aulie2

Does any have a recent update on the status of this resort? We are planning a vacation there in April 09 and the area is highly recommended but there seems to be confusion on the condition of the property. Thanks

doug_stallings

I'm afraid to say that it's still very inconsistent. After a year of heading up, they are at the very least on a plateau now, at worst on the way back down again. From what I've read, it's downhill. There's still management confusion, still inconsistency with the restaurants (the main restaurant is now closed again, I believe), and still much inconsistency with room quality. The beach remains among the best.

I would probably not take a chance with planning a trip there so far in advance at this point. Definitely yes to St. Thomas, but don't book the hotel so far in advance. Certainly don't book a package including the Sapphire so you can have the flexibility to change if things get really bad (and if they get better for the winter season, you can always book right away).

aulie2

thanks
I'll keep looking

michigancouple

What about booking at Sapphire Beach but directly with the condo owners? I see a lot of them on VRBO and have sent out a couple of emails to them with questions. The owners I have contacted seem really nice. The pricing is quite a bit less than going through the resort. Any of you have knowledge on this topic?

golfergirl

I first stayed at Sapphire about 7 years ago when the restaurants and bars were open and it was so lovely. For the last six years I have stayed at Sapphire and rented directly through various owners on VRBO. I've never had a single complaint and saved a ton!

michigancouple

golfergirl,

Thanks for the vote of confidence on renting through VRBO at Sapphire. We are going to give it a try there. We will be there at the end of February 2009. I've figured out which VRBO unit we will have and are making the final arrangements with them this week. We went 2 years ago and stayed at Secret Harbour. It was very nice and we had a great time. We did a day sail on the Rumbaba. It was awesome! I would highly recommend them for a private sailing day with 6 passengers maximum. Not too expensive either. We also spent a day on St. John beaches and then hung out with the locals at the Quiet Mon. Another great day!

I think this time we'll do the BVI daytrip with one of the charter services. Not sure which one yet.

I've already got a shot of St. Thomas on my PC screensaver so I can dream of it anytime I want.

golfergirl

Hey michigancouple,

Here's how I start each day:
www.gotostjohn.com/live/index.htm.
See if that doesn't put a smile on your face!

We've sailed with Captain Jim on Jester (www.sailjester.com-look at the great photos!) and had the same great experience, limit of 6.

We went with Limnos for our first trip to the BVI. We really enjoyed that because we were new to the VI/BVI, they gave lots of history along the way and we really got the "lay of the land". There were about 25 people on the boat (more like a houseboat) but it didn't feel crowded they had men/ladies heads, showers and open bar all day!

Makes me want to go just talking about it! Enjoy!

loveinnc

Just returned from St. Thomas/St. John and I would highly not recommend Sapphire Beach as a place to stay, but rather a place to visit on a day trip. The public restroom was absolutely disgusting, and I'm a pretty easy going person, but this was SICK. Even the lady at the Budget counter agreed and was embarrassed to show me the way to get there. The main restaurant and another bar are still closed and there are no plans for any new tenant anytime soon.

We took a day trip on New Horizons to BVI. It was fantastic, although too short of a stay at the Baths of Virgin Gorda.

virginia

golfergirl - great link to the cam from cruz bay. thanks!
aulie2 - new horizons fast boat is a fabulous excursion.