Paradise Cove Oceanfront Villas & Suites

We paid a $160 deposit for a January 2016 reservation at Paradise Cove, St Thomas, made a year ahead. After the hurricanes damaged the property, they asked us to hold off rescheduling until October 2018. We sent lots of emails and left many messages, but now the phone is disconnected and the website is gone. They haven't contacted us with any update or offered anything. I feel for what they went through, but we still don't know where our deposit went. Any suggestions for getting it back? Happy New Year 2019.

The view alone is hard to forget. From the balcony, just steps from the room, you can look across the Caribbean Sea, Nazareth Bay, and Secret Harbor. It really took my breath away. There's also a cafe and teahouse on site, so it feels close to all-inclusive even though it isn't. For the money, I don't think another St Thomas hotel beats Paradise Cove Oceanfront Villas & Suites. You might find an ocean-view or oceanfront resort for a little less, but not for what you get here. It's a small B&B with million-dollar views and a great value. I highly recommend it for a Virgin Islands trip. Five stars in my book, and I'll be back.

Paradise Cove sounds like a real find for a low-key stay. One guest said the rooms were comfortable and spacious, the staff helpful and informative, and the grounds had a lovely feel. They slept with the blinds open and watched the sun from their room, with flamboyant trees around the property. Secret Harbor was an easy daily walk for snorkeling and beach time, and the location felt quiet and private while still being convenient. They especially recommended the Cabana-dive package for its room and dive shop connection. Another visitor chose the place for its price, Trip Advisor reviews, and closeness to Red Hook and the St John ferry. They enjoyed the spectacular view, pool, and nearby Secret Harbor beach, which was calm and good for snorkeling. Check-out was extended to 2:30pm for a 5:45pm flight, leaving time to go to the beach and shower. One couple compared it favorably with the Ritz, where they felt they'd paid too much. They praised the views over the blue, clear bay, the evening breeze, the clean room, and the staff, and felt it was a much better value. They said they'd found a home away from home.

Clean, cozy place, and the staff are ready to help with questions. Make time to sit on the terrace once, with coffee and a cognac-soaked cigar while the sun comes up. Doesn't get much better. Enjoy, friends!