Can anyone tell me what the situation is like now-- and what it's likely to be in December? When we were at Gallows Point two years ago, it was definitely dusty/messy in the area, but I don't remember much noise. Is that building project down the hill from Gallows-- across from cemetery-- finished? Are there others cropping up? In short, what's Cruz Bay like these day?
Thanks!

Poss,
That construction project is still going strong. When we were there in May, they were doing more jackhammering of the hillside right next to Lavender Hill. We didn't really notice the noise from Gallow's Point. It is still dusty/messy going down the road from GP. So in short, not much has changed. What has changed is many of the restaurants have closed and or sold and changed ownership. There have been quite a few changes at Wharfside Village (now called Wharfside Landing). There is a new restaurant where Panini Beach was (Waterfront Bistro, upscale), the new "casino" and a new pizza place to replace Senorita Pizza called I think Cruz Bay Pizza Shoppe. Stone Terrace is now closed. Tage has newly re-opened as a place called Hind's now run by the old Stone Terrace chef. Menu looks VERY pricey.

Hi-- and thanks for good detailed reply. Interesting that there are so many changes with the restaurants. I wonder what accounts for that.

I think it's just the economy in general and that it is hard to make a go of a business there. Island Blues and Cafe Roma are also under new ownership and Subway is closed just to name a few. I think a lot more people eat in at their villas too. I hope Cafe Roma stays as good as it was. It's one of our favorites. When are you going in December? We will be there November 28th-December 6th.

We were at Lavender Hill in July and while the condo project was not finished, there was no jackhammering and no mess. We had an absolutely wonderful time and would return in a heartbeat. There were plenty of fine restaurants.

I just got back from a short trip to STJ and the construction is busy all over the island, it seems. They're building a stupidly big development not far from us in Coral Bay and it was very sad to see it happen. They started work at 7 in the morning and went until about 4 or 5. As disappointing as it is to have such a development happen, the construction itself is not the worst. We don't spend much time holed up at the house during the day so the construction did not really effect us. When on STJ, the best part is the National Park, and there's no construction there! Plus, we enjoyed our dinners and evenings in peace.

Thanks, everyone. We'll be in St John starting December 9. Looking forward to the visit, as always. (though wish I could find something a little more upscale/new than good ol' Gallows)

poss, have you considered renting a villa? That's what we've done for the past two years, and I wouldn't consider doing anything else.

Here's a list of restaurants, if you're interested.

Have a nice trip.

Oops, forgot the link.

http://stjohnspice.com/stjohnrestaurants.htm

We always rent a villa when we go to Virgin Gorda (alternate between it and St John) and we much prefer villa also. BUT: We like to be right at beach-- not have to drive to get to snorkeling-- and we don't know of anything like that on St John. We also need king bed. (I think I once found one villa on StJ which was on beach-- but it had queen bed.) So we split our 10 days on St John-- 5 at Caneel, 5 at Gallows. Not bad, but would prefer villa if ever could find appropriate kind of thing. Thanks for suggestions!

Here's an option on the beach. You're probably familiar with it as it sounds like you're an experienced STJ traveler. We love Gibney Beach.

http://www.gibneybeachvillas.com/beach_cottage.htm

Have you looked at Lavender Hill - right across the road from Gallows Point? The units all have central air and master bedrooms with king beds. We absolutely loved it there.

Thanks for recent suggestions.
I'd considered the Gibney cottages some years ago, but nixed the notion mainly because there wasn't king bed. Perhaps there's been a change-- I'll check. Also, I'd read that part of Gibney is a quite public beach (I know that all beaches are public), i.e. that there's some sort of community center on one end of it, which at times becomes crowded. And when I looked at the rates, they seemed to be comparable to what one pays at Caneel. Though we love villas (esp the ones at Mahoe Bay on Virgin Gorda), I'd prefer to be at Caneel for the variety of right-there snorkeling: each of those 7 beaches really is a distinctive snorkeling environment; and the grounds are gorgeous. And the views are better. You've got me curious about Gibney again, though. I'm going to do more research. Thanks for the prompt.
Lavender Hill: We checked it out last time we were on St John. Much preferred Gallows, mainly because the snorkeling (and "beach," such that it is) is right there. Also the pool is bigger than at Lavender, and while we're not really pool people, it's nice to have it to dip into when we come out from a couple of hours in the saltier water. Also a bit easier to walk into town from Gallows. And the grounds are quite nice, we think. Gallows units are definitely getting tired, but they're very spacious (larger than Lavender's I believe-- could be mistaken about that). Mainly, at Lavender, one has to go somewhere to get somewhere; at Gallows, snorkeling (and pleasant hammocks at water's edge, etc) is right there, right out the door.
Anyway, thanks to both-- much appreciated!

poss,

Just curious if you have looked into different units at Gallows? We rented through Suite St John who offer many different units there. Some units have brand new kitchens & bathrooms, where others still are a touch on the "tired" side. As you know, the non-updated units are comfortable, but upgrades are needed at the prices they are getting. Might be worth checking into if you always have stayed in a unit that hasn't seen an upgrade in a few years.

Thanks, Scott. We much prefer building 3-- better privacy and better views-- and there are just those 2 (upstairs) units to choose from if we want that area. One is slightly better than the other, but it was booked when we got around to making our reservations this time.
Yes, you're absolutely right-- there is definite difference in quality among the various units (though not much can be done about that creepy little upstairs toilet room).
Thanks for your suggestion.

Tuxedocat-can you elaborate on the Coral Bay project? Where/what kind of project? We heard talk this spring while there about a marina project, but it didn't sound like construction was imminent on that.

Tuxedocat, I am also interested in he project in Coral Bay to which you refer. Is this a condo development or the proposed marina?

It's a low income housing development that the area fought on environmental issues and lost in court . They were given the green flag to continue construction when we were there in February.

I also heard, through a homeowner, that the marina project will start in 2009.

Tuxedocat can expand or correct this information.