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simple, affordable with a view

Photo gallery for simple, affordable with a view

part of the bedroom
view of the kitchen
Close up
a different view of the kitchen
a view of the ladder to the loft

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bathroomSleeps 445.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Ocean view

Explore the area

Map
st. john vi
  • Johnson Bay
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Virgin Islands National Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Trunk Bay
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • West End (TOV-West End Seaplane Base)
    ‪272 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining Area

About this property

simple, affordable with a view

While the apartment was renovated after the two 5 categories Hurricanes that affected us on September 2017, the yard and some of the outside walls still need some painting, planting, and recovering the construction process. We now have a broader and easier driveway, a new staircase (although still a lot, around 40), and in the apartment: new flooring, new paint, new fixtures, appliances, and much more. Fortunately, we still have the breathtaking view loved by our guests as well. Are you looking for a peaceful, charming place to stay with a great view? Simplicity is the place for you. The apartment includes queen sized bed and a loft with a full mattress, a small kitchen, and a small bathroom. The Sliding glass doors in the bedroom/living room open to a deck where you can relax with views of turquoise waters, green hillsides, and the neighboring British Virgin Islands. Lounge on the sunny deck and gaze out at the view of the bay over morning coffee, barbeque and dine indoors or outdoors while enjoying the views and trade winds which keep the apartment breezy (There are ceiling fans and an extra floor fan also if needed), or kick back and rest after snorkeling and hiking at nearby VI National Park. If you are lucky enough to be here on the full moon, the silvery ocean is a sight you will not forget. Simplicity is located 10 minutes from white-sand beaches ideal for swimming or sunbathing with plenty of parking and hidden trails to explore, great restaurants, shopping, fishing, boating, and water sports. There are beaches, and a restaurant/bar within walking distance as well. With that said, simplicity is not a luxurious villa, it is a small rustic apartment targeted for the more down-to-earth traveler who wants to explore nature and simple living as there is no air-conditioning, laundry machine and my lively family lives upstairs. Coral Bay offers live music in the evenings at a variety of restaurants and bars where you can sip island drinks or feast. Many yoga and meditation classes are being provided within minutes of the property.
In addition to simplicity, the complex consists of the owner’s main house which is occupied by your host and her two lively sons.
The affordable pricing may let you stay longer, or treat yourself to a day sail or massage.

Property manager

shira sofer
Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Outdoor space
Parking available
Ocean view
Barbecue grill

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Exterior

Welcome to St John!

  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
9.4 out of 10, (63 reviews)
Welcome to St John!

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
$25 extra a night each for third and fourth person smoking is not allowed in the apartment , only outside on the eck
minimum three-night stay

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

St. John

Located in St. John, this apartment is near the bay. While the natural beauty of Virgin Islands National Park and Cinnamon Bay Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Tortola Cruise Ship Port. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and horse riding nearby.
Map
st. john vi

What's nearby

  • Johnson Bay - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Virgin Islands National Park - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Maho Beach - 17 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Cinnamon Bay Beach - 19 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Trunk Bay - 27 min drive - 15.0 km

Getting around

  • St. Thomas (SPB-St. Thomas Seaplane Base) - 81 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Willy T
  • Pirates Bight
  • ‪Skinny Legs - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Windmill Bar - ‬21 min drive
  • 1748 Restaurant

Frequently asked questions

Is simple, affordable with a view pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at simple, affordable with a view?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at simple, affordable with a view?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is simple, affordable with a view located?

Situated near the bay, this apartment building is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument and 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from Virgin Islands National Park. Johnson Bay and Saltpond Bay are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 30 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 30 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 30 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tony S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean and comfortable, fantastic view, fun location

My wife and I stayed for a week. It was exactly as advertised and what we expected. It was clean, well equipped, quiet, and fun. We like the location especially in regards to Salt Pond beach. Is it the fanciest place on St John, no, but its nice and we spend most of our days on the beach. We think it's a nice match to the vibe we love about St. John.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Had a great time!

We had a wonderful stay. Shira was helpful in preparing us for our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janna E., Sauk Centre, Minnesota

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Bay Views

This property has everything you need for your base camp. The breathtaking views are worth the climb. Friendly host and all nature has to offer.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Günter W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Freundlich, familiär, schön gelegen

Die liebenswerte Gastgeberin, eine individuell ausgestattete Wohnung in ruhiger Umgebung und tägliche Grillabende auf der Terrasse mit phänomenaler Aussicht boten einen sehr angenehmen Aufenthalt. Kein Ziel war mehr als 30 Minuten entfernt.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mug S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A quick stay in paradise

Great 3 nights just outside Coral Bay, St John. The unit had everything we needed and more. Shira was a hoot giving us the run down of the unit. Really enjoyed being able to watch the sunrise from bed with a view to of the water... truly magical.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect landing

Perfect landing for a wonderful stay on the Coral Bay side of the island. Everything we needed was here. Shira greeted us warmly and set us up for a great vacation. Easy access to plenty of swimming and snorkeling spots.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Dawn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Affordable Option

