'Oooolala' ....you'll love this vacation home... 'iola'

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Entire home

Sun deck facing east to British Virgin Islands, Tortola.

You get the top level and top of hillside gardens.

Wrap-around deck view to west is one of sea views.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4181.2 sq m

Popular amenities

Parking available
Kitchen
Barbecue grill
Outdoor space
Air conditioning
Mountain view

Explore the area

St John, Caribbean

Virgin Islands National Park
‪9 min walk‬
Johnson Bay
‪5 min drive‬
Trunk Bay
‪14 min drive‬
West End (TOV-West End Seaplane Base)
‪297 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

second bedroom/sleeping porch

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Balcony

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

You'll find villa 'iola' nestled atop 'Sugarbird Hill' and off the beaten path for a truly island feel in Coral Bay. Discover the pleasing, out of the way neighborhood beaches and hiking trails.
From 'Iola' you'll partake in stunning beach and ocean views to the east and west and also virgin national park mountain views to the north from huge custom-made mahogany arched windows and your deck.
This villa sits on its own, lush, out of the way acre .of land
Gaze from John Folly Bay, past Treasure Island' and out to the BVI. With a turn you'll see the other side of the island at Grootpan Bay to the ocean. Enjoy an open floor plan and high vaulted beamed ceiling on the upper level.
The large upper kitchen is granite and well equipped for making your own gourmet delights Enjoy lounging in the sea breezes of the tradewinds from the screened open air porch.
Have an elegant twilight evening barbecuing in the brick and stone upper level courtyard.

HONEYMOONER'S welcome: Iola is really the 'penthouse' for honeymooner's. It is open, large and airy. hear the surf sounds, birds and nature. beside the ocean you will also view the untouched hillsides of the National Park's Minna Hill. Easy assess to beaches and restaurants. It's just a 5 minute walk to 'The Tourist Trap' outdoor bar/restaurant where you grab a bite and the bus if you don't want to drive.

Property manager

Philip Jones

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Parking available

Mountain view

Barbecue grill

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Similar properties

Ocean view
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 12

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Children age 12 and over only, please

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Smoking is allowed outdoors.

Shoes must come off at the door, like the Japanese to keep everything clean and happy. We have real asian rugs.

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 recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

St. John

Located in St. John, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the sea. 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.

St John, Caribbean

What's nearby

Virgin Islands National Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
Johnson Bay - 5 min drive - 3.9 km
Trunk Bay - 14 min drive - 15.1 km
Maho Beach - 24 min drive - 11.7 km
Cinnamon Bay Beach - 28 min drive - 13.0 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

The Willy T
Pirates Bight
‪Skinny Legs - ‬8 min drive
‪The Windmill Bar - ‬25 min drive
1748 Restaurant

Frequently asked questions

Is 'Oooolala' ....you'll love this vacation home... 'iola' pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at 'Oooolala' ....you'll love this vacation home... 'iola' ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 'Oooolala' ....you'll love this vacation home... 'iola' ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 'Oooolala' ....you'll love this vacation home... 'iola' located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Virgin Islands National Park and Saltpond Bay. Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument and Johnson Bay are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Lee W.

1 Apr 2025

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

Fantastic property

My wife and I spent a week at Iola and had a fantastic visit. The property and hosts are wonderful. The various outdoor terraces and places to sit and enjoy really are amazing - we were able to look up at the stars nightly. Inside, everything is exactly as listed/pictured. We’d absolutely want to stay here again, and if you have the chance to book this property you won’t be disappointed!

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

John G.

3 Mar 2025

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

Heavenly

Arriving at Iola is like having a happy dream. Lovely scenery, many places to sit and enjoy beautiful perspectives on the property. Beautifully decorated. Comfortable and quiet. We enjoyed Ringo’s visits, the crabs, the hummingbirds, and the beautiful breezes.

Stayed 11 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine R.

17 Jan 2025

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

Wish I could give 10 stars!

