Apartment in Cruz Bay
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Well priced for this locationPriced under area average
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About this apartment rental
Totally 'remade' in 2018, Sonnenskuss is perched 250' above sea level and Mongoose Junction ( an extraordinarily beautiful architectural landmark ) on the edge of the National Park, yet, only 3 blocks from the center of Cruz Bay - an ideally convenient location. We are ready to offer you the warmest welcome with the utmost respect for your privacy. It is an oasis of relaxation and seclusion, completely surrounded by greenery and fabulous views.
NP mountain forests are displayed thru an entire northern window wall and the Cruz Bay waterfront, distant St. Thomas, the western sky and everyday sunsets are viewed thru the west wall of Pella glass & screen sliders or from the deck.
Located at the north end of the greater residence, hence, protected from southern exposure, the apartment enjoys a well-shaded interior - space white & bright and accepting of the cooling trade winds passing thru. Ceilings are high. The bedroom is large with a quality, king mattress. The bath is also large and well stocked. The kitchen/studio is fully equipped and interconnected with the bedroom thru two 6' wide archways.
A single, private parking bay (exclusive for apartment guests) is located below an ascending masonry staircase which passes a large, interestingly sculpted waterfall/birdbath surrounded by lush tropical foliage. From the staircase end, one proceeds along a shaded catwalk toward a stand of bamboo and apartment deck. The deck faces the water & sunsets and overlooks garden vegetation. Keep the feeder supplied with sugar and let the bananquits & finches entertain you. Rise early and you'll probably see deer or an occasional donkey eating that same garden.
Sonnenskuss is easily found by walking or driving (all guests in need are picked up/dropped off at the ferry) 4 blocks from the ferry dock to the far end of Mongoose Junction. From there, turn into the parking lot, proceed 100', and turn left up the concrete road. 3 switchbacks follow - a right, then a left - and Sonnenskuss staircase is on the right, just before the 3rd switchback.
Mongoose Junction is unquestionably an architectural gem exuding a powerful Caribbean ambience & energy. Thanks to a local treasure - artist/architect/builder Glenn Speer - MJ is a wonderful m'elange of shops, salons, indoor/outdoor restaurants, a deli & a taproom/brewery - a delightful convenience a mere 900' 'down the hill' (even for just the morning paper or freshly brewed coffee). Warning: the walk back up can seem twice as long.
The National Park Headquarters Building & rec field is directly across the street from MJ, and Lind Pt. trail (behind bldg.) leads to Salomon, Honeymoon & Caneel Bay beaches (20-30 min.) - very convenient for those not renting a vehicle (& great exercise!)
NP mountain forests are displayed thru an entire northern window wall and the Cruz Bay waterfront, distant St. Thomas, the western sky and everyday sunsets are viewed thru the west wall of Pella glass & screen sliders or from the deck.
Located at the north end of the greater residence, hence, protected from southern exposure, the apartment enjoys a well-shaded interior - space white & bright and accepting of the cooling trade winds passing thru. Ceilings are high. The bedroom is large with a quality, king mattress. The bath is also large and well stocked. The kitchen/studio is fully equipped and interconnected with the bedroom thru two 6' wide archways.
A single, private parking bay (exclusive for apartment guests) is located below an ascending masonry staircase which passes a large, interestingly sculpted waterfall/birdbath surrounded by lush tropical foliage. From the staircase end, one proceeds along a shaded catwalk toward a stand of bamboo and apartment deck. The deck faces the water & sunsets and overlooks garden vegetation. Keep the feeder supplied with sugar and let the bananquits & finches entertain you. Rise early and you'll probably see deer or an occasional donkey eating that same garden.
Sonnenskuss is easily found by walking or driving (all guests in need are picked up/dropped off at the ferry) 4 blocks from the ferry dock to the far end of Mongoose Junction. From there, turn into the parking lot, proceed 100', and turn left up the concrete road. 3 switchbacks follow - a right, then a left - and Sonnenskuss staircase is on the right, just before the 3rd switchback.
Mongoose Junction is unquestionably an architectural gem exuding a powerful Caribbean ambience & energy. Thanks to a local treasure - artist/architect/builder Glenn Speer - MJ is a wonderful m'elange of shops, salons, indoor/outdoor restaurants, a deli & a taproom/brewery - a delightful convenience a mere 900' 'down the hill' (even for just the morning paper or freshly brewed coffee). Warning: the walk back up can seem twice as long.
The National Park Headquarters Building & rec field is directly across the street from MJ, and Lind Pt. trail (behind bldg.) leads to Salomon, Honeymoon & Caneel Bay beaches (20-30 min.) - very convenient for those not renting a vehicle (& great exercise!)
Map of Cruz Bay
Ratings and reviews
10 / 10Outstanding·Apr 2025
This was a wonderful location near Cruz Bay that allowed easy access to restaurants as well as the national park. We had a great time and would stay again.
10 / 10Outstanding·Mar 2025
Gary’s place was great. Clean, open, and nice. The walk down the hill to town and restaurants was easy. We had a jeep the whole time and explored the entire island. Mark, the property caretaker, was easy to get ahold of and gave us some great info. St John is a special place, we can’t wait to get back there!
10 / 10Outstanding·Jan 2024
The place is close to town, even walkable, yes, walkable. It's a drop dead gorgeous view. Everything we needed was very easy, the host truly went above and beyond. Thank you!
5 / 10·Dec 2021
Writing a great review for our recent stay at Gary’s place in St. John will be giving away the secret of this little gem we found; however, it is well deserved! This was our first trip to St. John and Gary was a wonderful host all the way from our pre-booking questions to seeing us off on our last day. Gary picked us up at the ferry and dropped us back off at the end of our stay. He also stopped at the store so we could grab some snacks/beverages, and was always available if we needed anything or had a question about the island. Also supplied were a cooler, beach towels, and chairs to borrow if needed.
There are many positives to mention about how this place made our stay great. The location is so convenient being just a short walk to the town of Cruz Bay – the walk back up the hill is a little steep, but well worth the accessibility to restaurants and shopping, since we do not like to drive to get everywhere while on vacation. We did not rent a vehicle and were able to get around walking and by taxi, or there is a bus too, but we never used it. One day we saw a lot of the island via a tour booked through Virgin Island Expedition Company – we highly recommend using this company!!!
Another great thing about Gary’s place and the location was how secluded we felt nestled in the amazing landscape of the property. Instead of being in a busy hotel/condo, the studio apartment makes you feel like you are in your own little world, with a private balcony and a fabulous unobstructed view of Cruz Bay where the view and sunsets are incredible!
If you stumble on this gem, do not hesitate to book it, we know you’ll have an amazing time and love everything about the property.
THANK YOU, Gary for everything, especially your hospitality and for making our first trip to St. John so wonderful. We’ll be back! Cheers! Jackie & Lenny
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Top rated by guests
9.8Outstanding
(41 Ratings)
"This was a wonderful location near Cruz Bay that allowed easy access to restaurants as well as the national park. We had a great time and would stay again."
Corey K.Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
