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Luxury Tent/cottage On Nat'l Park Pond Walking Dist. To Snorkeling & Park Trails

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Exterior
Beach towels
Beach towels
Interior
Unclassified image, 5 of 14, button

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 230 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor Space
  • Kitchen

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Luxury Tent/cottage On Nat'l Park Pond Walking Dist. To Snorkeling & Park Trails

Absolute privacy in the southeast corner of beautiful St. John, our tent/cottage is located on the waterfront of the largest salt pond on the island. It has a 180 degree uninterrupted view of the National Park. It is easy walking distance to Lameshur Bay, Grootpan Bay, Kiddel Bay, and Salt Pond Bay (some of the best snorkeling on island). A great half-day hike takes you to Reef Bay where you can walk through the ruins of the last remaining sugar plantation on island, see the pre-Columbian petroglyphs and the Great house where the overseer would have lived.

The Kitchen has everything you wished you had the last time you went camping: small fridge, running water, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, 2 burner Colman stove, tableware for 4. There is a small Weber grill on the deck. Bath with shower and toilet. Passive solar water tank.

Bear in mind that this is a canvas roof and when there are strong winds (called Christmas Winds) it can be noisy.

Property manager

Meredith Small

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Electric kettle
  • Toaster
  • Paper towels
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided
  • Soap
  • Hair dryer
  • Toilet paper

Entertainment

  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: non smoking only

Location highlights

  • On the waterfront
  • In a rural location
  • Near the bay

Things to do

  • Kayak on site
  • Swimming nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 320 sq ft (30 sq m)
  • Property does not allow children

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Property grounds

Couples Retreat, King Bed, Wi-Fi, Cable TV, A/C, Close to Cruz Bay

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 12

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed
Note from host: pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children
Note from host: under twelve

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
Onsite 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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Map
St. John

What's nearby

  • Virgin Islands National Park - 16 min walk
  • Cinnamon Bay - 12 min drive
  • Trunk Bay - 31 min drive
  • Maho Beach - 36 min drive
  • Cinnamon Bay Beach - 39 min drive

Getting around

  • St. Thomas (SPB-St. Thomas Seaplane Base) - 100 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Skinny Legs - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Windmill Bar - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Greengo’s - ‬30 min drive
  • ‪Sun Dog Cafe - ‬30 min drive
  • ‪Shambles - ‬24 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Luxury Tent/cottage On Nat'l Park Pond Walking Dist. To Snorkeling & Park Trails pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Luxury Tent/cottage On Nat'l Park Pond Walking Dist. To Snorkeling & Park Trails?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Luxury Tent/cottage On Nat'l Park Pond Walking Dist. To Snorkeling & Park Trails?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Luxury Tent/cottage On Nat'l Park Pond Walking Dist. To Snorkeling & Park Trails located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument and Virgin Islands National Park. Saltpond Bay and Saltpond Bay Beach are also within 15 minutes.

Luxury Tent/cottage On Nat'l Park Pond Walking Dist. To Snorkeling & Park Trails Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 23 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 23 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 23 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 23 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 23 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
I wouldn’t want to experience St. John any other way. This is on a very quiet area of the island. Far from the tourists. I am a camper/ backpacker. I seek remote areas to be close to nature. This was perfect. This is not a hotel. It’s also not camping. You have some luxuries that are certainly appreciated. St. John is an expensive trip and this fit my budget. The owners are so sweet and helpful. They offered so much insight into the areas we wanted to explore. Without question, the most helpful hosts I’ve ever had in my travels. If I find my way back to St. John again, I will most definitely stay here again!
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Henry

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were fortunate to have stayed here for 9 nights…can’t think of a better place for our trip! Meredith and Bill are consummate hosts…quick to fulfill a need, wealth of knowledge when asked…they obviously love this island and sharing what it has to offer! They provide reference materials about the island as well as maps for snorkeling. If you are looking for a resort feel…lounging by the pool deck, having to choose which restaurant to walk to - this is not the place. However, if you are looking to be a part of nature, sleeping with sounds of frogs and night herons, waking to birds enjoying fruit on cactuses outside your screened porch, looking down on the bird activity on a salt pond (we even had 6 flamingos arrive!) or walking a short distance to snorkel in choice of 2 bays…this is definitely for you. There is an awesome market 3 miles from here…they make their own hummus and desserts and will even season the fresh fish you purchase if asked. Would we stay again…most definitely!
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Douglas H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Virgin Islands Cottage hosted by Bill and Meredith Small
Location was very close to various beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Also nice hikes. Small town Atmosphere. Only down side was the bugs. My wife and I are used to wilderness camping so this was just a medium inconvenience. Our hosts exceeded our expectations.
Stayed 11 nights in Jan 2023

