Location. Mar De Amores is the jewel at the end of the silver chain - the last house on the paved road that winds its way up the lush hill that overlooks Chocolate Hole. At an elevation of about 700 feet the road ends and a paved driveway leads you into a private setting, you've arrived at Mar De Amores. The first thing you'll notice is the striking 180 degree view that includes St. Croix, 35 miles to the south, and the "four bays" of St. John; Rendezvous, Hart, Great Cruz and Chocolate Hole, plus the islands of Pillsbury Sound to the west. The tropical landscaping and vegetation surrounding Amores provides it with a peaceful and relaxing setting with some clothing optional privacy. Despite being surrounded by tropical vegetation, Amores enjoys an open southern exposure that bathes it in sun from 9 AM to sunset - this is a great spot for sun lovers.

Although you are up in the hills in a seemingly away-from-it-all setting, the restaurants and shops of Cruz Bay are an easy 10 minute drive on paved roads, the National Park beaches are a very scenic 15 minute drive, and the beach, fine restaurants and fitness room at the Westin Resort are a 5-minute drive.

Design. Amores is a handsome, one level design that incorporates 13' high arched doors and windows, 25' beamed cathedral ceilings, select furnishings, and terra cotta tiled floors. The overall effect is a comfy, cozy and inviting interior. You enter the house through an oversized mahogany door into the great room. The kitchen and dining areas are next. From the kitchen a hallway leads to the 3 bedrooms in the east end of the house. The pool deck and bedroom balconies run the entire length of the house along the sunny side of the villa, and there's a covered gazebo on the deck for memorable dining or sunset cocktails. The elevation of Amores assures a steady flow of cool breezes and the windows and doors are fully screened.

Living/Dining/Kitchen. The kitchen is both a social center and a very functional workplace. With it's attractive Spanish accents, central location and excellent views of the 4-bays, the kitchen/dining area is a popular gathering spot. It includes a 4-burner gas stove, microwave, dishwasher, blender, coffeemaker and all the necessary kitchenware. A washer/dryer is located just off the kitchen and a gas grill is on the deck.

The interior teak dining table seats 6 and offers superb views, while the exterior table seats 6 and also offers marvelous views from the gazebo on the deck.

With its oversized arched windows, the great room is a bright, cheerful and comfortable place to relax. The great room includes a cable color TV/VCR and a stereo and CD player. Whether you're in the great room, kitchen, or dining area, you have unobstructed views of the pool and deck in the foreground, and the vivid blue skies and Caribbean Sea in the background.

Bedrooms. All three air-conditioned bedrooms have vaulted ceilings and tiled floors and all look out at beautiful views through screened glass doors that access a deck or balcony. The master bedroom (king bed) is larger than the 2 guest bedrooms and has its own tiled bath with a tub. The two guest bedrooms (1 queen, 1 full) are equally sized and share a bath.

Caribbean Villas' View. Mar De Amores was built in 1996 as a full time residence for a St. John family with 2 young children. After 7 glorious years in Amores, the family moved to the USA. Amores was then refurbished and we began renting it in 2004.

The one-level, well thought out design, with child safe railings and all the bedrooms in one end of the house, makes Amores an excellent home for families with kids. When the kids are outside on the deck, parents can relax and enjoy themselves inside and still keep an eye on the kids. Tranquility and privacy are the dominant themes at Amores, and by design, Amores is also a seductive and romantic hideaway. This is definitely an ideal spot for a honeymoon, special anniversary, or other romantic occasion. With its lovely night views, soft evening breezes and a candle lit interior, you'll discover why this alluring home is named, "the sea of love."

Although the hillside location gives Amores a private and peaceful feeling, you're actually very conveniently located. Out of rum, or grilled salmon with dill sauce? No problem, you're only 2-3 miles from Cruz Bay, and about a mile from the stores and restaurants at the Westin Resort.

In sum, Mar De Amores is definitely what we like to offer our guests - a captivating home that offers romance and relaxation at a very good price.