My wife and I are looking at St. Thomas in the VI for a trip this summer, our first real vacation in 10 years. I like what I've read about St. Thomas (better beaches than St. Croix), but I can't seem to find accomodations that meet my desires. What we'd LIKE is "a bit upscale, on a beach, friendly staff, updated room with a view. But far enough away from hustle and bustle to be serene". Is the Ritz-Carlton or Wyndham Resort the ONLY option?? If so, I think we'd rather go homier B&B-style. This trip is for letting go, no clock, drinks when we feel like it, snorkeling, beaches, all free-style with little or no schedule, 6 nights. Money is not really an issue, we can rent a car or dine out at will, rent or buy gear, hire a small boat for day trip around the island, etc.
ANY suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated, as we aren't familiar with the Virgin Islands at all, and don't feel like we're getting much more than the standard fare from the usual online resources. Thanks.
Where on St. John for getaway?
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Sounds like Caneel Bay on St. John may be more what you are looking for:
http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/caneelbay/
We have been to the Virgin Islands lots of times and absolutely love it. We got married there and then brought our whole family to renew our vows at our 10 year mark. Anyway - we have stayed on St. Thomas once and every other time, we have stayed on St. John. St. John is unlike any other place I have been. Not trying to degrade St. Thomas but, I would 100% say stay on St. John especially if you are just going to be the two of you, no kids. Though, we brought our 2 small children with us 2 years ago and they remember it as their best vacation ever. We have to say - we love staying at LAVENDAR HILLs condos. They are right there in Cruz Bay which means you can walk to all the restaurants and shops. You will need a rental car but, that is true of anywhere you stay on St. John. We have also rented many, many villas and loved those as well. If you do decide on St. John, write me back and I will give you some other "insider tips" that my husband and I have learned over the years that have made our trips there simply perfect. So jealous! Enjoy!
Thanks for the suggestions, we're looking at all the choices and still haven't really decided yet. It does sound like St. John would be more up our alley than St. Thomas, we'll check Caneel and Lavender Hills both.
Thanks again
Kylaroy,
Please share your "insider tips" on St. John with us. We have less than 8 wks to go and just got our tickets last week. Any insights will be greatly appreciated!
Julali
You can check out my travel blog. I have several trip reports from past trips to St. John, let me know if you have any questions!
http://susannj.travellerspoint.com/toc/
Caneel Bay Resort on St. John is paradise on earth for what you want. 171 rooms scattered about 170 acres on 7 tree-shaded white sand beaches, all with wade-in snorkeling. No more than 24 rooms on any beach. All within the National Park, with no development to be seen anywhere. Only a few minutes from Cruz Bay for restaurant diversion. But there are 3 restaurants on the property. Take a look at the video on their website www.caneelbay.com under "gallery" They also have their own ferry back and forth to St.Thomas for shopping, sightseeing.
My vote also goes to Caneel Bay. It may be an older property, but the setting, restaurants, and service will be exactly what you want.
My preference on St John is to rent a very private villa. You won't be on a beach -- but you can easily do a different beach everyday with a rental vehicle. Many of the villas have VERY private (clothing optional) decks, pools, hot tubs, and outstanding views. Personally, that's how I prefer to travel. Caneel doesn't do it for me.
But, if you really want to be on a beach then Caneel is your only real option on St John.