2/10 Terrible

Ann E.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Luxury Tent - NOT!
Luxury Tent? NOT! Don’t be fooled or enticed by the low price and remote location. This so-called “luxury tent” was a nightmare. It was heavily infested with no-see-ums that gave us multiple bites despite our frequent deet applications. There were ants and lizards that came in easily through cracks in the side screens and the flooring and the "sun heated" shower was a cold trickle. But the worst was the thunderously loud flapping of the double top of canvas and tarp in the nightly gusty winds, which awakened us multiple times each night. Fortunately, we found alternative housing once we realized that the challenges could not be overlooked or overcome.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth H.

Liked: Cleanliness
LOVED IT SO MUCH
My fiancé and I had a wonderful time staying here! Meredith and Bill were incredible and welcoming hosts. They had lots of great recommendations for hikes and snorkeling. We loved starting our days drinking coffee on the the little patio and watching all the birds in the salt pond and then finishing our days with star gazing. The location is perfect and within walking distance to hikes, beaches and the bus stop. The beds were comfortable and there is even a ceiling fan! We would definitely recommend staying here and we hope to return again soon!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2022

6/10 Okay

Vera L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mandal Estate
It is a good place for camping if you are used to camp in the woods. You will have to use bug spray 3 times a day. Two rocky beaches nearby, you need a car to get to a sandy beach. It is like living in a tent. Some birds were loud at night. This place has the most beautiful stars in the night sky. Lots of deer, Mongoose, Hermit crabs and iguanas on the property. Owners are very friendly and hospitable. Lots of places to hike in the national park.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

David W.

Liked: Cleanliness
One week in a tent on St. John USVI
This is a beautiful space away from the regular tourists attractions. We had wonderful trails for hiking and bays to ourselves much of the time.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jody N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Right by the national park! Best snorkeling
The hosts were so amazing and truly love to share their experience- the tent cabin was perfect for us to unplug and enjoy! Thanks for an amazing week! See you again!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

CHARLES N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet, Peaceful Tent/Cottage with Beautiful Views
Ideal location and far away from the crowds of St Thomas and the hotels closer to Cruz Bay. A perfect setting, off the beaten path, at the end of a dirt road. Bill and Meredith are ideal hosts for this fully equipped tent/cottage. Wonderful views of the Salt pond from inside or outside on the deck. Lots of birds and near quiet beaches and snorkeling. Highly recommend this very private place Charlie and Janice
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
As unplugged as you wanna be!
We had a perfectly serene week at Mandahl Cottage. Meredith and Bill were the most accommodating and knowledgeable hosts, even picking us up at the ferry when we arrived since our rental car wasn’t yet available. You won’t meet two warmer people. We enjoyed the peace and relaxation of this tucked away location on the island. It was convenient to all the hiking and snorkeling we wanted to do. We could just pick a place, throw on our gear, and be there in the blink of an eye. We loved waking up to the hummingbirds and view of the salt pond in the morning and sitting on the porch to enjoy the stars at night. We didn’t use the Wi-fi much, but it was reliable whenever we needed it. We cooked breakfast and dinner most days and the kitchen worked well for us. When we visit St. John this will be our go to place for sure!

