Oceanfront Beach House! đđłEscape to Rosebud, a breathtaking Caribbean retreat on Water Island. This luxurious hillside estate offers stunning ocean views, modern amenities, and the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether youâre lounging by the pool, exploring secluded beaches, or soaking in the islandâs charm, Rosebud is your paradise. Stay, unwind, and make unforgettable memories! đşâď¸đď¸
you look South you can see the mountains of St. Croix on the horizon.
Weâre proud to open our doors to guests for the first time! This home has been a part of our journey, and now itâs ready to be part of yoursâwhether you’re here for rest, adventure, or a little of both.
After entering the front gate, youâre immediately in your own quiet, secluded slice of Caribbean paradise. Right in front of you is a spectacular ocean view, overlooking Limestone Beach with St. Thomas (Frenchmanâs Reef) in the background. You can also see Buck Island and Frenchmanâs Cap straight out in the distance. On clear days, if you look South you can see the mountains of St. Croix on the horizon.
About the Home
đż Indoor Space
Step inside Rosebud and experience open-concept island living with breathtaking ocean views from nearly every room. The home features a spacious living area with high ceilings, comfortable seating, and large windows that invite in the tropical breeze. The fully equipped kitchen has modern appliances, ample counter space, and a dining area perfect for gathering.
The home offers three sleeping spaces:
A primary bedroom with a king bed, ceiling fans, and constant ocean breezes for natural cooling.
A second bedroom with a king bed and air conditioning for ultimate comfort. This is the only room with air conditioning.
An upstairs loft area serves as a 3rd bedroom with a queen bed and a futon, ideal for additional guests.
There are two full bathrooms, each offering a refreshing retreat after your island adventures. The second bathroom is shared with any guests staying in the upstairs loft. While the home is designed with an open-air concept to let the ocean breezes flow freely, please note that the bathrooms do not have traditional doors. Instead, each side of the house features a sliding door that provides privacy between the common area and the bedroom / bathroom areas. Weâve found that simply opening the cabinet doors is a helpful way to signal the bathroom is occupied. Window coverings are in place for most screened openings in the bathrooms, though there is no covering on the screen near the shower to allow for proper airflow and avoid moisture buildup. This layout embraces the island lifestyleâbreezy, relaxed, and connected to nature.
âď¸ Outdoor Space
The magic of Rosebud extends outdoors, where the oceanfront terrace offers the perfect setting for sipping coffee at sunrise or cocktails in the evening. Enjoy a dip in the private pool, surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and panoramic ocean views. The outdoor lounge and dining areas are perfect for meals, while the gentle island breezes make every moment more relaxing.
There is also a private path leading directly to Limestone Beach, offering a secluded, peaceful spot for swimming and exploring. Just a short golf cart ride away, explore additional pristine beaches, hiking trails, and the laid-back charm of Water Island. Rosebud is designed for relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable island memories. đşđď¸âď¸
đ¤ď¸ Sunrise & Afternoon Comfort:
The house is perfectly positioned to catch beautiful morning sunrisesâideal for starting your day with coffee and a view. In the afternoon, the home stays comfortably shaded, keeping things cool and relaxing after a day in the sun.
đż Work & Connectivity
Rosebud is equipped with a Tesla solar system, so youâll never need to worry about electricity. Starlink Wi-Fi ensures youâll always have fast, reliable internet, making it a great place to work remotely while enjoying the beauty of the island. Whether youâre catching up on emails or attending a virtual meeting, youâll have the perfect environment to stay connected.
Guests have exclusive access to the main house, including all indoor and outdoor living spaces, the private pool, and terraces. There is an ownerâs suite next door, which will typically be unoccupied during your stay. Self-check-in and check-out ensures a smooth and flexible arrival and departure. Enjoy your private island retreat! đşđď¸
We highly recommend renting a golf cart from Rachaelâs Rentals to make getting around the island a breeze. While Honeymoon Beach and the ferry dock are just a quick 10-minute walk from our home, thereâs so much more to see and do across the island. A golf cart makes it easy to explore at your own pace and is especially helpful when carrying beach gear, groceries or luggage. We suggest booking early, as inventory is limited and carts tend to go fast!
Although we are not typically on the island, weâve built strong relationships with our island family and have plenty of local support to ensure you have everything you need during your stay. During our five years living on Water Island, we were deeply involved in the communityâone of us even served as President of the Water Island Civic Association (WICA) for four of those years. Water Islandâs charm lies in its welcoming community, where locals are always happy to share details about events like bingo, the Thursday night Wine Down, or the Monday afternoon social hour. You may even make lifelong friends!
