Villa in Cruz Bay
8 guests · 4 bedrooms · 3 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
High-end valueWell priced for this area
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About this villa rental
Description: Rara Avis is a beautiful island retreat comprising three unique buildings: a two-level stone great house, alongside master bedroom cabanas on both the east and west.
Upon arrival, you'll park above the great house and descend into a beautifully sheltered garden courtyard, where tranquility awaits. The upper level of the great house boasts an expansive great room designed for relaxation and entertaining, featuring living, dining, and kitchen areas, as well as a convenient half bath and laundry room.
Inside, you'll be captivated by the elegant native stonework, soaring cathedral ceilings with exposed beams, charming terra cotta tiled floors, and carefully selected furniture complemented by native artwork. Step out onto the impressive 450 sq ft sun deck on the south side and soak in breathtaking views that take your breath away.
On opposite sides of the great room are two bedroom cabanas, each with a king bed and ensuite bath. External stairways guide you to the lower level, where two inviting bedrooms, a shared bath, and a serene deck await. The pool, nestled in a beautifully landscaped garden setting in front of the west cabana, invites relaxation, while additional private sun decks—including two off the great house—offer the perfect spots for sunbathing. Courtyards, gardens, and inviting walkways gracefully connect each building and the pool area, creating a seamless experience.
Location: Strategically located on a spacious lot in the peaceful southwest corner of Hart Bay—just a quarter-mile from Great Cruz Bay—Rara Avis offers unparalleled privacy and serenity. This property sits at the end of a private drive, where you can relish the soothing sounds of the ocean waves. Immerse yourself in peace while being just minutes away from the vibrant dining, shopping, and nightlife experiences in Cruz Bay. The villa faces southeast, bathing your decks in sunlight from morning to late afternoon, and providing spectacular 180-degree views of St. John's pristine south coast.
Living and Dining: Inside, the living and dining spaces exude the charm of a centuries-old Spanish or Italian villa, featuring a fusion of antique and designer furnishings that strike a perfect balance of comfort and style. Enjoy the spacious deck through screened sliding glass doors that encourage a refreshing indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Host meals at the mahogany dining table that comfortably seats 6-8, or opt for al fresco dining on the sheltered garden patio, perfect for enjoying the Caribbean air.
Kitchen: The kitchen caters to your culinary needs with a 4-burner stove and oven, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, blender, coffee maker, toaster, and a curated selection of dinnerware and cookware. You’ll also find a gas barbeque grill for delightful outdoor cooking.
Bedrooms: Accommodations include two spacious cabanas—both featuring king beds—offering the ultimate in privacy and picturesque views, each with a tiled bath and a charming private deck ideal for serene morning coffee. The lower level of the great house promotes intimacy with two guest bedrooms (twins that convert to a king) sharing a bath and a convenient half bath located off the kitchen.
Rara Avis captures the essence of Caribbean living, surrounded by captivating natural beauty and effortless elegance.
Upon arrival, you'll park above the great house and descend into a beautifully sheltered garden courtyard, where tranquility awaits. The upper level of the great house boasts an expansive great room designed for relaxation and entertaining, featuring living, dining, and kitchen areas, as well as a convenient half bath and laundry room.
Inside, you'll be captivated by the elegant native stonework, soaring cathedral ceilings with exposed beams, charming terra cotta tiled floors, and carefully selected furniture complemented by native artwork. Step out onto the impressive 450 sq ft sun deck on the south side and soak in breathtaking views that take your breath away.
On opposite sides of the great room are two bedroom cabanas, each with a king bed and ensuite bath. External stairways guide you to the lower level, where two inviting bedrooms, a shared bath, and a serene deck await. The pool, nestled in a beautifully landscaped garden setting in front of the west cabana, invites relaxation, while additional private sun decks—including two off the great house—offer the perfect spots for sunbathing. Courtyards, gardens, and inviting walkways gracefully connect each building and the pool area, creating a seamless experience.
Location: Strategically located on a spacious lot in the peaceful southwest corner of Hart Bay—just a quarter-mile from Great Cruz Bay—Rara Avis offers unparalleled privacy and serenity. This property sits at the end of a private drive, where you can relish the soothing sounds of the ocean waves. Immerse yourself in peace while being just minutes away from the vibrant dining, shopping, and nightlife experiences in Cruz Bay. The villa faces southeast, bathing your decks in sunlight from morning to late afternoon, and providing spectacular 180-degree views of St. John's pristine south coast.
Living and Dining: Inside, the living and dining spaces exude the charm of a centuries-old Spanish or Italian villa, featuring a fusion of antique and designer furnishings that strike a perfect balance of comfort and style. Enjoy the spacious deck through screened sliding glass doors that encourage a refreshing indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Host meals at the mahogany dining table that comfortably seats 6-8, or opt for al fresco dining on the sheltered garden patio, perfect for enjoying the Caribbean air.
Kitchen: The kitchen caters to your culinary needs with a 4-burner stove and oven, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, blender, coffee maker, toaster, and a curated selection of dinnerware and cookware. You’ll also find a gas barbeque grill for delightful outdoor cooking.
Bedrooms: Accommodations include two spacious cabanas—both featuring king beds—offering the ultimate in privacy and picturesque views, each with a tiled bath and a charming private deck ideal for serene morning coffee. The lower level of the great house promotes intimacy with two guest bedrooms (twins that convert to a king) sharing a bath and a convenient half bath located off the kitchen.
Rara Avis captures the essence of Caribbean living, surrounded by captivating natural beauty and effortless elegance.
Amenities at Caribbean Cottage with Breathtaking Views and Your Own Private Pool!
Free WiFi/internet
Pool
Non-smoking
TV
Coffee/tea maker
Refridgerator
Kitchen
Balcony/Terrace
WiFi/Internet
Private pool access
Microwave
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Dryer
Kitchenware
No pets allowed
Oven
Stove
Laundry services
Ironing facilities
Hairdryer
Map of Cruz Bay
Ratings and reviews
Summary of reviewsAmazing views, convenient location, breezy atmosphere, helpful staff, and beautiful property with thoughtful amenities make this an ideal place for a relaxing stay.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Mar 2025
We.ve been there 4 times now. ALways great!
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Jan 2025
St John, the way it used to be!Rara Avis is a glimpse of life in USVI from the past.A prefect view, witha perfect layout for a faily who wants individual privacy and a place to celebrate together.The photos do not do it justice.It would be impossible to capture the sheer spirit of Rara Avis.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Dec 2024
Beautiful stunning views and spacious property
6.0 / 10.0Average·Jul 2024
The view is as advertised and is spectacular. However, the property needs a lot of upgrades and cleaning. Screens are very dirty and need to be cleaned. Dishwasher, oven and dryer do not work well. There is no air conditioning which is a problem. The furniture is run down. It seems like it's been quite awhile since the Owner has inspected their property. Even the decorations on the wall are rusted. We will not book at this location again. The Property Management company, Caribbean Villas was great to work with though. We ended up moving our last 2 days to the Westin and had a very enjoyable time there.
$$$$
Top rated by guests
8.9Excellent
(24 Ratings)
Amazing views, convenient location, breezy atmosphere, helpful staff, and beautiful property with thoughtful amenities make this an ideal place for a relaxing stay.
From real guest reviews summarized by AIDon't miss out! Price and availability may change
