“A DREAM COME TRUE” My stay at the Taj was one of the most memorable vacations.Given the areas relaxed atmosphere,waking up each morning to the blue sea,watching ships go by,followed by a swim on the beach.ST.Thomas with its unique culture was very inviting as I enjoyed the music and dance performances down town each thursday.Restaurants provided meals not to be forgotten served by some of the friendliest people I have come across. Back at the Taj,some evenings were spent dinning outside taking in beautiful sunsets .Outside of St.Thomas I ventured to St.Johns and St.Croix places that added to my appreciation of the Virgin islands as a destination to enjoy the simple and yet important aspects of life.

“Clean apartment in safe area, lovely hosts, beautiful beach, convenient to all area attractions” I stayed here Thanksgiving week 2014 with my husband and 3 children: 12, 14, and 16. We had the most wonderful experience and would gladly return. I am happy to recommend it to you. Everything you read in the other reviews about the hosts, Kevin and Madelin, is true. They are incredibly friendly, responsive, and responsible people. I had corresponded with Madelin through FlipKey, but it was Kevin who met us at the car rental place and guided us to the apartment, which is situated about 25 minutes east of the airport in a small town called Loiza. As Kevin explained to me that first evening, there are 3 ways to get there, and during the course of our stay we tried all 3. The coastal road (the straightest shot from the airport) is best suited for daytime driving, especially if it is your first time in the area, but it became my favorite way to get to and from San Juan. Anyway, Kevin was great about showing us the apartment that first evening, telling us how everything worked, giving us some helpful tips, then leaving us to explore on our own. We were pleased to see that groceries, including milk, juice, bread, cheese, and ham had been provided for us. It made us feel very welcome! For the remainder of the trip, they remained very easy to communicate with, responding to texts immediately. That meant a lot to me. About the apartment: It is very modern and immaculately clean. Everything we needed that week was there: cooking implements, sheets, towels, beach paraphernalia, detergents. It felt very comfortable and convenient. The place is not big, but felt perfect for our family of 5. There are two balconies and when you keep their sliding doors open, you get a nice cross breeze in the apartment and can enjoy the sounds of the surrounding nature in the evening. We did not need to turn on the air conditioning a single time. The apartment is in a fairly extensive, gated condo complex, which was quite empty of others for the week that we were there. The apartments seem mostly owned by folks who live in the city and who either rent them or use them on the weekends. (Things were a little livelier there on the weekend, we noticed). It felt a little strange to be there (almost) by ourselves, but it was something we quickly got used to and enjoyed. It was quiet! And it felt very safe, which I came to appreciate as well. The guards and other staff of the condo complex were friendly and helpful. There was plenty of parking, too. Now for the best thing: the beach! The apartment complex has its own stretch of beach which was beautiful and very clean. We hung out there for several hours every day. The tide was high most of the times we were there (low tides were 7pm and 5 am or so), and the waves were quite high. Good for romping, but not dangerous. The water was warm and clean. Sand was very soft. And the views were truly lovely. The apartment was a good choice for the beach alone. A note: you need a key to get to the beach, as well as to the pools on the property. You do need to keep an eye on that key! The guards come around and close the gates if they see them standing open. It was explained to us that it wasn't safe to leave the beach gate open for outsiders to wander in. Indeed, one evening we "lost" a pair of shoes on the beach to someone who apparently needed them more than we did. We had come to Puerto Rico with the idea of exploring, and we did! The apartment was perfectly located for this. The rainforest is really close, and so are the ferries to Culebra and Vieques. We went to Viequies for the day one day, taking the car on the ferry. Keep in mind that a spot on the ferries needs to be reserved ahead of time, so call as soon as you know when and where you want to go. We made our reservation the night before, and were told we were lucky because they sell out. San Juan (incl. the charming Old San Juan) is very close as well. One day we made a rather ill-fated trip to the West Coast We did not have a proper map, and kept getting lost. Then the kids got hungry. Then we got lost again. And again. By the time we got to Rincon it was almost evening. Moral of the story: buy a map before you come to PR. There are no maps to be bought anywhere, only simplistic maps that you can get for free, but no real, geographically accurate maps to be found. Or do as modern man does, travel with a GPS. We did not. Back to the apartment: There are some Western style supermarkets if you go east on the coastal road (128), then onto route 3. But there are some small local grocery stores if you go in the opposite direction, toward San Juan, including fruit and vegetable stands on the side of the road. I wish I had discovered those sooner. On the whole: would I do this again? Yes, and I hope I will one day. Would I recommend it to a friend? YES? To an enemy: NO! This is too nice for my enemies. Thank you again, Kevin and Madelin, for lending us your lovely apartment!

“spectacular views with affordable villa” My husband and I had wonderful time in the Tropical Garden villa we rented from Jacqueline. This is not the typical rental where you pick up your key and you're on your own. Jacqueline met us after we arrived on the ferry and rented our jeep to follow her up to the villa. Her home is part of the property to which her four rental villas are connected, and everything is well kept. She was so friendly and helpful providing advice and making sure we had everything we needed. By the end of the week, we had become friends. The Tropical Garden villa has a spectacular view overlooking Great Cruz Bay, Chocolate Hole, and Heart Bay, which you can enjoy from the deck, living room and bedroom. It is on the lower level and has a secluded feeling. It has a full kitchen and a gas grill in the garden. There is a hot tub with a view that you can find at the end of the path through the tropical garden. The beach chairs and cooler that were provided were very much appreciated during our many outings to different gorgeous beaches every day. We have fond memories of waking up and seeing that incredible view and enjoying our breakfast on the deck. We also enjoyed staying in the White Seagull villa for the latter part of the trip when it was available. We would stay in either one again. Jacqueline went above and beyond to make our stay extra special. We were sad to leave but very happy to have a new friend in St. John!

“Private home” This is a private gated Pureto Rican style home. Upper deck greeting friends one morning with mimosas! Beach...walk right out to it, sleep as you listen to ocean surf Conveniently located near shopping and any tourist destination/excursion you have in mind! Easy access to major roads/highway. House has all modern conveniences. Wonderful being greeted by sun rises, beach walks and coffee!