The apartment provides everything a couple needs for a week. However, we were surprised to find that the property was directly under the owner's home and that the outdoor deck area lacks privacy and is very small. Although it was not a problem for us, you may want to know that there are approximately 40 stairs leading up from the parking area to the apartment. The friendly little orange kitty, that was a regular visitor, really made our trip.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amanda F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Retreat

Shira was very friendly, communicative, and helpful. Her sons met us and showed us the way when we arrived. Our stay was peaceful and comfortable. Highly recommend renting a Jeep while you are visiting St. John and/or St. Thomas. Most of the roads on both islands are definitely not ideal for smaller cars. Including the driveway at Estate Saint Quaco and Zimmerman.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Denise K., Harshaw

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Calabash abode

Great location amenities and host. Was the perfect perch for us to hang while exploring StJohn
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S., New Haven, CT

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquility

Shira is a lovely host and her place is charming. We enjoyed our stay immensely. The sweeping view of Coral Bay is spectacular and the breezes on the patio are delightful.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Catherine P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay at Coral Bay

Easy communication with Shira, she met us at a local grocery store and showed us to the property. Very private balcony and place, she lives upstairs and we were able to communicate with her if needed but were left to our own devices. We stayed in and cooked our own meals - kitchen was well equipped with some condiments and spices already available to use which was a great touch. October is a humid month, thankfully there was a breeze most nights and there were several fans we could use while leaving the screen doors open. Great location to local beaches and attractions, and phenomenal place for the price. Perfect for couples. Definitely need at least a Rav-4 or Jeep for driveway, low clearance vehicles will not make it up road or driveway without scraping underside. Land surrounding property still cleaning up from hurricane but doesn’t take away from the living space itself.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Marie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Getaway

Shira is a wonderful host! We loved the little apartment, it fit our needs perfectly as we were looking for a slower/more relaxed pace on STJ. Definitely looking forward to our return visit & will stay here again if it’s available.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Michelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Views in a Beautiful Location

We really enjoyed staying here. The view is absolutely unbelievable, and the rental was perfect for the two of us. Shira was a wonderful host and so helpful!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kimere C.

Fabulous!

This experience to Coral Bay was one of the best travel experiences I have ever had. Shira is a wonderful host! You have everything you need for this rural and beautiful island. Perfect place for people ready for an adventure. Such a great gem! Clean and looks exactly like the pictures! You will not be disappointed.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Joan C., Lorette , Manitoba , Canada

Economical and functional

We came to St. John to snorkel and found Calabash Boom a central location to the best reefs. We really enjoyed our private deck with beautiful view and an adjacent area to hang all our wet gear after our day in the water. It has a great BBQ and the kitchen has a 6 burner range and a slow cooker. 2 screened patio doors provided lots of ventilation. Small things are often important and having lots of electrical outlets to charge our assorted electronics came in really handy. Our lovely hostess was helpful but not meddling. In a nut shell the place really worked for us. Thank you Shira!
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Beautiful, AMAZING location!

This place is a true gem. Simple, amazing location, and Shira is an incredible host. My wife and I are both photographers and love to explore the island, and this was by far the best location in all of our stays in the Virgin Islands. It is close to some of the best snorkeling spots on the island, and remote enough that you will be immersed in nature in the best possible way. You will not find a better place if you are looking for a simplicity with the best access to nature on the island. Thank you Shira, we cannot wait to visit again! See you soon, Lisa, Rhode Island
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Karen A.

Fabulous view apartment

Had a great time at Shira's place. She met us in town and led us to her place( beer ready for us in the refrig!), and then got out the map to orient us to the island. The apartment was private and had everything we needed to be comfortable. Excellent price for a stay in Coral Bay. I would definitely recommend her place.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Meghan O.

Simple, clean and peaceful

This little studio has everything you need for a relaxing trip to ST. John. Shira was very easy to reach if we needed anything during our stay. If you are looking for simple, clean and quiet, this is the place. We cooked most of our meals in the kitchen and enjoyed our coffee on the deck overlooking Corral Bay every morning. It's just a short drive to salt pond, beautiful and great snorkeling. Highly recommend the fish 'n chips at Aqua Bistro. The stairs are a bit humbling in the heat, but not too bad once you get used to them. We have wonderful memories of our trip and can't wait to go back. Thank you Shira!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Holly M.

Simple but Beautiful!

