Meg

We want to honeymoon on St. John after our September 2001 wedding. Where is the best place to stay on a conservative budget? The Westin, or in a villa? We want seclusion on the beach and plenty of wildlife. I'm so excited, but I don't want to make any foolish choices. Any suggestions from experienced visitors? THANKS!!!

Karen

I am guessing that Caneel doesn't qualify for that "conservative" budget but you may also have some difficulty finding the "conservately" priced villa on St. John that is on a beach! But, then, you are going at a pretty low time of the year for travel. There are many agencies out there who can give you info about villas or if you email me, I can send you tons of links for you to check out! The only problem is that for a honeymoon, you might want some of the "luxury" and amenities of a resort but there are a couple of "condos" that can provide things like daily maid service. A popular one, altho there is no beach to speak of, is Gallows but it and many of the places similar to it are just a short drive from some of the greatest beaches!

Julie Harrell

Try www.cateredto.com for villa rentals. There are pictures of all their properties--and yes, they really do look that nice and the rates are a bargain in September. I have also heard good things about Gallows Point Condos-they have a small rocky beach but the place still gets raves on this forum.

ja

We stayed at the Westin last summer and had a great time. If you are looking for conservative, we got a rate of $120 during the summer - I'm not sure what Sept is like, but check their off season rates. We have spent much more at much less attractive islands.

We had our two children with us when we stayed there and I have to tell you, there were a lot of kids. I highly recommend the hotel, however, if I was taking my honeymoon...I might find one that didn't attract as many children. September might not be a draw for families because of school starting, so look into it because it is a wonderful resort!

I strongly recommend the island for a romantic getaway. We will go back one day!

Bryan

Stay on St. Thomas and ferry over to St. John. We were there last March and ended up on St. John most days. There are good restaurants on St. Thomas but St. John is the place to be during the day. Stay near Red Hook and you can get to the ferry within 5 minutes. Agave Terrace and Hotel 1812 are worth ferrying to St.Thomas for dinner if you decide to stay on St. John.

Good Luck.

RJ

We honeymooned on the BVIs, but had looked at St. John extensively, especially a site called www.calabashcottages.com. I fell in love with Sago Cottage, which has a hot tub and a beautiful view and is only $980/wk. in the off-season. When I called Susan, the owner/manager, she was fantastically friendly and helpful, even recommending other places to look at. Since we never made it there I can't give an actual recommendation, but it can't hurt to check the website and/or give her a call.

Good luck and have a great honeymoon.

Meg

Thanks everyone! You all were so helpful. I've reserved a villa on the north shore from CateredTo.com. It's really beautiful, and the people I spoke with were SO nice! Now I'm psyched! THANKS AGAIN!!!

mike

I know it's your honeymoon, so you might not see the "light of day", but incase you do. Beaches - our favorites - Hawksnest, Gibney and Salt Bay Pont. Restuarants - Asolare, Morgan Mango, and Paradiso. Have a great time

Melody

Hi-

I went to St. John last Aug for my honeyomoon and had a fabulous time. we stayed at the Westin, and enjoyed it. Plan on renting a jeep to explore the beautiful north shore beaches...the westin beach is not somewhere you will want to spend your days...we loved hawksnest and francis bay. We are returning this may to gallows point which is less "resorty" with out the many families. Definiltley go to dinner at Paradiso, Stone Terrace and one romantic dinner at Chateau Bordeaux...if i can help feel free to email me. I think you will enjoy your stay immensley.
Melody

Cathy

We are looking at going to St john's next Spring. We were thinking of staying at the Westin Vacation Club, however it sounds like the beach there is not great. Can anyone tell me what they don't like about it? And to find a nice beach, do you have to drive far from the resort? We would like to do some scuba diving, snorkeling, etc. so need to find a good place for that. Thanks

Karen

The man-made beach at the Westin pales in comparison the the other natural beaches. There can be many boats moored there as well! St. John is a small island with a multitude of beaches and some of the best snorkling is at those that are a distance. But Hawksnest is very nice and the first out Cruz Bay going toward Caneel. I enjoy Honeymoon and Waterlemon Cay. There are just so many to choose from!!