St John lovers WHY?
Nov 11th, 2006, 02:42 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
St John lovers WHY?
I'm just curious why so many of you love St John so much? Also, lovers of St. John have you been to many other islands? One last question for those main landers who have moved, why did you pick St. John to move to? Thanks for satisfying a curious mind.
Nov 11th, 2006, 07:02 PM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, we haven't moved there exactly, but we picked St. John as the island to invest in because we absolutely fell in love with it. Why? Many reasons, but it is unique in the accessibility and quality of the snorkeling, the fact that 2/3 is protected national park land, the beaches are amazing, the balance between the familiar American and St. John's particular West Indian culture, and the familiarity of the American style legal system and government. We have been to many of the BVI's and of course, St. Thomas, and Bermuda, but we chose St. John because of all the above and more, which is difficult to convey if someone else just doesn't see it. Like anything else in life, some people are able to find personal magic in a thing which may elude others.
Nov 12th, 2006, 04:49 AM
#6
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We just came back from St. John and I totally fall in love with the island. The beaches and ocean are among the most beautiful I've ever seen. And once you are on the island and with a car, you can just hop on different beautiful beaches one after one within 5 minutes.
I also like the fact that St. John is not so accessable. Therefore, its natural beauty is more preserved.
My husband and I were discussing the whole trip and after, about St. John and its ranking based on our experience. We both think it is among the best.
Where have we being? Between my husband and I, we've being to the major islands in Hawaii, major Greek isles, many Caribbean islands, Bali and Puket. (Not by cruise.)
My favorite islands currently are St. John, Santorini and Maui. They are all different but the happiness visiting either of them is the same to me. And I hope we will be able to experience Tahiti in the near future.
I also like the fact that St. John is not so accessable. Therefore, its natural beauty is more preserved.
My husband and I were discussing the whole trip and after, about St. John and its ranking based on our experience. We both think it is among the best.
Where have we being? Between my husband and I, we've being to the major islands in Hawaii, major Greek isles, many Caribbean islands, Bali and Puket. (Not by cruise.)
My favorite islands currently are St. John, Santorini and Maui. They are all different but the happiness visiting either of them is the same to me. And I hope we will be able to experience Tahiti in the near future.
Nov 12th, 2006, 08:03 AM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's small, intimate, phenomenal, cove protected easy entry white sandy great snorkeling beaches, one after another. Unique views of surrounding islands give the feel of South Pacific without the 18 hour flight!
Photos http://tinyurl.com/uq3ot
Review http://tinyurl.com/y27x5y
Photos http://tinyurl.com/uq3ot
Review http://tinyurl.com/y27x5y
Nov 12th, 2006, 09:46 AM
#10
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The complete absence of high-rises, casinos, fast-food chains, traffic jams and other trappings of over-development and commercialization (that I get more than enough of right here at home) is the number one reason for us. We were there in October 2001, and nearly had the island to ourselves. Add to that, incredible natural beauty and the best beaches I've yet to find anywhere in the world.
Thus far, we've been to Jamaica, St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Virgin Gorda and Kauai. Many of these are incredibly beautiful islands and Virgin Gorda is definitely secluded, but I've yet to find another island that combines both elements like St. John.
Thus far, we've been to Jamaica, St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Virgin Gorda and Kauai. Many of these are incredibly beautiful islands and Virgin Gorda is definitely secluded, but I've yet to find another island that combines both elements like St. John.
Nov 12th, 2006, 11:14 AM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for your input everyone. When I asked where else you've been I wasn't being noisy I was just trying to see if that was your only island experience I could see why you loved it.If I could hi jack the post with a different topic, Ghengis you mentioned you went to Puket and Tahiti how were they? Would you go back? Tell me if you would rather me go to those forums and I will readdress the question. I'm really considering the both for my next trip.
Nov 12th, 2006, 12:06 PM
#12
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh I only answered part of your question, didn't I? I've been to Turks & Caicos, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia. I've also been to Brazil, Mexico, Canada, quite a few European countries and lived in a couple of African countries. Would I go back to St. John since I loved it so much? Sure, not in the near future though. Why? I just love to experience new places. My list of places to go to before I die is so darn long (French Polynesia is on top of that list!). 
Nov 12th, 2006, 03:47 PM
#13
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
St. John is overrated and overpriced.
The smoke and mirrors is the islands natural beauty. That is fine. But it is being obverdeveloped and congested. The islands culture and indiginous lifestyle is being replaced by stateside concepts.
Julie304 has not seen whats going on. There are "high rises," over development and complete degradation of island resources and ecology. Got 2 marinas coming to Coral Bay alone...most long time locals selling and leaving island....why blame them? a million dollars an acre...
Sure--go there while you can. Its looks good both above water and below water for now.
The smoke and mirrors is the islands natural beauty. That is fine. But it is being obverdeveloped and congested. The islands culture and indiginous lifestyle is being replaced by stateside concepts.
Julie304 has not seen whats going on. There are "high rises," over development and complete degradation of island resources and ecology. Got 2 marinas coming to Coral Bay alone...most long time locals selling and leaving island....why blame them? a million dollars an acre...
Sure--go there while you can. Its looks good both above water and below water for now.
Nov 12th, 2006, 03:55 PM
#14
JJR: I've been to Phuket and Tahiti. I don't need to go back to Puket-it was pretty and all, but I'm spoiled by other places. I took a day trip to "James Bond Island" there-that was cool. I would go back to Bora Bora and Moorea-gorgeous!