Husband and I stayed for a week and had an absolutely amazing time. Shira was a pleasure to deal with, always willing to help with anything we needed. Despite the rain we got snorkel time in every day and was able to return to a nice quiet room to rest and relax. We are NOT resort folk so this place was perfect. If you're looking to get away from people, have your own space to call home with a beautiful view and love enjoying nature, this is the place to stay! Thank you so much Shira for everything. Our vacation started off rocky...and almost didn't happen...but thankfully it did and we appreciate you so much!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Perfect Paradise

My wife and I fell in love with Shira's place. She met us down town to make sure we did it get lost and was incredible nice through out our visit. The place its self had such a beatiful view during the day and an even better one at night. Sitting on the deck at night, looking at the bright stars made the night that much more perfect. The location was perfect for traveling to the beaches and hiking trails. We are already planning our next visit to Shira again!! Recommend to anyone, she is very accomedating and the place its self can sleep a family!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Angela W., Ohio

Simply Wonderful

My husband and I just returned from our first trip to St. John. We chose to stay at Shira's "Simplicity". If you are the "luxury resort" type, Simplicity is not for you. If you want a simple and well-appointed little spot to call home as you get out and really explore the beautiful island of St. John, don't hesitate to book this place. It is simple. It's also one of the most affordable places on the island. It has a view from the deck, and BED, that can't be beat. We literally fell asleep and woke up to views of the Caribbean every night and day. It was clean and appointed with all we needed, right down to a blow dryer for my hair :) The kitchen had all we needed in order to enjoy our breakfasts and lunches in the apartment. The bed is comfy and the ocean breeze and fan's kept us comfortable every night. It was safe and in the perfect location for us since we wanted to be on the quieter side of the island. Shira was kind enough to offer to meet us in Cruz Bay so we could follow her to her place since it was our first time on the island. My husband and I wanted to have a grand adventure on St. John, and that we did. And we are grateful to Shira for providing us with the perfect place to start!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay H.

Awesome deal for a simple place on St. John

If you want a GREAT deal on St. John- this is the place to stay. Clean simple place on the east end with a super view. Great little kitchen too. We came to St. John not for a super fancy hotel or villa, but a great place to come home to for a hot shower and clean comfy bed. We found our place!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Wraith M., -

Pleasant Little Studio with a Great View

We had the good fortune to stay with Shira for a week. The studio is well equipped and the deck offers a beautiful view of the Caribbean sea. We made very good use of the bbq and spent our evenings out on the deck enjoying the stars. The bed is comfortable and the fans provided keep the studio nice and cool. Note: this is not a five start accommodation! Yes, the linoleum tiles are a bit beat up and the patio doors are a bit finicky, but the quality/price ratio is exceptional. For the price Shira offers, the only other option on the island that we have found- we've been to St John several times - is camping in mildew-smelling tents at Cinnamon Bay - which we have done as well. We certainly appreciated the convenience that the studio offers in comparison to camping! The studio has everything you need to enjoy the wonderful island around you! We found it to be a very quiet and relaxing place to stay. Thanks Shira for a great stay!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

2/10 Terrible

Kerstin L.

Very disappointed.

Shira has updated her description of her property since we reserved the apartment several months ago, prior to our arrival in February. Had I understood that her "lively" family lives right above the apartment she rents, I would have kept looking. "Lively" would include 2 nights of being woken up to Shira literally screaming and swearing at her children. The second night, this behavior went on for over an hour and at 11:30, I got up to check for other possible lodging options. We were able to find a more peaceful place to spend the rest of our 4 nights of vacation. We did pay for our entire stay, which I believe, was more than generous, given the conditions we encountered. I told Shira upon leaving that I was on vacation to rest and relax, not be woken up to her yelling and swearing at her kids. If someone is renting their home, they have an obligation and responsibility to be sure that their guests are comfortable during their stay. If this requires her to modify her parenting while guests are in her home, then so be it. Shira is honest in her description of her apartment. It does have a fantastic view. It is simple. I would say though, that it is more shabby than simple. The linoleum tile is cracked and in disrepair. A fresh coat of paint would do wonders. There is a card table on the deck that is covered in shelf liner paper. It rained heavily while we were there and the table top filled up with water and was sloshing back and forth. There is really no where comfortable to sit in the apartment, other than the bed and 1 plastic lawn chair. The TV is tiny-maybe 12-13 inches. The stove is nice--gas and 6 burners. She does also provide beach chairs and a beach umbrella, which is nice. There were 2 adorable cats on the deck most of the time, and we enjoyed hanging out with them. I do not leave negative reviews easily. I do try to look for the positive and do understand that I'm not staying at a high end resort in Cruz Bay. Shira will argue that the rent is very reasonable, and I agree. Just be warned that you do get what you pay for. And again, there is absolutely no excuse for being subjected to her parenting rants. It put us in an awkward position and with 2 very poor nights of sleep. We shouldn't have paid the balance. I would not recommend this rental.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Justin C., Charleston, SC

A dream honeymoon

This was a perfect location and shira is the perfect host recommending locations to eat, snorkel and spots to have an adventure! I had the time of my life with my wife, every single day was an adventure and the house provided a perfect place to have breakfast in the morning overlooking the bay and also a spot at night to see the sunset. The location provided everything you could want in a vacation rental! We had an amazing trip, thanks to a knowledgeable and hospitable host!

About the host

Hosted by shira sofer

Host profile image
A university professor at the university of St. Thomas since 1995, and an artist. Went to school at New York University and currently live and teach on the island.

Why they chose this property

I fell in love with St. John and wanted to spend the rest of my life on this heavenly island.

What makes this property unique

The view is spectacular There is nothing like waking up in the morning or ending your day with the view from my place. Coral bay, where the property is, is peaceful and laid back.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests