my husband and i are taking our 1 year wedding ann. to maho bay and concordia in july. we are very excited! niether of us have ever been to the caribbean. we have a few questions for all you st. john experts. 1.) is it neccesary to take our own sheets or any bedding to maho bay? 2.) any clever food ideas? we plan on bringing food with us to cut costs - and maho provides a camping stove and bbq. 3.) has anyone rented a kayak on st. john? if so, how much.. good experience?.. from whom did you rent? cost? 4.) any advice or packing list items that are a must? we already know about the loads of bug spray needed and plan on being prepared! thanks for your help!

Hello I live on St. John, however I can't say I have ever stayed at Maho. I do as a local choose that beach for my daughter and I to go to everyday. I would call Maho and ask them your questions. As for the kayak.. my friends run the first kayak company on island. It is called Arawak Expeditions. Arthur the owner has tons of experience and is super cool. everyone who works for him is very nice. He and his family have lived here for a long time , I believe its been over 10 years. Google the name, and check out there site. Hope it helps.

Check http://maho.org/Maho.cfm

...just in case you haven't seen Maho's own web site. There's useful info for you on it, e.g. about bringing a flashlight, and useful phone numbers as mentioned above by stjislandgirl. Happy upcoming anniversary!

Hi union1mc, My husband and I honeymooned at Concordia (note Maho and Concordia are in two different locations on STJ). We stayed in the eco-tents and enjoyed it. They are quite spacious and have great breezes (on the Concordia side of the island). The mini-kitchen was more than adequate for cooking meals. We cooked a few breakfasts and dinners in our tent. As far as what foods to bring, I'd bring small quantities of spices, tea & coffee, olive oil, a head of garlic. Anything that travels well that you'll only use a small quantity of what you'd have to buy. Buying some liquor in the duty free at the airport on your way in is a smart idea as it's the most inexpensive there.

As part of your fees, they do provide the bedding & linens.

Bug spray with deet is a definite and a small flashlight is a good idea as well.

You can see my photos of the eco-tents at Concordia. http://www.pbase.com/tpatricco/st_john_february_2003

Thanks for all the responses! I think the only question I have left is the whole kayak rental thing. I can not seem to find any prices on the matter. What I am hoping to be able to do is rent a double or 2 sinlge kayaks for a full day, do is anyone offer this? Thank you!