Hey all,
My girlfriend and I are going to St. John for the first time, from May 1-10th. We're staying with friends for the first couple of days, but wanted to branch off on our own for the second half of our stay (how much fun is vacationing on someone else's couch anyway?). I've heard pretty conflicting reports about the eco-tents. We're outdoors people and love camping and backpacking, but people have spoken of enormous bugs in their tents at night that have eaten them alive, as well as a real difference in the experience - depending on what tent you wind up with. Does anyone have any favorites as far as specific tents/levels? Am I better off, for the money, bringing a tent to pitch somewhere? Is that even an option? Is there anything that you wished you knew before your trip that would've made your stay more enjoyable? Any help would be greatly appreciated. We don't get to travel that often, and I would hate to be dissappointed by expectations Maho couldn't live up to.
Thanks,
J

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.co...fbf4d8c6986fd4

Try posting your question here. I'm certain that you will get more responses. Some forum regulars have stayed at these facilities.

I camped at Maho many years ago, but a few things probably still hold true:

- higher up on the hill is best for privacy, views, and breezes. The twinkling lights of St. Thomas are still in my memory.

- don't bring your towels and shoes inside, they bring the bugs in.

- the floorboards had gaps between, so the screens were not much help. I wore thin cotton long pants tucked inside socks at night.

- 100% Deet and anti itch cream are you best friends.

Maho Bay was a special experience, our first real Caribbean adventure. Have a wonderful time!

Thanks. It seems, if I'm reading you right, that while the bugs are annoying, they're wouldn't keep you away. I can't really afford nicer acccomodations, so I don't have too much of a choice. I know my tent won't have bugs crawling through the floor, though...

DH stayed at the Concordia property and said the southshore facing tents have breathtaking views and there were few bugs due to the constant breezes. Concordia just put in a gorgeous dining/spa center so it's now luxury eco-camping (if that isn't a contradiction in terms).