We are here for youâdonât hesitate to reach out at any time with questions or needs. We are committed to responding promptly and ensuring your vacation is as enjoyable as possible. That said, please keep in mind that this is island life, and things donât always go perfectly. Island time is real, and we kindly ask for your patience and understanding during your stay. Your comfort and happiness are our top priority, and weâre dedicated to making your experience unforgettable! đ´
How to Get to Water Island
After arriving at Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas, take a short 5-minute taxi ride to Crown Bay Marina. From there, board the Water Island Ferry for a 10-minute ride to Phillips Landing. The last ferry is at 6pm, please consider this as part of your daily activities. On some days, there is a late 9pm ferry and there are options to book private water transportation. Tickets for the ferry can be purchased at the ferry boutique in Crown Bay Marina or directly on the ferry.
Upon arrival to Water Island, you’ll see the island’s post office and welcome center and if you’ve reserved a golf cart, someone from Rachael’s Rentals will be waiting for you. From there, it is a quick 4-minute golf cart ride along the main road to bring you to Rosebud, 86 Estate Water Island.
Located on Water Island, the smallest of the four USVI islands at just 491.5 acres, Rosebud provides the perfect setting to disconnect and enjoy a laid-back, peaceful vacation. This charming residential island, with a population under 200, offers a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle.
During your stay, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including:
đBeach days with relaxation on the sand and swimming / snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
đ Kayaking and exploring the shorelines of Water Island – rentals available at Dinghy’s Beach Bar
đFishing or boating excursions to USVI or the BVI’s – we are happy to recommend our favorites.
đA day trip to St. Thomas or nearby St. John.
đHiking the islandâs scenic paths and exploring historical military fortifications.
đEnjoying movie nights on the beach with locals and fellow travelers.
đIndulging in a leisurely lunch and cocktails at Honeymoon Beach.
What to Explore on Water Island
Honeymoon Beach â A pristine stretch of sand perfect for snorkeling, paddleboarding, sunbathing, or tossing a ball. Youâll frequently spot sea turtles and stingrays while snorkeling, and thereâs a roped-off swim area for added safety. The beach also features beach tennis, pickleball and volleyball courts, plus several palapas offering shade.
Dinghy’s Beach Bar & Grill â Located on Honeymoon Beach, this spot offers live music on Sundays, a Saturday evening movie on the beach, and a delicious menu of burgers, tacos, and cocktails. Check their social media page for other regular events. You can also rent beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear.
The Crossing Shaved Ice and Local Art â Situated off the main road, this lively stop is popular with locals. Enjoy shaved ice, play a game of cornhole, and shop for unique gifts from local Water Island artists. Itâs a must-visit, where you can also grab bagged ice and cold beer.
Heidi’s Hilltop Grill â Located up the hill from the beach, Heidiâs serves up the best fish tacos and amazing burgers, all while offering fantastic views. Enjoy cocktails, a Sunday brunch, and special events like Friday night dinners and Saturday afternoon bingo during the season.
WIMart â This charming container-turned-convenience store is open daily and stocks everything from basic groceries and condiments to drinks, toiletries, and more. Itâs your go-to spot for all the essentials.
Limestone Beach â A beautiful bay right in front of Rosebud, with a private path leading you directly there. While this beach is rocky, it offers stunning views and refreshing breezes. On a calm day, you can snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Fort Segarra – The U.S. Government acquired Water Island in 1944 to serve as a part of the coastal defense system for the U.S. Virgin Islands during World War II. The main fortification, Fort Segarra, located at the southern tip of the island, was constructed to protect the entrance to St. Thomas harbor. It consisted of two large gun emplacements, watchtowers, underground bunkers, and other military facilities. World War II ended before the two large guns could be installed.
Please note: Some attractions may have limited hours or close temporarily during the off-season, while others may only offer special eventsâlike dinners or movie nightsâduring the high season. We recommend checking directly with each establishment for the most up-to-date information on availability and events.
A Sustainable Stay
As Water Islandâs fresh water comes from rain collected in cisterns, we ask that you help conserve this valuable resource during your stay. Please take short showers, turn off the water while brushing your teeth, and be mindful of your water usage.
Note about Natural Debris:
A few times a year, typically after certain weather patterns, our beautiful southeastern-facing beach may experience some natural seaweed (sargassum) washing ashore. This is a normal and seasonal occurrence throughout the Caribbean and usually clears up quickly. Itâs all part of the natural rhythm of island lifeâand the views are still stunning!
Rosebud isnât just a place to stayâitâs a peaceful retreat, an island adventure, and a chance to unwind in one of the most beautiful spots in the Caribbean. đđ´