DESCRIPTION: Rara Avis consists of three distinct buildings - a 2-level stone great house, plus a master bedroom cabana on the left (east) and another on the right (west) side of the great house. You park above the great house and descend a stone stairway into a sheltered garden courtyard on the leeward side of the great house. The upper level of the great house contains the great room with the living, dining and kitchen areas, plus a half bath, and a laundry room. In the great room you'll find native stonework, exposed beam cathedral ceilings, terra cotta tiled floors, bamboo furniture, and native artwork. On the south side of the great house is a 450 sq/ft tiled sun deck where the views are magnificent. Two sets of exterior stairs lead down to the two bedrooms, shared bath and deck on the lower level of the great house. The pool and its sun deck are in a garden setting in front of the west cabana. In addition to the pool's sun deck there are four other private sun decks including two off the great house, and one off each cabana. The three buildings and the pool are connected by courtyards, gardens and walkways.
LOCATION: Rara Avis is located on an oversized lot in the southwest corner of Hart Bay, which is 1/4 mile east of Great Cruz Bay, on the south coast of St. John. The setting gives this villa an excellent degree of privacy and tranquility. Rara is the last villa on a private drive so there is no vehicle traffic or noise; the only sound you'll hear in this villa is the music of small waves breaking on the beach below you. It is blessedly peaceful and quiet, yet only minutes from Cruz Bay. Rara is truly a place where you are indulged with the basic elements of Caribbean life - sun, sea, moonlit sky, lush vegetation and the trade winds. The house faces southeast and the sun shines on your decks from early morning to late in the afternoon. The beautiful 180 degree view sweeps from north to south and takes in most of the south coast of St John, much of which is unspoiled National Park. A short walk down a private path leads to Hart Bay Beach. This is a nice beach to walk along, or if you prefer a great area to kick back and read a good book. It's about a 2 mile drive into the restaurants, shopping and nightlife in Cruz Bay.
LIVING & DINING: The living and dining rooms have been artistically finished to look like the interior of a centuries old Spanish or Italian villa. They are furnished with a combination of antiques and designer furniture that blends comfort with function. From either room screened sliding glass doors open to warm breezes, a spacious deck and sweeping views of the south shore National Park. A cable 32" flat screen cable TV, a stereo, and wireless internet are provided. Dine inside at the stately mahogany table seating 6 - 8, or outside on the sheltered garden patio.
KITCHEN: The complete kitchen includes a 4 burner stove and oven, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, blender, drip coffee maker, toaster and a fine selection of dinnerware, cookware, and server ware. There is a gas barbeque grill in the courtyard
BEDROOMS: The two bedrooms cabanas (1 king & 1 queen) are spacious (370 sq/ft) and each offers excellent privacy, lovely views and an intimate setting. Each cabana includes a tiled bath and a private deck or patio that is perfect for morning coffee and other quiet moments. The two guest bedrooms (twins that convert to a king) are located on the lower level of the great house and also offer romantic ocean views. The lower level guest bedrooms share a bath, and a 1/2 bath is located off the kitchen in the great house.
In Season
Jan. 6, 2025 - April 15, 2025
$4074/wk for 2-4 people
$4389/wk for 5 people
$4704/wk for 6 people
$5019/wk for 7 people
$5334/wk for 8 people
Off Season
April 16, 2025 - Dec. 15, 2025
$2345/wk for 2-4 people
$2660/wk for 5 people
$2975/wk for 6 people
$3290/wk for 7 people
$3605/wk for 8 people
Holiday Rates
Thanksgiving
Nov. 23 - Dec. 1, 2024
$2450/wk for 2-4 people - 2 bedroom
$2765/wk for 5 people - 3 bedroom
$3080/wk for 6 people - 3 bedroom
$3395/wk for 7 people - 4 bedroom
$3710/wk for 8 people - 4 bedroom
** Christmas/ New Years
Dec. 16, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025
$5019/wk for 2-4 people - 2 bedroom
$5334/wk for 5 people - 3 bedroom
$5649/wk for 6 people - 3 bedroom
$5964/wk for 7 people - 4 bedroom
$6279/wk for 8 people - 4 bedroom
** Christmas/New Years - If arriving on Dec. 23rd, 24th or 25th a minimum number of nights may apply.
12.5% hotel tax/5% service charge plus $300 Cleaning Fee
$59 non-refundable damage waiver
(covers up to the 1st $500 in accidental damage. Damage must be reported while on the island for it to be covered. Damage above $500 is the responsibility of the guest)