Filed under: Romantic Places to Stay in St. John, Romantic St. John | Tags: couples getaway, couples vacations, honeymoon vacation, Romantic getaways, secret rendezvous
What is a Secret Rendezvous? Rendezvous is the anglicisation of the French word Rendez-vous meaning “appointment”. (literally, go to [1]); pronounced /ˈrɒndeɪvuː/ or /ˈrɒndəvuː/ In a general sense, it means any type of meeting, between two persons. But, in a more romantic sense, it is a tryst: a date; usually with a member of the opposite sex. Ideally, a Secret Rendezvous should carry with it a sense of mystery, anticipation or secret longing. By the very fact a secret meeting IS a secret holds special meaning in and of itself– only two special people in the world know the time, the place and the reason.
Or, on a steamier note, try Jazzy Latin Soul goddess Gemma Genanzzano in her hit “Take Me Away” from her album “Si Me Quieres/If You Love Me.” In Gemma’s world, romance is always the song.
St. John, Virgin Islands is one of the most spectacular places in the Caribbean to “get lost.” And … get found at the same time.
Filed under: Romantic Places to Stay in St. John, Romantic St. John | Tags: Private Caribbean Villa
Let’s face it, you don’t go on a honeymoon to spend time with your parents, relatives or your obnoxious cousin Zachary. You want a romantic, private place far, far away from everyone to regain your energy from all the stress and planning of a wedding. And, most of all, you want a place to embrace your romantic side with your partner and without inhibitions of any kind. Hotel honeymoon packages in the Caribbean are very appealing, as they offer a full compliment of service offerings. But, what about the privacy? Where can you go to get just plain goofy, or a little loud or naked even? :-0
That is why romantic honeymoons are so popular on the Island of St. John, US Virgin Islands. St. John is an amzing island that is 2/3 National Park. It is clean and safe with pristine beaches, gourmet restaurants and a sexy quality to the air that is like no other place. Why? Good question. St. John is in the Greater Antilles island chain of the Caribbean to the furthest East. If you look at a Caribbean map you will see that the trade winds blow steadily in a westerly direction all the way from the coast of Africa … and there is a LOT of clear, blue water in-between. AND oxygen. Giving you an island like a giant O2 bar.
But, when it comes to staying somewhere romantic and amazing ; a place where you can find secluded alone time to yourself day or night, St. John delivers. The island is filled with sweet , romantic, private villa rentals to suit any budget. And, when it comes to accomodations, consider staying at a private rental villa instead of the big resort option. Private villa per/night rates are not just for the idle rich, but are actually in many cases comprable or more reasonable than hotel chains. And, the privacy and personal touch cannot be equaled. In addition, all private villas on St. John have kitchens! (What a concept) Enabling you to prepare your own meals or mix your own cocktails or have fun stopping in at a local St. John deli to select your own food depending upon your personal tastes. Not to menition what we never want to mention in today’s economy is that St. John is a rather luxury-priced destination (and worth it), but having a kitchen to prepare meals based on what you want to spend is a darn good practice for undestanding your mate’s tolerance for what is “expensive” and what is “worth it.” The bottom line is this. Nice is nice. Stay in a romantic luxury villa for your honeymoon or next anniversary. You won’t regret it.
- Brian Vanden Broucke
What does it mean to be ROMANTIC?
According to one definition it is “a ‘person’ with ‘romantic’ character; idealistic yet impractical; Passionate and imaginative rather than structured.” For those who know and love St. John, Virgin Islands, this perfectly depicts both the passionate and absurd contrasts found here.
William Shakespeare wrote about the magical madness of romance throughout his career. But, had he experienced St. John, the romantic comedies would have surpassed Hamlet in popularity by far. St. John possesses the rare capacity to evoke one’s most romantic and absurdly passionate desires from within … often defying common logic. Romantic honeymoons magically occur on the beach. Luxury, romantic villas magically appear out of the earth. Visitors by the boatloads magically arrive on St. John if only for an hour. Why? Because St. John is magic. Proof still are the many scholars with multiple advanced degrees found wandering around everywhere. A simple-looking beach bum here might speak 7 languages, or be the founder of the microchip, or turn out to be someone who has changed the world. Case in point: J. Robert Oppenheimer came to St. John after he invented the atomic bomb to “think it over” for a while as he clearly had a lot of thinking to do.
