Sopra Mare is a 2 bedroom 2.5 bath oceanfront villas just 8 minutes from Cruz Bay and 10-15 minutes to St. John's world famous beaches. We are presently undergoing renovations and will be back on the market to take reservations shortly.
Property manager
Mike Rowen
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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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 and a first aid kit
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
St. John
Located in St. John, this villa is by the ocean. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Virgin Islands National Park and Cruz Bay Beach. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Cruz Bay, St. John
What's nearby
Chocolate Hole - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
Great Cruz Bay - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Virgin Islands National Park - 8 min drive - 3.9 km
Cruz Bay Beach - 13 min drive - 3.8 km
Trunk Bay - 20 min drive - 8.4 km
Getting around
St. Thomas (SPB-St. Thomas Seaplane Base) - 71 min drive
Restaurants
High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill - 8 min drive
Cruz Bay Landing - 8 min drive
Beach Bar - 8 min drive
Lovango Rum Bar - 8 min drive
The Windmill Bar - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Sopra Mare - oceanfront villa have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
Is Sopra Mare - oceanfront villa pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at Sopra Mare - oceanfront villa?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Sopra Mare - oceanfront villa?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Sopra Mare - oceanfront villa located?
This family-friendly St. John villa is located by the ocean, within a 10-minute walk of Chocolate Hole and Great Cruz Bay. Virgin Islands National Park is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The villa's location is incredible. Truly spectacular views of the ocean from all decks and the pool. We loved staying here and would book again if we come back to St. John. Highly recommended.
The neighborhood is one of the more established and well kept neighborhoods. Minutes from the car ferry and Cruz Bay makes this property the ideal for all access to grocery stores, gym, beaches and night life on the town. This was definitely a beautiful well kept place with friendly people.
We enjoyed a week of decompression at Sopra Mare enjoying the views from the deck and the sand of the nearby beaches. The Sopra Mare had everything we needed to enjoy evenings at “home.” We’re just not into the eat-out scene. The Sopra Mare delivered.
Sopra Mare was all it is described as and more. Great home in a great location and even better views. Quiet neighborhood where all you hear is tropical breezes blowing and the crashing of the waves on the rocks below. Perfect place to sit and watch and listen and take your mind off the world back home. This was our first trip to St. John and we definitely hope to return soon.
Jeff L.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Chris R., Ada, MI
13 Mar 2010
We just returned from Sop...
We just returned from Sopra Mare after a 10 day stay and are ready to return! This villa was a wonderful find...a beautiful property in a great location. The owner provided lots of amenities like beach chairs, coolers and beach towels which allowed us to settle in quickly and really enjoy our stay. Beautiful views of sunrise, sunset, sailboats and cruise ships...not to mention the beautiful night sky. Lots of windows and lovely furnishings throughout. So nice, it's hard to leave, but so nice to return to after a day of island exploration. We highly recommend Sopra Mare and hope to return.
We had a wonderful 9 day stay at Sopra Mare. Mike, the owner was always there to answer any questions we had prior to our arrival. David, the villa manager, met as at the car rental. We followed David to the villa where he showed us how and where everything was. We have visited St. John many times, but always stayed on St Thomas. Dinner, salad and wine was provided for us on the first day of our arrival on St Thomas. The villa has everything you need to enjoy your stay in paradise. We didn’t do anything but hit a different beach every day. Grocery stores are close by. Be prepared for sticker shock!! Hopeful we will be able to return in the future. Thanks Mike for sharing your piece of paradise
Joan G.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Rachel K.
26 Dec 2016
Comfortable and Clean Villa with Amazing Views
What a beautiful villa! We loved every second our vacation on St John. The villa has everything you could need, and the views and pool are the highlights! The furniture and decor are tasteful and the villa is clean and comfortable. Our mornings were spent on the balcony sipping coffee watching the sunrise. Days were spent beach hopping. Preparing for our beach days away from the villa was easy since the beach chairs and coolers are provided at Sopra Mare. The location is convenient to getting to Cruz Bay for dinner or happy hour. The markets and Sam and Jacks Deli are also nearby for picking up grocery items or lunch. We wouldn't hesitate to stay here again and would recommend it to anyone looking for a wonderful stay on St John. The owner Mike and his team on St John are professional and easy to work with too! Hope to be back soon!
The owner (Michael) and staff (Keri, Jared, Kevin) were outstanding in communication which made for a great experience. We understand why it's rented so often with the view and private pool. Short drive to town and groceries. We rented a car from Mr Pipers and they allowed to park there while we were in town. Otherwise, very expensive.
We had a couple of maintenance problems that were quickly handled. Otherwise, a 5 star stay.
Great property. We loved being able to open the doors and windows and let the warm breezes blow through. The kitchen was well provisioned and easy to work in. The villa is well laid out with multiple seating options depending on whether you want sun or shade. There were expansive ocean views and beautiful sunsets most nights. We'll be happy to stay there again.