Truly the most incredible property with the most incredible hosts. I only wish I could rate this property higher than 5 stars. From the stunning scenery to the impeccable and beautifully-kept house to the friendly and informative hosts. Everything was literally perfect, and we will return to Iola the first chance we get!

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Danny W.

14 Feb 2025

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

Iola

Directions were a little challenging but once we got here we were treated like guests. We got a tour of the Very Spacious home. Well built, beautiful with gorgeous views. This is a place where you want to cozy down and get lost in the ambiance. You must visit Crab city just off your side porch. Hundreds of crabs that entertained us. Feed them!! Spaghetti, crackers, tuna fish, it was gone in minutes. Host were very nice & answered any questions. We would definitely stay again & recommend all our friends.

Stayed 11 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

9 Feb 2025

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

Peace in Paradise

Iola is an idyllic apartment with plenty of room inside and out to spread out and relax. The views are incredible as are the breezes you enjoy being up on a lush green hill. This place is great for those who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle and stay on the quiet side of St. John. You feel secluded but are only minutes from Salt Pond Beach and Rams Head Trailhead. Restaurants in Coral Bay are a 10 minute drive and North Shore beaches 20 to 30 minutes. Definitely need a 4 wheel drive vehicle to access your parking and really enjoy driving all over this beautiful island. Jones and Margie were gracious hosts making us feel welcome along with allowing us privacy while we enjoyed their expansive rental. High quality and very comfortable accommodations. .

Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather C.

7 Apr 2024

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

Relaxing, beautiful stay

We so enjoyed our time at Iola. House was beautiful and location was great. Close to hiking trails, snorkeling, and a beach. Views from all around were beautiful. Would definitely stay here again!

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

carla D.

28 Feb 2023

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

Lovely home and location

Have stayed here multiple times and always have a very relaxing vacation .

Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

14 Feb 2024

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

Wonderful stay

Perfect - thoughtfully appointed, beautiful, even better than the pictures. We really enjoyed our stay, I just can’t say enough about how much we enjoyed our time at Iola.

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Launa S.

3 Jan 2025

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

An amazing spot high on a hill on the quiet side of the island

We loved everything! The view is spectacular so high on the hill above Salt Pond. There is a big open main room with two seating areas, two dining tables. Two comfortable beds (plus an air mattress) with one of the beds on the porch overlooking the ocean below. Kitchen is well-equipped and the property is beautifully maintained. More importantly, the hosts Margie and Jones, who live on the ground floor, are just so kind and warm. This location, a few miles beyond Coral Bay, is best for travelers who want to get away from it all, who like hiking and the more remote beaches. We loved being able to walk down to Salt Pond beach (a hilly 20 min walk) and to hike to Lameshur (50 minutes along windy roads.) The island road to the parking spot is rocky and remote so 4x4 and a confident driver is a must. A truly perfect week. Thank you to our hosts!

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

9 Mar 2023

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

Fantastic spot with fantastic hosts

The property is absolutely beautiful; the photos tell the tale. The hosts, Phil and Marge, are warm and welcoming while also very careful to respect privacy. This is out second stay at this wonderful villa and we will return again.

Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rena S.

4 May 2023

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

Iola

Just wonderful. Beautiful Vrbo on a beautiful island!

Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ray M., Albany NY/Lake Placid NY

10 Feb 2023

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

Dreamy

Iola Villa is an exceptionally built and appointed home. The views are beautiful and wonderful sunsets too. The ocean breeze is never ending and mesmerizing. Happy place!

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

24 Mar 2024

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

Great stay at Iola

Beautiful views. Clean and well furnished home and friendly hosts that are there when you need them and unnoticed when you don't. The hermit crab recycling crew is worth the stay alone :) The Coral Bay side of St John is off the beaten track but has beautiful salt pond beach nearby and close by restaurants and a market. The north shore beaches are not too far away. Cruz Bay is a 37 minute drive that is an adventure in itself. Highly recommend.

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheri R.

18 Feb 2024

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

Paradise

We enjoyed our stay at Iola so much. The views are drop dead gorgeous. Everything was perfect. The kitchen had everything you could ever need to cook. The bedroom was perfect with king size bed and a porch bed. The hosts were perfect and we loved that they left us mimosa fixings for our 50 wedding anniversary. We totally were fascinated with the crab feeding station.

