Another great time on St. John Trip Report 10/24 11/2/13
Nov 7th, 2013, 10:54 AM
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Another great time on St. John Trip Report 10/24 11/2/13
You can read about it here:
http://susannj.com/2013/11/07/anothe...me-on-st-john/
http://susannj.com/2013/11/07/anothe...me-on-st-john/
Nov 7th, 2013, 08:00 PM
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Loved, loved, loved your report and the glorious pictures! I have been only to St Kitts for real trips and other islands only on cruises. Your trip looks truly amazing, a word I usually hate, but actually seems justified here. It made me want to go, but getting there seemed a bit arduous and driving difficult. How do you think it would be for an "old" couple?
Nov 8th, 2013, 11:10 AM
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To Sassafrass….
Depending on where you are flying from it really isn't so bad…. from the NY/NJ area, United flies direct to St. Thomas on Saturdays and may be more frequent during high season. Once you get to St. Thomas, you take a taxi to the other side of the island. It is about 45 min. but the ride is a trip - up and down, etc. Then you take the ferry to St. John - about 20 min.
St. John is a great island that appeals to all ages. If you are unfamiliar with the island, I would suggest staying at the following, and then once you "get it" you will want to come back and stay at a villa.
Some places to look up:
Caneel Bay - LOVE this place but very $$$$$$ and no tvs in the room
Westin St. John - nice resort, man made beach, but grounds and pool area are really nice and are almost done with a major renovation - Dec. 2013
Gallows Point - Condo style resort on bluff so no beach, but good locating to grab taxis to go to beaches and you can walk to Cruz Bay - for shopping, dining, etc.
Grande Bay Resort - brand new condo style resort similar to Gallows Point.
Hope this helps!
Depending on where you are flying from it really isn't so bad…. from the NY/NJ area, United flies direct to St. Thomas on Saturdays and may be more frequent during high season. Once you get to St. Thomas, you take a taxi to the other side of the island. It is about 45 min. but the ride is a trip - up and down, etc. Then you take the ferry to St. John - about 20 min.
St. John is a great island that appeals to all ages. If you are unfamiliar with the island, I would suggest staying at the following, and then once you "get it" you will want to come back and stay at a villa.
Some places to look up:
Caneel Bay - LOVE this place but very $$$$$$ and no tvs in the room
Westin St. John - nice resort, man made beach, but grounds and pool area are really nice and are almost done with a major renovation - Dec. 2013
Gallows Point - Condo style resort on bluff so no beach, but good locating to grab taxis to go to beaches and you can walk to Cruz Bay - for shopping, dining, etc.
Grande Bay Resort - brand new condo style resort similar to Gallows Point.
Hope this helps!
Nov 13th, 2013, 12:50 AM
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Try the Coral Bay side next time. MUCH more of a local Caribbean feel. You are still close to spectacular beaches of the North Shore, but closer t those at the East End of the island. And the cottages/villas there on Bordeaux Mountain have SPECTACULAR views, if that appeals to you (as it does to me).
Re the trip, SusannJ, i totally agree with you.-it is not so bad! i travel from California, and it is worth it. Once you land on St Thomas, it is an adventure--which makes it even more fun!!! Having to take the ferry is what keeps St John quieter than St Thomas
Sassafrass, I am "senior" "older" and feel totally comfortable there, Again,i recommend, stay on the Coral Bay side. There are quite a few mainland retirees there--age wise i feel right at theme!! Cruz Bay is more commercialized, literally there is partying in the street--fun for some, but too much for this oldster. The resorts are away form town. TW,i respectfully disagree that you should start with these . Caneel is terribly expensive, very basic rooms (but amazing private beaches)and Gallows and Grande Bay too close to Cruz Bay's "in town" feeling. The Westin has beautiful manicured grounds, very family oriented. In high season, it gets very crowded.
Note that you can use a couple beaches at Caneel (they are public, though you pay a small parking fee which will be reimbursed if you buy something e.g. a burger and drink at the snack bar). Other beaches at Caneel are guests only. Trust me and SusannJ, there is no shortage of gorgeous, perfect , quiet beaches around the island.
