Gloria Maris

Photography by Don Hebert

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Description of Gloria Maris:

This unique and prestigious 3.3-acre property sits atop a scenic bluff on St. Thomas's undeveloped, pristine west end and offers stretches of sand, rock and coral shoreline just below the villa for snorkeling on live reefs and beachcombing with not another soul in sight. Just completed in the fall of 2003 and located just 9 miles west of Charlotte Amalie, Gloria Maris is a stunning totally private home accessed via Botany Bay Estate's main electronic gate, set within the Estate's 380 pristine uninhabited acres, all under crystal-clear nighttime skies. Built as two pavilions around the pool and sun deck, the villa's main pavilion features a sitting room with a fireplace; a breakfast bar and dining area adjoins the open-plan maple kitchen. Glass slider doors open conveniently right out to the pool deck, TV area, library, wet bar and guest bathroom. Chaise lounges are arranged on one side of the sunny pool deck, and on the other side a large canvas awning provides shady relaxation and outdoor dining. Gloria Maris's second pavilion features central air-conditioning and five king bedroom/bath suites. Two suites (one with its own deck) open directly to the pool terrace and enjoy unparalleled views of Mermaid's Chair and Little St. Thomas below, and the other three suites each open to decks featuring dramatic wide-angled ocean views to the south and east. Classic West Indian mahogany furniture and romantic four-poster beds are accented by cheerful lemon cotton fabrics and elegant Caribbean-style decor throughout. A spiral staircase winds up from the center of the bedroom pavilion to a bird's-eye observatory and its two decks (one bordering the observatory and one just above it), offering dazzling ocean vistas for miles to the horizon and colorful swirls of sunset - a perfect spot for cocktails after a tranquil sun-kissed day. This observatory also offers a queen sofabed for one or two additional guests. Gloria Maris means "glory of the seas;" this impressive home by the sea is truly glorious for its expansive ambience. The surrounding untouched wilderness is rich in flora and fauna. You can enjoy the fragrance of frangipani, bird-watching, spotting wild deer, iguanas, parrots and pelicans, snorkeling through coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, and perhaps even encountering turtles and dolphins in the bay. Or you can spend hours sunning, shelling and beachcombing below on Mermaid's Chair, the sand bar which separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean Sea, and which connects Botany Bay to Little St. Thomas, a small islet to the west owned by The Nature Conservancy. Little St. Thomas has many natural rock pools where you can laze in the sun as the ocean ebbs and flows. If you enjoy meditation, there's no finer place than this magical spot...this is the ancient Caribbean where the views haven't changed in centuries except for an occasional cruise ship on the distant horizon or a plane passing high above. Total privacy within a natural and spiritual setting is yours within this magical compound, but it's only a 20- or 25-minute scenic drive to town, shopping and excellent restaurants. Exclusive and unique...five stars.

Amenities:

2 Satellite TVs, DVD player + VCR, Bose Wave audio system with 6-CD changer, radio, movie + music collections, karaoke machine, books, games, A/C in all bedrooms, espresso maker, hair dryers, computer with internet access, printer, answering + fax machines, telescope, safe for valuables, wet bar, hammocks, Bowflex fitness machine, gas grill; beach chairs, coolers, umbrellas + picnic table at Mermaid's Chair; two electronic gates into Estate, dishwasher, laundry

Rental Notes

Gloria Maris's caretaker lives in a separate cottage about 50 yards from the villa, and is promptly available for assistance, should you need it, and for your questions, but of course your privacy is assured. If she is not on-island, another caretaker is only a phone call away. A selection of excellent chefs is available for one meal or many - please inquire for rates and sample menus. (*11th and 12 persons sleep on the queen sofabed in the observatory). A second 6-bedroom villa on a nearby 3.3 acre lot is currently being renovated by the owner, which will be available for rent in Spring, 2004. However, your seclusion and your privacy at the pool is completely assured at Gloria Maris. Please Contact John Greer for More Information.

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