Having lived in St. John for 12 years now, I have learned that people come to live here for (1) one of (2) two reasons–either to”create” themselves or “destroy” themselves … and sometimes they do them both at the same time.
Why? Because nothing is so absurdly and magically beautiful as a down-island view on a sunny, “clear as gin” Technicolor day.
It is romance personified. And, here’s the real secret to enjoyment for all of you looking to capture some fun. You don’t have to lose your mind, quit your job or go broke trying to live here. You can just visit here as often as you like and take a little of St. John’s magic and madness with you–one grain of sand at a time.
View above from Mooncottage, St. John’s Most Romantic Luxury Caribbean Villa
–by Brian VandenBroucke – St. Johnian Madman
Filed under: Guestbook Journal, Romantic St. John | Tags: Honeymoon Villa
In the Spring of 2008, a delightful couple from New York were the inspiring winners of the Brides Manhattan and Mooncottage honeymoon vacation sweepstakes. Read about how they experienced the magical honeymoon they finally could share.
April 2008 – New York, NY “As I sit overlooking the view on our last day at this paradise I try to come up with the words to express how grateful we are for your generosity and hospitality! We were the honeymoon winners for Brides Manhattan! Being here at Mooncottage for the week has enabled us to dream again – it has also given us faith that there is way more beauty and goodness in the world than angst and pain. We finally had what most couples experience from the first day of engagement thru to the honeymoon. The simple pleasure of being in love and enjoying each other! I think you know how special a place this is, as you are spiritual and have built it. Mooncottage has made us hermits – we never wanted to leave. We stocked up on food the first day and only returned when we ran out! My last thought is that your heart and soul went into this home, and you are so generous to open it to all of us to share in it. Jeff and Candy, the attention to detail did NOT go unnoticed! Prince and Rose of Sweet Plantains – professionally driven and humble! The best dining spot on St. John, Hands Down!”
Experience the Zen Caribbean magic of Mooncottage – St. John’s Most Romantic Cottage. Intimate Caribbean, luxury villa rental for two. Breathtaking! http://www.mooncottage.com/contact/
Filed under: Guestbook Journal, Romantic Places to Stay in St. John | Tags: Caribbean Villa, Luxury Villa, Romantic Places to Stay on St. John
December 2008 “As I write this, my husband is on the beautiful patio savoring the stunning view from the top of the mountain that nestles Mooncottage. Although we still have a couple of days to savor, I wanted to take some time to write while the beauty inspired me, and while my new husband sleeps.
Our romance was a whirlwind – six months ago from the first glance to wedding day and all of it long distance. Me in PA and him in NC. A whirlwind. But, we arrived in St. John to dash to the courthouse to get our marriage license and life began to slow down. We drove up the hill through the gates of Mooncottage and peace and tranquility followed. We married on the balcony here, overlooking the beautiful view, and literally began our married life together at Mooncottage. We could not imagine a more peaceful place for us … at plan to return on our anniversaries … to paradise. Your villa is a masterpiece of simplicity, beauty, design and elegance.
As I sit and listen to the sound of the wind chimes, I know that I will carry the sound of those chimes and the beauty of what it represents for me always! “
Experience the Zen Caribbean magic of Mooncottage – St. John’s Most Romantic Cottage. Intimate Caribbean, luxury villa rental for two. Breathtaking! http://www.mooncottage.com/contact/
Filed under: Romantic St. John | Tags: Caribbean Villa, Luxury Villa, Romantic Caribbean Villas, Romantic St. John Cottages
There are many places to stay in St. John, Virgin Islands. There is a size, price point and level of taste to suit just about anyone. Caneel Bay for example is a sublime resort. Expensive, but really beautiful. Concordia is an Eco-resort on the other end of the island–rustic, windblown and fantastic.
But, what if you are looking for a romantic place to stay in St. John, Virgin Islands that will simple blow your mind. Somewhere that you and someone your love can have your very own romantic Caribbean villa rental with unequaled panoramic ocean views and still be ALL BY YOURSELVES. (yippee!)
Here are six (6) reasons why Mooncottage is “the most romantic villa on St. John.”