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

John G., Hopkinton, NH

27 Jan 2024

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

Another fantastic stay at Iola

This is our third time staying at the beautiful Iola villa. We stayed for two weeks this time. Once again, we loved it. Phil and Marge are fantastic hosts. So helpful when asked for advice but also mindful of maintaining our privacy. The location has a beautiful view and enjoys a constant breeze. And Coral Bay is wonderful. We will be back! John and Martha

Stayed 15 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alison R.

20 Feb 2023

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

True Paradise!

It is unfortunate we had to come home! I can’t say enough great things about the property. Margie and Phil were great hosts and very helpful when we asked for advice on beaches to visit along with places to eat. The property is gorgeous. We enjoyed our morning coffees outside looking at the beautiful landscape and views. We would go back in a heartbeat!

Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

lee Ann W.

1 Feb 2023

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

Breezy perch in the country

Iola is sparkling clean, impeccably designed and appointed and quiet and safe. We loved our stay close to Salt Pond and Ram's Head with both a sunset and a sunrise view. And we were so happy with the hosts' care of the environment. We loved feeding the plants our dishwater and throwing literally all of our food scraps to the hermit crabs that call Iola home. Can't wait to return!

Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2023

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tom P.

15 Feb 2012

Wonderful Experience

The pictures do not lie, if anything they do not do the house justice. It was immaculate and had everything we needed for a wonderful vacation. It's on the remote side of the island so if you’re looking for an active light life this may not be for you but there a some decent restaurants nearby and the all the local people we met were friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend this house to someone looking to get away and relax..

10/10 Excellent

William S.

25 Jan 2023

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

the place to stay!

Iola is definitely the place to stay for a get-away on St. John. Located on the east side, away from the hectic atmosphere of Cruz Bay, it has amazing views all around and is super clean, a huge amount of space and is close to a market, several places to eat and Salt Pond Bay. Majorie and Jones are the most friendly and helpful hosts - and we really appreciated that they provided all kinds of essentials from beach towels and chairs to kitchen staples to bathroom amenities. But it was really the atmosphere of the location and home that made it so hard to leave. Both are simply beautiful. Thank you, Marjorie and Jones!

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill B.

27 Mar 2023

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

Stunning views in a wonderfully built, off grid home with everything need.

Iola sits on a hilltop near Salt Pond on the Coral Bays end of the island St. John. the views are stunning, Coral Bay removed from the more tourist populated Cruz Bay side. Minutes away from Salt Pond, Lamehsur beach and wonderful hiking trails that wind through the National Park landscape. The North facing bedroom provides panoramic views of the East End and Bristish Virgin Islands. Fully equipped kitchen with gas range allows visiting cooks to bring their own ingredients and cook away, with a Painkiller in hand. Cant wait to return. Bill & Jean

Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rich

23 Mar 2024

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

Best Way to See the Virgin Islands

The view out the windows is stunning. This definitely made the trip a success. We were up high overlooking several islands and the water. We could catch the sunrise on a right corner of one set of windows. The porch was a job to set outside on. The owners maintain plants around the house that are a labor of love for sure. I can say staying here is the best way to see St. Johns. There is a full kitchen. The air conditioned room really does work. Plenty of space. The wifi works with movies just fine. Verizon has trouble, but get the Verizon International Plan and you can connect to the British Virgin Islands just fine (called "FLOW")($100 for a month). Hot spot works too that way. We were there 1.5 weeks. This is a great place. Highly recommend and the only way we will do the Virgin Islands.

Stayed 11 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

martin g.

28 Apr 2024

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

It Is Paradise!

