Last Updated: July 23, 2026
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Apartment, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, (Sleeps 2)
Totally 'remade' in 2018, Sonnenskuss is perched 250' above sea level and Mongoose Junction ( an extraordinarily beautiful architectural landmark ) on the edge of the National Park, yet, only 3 blocks from the center of Cruz Bay - an ideally convenient location. We are ready to offer you the warmest welcome with the utmost respect for your privacy. It is an oasis of relaxation and seclusion, completely surrounded by greenery and fabulous views.
NP mountain forests are displayed thru an entire northern window wall and the Cruz Bay waterfront, distant St. Thomas, the western sky and everyday sunsets are viewed thru the west wall of Pella glass & screen sliders or from the deck.
Located at the north end of the greater residence, hence, protected from southern exposure, the apartment enjoys a well-shaded interior - space white & bright and accepting of the cooling trade winds passing thru. Ceilings are high. The bedroom is large with a quality, king mattress. The bath is also large and well stocked. The kitchen/studio is fully equipped and interconnected with the bedroom thru two 6' wide archways.
A single, private parking bay (exclusive for apartment guests) is located below an ascending masonry staircase which passes a large, interestingly sculpted waterfall/birdbath surrounded by lush tropical foliage. From the staircase end, one proceeds along a shaded catwalk toward a stand of bamboo and apartment deck. The deck faces the water & sunsets and overlooks garden vegetation. Keep the feeder supplied with sugar and let the bananquits & finches entertain you. Rise early and you'll probably see deer or an occasional donkey eating that same garden.
Sonnenskuss is easily found by walking or driving (all guests in need are picked up at the ferry) 4 blocks from the ferry dock to the far end of Mongoose Junction. From there, turn into the parking lot, proceed 100', and turn left up the concrete road. 3 switchbacks follow - a right, then a left - and Sonnenskuss staircase is on the right, just before the 3rd switchback.
Mongoose Junction is unquestionably an architectural gem exuding a powerful Caribbean ambience & energy. Thanks to a local treasure - artist/architect/builder Glenn Speer - MJ is a wonderful m'elange of shops, salons, indoor/outdoor restaurants, a deli & a taproom/brewery - a delightful convenience a mere 900' 'down the hill' (even for just the morning paper or freshly brewed coffee). Warning: the walk back up can seem twice as long.
The National Park Headquarters Building & rec field is directly across the street from MJ, and Lind Pt. trail (behind bldg.) leads to Salomon, Honeymoon & Caneel Bay beaches (20-30 min.) - very convenient for those not renting a vehicle (& great exercise!)
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undere 90 days canceled bookings will not receive a refund unless another party will book in that time frame.
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private parking just for apartment guests at lower end of private entrance stairway
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Re-Charged New Yorkers
Sonnenskuss has it all...beginning with a great first impression!!! *Our host met us at the ferry, brought us to the market to stock up on a couple staples and then on to what became our 'home away from home' retreat on St John. *We were just in time for an AWESOME SUNSET!!! *Private and secluded, (bordering the National Park), Sonnenskuss is a peaceful sanctuary amidst lush tropical gardens and a magnificent water feature which is loved by hummingbirds and bananaquits, all of which was created by our host, a landscape architect *Exclusive guest parking * Sincere host hospitality * Expansive view overlooking Cruz Bay, the sea and nearby islands from your own deck 250 feet above sea level *AWESOME SUNSETS!!! * Persistent prevailing trade winds * On site help, advice and guidance from hosts with 50 years of St John experience * Daily delivery of colorful fresh hibiscus flowers, lowered to our apartment door * Beautiful, bright, white, cool, large living space, very comfortable and well appointed * And if that is not enough, all this at an extremely affordable rate! * Oh, and did I mention the AWESOME SUNSETS!!!?
Jean H.
My husband and I recently stayed at Sun's Kiss for a week. We definitely agree with the other reviews about spectacular views, spacious apartment, great location, etc. In addition the landscape has beautiful tropical plants and flowers along with a water feature on the stone steps from the deck down to where you can park your car. One of my favorite things to do was to walk down to the water feature in the early morning. That is when many birds are coming there for much needed drinks of water. Antillean crested hummingbirds will dart by and sometimes hover close to you. You can get a great close up view and see the brilliant colors in their crests if the lighting is just right. Along with the hummingbirds there are banana-quits and Lesser Antillean bull finches. We were also lucky to have a mating pair of kestrels (sparrow hawks) that would hang out in a nearby tree.
Michele P.
We were so happy we chose Sonnenskuss for our stay on St John. This being our forth visit to the island, we use to do Maho and Concordia, we wanted to be close to town. This is the perfect one bedroom very comfortable open air apartment. The views from the deck in the morning over coffee and in the evening for sunset are spectacular, even saw some beautiful rainbows on the rainy days. Gary is so accommodating, from the flowers in the coconut shell in the morning to having a beautiful water fall piece in a beautiful lush green sanctuary area (only needs a small seat so you can enjoy the area and your coffee) Even though we rented a car for the ten days we enjoyed being able to walk to town each evening, have dinner and drinks and work off some of those calories on the hill back up to the room. We chose to have our breakfast's and lunches in the apartment or when we were out hiking or on the beaches and went to town for dinners so we did not do a lot of cooking. It was also wonderful to spend a little time upstairs talking to Charlotte, what a wonderful lady! You can't go wrong if you are a looking quiet room with a great view, just don't tell too many people, we look forward to returning again.
Anonymous
Sonnenskuss is the nicest most perfect place to stay on St. John! My wife an I have stayed in Cruz Bay 3 times prior, and we decided to give Sonnenskuss a try. BEST decision ever! Gary and Charlette are the most hospitable people you could ever imagine. The cleanliness of the property, beautifully groomed trees and gardens is a real pleasure to come home to. Gary even took the time to take us to his other property to watch the sunset. After a day at the beach coming home and being able to walk to happy hour and not have to worry about parking is very convenient. There will be no need for us to look anywhere else, this is really in Cruz Bay and is the best deal you will find. We couldn't have asked for a better Christmas! Thanks Gary and Charlette and you will see us next year for sure!
Keta L.
This was our first time staying on the island of St John, and it won't be the last! Gary is the most hospitable owner! He picked us up at the ferry with our luggage to take us to the apartment. His knowledge of the island really helped us to make the most of our visit, as we spent our days out exploring, hiking, and visiting beaches. We were able to use coolers, beach chairs, beach towels, and water "noodles" to take to the beaches. The apartment itself is much more spacious than we even imagined, everything in working order and beautifully maintained. The bed was very comfortable! Our favorite part was sitting out on the deck overlooking Cruz Bay with coffee in the morning and wine in the evening. We were able to walk down the hill to Mongoose Junction and then where ever we wanted to have dinner each evening. Yes, it is a steep walk to get back up to the apartment later, but we appreciated the exercise. If you can't handle the steep hill, you could just drive. Gary took the time one evening to drive us to his other property to see a sunset - what a spectacular vista with 360 degree views! He was always willing to help us in any way we needed and could not have been more accommodating. Thank you Gary!