Views from all patios were amazing. Enjoyed cocktails and coffee on all patios and lounging by the pool after the amazing beaches! Pool views were spectacular!
Everything was perfect, dinner in the fridge was a really nice touch, and allows you to get groceries the next day. Austin helping with luggage and getting to car rental was great. The View was amazing, from the boats going by to the birds flying below you, we could have stayed on the deck the entire time. By far the most convenient place we have stayed. Thanks for the extra effort. I highly reccomend this place.
Great location well maintained with plenty of amenities
This was my sixth rental on St Johns and by far the most luxurious property with a great location. The view was incredible and the ocean breeze was delightful. The property is well furnished to make your stay very comfortable to include upscale kitchen, pool, and plenty of beach chairs along with coolers. No question a return trip and another stay at Sopra Mare is on our list. Cant wait!
Verified traveller
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2019
10/10 Excellent
Erin B.
16 Feb 2019
Perfect house!
Sopra Mare was the perfect house to spend a week at. The house is beautiful and decorated perfectly. You will be stunned by the views, especially at sunset. We used the beach chairs and coolers everyday and returned from the beach to an inviting pool. The only thing I wish was different was if the doors had screens. It’s hard not to open them all to enjoy the ocean breeze but then pay for it at night when the bugs attack you.
Erin B.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2019
10/10 Excellent
Matthew G.
5 Feb 2019
Amazing views, Great location
My wife and I went to St. Croix for business and decided to stay for a week vacation on St. John. We picked Sopra Mare after an exhaustive search and we were not disappointed. The house was clean and well maintained. The friendly property manager met us at Cruz Bay and lead us to the property. The view is spectacular from the pool and the house. We enjoyed opening the sliding, accordion doors each morning to let the cool breeze flow through the house. The location is ideal, a 7 minute drive to Cruz Bay. The owner was very responsive and easy to work with throughout the process. We were very pleased with the whole experience and will definitely come back.
Matthew G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2019
10/10 Excellent
april P.
24 Jan 2019
Relaxing / Jan12-19 2019
If you’re looking for a peaceful location and views that will blow your mind this is your place. The view during the day is as breathtaking as the sunset at night. I can’t say enough about the owner of the property , He is accommodating and truly wants you to enjoy your stay.The house is perfect for four people. It is clean and the beds are comfortable. The pool is just the right size for enjoying when you’re not at the beach. The balconies off the front of the house Allow you to enjoy the beautiful view . I think my favorite part of the house are the front doors off of the living room and off of the master bedroom. They open up to give you a full open view of the ocean. My stay on St. John was relaxing and refreshing. The owner made it stress-free from start to finish. This 2019 trip is my sixth time visiting St. John. The island is up and running and beautiful. I’m ready to go back again and I just got home. Truly one of my favorite places to vacation. Also I don’t want to forget .... you arrive to dinner provided for you. We had garlic bread , salads and lasagnas and yes it was yummy! That is extremely helpful after a long day of traveling. I will be back 😉
april P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2019
10/10 Excellent
Louie D.
20 Nov 2018
Fantastic Villa in a great location!
Can't say enough about how great this Villa was. We were contacted in advance to let us know that someone would meet us and get us situated into the Villa. Mike the owner was excellent by communicating and coordinating all the details. The Villas was everything and more than we ever expected. You will not find a better view anywhere. We were also impressed in how well the island has recovered from Irma. We will be back. Can't get enough of that beautiful island and beaches...
Louie D.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2018
10/10 Excellent
Sue L.
7 Oct 2018
Paradise!
This place is fantastic. The views are perfect. Clean, charming, cozy! I feel right at home. As a matter of fact, I just may not leave! Hoping they don’t mind. Lol
Sue L.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
10/10 Excellent
Carole
25 Aug 2018
Great location,
Convenient location,close to town. On Maria's bluff which is nice, with great view overlooking the ocean. Owner easy to work with. Owner known around town and well liked. Place in good shape even after Maria. Great north beaches are 15-20 min drive. Restaurants closer. Would stay again at either of owners two properties which are adjacent. Both with great ocean views. Hope to return soon!🙂
Carole
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2018
10/10 Excellent
Philip M.
6 June 2018
We Can't Wait to Go Back!
We love Sopra Mare! We stayed 7 nights in May 2018 and are already planning to return next year. Sopra Mare had us from the view from the pool. 180 degrees of sheer beauty. The Villa is private, easy to get to and convenient to all you might want to do on St. John. Meticulously cleaned and ready for your visit. The only sounds we heard were the waves crashing on the cliff below.
The property owner, Mulley, welcomed us on our arrival with a bottle of wine and food in the fridge. If you get the chance to engage Mulley in conversation, do it. He is a master storyteller!
If you book Sopra Mare, you will not be disappointed.
Philip M.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Kim H.
26 June 2017
May 2017 - A Room With a View & then some...