1. A luxury Caribbean villa that still feels cozy and just right. Day or night, everything about Mooncottage is special—but what makes Mooncottage really special? Well, to begin with, it isn’t too big of a villa–it is a cozy, luxury Caribbean cottage without compare. Unlike larger St. John rentals, you never feel lost at Mooncottage inside or out. Designed to reflect island vacation lifestyle in simple yet elegant manner–it feels just right. And you will feel right at home in this unique and private Caribbean rental home. (view photos of the cottage)
2. A Caribbean honeymoon locale with ridiculous views, more privacy and pure romance. Although intimate, Mooncottage is a luxury Caribbean villa offering everything you want from from an island rental. A private, natural ambiance surrounds your senses with magical tropical sounds at night and brilliant turquoise colors by day. Our deep, solar-heated pool always invites a refreshing dip. Although St. John and its world-class beaches are only minutes away, Mooncottage’s 5-star Virgin Island views, soft trade breezes, architectural charm will keep you close by day–but the romantic Caribbean skies under the moon and stars will simply blow your mind by night.
3. A St. John Villa with a romantic stone bedroom overlooking the pool, gardens and an endless Caribbean view. A romantic stone master bedroom only steps from your pool overlooking the Caribbean features a teak four poster bed fashioned by a brilliant St. John artist that welcomes you with open arms; guaranteed not to squeak. (as if anyone would hear you) A bubbling Koi pond in the lush landscaped gardens will lull you to sleep. Two (2) full indoor baths, two (2) additional outdoor showers accommodate any romantic mood. The bedroom is of native stone quarried from our hillside. It feels as though it has always been there…because it has!
4. Zen Caribbean architecture offers a luxury Caribbean cottage with great Feng Shui. A romantic Caribbean island rental should have a special look and feel–and Mooncottage delivers. Zen Caribbean architecture, a full gourmet kitchen, living and dining area are all housed under a traditional West Indian hardwood plantation roof. Large energy-efficient ceiling fans and northeast trade breezes keep you cool and comfortable day or night in any season. And, the wrapping 360 degree veranda encircles the entire main pavillion, allowing outdoor enjoyment rain or shine to the pool, views of the sea, Coral Bay, the courtyard gardens … or just one another. (see personal photos a romantic couple shared about St. John and Mooncottage)
5. Be romantically alone or share your special St. John villa rental with friends and save. Mooncottage is a very flexible Caribbean rental villa. Although Mooncottage caters to romantic couples looking for the ultimate Caribbean honeymoon or anniversary hideaway, there may times when you may want to share your Caribbean cottage with a close friend or family member. Mooncottage will make everyone feel uniquely comfortable. A second queen size daybed and full bath are located in the main pavilion offering some of the most stunning night time Virgin Island views imaginable. (view breathtaking sunrise photos)
6. A Caribbean Island rental villa that is oh so privately romantic and personalized. Mooncottage is a luxury St. John rental cottage, but in a very secluded location. If you wish to be sans clothes or left alone, no one will see or bother you. You will love how the natural pink fossilized coral stone feels under your bare feet. We know almost everyone on St. John and in Coral Bay, so if there’s something special you have in mind for your Caribbean honeymoon or vacation, we can customize your experience to order. A gourmet meal or a private massage, a sailing, snorkeling or scuba adventure in the crystal clear Virgin Island waters–name it. The coziness and splendor of nature will caress you. The amenities and services of St. John’s most romantic villa will pamper you. Whether on a Honeymoon, Anniversary, vacation or secret rendezvous—Mooncottage always delivers something special.
Read and see for yourself what other romantic couples like you have said about Mooncottage.
Experience the Zen Caribbean magic of Mooncottage – St. John’s Most Romantic Cottage. Intimate Caribbean, luxury villa rental for two. Breathtaking! http://www.mooncottage.com/contact/
Filed under: Romantic St. John | Tags: Caribbean Villa, Luxury Villa, Romantic St. John
St. John, Virgin Islands is one of the most romantic places on earth and there are exceptional romantic villas and cottages to be found if you know where to look. But, if you still need more romantic reasons to come to St. John with someone you love, well then here are 5 to get your juices flowing.
1. St. John, US Virgin Islands is known as the “Jewel of the Caribbean.” A National Park and Caribbean island paradise. Beach weddings and honeymoons by the score take place here every year. So, if you are in the mood for one of those magical life moments, bring a jewel to the Jewel of the Caribbean (in the shape of a ring) and put it on your lover’s hand at sunset overlooking a down-island view like this.
2. But, you DON’T have to get married to enjoy St. John because romance is everywhere to be found here. Swimming by day is amazing, but, swimming at night on Trunk Bay in the summertime is romance personified. Hold each others’ hand in the shallow waters on the beach and watch how the multicolored streams of light created by your clasped hands moving through the phosphorescent plankton (single celled algae called bioluminescent dinoflagellates) “light your fire.”
