Discover the Caribbean you've always dreamed of at Hawksview Estate, St. John US Virgin Islands. Old World style and modern technology are brought together graciously in this custom built luxury vacation villa which features 4 bedrooms suites, each with private deck and spectacular views of the US and British Virgin Islands. Set on a knoll within 5 very private acres the estate has a vanishing edge pool, jacuzzi, exercise room, in-home theatre and a studio/au paire suite. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/St_John/hawksviewestate/hotel/869/21/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:41:11 EST Slated for completion in the fall of 2003, Hawksview Estate features a premier home on five very private acres within the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park. The estate house is set on a knoll between Hawksnest Bay and world famous Trunk Bay, and has one of the most breathtaking views in the world — from the west-northwest to St. Thomas and the Caribbean Sea, through countless islands and cays, and northeast to the British Virgin Islands and the Atlantic Ocean. There is a gated entry, with an additional gated and lushly planted interior courtyard so complete privacy is assured. Hawksview Estate captures the essence of old world elegance and style with high exposed beam ceilings, large gracefully arched windows framed with mahogany casings, Bulgarian limestone floors and classic Caribbean and European furnishings which enhance the sophisticated yet casual ambience. Modern features such as rain shower heads with personal showers in each bath, air conditioning, DSL, telephones, and televisions in all bedrooms combine to give you the best of the comforts of the old world and the technology and accommodations of the new. Each bedroom has its own private trellised or covered porch, all with stunning views. ST. JOHN The island of St. John is the third largest U.S. Virgin Island and is located approximately 40 miles east of Puerto Rico in the Leeward Island of the Caribbean. Only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is home to only 5,000 people and is over 60% U.S. National Park. You are never far away from an incredible view of lush green mountains, white sand beaches, and the turquoise sea. The pace is slower on St. John, and it is an island tradition to greet strangers and friends alike with "good morning", "good afternoon" or "good evening" before asking a question or making a comment. The National Park Visitor's Center is located in Cruz Bay and is a wonderful resource for the services and facilities of the National Park. There are maps of the extensive hiking trails, programs and exhibits and historical information on the culture, architecture, flora and fauna of the islands. They are supported by the local organization, Friends of the VI National Park, which has extensive information on their website, www.friendsvinp.org. AMENITIES: Designed and built around the vistas, each doorway, window and opening reveals another perfectly composed picture of the beauty around you. A covered porch on the pool deck offers shade while others float in the infinity edge pool or soak in the jacuzzi surrounded by an ever changing 270° view of islands, cays, mountains and the sailboats and cruising vessels on the sea. Other features such as the state-of-the-art home theater, well-equipped exercise room, multiple dining areas and an air conditioned gourmet kitchen all combine to make Hawksview Estate one of the most luxurious vacation villas in the islands. The Estate Manager, Marvin Barndt, is housed out of site on the estate and is ready to meet your every need, from arranging your arrival to concierge services. ACTIVITIES: CRUZ BAY Cruz Bay is the island's main town. Located on the west end of the island it is small and quaint with no stoplights, narrow streets and an easy natural feeling. There's a small park in the center of town across from the ferry dock which is often filled with the sounds of live music, arts and crafts fairs, and the slapping of dominoes as the taxi drivers play while waiting for a fare. Open-air bars and restaurants, street side cafes, and small shops offering an eclectic selection of items from around the world are tucked into a whimsical assortment of buildings old and new. Cruz Bay has three or four grocery stores, two drug stores, two gas stations, two banks, a communications center, and the post office — everything you need to cover the basics. Wine and liquor are duty free, and there is a sizable selection. While Starfish Market is the largest grocery, it is a good idea to visit Marina Market and Dolphin Market for their specialty food and wine selection, as well as their reasonable prices. Cruz Bay also has four shopping complexes with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Wharfside Village is on the beach, The Lumberyard is on the hill above the creek, Mongoose Junction is a beautifully constructed multi-level complex made of hand laid stone and on the other side of town is The Marketplace, St. John's newest addition. Each has something unique to offer and all should be explored. CORAL BAY Coral Bay is the island's only other village. Blink and you will miss it — but don't, because it is a destination in itself. Located on the east end of the island small shops, delis and restaurants dot the road around Coral Bay. There is Skinny Legs Bar and Grill, which has the best burgers and grilled fish sandwiches on the island (and the best price). The characters lined up on the bar are also great entertainment. Surrounding Skinny Legs are various shops and galleries and Connections, a mail and message center. Keep going east past Skinny Legs and you will discover Hurricane Hole, a part of the National Park that is filled with small bays. Stop at Vie's Snack Shack for some garlic chicken and head to Round Bay, a pristine little beach with great snorkeling. If you are lucky you will have it all to yourself, with the exception of an occasional visiting goat. If you turn right at the bottom of the hill you will be headed towards the most well known beach on the east end, Salt Pond. Along the way discover The Paradise Warehouse, a shop packed with Indonesian furniture, home goods and artifacts. Voyages de St. Jan Restaurant, and Shipwreck Landing Bar and Restaurant. There is also Miss Lucy's, which has a great Sunday Brunch under the Seagrape trees at water's edge. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Villa No. of Rooms: 1 Beach Location: Near Beach (Walking Distance) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/St_John/hawksviewestate/hotel/869/21/ Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:41:11 EST