There's a lot to be said for an ocean front villa up high on a cliff! In short, it's worth it. You can enjoy the ocean, outdoors and pool by just taking a step out of your door. If you've only stayed in hotels, you really need to try the villa experience in St. John as you won't be disappointed. The privacy of your own pool is simply fantastic. One Huge feature about this villa which has not been emphasized in the other reviews is the patio cover which provides complete shade for a large portion of the patio. I already have one scar from a skin cancer spot so I've learned the hard way to really value the shade. At Sopra Mare, you can enjoy the outdoors & protect your skin. While on the patio, turn on the ceiling fan and take the standing fan from the living room out on the patio then turn it on high aimed right at you and ahhhh, nice & cool & mosquitoes are blown away (if not, bug spray works amazingly well). Be sure to put the fan back in the house due to rain showers. WiFi works very well, and the villa is well stocked & decorated as the other reviews state. If asked what makes Sopra Mare different? I'd say that Sopra Mare is loved. This place is deeply loved by its owner, & he loves the whole island as well. It's not just a room or place to crash at night, instead it's something quite special. Away from the villa, we enjoyed a nice dinner at Morgan's Mango and delicious burgers at Dog House Pub. Sailing is awesome here so go out on a boat. If you can sail yourself, rent a sailboat at Cinnamon Bay. My last tip, I love to read, but do not read a book here as it is way too pretty to have your eyes stuck to a white page. Instead, download an audiobook & listen to the story while your eyes take in the beauty all around you. It's so beautiful that it simply doesn't look real.
Kim H.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Walter G.
14 June 2017
Wonderful vacation experience
We loved staying at Sopra Mare. Now, St.John USVI, is remote and isn't like staying at the Ritz. It is an active vacation destination. Don't go expecting your beach chair and umbrella set out every day. Go there to hike,Scuba, snorkel and get hot, sweaty and refreshed in the Caribbean Sea. We will would return to Sopra Mare, as it fit our family of 4 just fine. The Owner"Mulley" was very helpful and made sure we went with the best folks for island services. His home pool was awesome the one afternoon we stayed home.
Walter G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Noah W., Brooklyn
11 May 2017
Fantastic Spot
My family (two adults and two teenage girls) really enjoyed out time at Sopra Mare. The view is spectacular, the location is ideal (close enough to town to be convenient but distant enough to be well out of the bustle) and the home is very well appointed with everything you could need. Finally Mike (and his team) were fantastic to deal with - very proactive, clear, helpful and responsive around all communications. We would happily stay here again next time we're back on St John!
Noah W.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2017
About the host
Hosted by Mike Rowen
Sopra Mare (Above the Sea) was built late in 2009 after fourteen months. This was my second construction project on St. John. The first Villa Tesori (House of Treasures) was finished and sold in 2007. During its' construction I completed a comedy novel called 'Keep Left' which depicts crazy events and the island characters I met while Tesori was being built. My 2nd novel 'Flat Busted" came out in 2014. Both are now available on Apple IBook.
I have met so many wonderful people that have rented the villa and now are returning and consider Sopra Mare their second home.
Why they chose this property
I actually got to St. John by mistake after over bidding at a charity event in Vail, Colorado some years ago. This was the result of definitely drinking way too much wine by the time the auction began. By morning after they presented me with a bill for the event I had purchased two TV's, a shotgun, a pink Harley Davis Motorcycle and 7 nights in the Virgin Islands! But I have never been sorry about the trip and as a result it has led me on a long and winding road of adventure!
St. John is very unique, approximately 60% of the island is National Park with numerous hiking and walking trails. Old sugar plantations dot the island. The more than forty beaches are incredible, most with pure white sand. The Caribbean water is always warm and crystal clear, often you can see fifty feet down with an abundance of sea life. The people of St. John are exceptionally friendly and eager to help you enjoy your island experience.
What makes this property unique
The home is secluded behind a private gate with zero steps to access - something nearly unheard of on St. John. Lush landscape awaits you and soon several lime and banana trees will provide a source for frosty drinks. The living room and master bedroom have a panorama twenty foot expansive view achieved by opening one set of folding doors. Complete entertainment with a plasma TV, CD, DVD, IPOD and Bose system awaits your enjoyment and of course WIFI throughout. The kitchen has granite counters, stainless steel appliances and everything a chef would require to whip up a gourmet meal. Or you can dine al fresco under the stars on a Brown Jordan table and matching chairs. A new stainless steel commercial radiant bbq with separate burners is steps away. As you are on the ocean its a great pleasure for me to occasionally see whales, dolphin and giant turtles swimming below. Once night falls, watch the cruise ships slowly sail across your view on the way to their next foreign port. You on the other hand will feel as though you were on a cruise ship with the open expanse of glass in the master as you look out at the stars, the ships and St Croix - 30 miles away. You are facing directly south, and therefore the villa receives all day sun allowing the pool to remain at 80 degrees.