3. Take a picnic backpack hike and a bottle of wine at dusk from Salt Pond up to Ram’s Head. Full moon hikes to Rams Head are magical– a little hot in the afternoon, that’s why night is better. There you will get a 360 degree view of all of St. John the neighboring Caribbean islands. Stand at the edge of the cliffs, feel the wind in your face and wax poetic to each other about all the things you love about each other. You are at at ultimate Caribbean “lover’s leap” after all … but please, don’t!
4. Stay up later than usual because you are on vacation. Don’t just LOOK at the stars, lay on your back and STARE at the stars before the moon comes out. They are often so bright in Caribbean you can read a book by them. But this is NO time for reading. Legend says that if you stare at the stars long enough, your eyes will become so deep your lover can see your soul. Give it a try.
5. Have you ever longed to sail with pirates? Well, you can sail to a spot where you can still almost still see them. Norman Island, British Virgin Islands is just across the bay from St. John. It was the romantic inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel “Treasure Island.” It first came to the attention of the western world in 1493 when Christopher Columbus sailed through the area and named them the Islas Virgines because of their untouched beauty. Although the romantic beauty of St. John is still relatively untouched, it is right within your grasp. Why wait!
by Brian VandenBroucke – Experience the Zen Caribbean magic of Mooncottage – St. John’s Most Romantic Cottage. Intimate Caribbean, luxury villa rental for two. Breathtaking! www.mooncottage.com
Filed under: Guestbook Journal
June 2009 – Woodstock, GA “What a wonderful week we had here again this year. 3rd trip back. This once a year treat fuels the mind to handle all that awaits in the “real world.” The lesson to learn is to let your mind come during the real world to make each day, a “Mooncottage” Day! I just need to find a way to record the wind chimes and other special sounds and take it back! Maybe you should record and sell it! Thank you for sharing this special place once again. We look forward to our next visit to Mooncottage.”
Experience the Zen Caribbean magic of Mooncottage – St. John’s Most Romantic Hideaway. Intimate Caribbean, luxury villa rental for two. Breathtaking! www.mooncottage.com
Filed under: Guestbook Journal
Lejune Camp, NC – April 2009 “My wife loved the road up the hill! She just cracked up the whole time up! Now I know why you said “man, you need a four wheel drive.” When you arrive here at Mooncottage, you still don’t believe it. It’s like Christmas waiting to see something that you know you will like. However, you still have some apprehension. Gentle music was playing and Jeff was great. OKAY OKAY. I’ll get to the cottage. YOU REALLY CAN’T DESCRIBE IT. My wife says “Tranquility.” Myself, being a Marine for 12 years now, I guess I’m supposed to say something brutal. Ha! However, this is what I wanted. It is absolutely BREATHTAKING! As a Marine I am always being deployed somewhere overseas, I was fortunate to not go into Iraq or Afghanistan this last tour, Woo Woo! The views just tell you to STOP! Look at Me! And I did. For an hour at first! The night sky was gorgeous. We had one bird sing to us all night and the hummingbirds in the day were priceless. Oh god … I am writing on the last page of this guest book. This morning I awoke to a morning view that was simply ridiculous! As someone who has been all over the world and seen some beautiful things and some horrendous things, this place, when you sit down, download, decompress, and just sit and look is …. Wow! I damn near came to tears. I’m here in a beautiful place, with my wife sleeping in the room next door, and I am at PEACE!!! I broke, the tears are here. (suck it up Marine) No way! I’m here and there in no place else I’d rather be.”
Experience the Zen Caribbean magic of Mooncottage – St. John’s Most Romantic Hideaway. Intimate Caribbean, luxury villa rental for two. Breathtaking! www.mooncottage.com
Collinsville, IL “What a beautiful honeymoon this has been! We were married on Trunk Bay on June 11th then made our way to Mooncottage. What a fabulous view! It was so relaxing to feel the constant wind and read a book or two or take a dip in the pool. This is by far the best trip we have taken together. Mooncottage just makes you feel that you need to relax and enjoy the surroundings. I can’t imagine a better place to spend the first week of marriage!”
Experience the Zen Caribbean magic of Mooncottage – St. John’s Most Romantic Hideaway. Intimate Caribbean, luxury villa rental for two. Breathtaking! www.mooncottage.com