10/10 Excellent

RACHEL K., Seattle

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfectly Peaceful
We had an amazing week in our beautiful tent. There is no better place to soak up the splendor of the USVI, not to mention our fantastic hosts Bill and Meredith who made us feel like old friends from the start. We will be making a yearly trip to this location from here on out. Do yourself a favor and stay at this property, it was life giving. Much love! - Rachel and Daniel
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alison M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful spot on St. John!
Beautiful tent/cabin overlooking a salt pond. So peaceful and quiet...this made the perfect base camp for my husband and I to explore this beautiful island. You can walk to Salt Pond Bay, Ram’s Head Trail, Grootpan and Kiddel Bay. We did rent a jeep for the week after much debate and I’m glad we did bc it let us explore the north shore beaches, as well as other trails (Brown Bay trail, Petrolyphs, etc). Meredith and Bill were the perfect hosts...great with communication before our trip and gave us info for places to explore and hike. They know St John well! We had such a good time and it was hard to leave!
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Akshay B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing hosts and incredible location
I can't say enough about the hosts (Meredith and Bill), they are the most friendliest and caring people we have met. Apart from making our stay comfortable, they gave us so many useful tips for places to explore. We went with their recommendation to walk down to kiddel bay for snorkeling (2 minute walk from their place) and saw more fishes than in trunk bay or maho! we also took the cabritte horn point trail on their suggestion and had a great time. Meredith and Bill invited us to watch sunset from an very pretty location which we otherwise wouldn't have been privy to. They took care of our every needs including drinking water. They were really great company to have and had a good balance of providing us our privacy while making us part of the local experience. Will surely be staying at this place again in the future, by far the best hosts we have met :)

10/10 Excellent

Julie Z., Lititz, PA USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Cottage stay in St John
Island paradise...snorkeling, hiking, relaxing at the beach. We rented a Jeep for the week which made it nice to go to the market and explore different areas on the island. It’s a short walk from the cottage to 2 very nice beach areas that are fairly private. The cottage was perfectly described. We had complete privacy but if needed Bill & Meredith were available. The ceiling fan was great at night. A fun adventure that we hope to continue sometime soon. Thank you Bill & Meredith for your hospitality.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

Kate H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mandal
Lovely remote location. Quiet, dark and peaceful.

10/10 Excellent

Viviana C., Germany/Argentina

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice place in contact with nature
Very comfortable tent/cottage in real contact with the superb surrounding nature. Spectacular view of the pond. Meredith and Bill very helpful. Their love is reflected in every detail. We hope to be back soon again! Thanks a lot!!!

10/10 Excellent

chris b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Do not pass up on this place.
My wife and I stayed here for three nights after spending eight days sailing BVI and it was exactly what we were looking for. Meredith and Bill are one of a kind and bent over backwards to make sure our stay was perfect (Meredith and Bill even gave us spring suits and fins to go snorkeling). Pictures do not do this place justice. The beds were comfortable and waking up every morning looking out over the salt lake was so refreshing. A great snorkel spot is within walking distance and a sandy beach is right up the road (3 minute drive). I will absolutely be coming back with my wife for as long as Bill and Meredith will have us.

10/10 Excellent

Denise D.

Wonderful, peaceful stay
Estate Mandal was exactly as advertised - a very peaceful cabin in a terrific location. We could walk to the best snorkeling we found on the entire island, and we were usually the only ones there. Meredith was just over the top wonderful. She out of her way to make our stay comfortable, and was so helpful and accommodative. If you want an island vacation that’s off the beaten path - this is the place. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Thomas D., Hiram

Economical and convenient for snorkeling and hiking
Lodging is half cabin, half tent with beds, bath and basic kitchen. Very scenic location on a salt pond just 5 minute walk to ocean and pebble beach. No ac and can get warm midday. Best to be out and about during heat of day. Coral Bay is about 10 minutes away with restaurants, equipment rental and tours. The hosts were very attentive and helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kim S.

Wonderful escape to enjoy nature and quiet but convenient for all St John adventures
Meredith and Bill were warm and generous hosts. They have created a thoughtfully designed and equipped tent cottage that is perfect for two. I traveled with my teenaged daughter, our first return to St John after long ago Maho Bay stays. We fell in love with this part of the island, especially Kiddel Bay (it served as our private and most amazing snorkeling destination), Salt Pond/Ram's Head and the low-key activity of Coral Bay. The beds were comfortable and the outfitted kitchen made it easy to prepare simple meals. We did rent a jeep, which at first felt disappointing because I craved a low impact getaway, but it allowed us to hike and snorkel many places during a short 5-day stay. Bill and Meredith offered great suggestions for places to go, the tent was equipped with books and maps, and we also used the Hiking Project app, which details 29 hikes on St John. We are grateful for all that Bill and Meredith did to make our trip wonderful and will definitely return to their special cottage.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Douglas L.

Very well kept and exactly as advertised.
Meredith and bill were great! They gave us our privacy but we’re there to help when we needed it. The property was nice and secluded which made for great star gazing! Hope to come back again soon.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2019