Re the trip, SusannJ, i totally agree with you.-it is not so bad! i travel from California, and it is worth it. Once you land on St Thomas, it is an adventure--which makes it even more fun!!! Having to take the ferry is what keeps St John quieter than St Thomas
Sassafrass, I am "senior" "older" and feel totally comfortable there, Again,i recommend, stay on the Coral Bay side. There are quite a few mainland retirees there--age wise i feel right at theme!! Cruz Bay is more commercialized, literally there is partying in the street--fun for some, but too much for this oldster. The resorts are away form town. TW,i respectfully disagree that you should start with these . Caneel is terribly expensive, very basic rooms (but amazing private beaches)and Gallows and Grande Bay too close to Cruz Bay's "in town" feeling. The Westin has beautiful manicured grounds, very family oriented. In high season, it gets very crowded.
Note that you can use a couple beaches at Caneel (they are public, though you pay a small parking fee which will be reimbursed if you buy something e.g. a burger and drink at the snack bar). Other beaches at Caneel are guests only. Trust me and SusannJ, there is no shortage of gorgeous, perfect , quiet beaches around the island.
Nov 13th, 2013, 12:57 AM
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p.s. Susann, your pictures are fantastic!!! thank you!!
I honestly think renting a villa or cottage for the first time there is perfectly fine--no need to stay at a larger place. Most villa owners or agents are great with information, details, and easy contact.
I honestly think renting a villa or cottage for the first time there is perfectly fine--no need to stay at a larger place. Most villa owners or agents are great with information, details, and easy contact.
Nov 13th, 2013, 06:21 AM
#9
Excellent trip report and beautiful photos.
We've been all over the Carib for the last 25 yrs. and for the last 5 have settled in TCI but your trip report has reminded us of how much we enjoyed St. John.
We were there a few times and renting a gorgeous house overlooking the water was wonderful experience. You chose a great property with stunning views.
Your story on Foxxy's and The Soggy Dollar on White Bay, Jost Van Dyke took us back to a fantastic day---remains on our favorites list.
I always like the food photos. MDH laughs when I take a photo of food.
Thanks for posting. We just might return. Right now would be good, it's getting cold here in Wisconsin.
Nov 13th, 2013, 03:24 PM
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Fantastic report i loved it - we are going to the carribean for the first time , we are from australia, but get cheap flights to the U.S, so we are exploring your side of the world while we can .
I have read and read about which island might suit us best and it seems that this is the one, especially due to your brilliant photos.. we love snorkelling, and lush landscapes . we stayed in a villa/condo in mexico and they suit us . can you recommend a smaller villa or condo. we r going in mar/apr. Do you think we should do a cruise on one of the smaller ships first then a week on an island. we love really good food as well, so any restaurant recommendations would be brilliant. In Mexico i got sick, is it a bit safer to eat in the BVI? or should i still be careful..
one last thing some of the carribean islands seem to have quite a lot of muggings and armed robberies, this is a bit off putting .
is St John a bit safer ? Having said that we were warned off going to Mexico , and it couldnt have been safer ...
Ps we are 45ish -
Thanks so much for all your help
Kim
I have read and read about which island might suit us best and it seems that this is the one, especially due to your brilliant photos.. we love snorkelling, and lush landscapes . we stayed in a villa/condo in mexico and they suit us . can you recommend a smaller villa or condo. we r going in mar/apr. Do you think we should do a cruise on one of the smaller ships first then a week on an island. we love really good food as well, so any restaurant recommendations would be brilliant. In Mexico i got sick, is it a bit safer to eat in the BVI? or should i still be careful..
one last thing some of the carribean islands seem to have quite a lot of muggings and armed robberies, this is a bit off putting .
is St John a bit safer ? Having said that we were warned off going to Mexico , and it couldnt have been safer ...
Ps we are 45ish -
Thanks so much for all your help
Kim
