Yes — Cruz Bay itself is compact and walkable. The ferry dock, Mongoose Junction shops, dozens of restaurants, banks, and the National Park visitor center are within a 5–10 minute walk of each other. Villas outside Cruz Bay are almost universally not walkable to anything; plan transportation for every outing.

Coral Bay is about 25–30 minutes from Cruz Bay over the central ridge. Options: rent a Jeep, take a private taxi (about $15 per person one-way for 2+), or book a full-day private driver. Villa Man Taxi & Tours (villamantaxiandtours.com) runs taxi service to Coral Bay regularly, including round-trip drop-and-pickup for Skinny Legs lunch or a Salt Pond beach day.

Yes — full-day and multi-day private driver itineraries are popular for week-long villa stays. Villa Man Taxi & Tours (villamantaxiandtours.com) assigns a dedicated driver who handles your ferry pickup, daily beach trips, dinner runs, day excursions, and departure transport. The same driver shows up every time and knows your itinerary.

Yes — Half-Day Island Highlights (about 4 hours, North Shore overlooks, Annaberg ruins, a beach stop) and Full-Day Island Discovery (6–8 hours, adds Coral Bay, Salt Pond, Ram Head) are both available through Villa Man Taxi & Tours (villamantaxiandtours.com). All tours are private to your group and customizable.

Two paths. Either shop yourself after arrival — Starfish Market (starfishmarket.com) is the main full-service grocery in Cruz Bay, Dolphin Market (dolphinmarkets.com) is a smaller local option — or pre-arrange villa stocking before arrival through Landlubber Logistics (landlubberlogistics.com), our provisioning partner. Most week-long guests do both: pre-arrival stocking for staples and beverages, a Starfish run mid-week for fresh items.

Starfish Market (starfishmarket.com) is the largest and most complete grocery on St. John. Dolphin Market (dolphinmarkets.com) and Pine Peace Market are smaller local options. Expect prices roughly 20–30% higher than mainland US grocery stores due to shipping costs.

Yes — pre-arrival provisioning is the most popular option for week-long villa stays. Send us your list in advance and Landlubber Logistics (landlubberlogistics.com) handles shopping and stocking your villa before you arrive. Common requests: breakfast staples, coffee and milk, snacks, water, beer and wine, basic dinner ingredients for night one.

Fine dining: Extra Virgin Bistro (Mediterranean-inspired cuisine), La Tapa (Mediterranean small plates, consistently rated top of the island), ZoZo's at Caneel Bay (Italian-Mediterranean, oceanfront), Morgan's Mango (Caribbean-American on the harbor). Casual: Sun Dog Cafe for breakfast and lunch, Skinny Legs in Coral Bay for the iconic burger, Uncle Joe's BBQ for jerk chicken, Greengo's for tacos, Ocean 362, and the Lime Out boat in Coral Bay.

Yes — in-villa private chef dinners are one of the most memorable experiences on St. John and surprisingly affordable. Multi-course tasting menus on your deck overlooking the ocean run substantially less than equivalent restaurants. Book through our concierge partner Caribbean Travel Experience (caribbeantravelexperience.com) or ask our reservations team for recommendations.

Yes, the Cruz Bay farmers' market runs on Sundays during certain times of the year. It's small but worth a stop for local produce, baked goods, and crafts. Hours and seasons shift; check locally during your stay.

Yes, Virgin Islands National Park requires reef-safe sunscreen at all park beaches, and we ask guests to use it island-wide. Look for sunscreens without oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, or 4-MBC. Many stores on St. John carriey reef-safe options, but selection is better and prices lower if you bring your own.

All grocery stores in Cruz Bay carry a great selection of spirits, wine, and beer.. Local rums (Cruzan from St. Croix) are widely available and inexpensive. Wine selection is decent but pricier than mainland.

Ronnie’s Pizza is the only true food delivery option for cooked meals. For in-villa private chef bookings (a different experience), book through Caribbean Travel Experience (caribbeantravelexperience.com).

