There were 8 of us on this return visit to Great Expectations and though this place has always been a wonderful getaway, the renovations to the Great Room definitely added to our experience. The views from both sides of the house were, as always, breathtaking, and in addition to being able to see both amazing sunrises and sunsets, we were treated to 2 full rainbows during our week. We can't wait to return. [this was the 4th time she has stayed at Great Expectations]
Repeat 2 week Visit
This is the second year that we spend two fantastic weeks at Great Expectations with family and friends. As fantastic as our experience was last year, it was enhanced by the addition of the new property manager, Coby, who was incredibly responsive and proactive. Upgrades to the TV, the refrigerator, the dishwasher, storage containers, and beach chairs demonstrate that Chuck and Kristin care about their property and making sure that their guests are well taken care of. We have been vacationing in the Virgin Islands since 2000 and have rented 5 other properties on St. John and on Tortola (and stayed at the Westin). While the others were very nice -- and at least one of them much pricier -- none compares with the overall quality and value of Great Expectations. We would definitely stay there again and recommend it to anyone who wants a relaxed, yet quality, island vacation. - 10 friends (and family) who have been vacationing together forever.
We'll all be back!
Sixty-five people [not all stayed here, fortunately] came to St. John to celebrate the marriage of our son. We had a welcome dinner at La Tapa, Party at Coconut Coast, Rehearsal dinner at Isolate, the Wedding at Catholic Church, the Reception at Voyages and a Beach party at Trunk. Everything was perfect - especially "Great Expectations." The pool was the center of our activity...the views were awesome. We'll all be back!
— Sherwood & Patty C, Philadelphia
Three vacationing families
Three vacationing families for the past ten years...first trip to St. John and Great Expectations; 14 in total - kids ranging from 5 to almost 20. The setup of the house was great...the [chaise lounge] chairs are outrageous (are they sold stateside?)...how wonderful this place really is...a fully-equipped kitchen, multiple card decks, videos, beautiful gardens, sunsets, sunrises
Best vacation they ever had
We had 13 Adults with us on the Wedding of a Lifetime. Every single guest said it was the best vacation they ever had. The Great Expectations Villa was more than we ever thought it could be. There was not ONE amenity that we were missing. They thought of everything! The set up of Great Rooms and Bedrooms is magnificent! The pool/hot tub area is breathtaking. You get to see Sunrises in the morning from your rooms and Sunsets in the evening from the pool area. Coby is a dream to have as a Property Manager. He can help you solve any problem you have whether it's a question about the Villa or just interested in the Island and all it has to offer. What a friendly man to have introduce you to the great Island of St. John. We had Aqua Blu as our car rental service and her father, Chico, as our taxi service. What a nice Duo they are. We also had a meal catered by St. John Catering. Every single person said it was the best meal they have ever eaten. There are so many things to see on the Island from hiking and beaches to Island city life..........but, why would you want to :) The Villa is amazing. Highly recommend this Villa to anyone that is inquiring. We had a private wedding on the property and it was amazing. There is a nice patio area for the wedding ceremony and dinner. A+++++ rating from this happy crew!!!! Thank you Chuck and Kristin for a superb place.
3rd stay for 3 generations
Our third stay for the 3 generation J. family at this wonderful home...one cannot imagine many places that have such a beautiful sunset, moonrise and magnificent sunrise all at the same location!...We've looked at LOTS of places to stay and even stayed at 2 others until we found ourselves here. There is no place better. We want a kid friendly and safe house, good views, convenient access and friendly, solid support from the hosts. All here...The pool here is safe too - no steep cliffs with inadequate railings. tennis kidsAnd the tennis court - ball play area is a unique gem....Its really nice to be in a comfortable home in Paradise. We are all looking forward to being here again and again and again
Enjoyed the use of your wonderful home
The last of our children and families have flown off and the house is again empty and quiet. The unanimous decision was that all had had a wonderful time at Great Expectations. The house was spacious, allowing people to spread out, and very comfortable and well appointed. The views were spectacular! Every morning was spent at a beach. Our favorite was Maho with its sandy shore, shallow water and protected bay. The surprise was the intensity of the sun! We quickly moved to a siesta during the heat of the day...We all waited for so long for this week and now it is over and just a wonderful memory. We all enjoyed the use of your wonderful home and your help in making a plan a reality.
Great Expectations exceeded my expectations
Great Expectations exceeded my expectations. The property is in a great location - unbelievable views and very convenient to town. Rooms are well appointed and very comfortable. Decor is relaxed with a sophisticated Caribbean flair. Outdoor pools and porches were wonderful, lots of places to sit and enjoy the views and the company. Outdoor showers adjoining each room were a treat. The kitchen had everything we needed. Guest services were amazing, we had an issue with the satellite and it was promptly and professionally resolved by friendly staff. Working with the owner, Charles, over email was fantastic, and he went out of the way to make sure we had everything we needed and were prepared for our trip. I would highly recommend Great Expectations. We stayed here surrounding my sister's wedding, and I can't imagine a better choice for a large family to stay together in an intimate, private setting.