I've been to St. John numerous times-and will go back-I love it! I go to Turks and Caicos every year, and then pick somewhere else once a year.
I find St. John to be a very good "a little bit of everything good intro to Caribbean" island. It has gorgeous scenery, nice beaches, colorful houses, nice "vibe", cool little shops, great island hoping, great snorkeling. It's a great all around kind of island.
I've been to St. John numerous times-and will go back-I love it! I go to Turks and Caicos every year, and then pick somewhere else once a year.
I find St. John to be a very good "a little bit of everything good intro to Caribbean" island. It has gorgeous scenery, nice beaches, colorful houses, nice "vibe", cool little shops, great island hoping, great snorkeling. It's a great all around kind of island.
Nov 12th, 2006, 04:16 PM
#15
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
blamona overlooks the "vibe" of overt racism that pervades the island lately.
Tourist attacks etc...
Go to St. John, experience its beauty of outward appearance and protected national parks.
Dont stay long to experince the real st. john.
Tourist attacks etc...
Go to St. John, experience its beauty of outward appearance and protected national parks.
Dont stay long to experince the real st. john.
Nov 12th, 2006, 05:55 PM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
blamona, you are just the person I want to talk to. I really want to go to Puckett, bora bora or TAhiti (as well as hundreds of other places). I hear bora bora is extremely expensive. Haven't even started my research on any. Which would you recommend. What is there to do on any of them? I need activities other than laying on the beach. Sorry about switching topics JJR.
Nov 12th, 2006, 06:40 PM
#17
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
JJR - Tahiti would be the next in my list to go.
As far as Puket, personally, I like Bali more. Though Puket has better beaches and beautiful ocean. Bali's 5 star world class resorts were cheaper. I didn't go right after the bombing, but its economy was really hit by the bombing even years after.
Bali also has more interesting terrian. The mountain town - Ubud and its surrounding was worth visiting.
I also had a lot of good massages on Bali which made me have a bias on Bali.
As far as Puket, personally, I like Bali more. Though Puket has better beaches and beautiful ocean. Bali's 5 star world class resorts were cheaper. I didn't go right after the bombing, but its economy was really hit by the bombing even years after.
Bali also has more interesting terrian. The mountain town - Ubud and its surrounding was worth visiting.
I also had a lot of good massages on Bali which made me have a bias on Bali.
Nov 13th, 2006, 04:26 AM
#18
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I love St John because of it's beautiful beaches,decent snorkeling and scenery.
I have been to Kaua'i,Aruba,Grand Cayman and St John (2 times).
My favorite all around island is Kaua'i for it's dramatic landscape,waterfalls,the Aloha spirit and flowers.Next for natural beauty..St John.
My favorite family destination is Grand Cayman for its excellent snorkeling and activities for families.
The problem with Kaua'i is that it is a long flight for us East Coasters so what is closer and still a beautiful place? St John!
Yes, St John is growing alot, but it can only grow so much because of the National Park.
Yes, parking in town (Cruz Bay) can be a problem but we used Conrad Sutton's lot (place we rented a car from) and had no problems.
Marblehead is right in SOME ways,the property value has gone up soo much that it is forcing alot of locals to move elsewhere..sad but true.
I am sure that other islands that are less developed and undiscovered will experience the same growth as St John once it's growth is too the max.
This is a sad situation for the people who have been born and raised throughout the Caribbean.
The same thing happens in the US but there is more room here to stay close to home.
Christie
I have been to Kaua'i,Aruba,Grand Cayman and St John (2 times).
My favorite all around island is Kaua'i for it's dramatic landscape,waterfalls,the Aloha spirit and flowers.Next for natural beauty..St John.
My favorite family destination is Grand Cayman for its excellent snorkeling and activities for families.
The problem with Kaua'i is that it is a long flight for us East Coasters so what is closer and still a beautiful place? St John!
Yes, St John is growing alot, but it can only grow so much because of the National Park.
Yes, parking in town (Cruz Bay) can be a problem but we used Conrad Sutton's lot (place we rented a car from) and had no problems.
Marblehead is right in SOME ways,the property value has gone up soo much that it is forcing alot of locals to move elsewhere..sad but true.
I am sure that other islands that are less developed and undiscovered will experience the same growth as St John once it's growth is too the max.
This is a sad situation for the people who have been born and raised throughout the Caribbean.
The same thing happens in the US but there is more room here to stay close to home.
Christie
Nov 13th, 2006, 06:55 AM
#19
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not in defense of but hope I can give some perspective. St. John suffers from popularity due to all of its beauty and particular charms which was the point of your question...not what's wrong with St. John (note to Marbleheadguy,or Glissen or Carib or Publisher... yeah, you're obvious. I see you've improved in your writing though. Kudos.) Unfortunately, you will always get folks who are into capitalizing on popularity. But longtime residents are not moving in droves. Some may have moved for various reasons including that St. John is not the sleepy little island it used to be. Racism exists everywhere and certainly isn't special to St. John. I personally have not experienced any racism on St. John. We have hired and are having a great experience with either St. John born or longtime St. John residents of several different ethnic orientations. Perhaps I've just lucked out? I don't think so. IMO, problems and inevitable change aside, St. John's beauty and people are still fantastic, and will be for a long time. Some of us who love the island will work hard to make sure progress doesn't mean destruction.
