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-   -   Just returned from St. John (https://www.fodors.com/community/caribbean-islands/just-returned-from-st-john-198787/)

Karen Nov 11th, 2001 04:19 PM

1. On St. John, as other USVI's, you drive on the left but the cars are American with the steering wheel on the left. You adjust quickly! Yes, request a jeep with automatic if that's what you want. <BR>3. My favorite restaurants in the "higher end" include Cafe Wahoo, Chateau Bordeaux (before sunset to see the view), Stone Terrace, Dining with Andre (but admit it's been about a year since I've been there!). Others like Asolare for fusion-style and wonderful views. I don't do Paradisio - had two bad meals there and that was enuf! Morgan's Mango is very good. Have heard mixed reviews of Ellington's lately but I always enjoyed especially way up on the top deck. Vie's for a special home cooked lunch and swim on her private beach (not open every day just when she feels like it so call first). Others love Joe's bbq but it is Open Pit commercial sauce (and I don't eat meat so really don't know how "good" it is but everyone says it is a "must"). At Caneel if you are staying there, definitely Turtle Bay Estate House rather than Caneel Terrace or the Sunday grande brunch at Caneel Terrace if they are serving that when you are there - otherwise, it is still a lovely brunch!

Karen Nov 11th, 2001 04:21 PM

PS. If you happen to be under that magical age of 25, go into a couple of the local agencies and smile really nice. You may be pleasantly surprised!

karen Nov 12th, 2001 09:01 AM

Karen,<BR><BR>Thanks so much - you should write for Zagats!<BR><BR>Karen

tiff Dec 27th, 2001 08:25 AM

For Nancy:<BR>My husband and I went to Caneel last year for our honeymoon. It was wonderful and although I only saw some of the other resorts/hotels on the island from a distance, Caneel looked like the best. The grounds are beautiful, food excellent and we enjoyed going to the different beaches on the property everyday to snorkel and relax. You are welcome to email me if you have any specific questions.

Marguerite Jan 16th, 2002 02:40 PM

We will also be staying at Dream Catcher. Is the Westin beach and ammenities accessible to the general public? I have 3 teens and I'm trying to keep them occupied. Would they be able to go on the floating trampoline in the bay?

Nancy Jan 17th, 2002 12:30 PM

Hi,<BR>Well, we made our decision for our honeymoon/wedding. We opted to rent a<BR>villa (Argonauta) and have a sunset<BR>wedding and catered dinner afterwards<BR>at the Villa.<BR><BR>Question? Trunk Bay was suggested to<BR>have our sunset wedding. We have never<BR>been to St. John and will scount the<BR>beaches before our decision. What I<BR>would like to know is how are the "no-<BR>seeum" bugs at around 5:30 on the beaches. Would they cause a problem?<BR><BR>Also, anyone who has had a wedding over<BR>there, any advice would be so appreciated. We will only be having<BR>6 or 7 people attend.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Nancy

Debbie Jan 19th, 2002 04:58 AM

Cory, Try St John Properties.com<BR>and go to the villa list to Villa<BR>#5.I believe that's Villa Caribes<BR>'Orion' Villa.It's a two bedroom,two<BR>bath with a private jucuzzi in your<BR>living room and a lap pool outside.<BR>Off-season it goes for $150 per night.Lot's of privacy,close to town,and very nice! We loved it!<BR>It's a seperate villa from the other accommadations.You can also look at my review on this place at Where to<BR>Stay.com

Eva Feb 9th, 2002 12:18 PM

Trunk bay in excellent. When you go out snorkling, the first hundred feet aren't great for coral, but I remember seeing at least 3 or 4 sea turtles and many medium-sized rays. There is a small island that you can swim to, and near there the water is rather shallow, with lost of beautiful fish and rocks. This was in 1994, so it might have changed...

RichF Feb 9th, 2002 09:36 PM

To Nancy: Trunk Bay is absolutly beautiful! I guess if there is ever a great beach for wedding pictures, it's Trunk Bay as the choice. Go for it. Years from now, when people look at those pictures they will know...<BR><BR>Trunk Bay, is probably the most identifiable beach in the Caribbean! Maybe the world! When you see that small island (cay) in the distance you'll know it's Trunk Bay. The backdrop is sea grape trees, the water color is stunning and that lifeguard chair in the middle of the beach, then you'll know... Also, if you take the pictures close to sunset, water looks like glass. Trust me, I seen these pictures before.

Pam Feb 21st, 2002 06:26 AM

Julie -- I think for our honeymoon in November we're going to go your route and rent a villa on St. John. We have never been to St. John; in your opinion how important was it to be close to Cruz Bay (town)? One of the villas we're considering is right near Maho beach. We will like to go to town for dinner and drinks, so is the drive a pain or easy? There's another place we're considering near reef bay, would that be better? The road to the Reef Bay place is steep and rocky which I don't think would bother me, but in some postings I have read peoople complain about that. I welcome any advice. Best, Pam

Kate Feb 21st, 2002 06:45 AM

My advice is to ask the rental company how bad the roads to the villa really are...I rented a villa from caribbean villas last year and they said the road to the villa was rough but not too bad..let me tell you after a few days travelling the mile or so of really bad, rutted, rocky , steep roads that led to our villa I had had enough!! It may sound like fun at first but when you have to take that road every time you want to go out..which would proabably be at least twice a day for beaches, dinner etc it gets really tiring and not very much fun at all...

Pam Pfeifer Feb 21st, 2002 09:46 AM

Thanks Kate. I think you're right...how was your Villa experience overall. Were you happy with the place and location? Did you think it was a good way to go?

Julie Feb 21st, 2002 12:02 PM

Pam:<BR>Have you checked out the usvi online travel forum? There are usually quite a few posts re: St. John villas.<BR>Here is the link:<BR>http://www.usvi-on-line.com/usviforum.html<BR>Spent my honeymoon on St. John at Caneel. My husband and I fell in love with St. John. Returned for our first anniversary last June. <BR>The roads can be pretty unnerving at night -- very dark and windy. If you plan on spending several evenings in Cruz Bay, you might want to consider a villa closer to town.

MKB Feb 22nd, 2002 07:04 PM

Nancy, we were in St. Croix last week and went to St. John for the afternoon. Caneel Bay resort is gorgeous. The grounds are immaculate and the beaches are so private and secluded. If you can afford it, I would do it. We didn't hear anything but a lawn mower in the distance and some birds chirping. Just gorgeous!


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