Nothing short of paradise
This was our first stay at great expectations for 15 of us and it was nothing short of paradise. We enjoyed the space of GE, or as we like to call it 'the compound.' We never heard each other at night when we were in our separate quarters. The DVDs, games, music, and available reading providing some nice entertainment when retreating form the sun. The pools, tennis court and jacuzzis got their share of use as well..There is no question we will be back
Our very own Caribbean compound
My wife and I took 3 other couples to stay at Great Expectations in March of 2014 and felt like royalty in our very own St. John mansion. The eight of us stayed on the villa's main side (with 4 matching bedrooms, each with their own outdoor shower) and spent mornings sharing coffee, breakfast and stories in the great room. Most days we drove rented Jeeps to the beach and ended up at happy hour, followed by either dinner in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay or we ended back at the villa grilling some fresh fish while watching the sunset. All 8 of us could not have had a better vacation and especially loved the various pool areas, hot tubs and hammocks where we could be together or alone, depending on the mood.
The Best
8 grandkids, 8 adults - a week of great weather and super beaches - coupled with our fantastic accommodations at Great Expectations. Fully equipped with everything we needed for the beaches and cooking. Enjoyed the pools, tennis court and basketball - wonderful views. Can't say enough - just great!
3 Families
We are 3 families who vacation somewhere different each summer...what was great: the tennis court, our kids loved the pool...the outdoor showers were really neat...
9 couples
The owners have thought of every need for a vacation of a lifetime. Nine couples from TN, MI, MA, FL,& VT just returned from a week together at Great Expectations to celebrate Steve and Carrie's 10th anniversary. (They stayed at G. E. for their wedding.) We enjoyed St. John - the restaurants, beaches, happy hours, etc. - BUT the best times were had in the great room and pool area at the villa. Several nights we chose to stay in and use the gourmet kitchen and grill area. We can not think of one suggestion to improve this perfect paradise and are planning for a return trip in early 2014!
Perfect Villa with 10 of us
We have been going to St. John since 1996 and have always had a large group (20 or more). This time we have 10 and Great Expectations was a perfect villa to rent. It was so great to having the group in one villa. It was nice to have the bedrooms off to the sides away from the Great Room. You weren't bothered in the morning if someone wanted to be in the Great Room or kitchen or even by the pool. The views are breathtaking and there was always a nice breeze in the bedroom. The club room was perfect for our single person that wanted privacy. The location from town is perfect and also puts you closer to Coral Bay. In conclusion, if you have a group (and if it is mixed with adults and children), I would definitely recommend this house. The guest house (which we used last minute) was also nice. Great house for a great rental price!
Had a glorious week
This is our third trip to Great Expectations and as always we had a glorious week...we brought the family, 9 adults and 2 granddaughters (ages 2-1/2 and 5). They enjoyed every minute. The house is set up perfectly for families.
Everyone congregated at this villa...
We got married on island of St. John and we and our friends/family stayed here and a few other villas on the island. Everyone congregated at this villa b/c it was the nicest. Good balance of view, breeze, good stereo, decoration, private and shared space. Loved the outdoor showers!! The pool is nice and the kids all loved it. You'll need a car to get to the beach but we didn't mind. The house managers are great - very well organized and considerate
Great Expectations exceeded my expectations
Great Expectations exceeded my expectations. The property is in a great location - unbelievable views and very convenient to town. Rooms are well appointed and very comfortable. Decor is relaxed with a sophisticated Caribbean flair. Outdoor pools and porches were wonderful, lots of places to sit and enjoy the views and the company. Outdoor showers adjoining each room were a treat. The kitchen had everything we needed. Guest services were amazing, we had an issue with the satellite and it was promptly and professionally resolved by friendly staff. Working with the owner, Charles, over email was fantastic, and he went out of the way to make sure we had everything we needed and were prepared for our trip. I would highly recommend Great Expectations. We stayed here surrounding my sister's wedding, and I can't imagine a better choice for a large family to stay together in an intimate, private setting.
I can hardly find the words
I can hardly find the words to say how fantastic Great Expectations is! Beautiful, fabulous, relaxing, spectacular...I am so overjoyed my husband tried so hard to find this wonderful home for our 14 member family...We ll have loved the views, pools, tennis court, basketball courts, views, lizards, crabs, views, shopping, sightseeing, views trips to St. Thomas, snorkeling, scuba diving, views
Best Wedding & Best Vacation Ever
We invited 60 people to our beach wedding and ended up with 38 guests. Our close wedding party of 14 stayed at Great Expectations. You made everything so easy - all of our friends & family who stayed there with us just loved it. There was never anything we lacked - you and Chuck have really equipped the villa very well. From the kitchen supplies to books, island info to water toys, we were never in need. And the layout of the property made everyone feel they had privacy, while we still had plenty of room to gather as a group both inside and out.
We chartered Calypso for an all day snorkel, we had our rehearsal dinner at Duffy's (now Dog House Pub), were married on Gibney Beachand had a big reception/party after in the Oppenheimer house catered by Passion Fruit.
The friends and family who attended still say to this day: best wedding & best vacation ever!