Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Suggested for vacation home. You can adapt these based on the specifics of your property.

General Information

Our vacation home is in Estate Fish Bay, a beautiful part of the island on the Southside of St. John. 

Check-in is from 4:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00  AM. If you need flexibility with these times, please let us know in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

  • If you rent a vehicle on St. Thomas:  You will drive to the Red Hook barge ferry in Red Hook.  The property manager will great you and lead you to Monarch Cottage.
  • If you do not rent a vehicle on St. Thomas (If you rent a vehicle on St. John   When you land at the airport in St. Thomas, you take a taxi to either Crown Bay Marina or Red Hook for the ferry to Cruz Bay.  (Always check schedules for Crown Bay as they change periodically.)  Red Hook ferry runs very hour on the hour. (We can also arrange a private taxi from the airport to the ferry dock)
  • When you arrive in Cruz Bay the property manager will greet you at the ferry and guide you to Monarch Cottage.

Yes, parking for 2 vehicles is available at the property. If you don’t plan on renting a car, we can also recommend local transportation options.

Booking & Payments

You can book the property through our website, via phone, or by contacting us via email. Once your booking is confirmed, we will send you all the details to ensure a smooth arrival.  We will send your rental agreement by e-mail and doc sign – you will add the names of guests and their cell #’s.  We will also send a list of car rental companies and a list of Things to Do!

We offer a flexible cancellation policy with a full refund if cancelled within 60 days before check-in. After that, a partial refund may apply. Please check our full cancellation terms when booking.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation: We hope it will not be necessary for you to cancel, but should you need to do so, it is important that we are notified immediately and in writing. You may cancel your reservation up to 60 days prior to your arrival. In the event of cancellation of this booking and  rental agreement any refund of deposit(s) will be only to the extent that the Villa is rebooked for the same time period at the same rate.  We reserve the right to charge 20% of total rent for canceled reservations.  If you cancel within 60 days of your arrival you will not receive any refund.  The security/damage deposit is not subject to cancellation charges and will be refunded in full. For peace of mind we recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance.

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Yes, we require a 50% deposit  to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due 60 days before check-in.

In addition to the rental rate, there may be additional charges for cleaning, damage deposits, or taxes. These will be clearly outlined in your rental agreement during the booking process.

Amenities & Facilities

Monarch Cottage is a brand new build and offers extensive amenities.  The list includes:  Wi-Fi, air conditioning in every room,, full kitchen,  ice machine that makes 32 pounds of ice a day, screened dining area,  pool and spa, BBQ, beach chairs, beach towels and pool toys.   We also provide linens, towels, and a paddle board for your convenience.  See a complete list of amenities listed under Amenities on our website.

Yes, each bedroom has a smart TV and the great room has a large smart TV.

Yes, the property has high-speed Wi-Fi throughout. The access code will be provided upon check-in.

Yes, we have a private pool and spa that overlook Fish Bay and the Caribbean.  Your front yard is a private beach, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. Access details will be provided upon arrival.

Our vacation home is appropriate for children over the age of 12.

No, we do not allow pets.

Yes, the home is equipped with air conditioning in every room]. Ceiling fans are also available throughout the property for your comfort.

  • One of the charms of the island…you take your trash to one of the dumpsters because there is no trash pick up.  It really becomes a regular part of your day.  (Really!)  We also recycle cans & plastic bottles (recycle bin by the big garbage bins)
  • You do not want to place the trash outside overnight.  Remember, we are on an island and the local creates would love to explore your trash and make a mess.

Yes, the vacation home has a fully equipped kitchen, including  stove, fridge, microwave, dishwasher, ice machine, coffee maker, toaster, and all the equipment you might need to create meals during your stay.

Local Area & Activities

  • St. John is a small island so everything is nearby.  Trunk Bay is voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and a short car ride away from Monarch Cottage.  From guided tours, boat rides to many beaches around the island, you can find activity for all in your party.  Some of the most popular activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking, historic ruin tours, etc. We can provide information on tours and local attractions when you arrive.

It is recommended that you rent a vehicle or you will need to take taxis.  Fish Bay is not within walking distance to Cruz Bay.

  • Yes, there are several local restaurants and grocery stores within 7  minutes of the property. We’ll provide you with recommendations for dining and shopping in the area.
  • Many restaurants require reservations so plan ahead.
  • The weather in the Caribbean is typically warm and tropical year-round, with temperatures averaging between 83°F] during the day. We recommend checking the forecast closer to your trip.
  • The sun is intense so we recommend you use sunscreen at all times.
  • Please use Reef Safe sunscreen to help protect our reefs and sea life.

NO.  They are not domesticated.  Look at them and enjoy but do not feed them or pet them.

No, as long as you leave them alone they will leave you alone.  The only time an iguana is dangerous is if you try to corner it.  Allow them to be a part of nature and take photos but don’t bother them.  They are afraid of you unless they feel threatened.

Yes.  St. John, and Fish Bay, are very safe.  Estate Fish Bay is not only a beautiful vacation location, it is populated with families who live there year round.  We also provide local safety tips upon check-in.

Policies

No, smoking is not permitted inside the home. You may smoke in the designated outdoor areas, but we kindly ask you to dispose of cigarette butts properly.

The maximum occupancy is 6 guests.

Yes, we ask that you respect the property and neighbors by keeping noise to a minimum and following any additional rules in the guestbook upon arrival.  After 10:00 p.m. the neighborhood rules require all loud music and noise to be reduced to avoid ‘noise’ pollution for the neighbors.

If you encounter any issues during your stay, please get in touch with us immediately. We have a dedicated team that will resolve any maintenance concerns promptly.

COVID-19 & Health

  • We follow local government guidelines for health and safety. If you feel unwell or unable to travel due to COVID-19 restrictions, don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as possible to discuss cancellation or rescheduling options.
  • We highly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance for any reason.

Yes, the property is thoroughly cleaned between each guest. We also provide hand sanitizers and other cleaning products for your convenience.

Contact & Support

We are available via phone or email during your stay. Our local contact will also be available to answer any urgent matters.

If the property is available, you can extend your stay. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible to inquire about availability and pricing.

There is a small clinic on St. John.  There is a hospital on St. Thomas.

There is a pharmacy in Market Place, approx. 6 minutes from Monarch Cottage.  It is open Monday – Saturday.  If you have an emergency need for a pharmacy on Sundays there is a pharmacy in Red Hook, St. Thomas.  (A 15 minute ferry ride away.)

Yes.  Of course we ask that you respect neighbors with all noise levels.  Parking is limited to 2 vehicles so ask guests to use local taxis.

COVID-19 & Health

  • We follow local government guidelines for health and safety. If you feel unwell or unable to travel due to COVID-19 restrictions, don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as possible to discuss cancellation or rescheduling options.
  • We highly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance for any reason.

Yes, the property is thoroughly cleaned between each guest. We also provide hand sanitizers and other cleaning products for your convenience.