Trunk Bay is the most famous — protected inside Virgin Islands National Park with the only self-guided underwater snorkel trail in the US National Park system. Maho Bay has the calmest water and frequent sea turtle sightings. Cinnamon Bay is the longest stretch of sand with a watersports concession. Waterlemon Cay is widely considered the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. For quiet beaches with reef snorkeling, Jumbie or Oppenheimer

Most mornings, yes, green sea turtles graze the seagrass beds offshore and are seen on a majority of visits. They're most active in the morning and on calm-water days. Federal law requires you to stay at least 10 feet away and never touch, feed, or chase them.

Most mornings, yes, green sea turtles graze the seagrass beds offshore and are seen on a majority of visits. They're most active in the morning and on calm-water days. Federal law requires you to stay at least 10 feet away and never touch, feed, or chase them.

Waterlemon Cay, a small offshore island at the end of the North Shore Road, is widely ranked among the top snorkel destinations in the Caribbean. The Trunk Bay snorkel trail is easier and more beginner-friendly. Maho Bay has reliable turtle sightings. Jumbie Beach has surprisingly good reef snorkeling at the rocky points.

Hike the Reef Bay Trail (5 miles downhill through rainforest to ancient petroglyphs and sugar mill ruins, usually ranger-led). Tour the Annaberg Plantation ruins for Danish colonial history. Sail or boat-charter to Jost Van Dyke in the BVI for lunch at Foxy's or Soggy Dollar. Sunset cocktails at Ocean 362 or the Caneel Bay overlook. Yoga at Salt Pond or Estate Concordia. Carnival on St. John in late June early July.

Yes, and arguably the most underrated romantic destination in the Caribbean. 60% of the island is protected National Park, which means uncrowded beaches, no resort high-rises, dramatic undeveloped views. Private villas with their own pools are far more intimate than hotel rooms. Couples on honeymoon, anniversaries, and elopements are a significant share of our guest base.

Excellent — particularly for families who like outdoor activities. Maho Bay is the gentlest family beach with shallow calm water and frequent turtle sightings. Cinnamon Bay has watersports rentals teens love. Trunk Bay's snorkel trail is beginner-friendly. The lack of cell service in much of the National Park is a feature, not a bug. For very young children, Island Baby VI (islandbabyvi.com) delivers cribs, high chairs, beach toys, and strollers.

Sail-and-snorkel day charters to the BVI (Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island) are extremely popular. Sunset sails out of Cruz Bay are a bucket-list experience for couples. Private motor charters can run to any quiet bay for the day. Most boats depart from Cruz Bay's marinas. Our concierge partner Caribbean Travel Experience (caribbeantravelexperience.com) coordinates charters across operators.

Yes, particularly for first-time visitors who want the historical and geographic overview without renting a Jeep. Villa Man Taxi & Tours (villamantaxiandtours.com) runs private Half-Day and Full-Day island tours that hit Trunk Bay overlook, Annaberg Sugar Mill ruins, North Shore viewpoints, and (on full days) Coral Bay and the east end. All tours are private to your group with flexible pacing

Some yes: BVI day charters, sunset sails, ranger-led Reef Bay hikes, in-villa massage and private chef bookings, and dinner reservations at The Terrace, La Tapa, and ZoZo's during high season all fill quickly. Walk-up options are abundant for snorkeling, beach days, and most casual dining.

Yes, and the most popular option for villa guests is in-villa massage. A therapist arrives at your villa with a portable table, oils, and music for a massage on your deck overlooking the ocean. Substantially more memorable than a hotel spa and surprisingly affordable. Book in advance through Caribbean Travel Experience (caribbeantravelexperience.com).

Cruz Bay has the densest concentration: The Beach Bar (live music nightly, on the harbor), Woody's Seafood Saloon, High Tide, Tap & Still, Tap Room. In Coral Bay (30 minutes from Cruz Bay), Skinny Legs is a legendary dive bar with Wednesday open-mic nights. Most bars close between 11 PM and 1 AM. Plan transportation in advance — especially returning from Coral Bay. Late-night taxi service is available through Villa Man Taxi & Tours.

Many of our villas accommodate intimate weddings, vow renewals, and elopements. Larger weddings with 30+ guests require a separate event agreement, an event fee, and pre-approval of the day's logistics. Tell us at booking what you envision and we'll match you to a villa that fits and coordinate the planning.

