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

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

living/dining area. cottage is on the point with pond on two sides
kitchen
closer look at kitchen
closet and bathroom
tent/cottage camouflaged for your privacy. east wall entrance

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 229.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
St. John
  • Virgin Islands National Park
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Trunk Bay
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Cinnamon Bay Beach
    ‪39 min drive‬
  • West End (TOV-West End Seaplane Base)
    ‪280 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining Area

About this property

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
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 12
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
Under twelve
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
Pets not allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Non smoking only

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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

St. John

Located in St. John, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. 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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
St. John

What's nearby

  • Virgin Islands National Park - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Johnson Bay - 4 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Trunk Bay - 31 min drive - 18.8 km
  • Maho Beach - 36 min drive - 12.3 km
  • Cinnamon Bay Beach - 39 min drive - 13.5 km

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?

Checkout 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 Little Lameshur Bay are also within 2 miles (3 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. 24 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 27 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jenny M.

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

Stay in St John

absolutely wonderful. Birds galore, quiet, beauty all around. Our hosts were gracious and always helpful
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Morgan & Mary Ann E.

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

Great adventure

This was an outdoorsy, rustic place, cozy for the 2 of us. It is surrounded by nature, which we loved!
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elke B.

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

Would return in a heartbeat

The tent cottage and its location was exactly what I was hoping for. Within walking distance to several beautiful bays and trails. Having been to Maho Bay Camps when it was in existence, this place brought back wonderful memories. You couldn’t ask for better hosts. Our conversations and special moments will never be forgotten. Thank you!
Stayed 12 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carli R.

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

Great Escape!

Place was just as advertised! Perfect location with great views, within walking distance to beach. Bill and Meredith were awesome hosts.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, communication
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

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mandal

Lovely remote location. Quiet, dark and peaceful.

10/10 Excellent

Viviana C., Germany/Argentina

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

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

About the host

Hosted by Meredith Small

Host profile image
We quit our jobs at age 52, moved to St. John and bought a cement mixer. We have spent the intervening years building our house. (pink roof in the photos). In 2016 we decided to share this wonderful spot and built this tent/cottage. We were inspired by years of camping at Maho Bay Camps and served as staff there from 1997-2000 while getting the house habitable. We are living the dream. We hike and snorkel whenever we want.
When you are our age all your friends can afford airfare! So we have lots of visitors.

Why they chose this property

We chose this location because it is both remote and accessible. We can walk to so many of the places we fell in love with so many years ago. While camping at Maho Bay, Bill would often go on an "around the island" snorkel tour and come back raving about a fabulous spot. Later we found out it was Kiddel Bay. It is a 5 minute walk from us! How lucky we are!

What makes this property unique

It was hard to get used to the idea that the weather here comes from the east - in Maine it comes from the west. The beauty of that is that the early morning sprinkles bring out the most beautiful rainbows over the pond. Such a lovely thing to enjoy over morning coffee.

Languages:

English

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