The Cottage at House of Open Arms

Cottage is perfect for a couple, has everything you need. Catherine's artistic spirit and attention to detail is reflected throughout the cottage. Tradewinds kept everything cool and wonderful. Cannot wait to get back...... Tons of activities to keep you busy, eclectic variety of restaurants (all good in their own way), wonderfully friendly people but our favorite part of the entire vacation was waking up to the view every morning.......we will be back.

We have stayed on St John numerous times but this was our first time at House of Open Arms. I have to admit that we were skeptical about visiting the island after reviewing numerous reports of power outages, closed restaurants, and other hurricane related issues. To our delight this was one of our very best vacations and we owe it all to Catherine, the owner of House of Open Arms. Open Arms is a perfect way to describe Catherine. Not only did we feel life valued guests but after a few days we felt like family. The cottage was a dream to stay in - we are avid sailors and we joked that it was like staying on a magnificent yacht but not having to worry about the anchor. The cottage was pristine, comfortable and the outdoor shower was superb. To add to our experience, Catherine offered to deliver us breakfasts and dinners at a nominal fee as many of the local restaurants are still open on a limited basis. This was a most generous offer and we were not disappointed as the meals were elegant and delicious — from homemade muffins and eggs Florentine in the morning to gourmet fish meals in the evening. Each meal delivered to our front deck table. We were so pleased with our stay and with Catherine’s gracious personality that we have booked again for the same time next year and are doing our best to make another visit during Christmas or Thanksgiving. Five stars are not enough for this delightful experience.

Back in June 2017, I booked a week for my girlfriend and I to stay at House of Open Arms for that coming November. Did not anticipate not one, but TWO category 5 hurricanes to rip through the islands in September, 2017! We were uncertain whether the trip would happen due to the damage sustained by the island. But as time passed we received reports of the island beginning to recover. We wanted to be part of the healing, so we kept our reservation, packed our bags and headed to STJ. We were greeted by Catherine at the Cruz Bay ferry dock and instantly knew we made the right decision. Catherine is every bit as wonderful as all reviewers have stated and then some! At a time when she could have been disgruntled and down... she was anything but. Her island spirit shined through and she welcomed us with open arms (pun intended). Catherine took us to pick up our rental Jeep (she will recommend which company to use and I can truly say they offer outstanding service!). Afterwards we went to the market for provisions and then embarked on our drive across the island to the Coral Bay area. The island was already "greening" up nicely after the hurricanes stripped the trees of their leaves just 2 months earlier. Beautiful sites abounded! As soon as we entered House of Open Arms we were completely awestruck by the views from the villa and cottage! The pics on the House of Open Arms page are stunning. But in person... WOW!! Even more impressive!! We slept with the windows open and did not need to put the air conditioner on at night (although it is there for your comfort should you need it). As many reviewers have stated, tropical breezes, chirping frogs and the waves below were all we heard. Truly paradise! The entire stay was a dream-come-true. Catherine is a remarkable host who is there when you need her... and yet, invisible when you do not. The villa and cottage are perfect for a romantic stay. If I was able to give more than 5 stars... I certainly would! St John is a magical island and House of Open Arms is among its finest treasures! I urge you to see for yourself!

It was our first visit to St. John and thanks to Catherine's hospitality and the use of her cottage we had an amazing visit. As other reviews stated, she met us at the ferry, took us to the car rental, then to the store and finally arrived at her property where she prepared a delicious fish dinner and provided a nice bottle of wine. We visited most of the beaches she recommended and a couple restaurants. We absolutely loved listening to the surf at night and feeling the tropical breeze. We would love to return!!!!!

We could not have asked to stay at a more beautiful cottage in St. John. Our hostess lovingly attended to our needs, provided excellent suggestions on where to visit, shop, and eat while staying there. You wont regret your stay with Catherine. We have been many places, but will not forget our stay at the cottage, and the lovely trip to St. John.

We had a wonderful time at the cottage. The host was gracious and thoughtful with helpful tips on the best places to explore. The cottage is very well appointed and provides beautiful views from sunrise to sunset with the added bonus of a spectacular evening sky full of stars. We look forward to returning!

My wife and I enjoyed the coziness of the cottage for 5 nights and fell in love with our perch above the most amazing view to the entrance into Coral Bay and Hurricane Hole. I was a little intimidated about traveling during "hurricane" season but honestly the slow time on the island was wonderfully quiet. We had only one day of intermittent rain while on the island and beautiful weather otherwise. If you are uncertain about St John as your destination I have to say it is now our favorite vacation location. You must experience it with your own senses to appreciate all it offers. There is something for everyone at St John. Quietness with nature, history in the ruins, beauty found not just in the pristine clear water beaches and reefs but also the miles of hiking trails, culture of the locals, shopping and night life, and restaurants with a taste of food for everyone. Being a guest at House of Open Arms was unlike no other experience we had on a vacation. We enjoy being around other people when we want too and we had plenty of time while on beaches, shopping, or restaurants. However if you want to be secluded and alone then the villa is the perfect place to be off the beaten tourist path. Catherine is a wonderful host and sincerely desires to see you have a wonderful experience and not just a place to stay while on the island. Catherine personally meeting us, and providing a very delicious meal on our first night demonstrated this. Catherine truly loves seeing guests enjoy the cottage, villa and the island. We were blessed meeting Catherine and experiencing her passion and vision for the House of Open Arms. Quotes I never thought I would hear from my wife, "I love the outside shower. No one can see us out here", "I like doing dishes.... with sunglasses on", "what day is it?" I will never forget the time we spent together here.

What a slice of heaven!! Views to die for! One of a kind host! If you love nature, serenity, privacy, thoughtful amenities, un-plugging off the grid, comfort then look no further than this cottage. Like reading a good book from a new author that captivates you from page 1, the artist/host captivates you from the first moments you arrive. Her canvas is her visceral vision that comprise the compound of which this cottage resides below on the cliff beneath the main residence and studio. This is a dream she shares with all lucky enough to stay at the cottage. The property itself was meticulous sought and and thoughtfully designed by the owner and some talented local architects. The venue unparalleled high atop unspoiled Hurricane Hole. Please review all the pictures and narrative. Then if you are able, go there! Looking forward to our next visit.