We're not full-service wedding planners, but we coordinate the villa side of the event and partner with St. John wedding planners and vendors for the rest. Our concierge partner Caribbean Travel Experience (caribbeantravelexperience.com) connects guests with officiants, photographers, florists, caterers, and rental companies.

Villa Man Taxi & Tours (villamantaxiandtours.com) handles wedding transportation — ceremony shuttles, reception transport, bride and groom departure, multi-villa pickups for family groups. They've handled events from 12-person ceremonies to 150-guest receptions. Book transportation 3–6 months in advance for high-season wedding dates.

Yes, multi-villa group bookings for family reunions, friend trips, and corporate retreats are common. We coordinate the booking across villas, sync arrival logistics, and arrange group transportation through Villa Man Taxi & Tours. Tell us your group size and preferences early — coordinating multiple villas in the same area takes lead time.

Yes, we coordinate honeymoon and anniversary touches at your villa: champagne and flowers on arrival, in-villa private chef dinner, couples massage, sunset sail booking. Mention the occasion when you book and we'll put options together.

We can point you to sibling sites and partner properties that often have complementary inventory. St. John Villa Man (stjohnvillaman.com) consolidates villa inventory from multiple St. John property managers in one place — it's often the fastest way to see what's available island-wide for your dates.

Two solid partner options in Cruz Bay: Sea Grape Vista (seagrapevista.com) is a boutique hotel within walking distance of the ferry and restaurants. Dolphin Suites (dgmiproperties.com) offers apartment-style suites, also in Cruz Bay. Both are great fits for guests who want a more compact stay or shorter trip than a full villa rental supports

For couples and small groups on a tighter budget, Coconut Coast Villas (coconutcoast.com) offers more affordable villa options on St. John. Quality is solid, location is convenient, and pricing fits a wider range of trip budgets — particularly in shoulder season.

Yes. Tell our reservations team your group size, preferred location (Cruz Bay walkable vs. North Shore secluded vs. Coral Bay quiet), budget, and dates. We'll point you toward the best fit across our own portfolio and the sibling network, St. John Villa Man, Sea Grape Vista, Dolphin Suites, and Coconut Coast Villas, so you see real options without hunting across multiple sites.

Yes, St. John is generally very safe, with a small permanent population (around 4,000 residents) and a tourism-oriented economy. Standard precautions apply: don't leave valuables visible in vehicles at beach parking lots, lock your villa, swim with awareness of currents, watch for sea urchins on rocky areas. The bigger risks are environmental, sunburn, dehydration, twisting an ankle on a hike, rather than crime.

Villa water comes from rainwater cisterns and is filtered. Generally safe to drink, but many guests prefer bottled water for the first few days while their system adjusts. Most villas provide a filter and pitcher. Restaurants use treated municipal water. If you have a sensitive stomach, bottled water for the duration is the cautious choice.

Hurricane season runs June through November, with September and October being peak risk. We strongly recommend trip insurance covering hurricane disruption for any booking. If a named storm threatens the USVI, we work with guests on rebooking or refund options per the rental agreement and provide local updates during your stay if needed.

The Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center in Cruz Bay handles outpatient and urgent care. For serious emergencies, patients are transported to Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas or airlifted to Puerto Rico or the US mainland. Your villa's 24-hour local contact can help coordinate transport and translation if needed. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.

Cruz Bay and most Chocolate Hole have good cell service (AT&T and T-Mobile are most reliable). Deeper into the National Park interior, expect dead zones. Coral Bay coverage is decent in town and weaker on the way there. The lack of constant cell signal is part of the St. John experience,most guests relax into it within a day.

US dollars only — the USVI is a US territory. Credit cards are widely accepted at restaurants, hotels, and most beach concessions. Cash is useful for tipping, the Sunday farmers' market, and smaller beach bars. ATMs are available at FirstBank and Banco Popular in Cruz Bay

Taxi drivers: 15–20% of fare, similar to mainland US. Restaurants: 18–20%, though check whether a service charge is already added. Private drivers, wedding transportation, in-villa chefs: 18–20%. Villa housekeeping (mid-stay or departure): $20–$50 depending on group size and stay length is appreciated.