We will be here at this beautiful property on this fantastic island forever in our heart! St. John is a treasure that shouldn't be missed. The word incredible is almost not enough to describe it, its more than that. What made our visit to St. John perfection was the choice we made to stay at "Iola" with its wonderful hosts. Jones and Margie are so friendly and gracious. They are top notch! The villa was exceptional in every way. It was clean, comfortable and perfectly furnished, inside and out. They have thought of everything including beach towels, beach chairs and coolers, which made enjoying the island and the beaches so much more enjoyable. The views from the villa are the kind that take you in and make you never want to leave. You lay in bed at night and watch the stars, you hear the surf an feel the tradewinds take you to the most restful sleep and when the sun rises...its paradise in every direction you look. We are so thankful we picked Iola for our stay and already are talking about when we can visit again! Thank you Jones and Margie!!!

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

amanda a.

4 Mar 2024

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

Great Coral Bay Getaway

My wife and I stayed for 2 weeks and loved every minute of it! We've been coming to St J for over 20 years and would highly recommend Iola if you want to be in Coral Bay. The house has everything you need from beach chairs to a fully stocked kitchen and plenty of privacy (it did not have a hot tub/spa as advertised). The view from the sleeping porch never gets old and is a great way to start each day. "Jones" is an excellent host and built the house. There are LOTS of large windows so the views of mountains, ocean and BVI's are everywhere! The outdoor areas are finely maintained/landscaped and we spent lots of time enjoying them. The pictures are all accurate, but don't quite do it justice. We love the North Shore beaches, but Salt Pond is a 3 minute drive and is spectacular. Hansen Bay Beach is about 20 minutes and is a lesser known beach with lounge chairs, plenty of shade (which you will want) and kayaks and paddle boards for rent. Great house, great hosts and a GREAT TIME!

Stayed 13 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley C.

16 Jan 2023

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

Wonderful!

Beautiful, clean, very well stocked, so many great outdoor sitting areas! For those not familiar with the island, this area is basically on the opposite end from where the ferry arrives. You will definitely want to rent a jeep, and you must have 4x4 to make it up the road to the house. We found so many great places about 15 mins from the house in Coral Bay- Skinny Legs, Mrs Lucy’s, Surf Club Cantina, and there’s a few smaller markets on that side of the island. Salt Pond Bay is less than 5 mins. We loved being away from the crowds and busyness of Cruz Bay, but it is a 45 min drive back in to Cruz Bay, about 25 to the best beaches on the island (Maho, Cinnamon, Francis, etc). The house was very clean and very well stocked. They provided beach chairs, cooler, and bags for your days at the beach which was so nice. Overall it was an excellent stay!

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Scott C.

14 May 2023

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

We found paradise and Iola is her name

First, the owners, Margie and Jones, are the nicest and most laidback people that you would ever want to meet. They are extremely generous and welcoming hosts. They are there when you need them while still leaving you as much privacy as you desire. Second, their property and home, Iola, is more beautiful and amazing in person than even the great photos can show. The design, the layout, the quality furniture, appliances, and personal touches and style all shine throughout your upper level space. From our 8 days here (our first time in the USVI), we can see why Margie and Jones lovingly built Iola on the “quiet side of the quiet island” and why they moved here full time over two decades ago. Go to Coral Bay, Saint John, for as long as you can and stay at Iola with Margie and Jones—you will be glad you did. But leave some time for us—we plan to return as soon as we can. Thanks Margie and Jones! With love and gratitude, Lisa & Coop

Stayed 8 nights in May 2023

About the host

Hosted by Philip Jones

We first visited St John on our honeymoon. We fell in love with this island immediately and never left. Come see for yourself. Warning! St John can be addictive. Many lose their soles and leave their souls behind.

Why they chose this property

Luxury, lots of personal space inside and outside, and tranquil setting surrounds you. Wrap around deck. Sea views to the west and the east and mountain views to the north
All solar energy with every thought to nature and the many wild animals that we lovingly live among .

What makes this property unique

Paradise for sailors, beach lovers, snorkelers and hikers. Over 23 beaches and hiking trails too. It is living in a national park as over 2/3 of our island is designated a federal park.

Languages:

English

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'Oooolala' ....you'll love this vacation home... 'iola'

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Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom

Bedroom 2

second bedroom/sleeping porch

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

About this property