Estate Lindholm - St. John, USVI

Estate Lindholm in St. John harks back to the island's plantation past. Nestled among old stone ruins that date to the 1700s, bowers of flowers and meandering walkways with imprints of the owner's childhood feet set the mood.

Its eleven rooms are spread over two story buildings tucked in this lush setting. The rooms are a bit on the small side, but their charm more than makes up for this tiny shortfall. Each one is a little different with attractive teak armoires and beds. Some have sleigh beds; others four-poster. White spreads and white ceramic tile floors serve as the canvas for stunning turquoise and green views of St. Thomas, Cruz Bay and the splash of ocean that separates the two sister islands.

The porches sport rocking chairs perfect for whiling away the afternoon with a good book. All rooms have televisions, air-conditioning, ceiling fans and small wet bars with sinks, microwave ovens and refrigerators.

Owners Brion and Lauren Morrisette serve a continental breakfast on the spacious stone terrace that surrounds the pool. A small exercise room sits just off the terrace.

The reception area, built with stone ruins as the base, was Brion Morrisette's boyhood home. His family later moved a few steps down the hill to the great house that now serves as home to Asolare Restaurant, where his mother started the family hospitality tradition with parties
still talked about in St. John.

A stay at this bed and breakfast puts you just above the island's main town, Cruz Bay. A walk down the hill will take about 10 minutes, but you might consider a taxi back if you're not fond of uphill treks.

You're also minutes from the start of some great hiking trails and the 20-minute walk to secluded Honeymoon Beach. A taxi or your rental car can take you to the other sugar sand North Shore beaches.

For dinner, try the Asian-style cuisine at the upscale Asolare. Only steps from your room, it's the perfect place to watch the sun set over drinks.