Zozo's is at Gallow Point and yes,it's in Cruz Bay.Have fun!:)

Christie

yes, I would try to reserve the car today. It's winter break here in Mass. too and I've heard that they do get booked up. If the Westin doesn't work, I've heard many people like Conrad Sutton too, I believe they have a website.

My 6 year old snorkeled with my husband at Trunk and saw some fish. We didn't find the snorkeling in St. John to be that amazing compared to Caymen Islands or Bermuda but it's still fun. Most of the beaches have restrooms and rafts that you can rent also. Hawksnest and Cinnamon are beautiful too. Just pick up a map or check your guide book, they are easy to find. We never made it to Honeymoon or Maho Bay because we were happy at Trunk but those get raves also. Another thing you might enjoy is a trip over to Caneel Bay. It's a beautiful resort and they were very nice to our girls while we had drinks and watched the sunset. It's much quieter there than at the Westin.
We loved Skinny Legs. It takes a while to get over there as I recall but it's an institution you should visit. Super casual and kid friendly! I may be the only one to say this, but, we weren't impressed with Miss Lucy's and it took quite a while to get there. So if you're short on time, I would skip it.

Oh, and before I forget to mention it, check at the Westin to see if they are doing a movie night by the pool. Our girls loved it! They ate popscicles and floated in the pool while Mary Poppins played against a sheet hung between 2 palm trees. Now that's livin'!!

I am sooooo jealous! Hope your spray tan is fabulous! Don't forget the pedicure :)

Thanks again, bermudafan! Great information. I'll check out the pool movie schedule... how fun is that?! I don't even know what Miss Lucy's is, so it won't be difficult to skip, but we'll make the trip to Skinny Legs. I called the concierge regarding the car rental, but Westin's rentals are all booked, so I'll make some more inquiries tomorrow... hope it isn't too late.

The spray tan was successful, although it doesn't seem like much color... at least I'll have a little something, though. And I managed to get a pedicure, too. Can't wait to stick my toes in the sand!! Thanks again for all your suggestions!

My last minute thoughts for you are to stop at The Sun Dog Cafe in Mongoose Junction (in Cruz Bay) for lunch. It's a cute shopping area and The Sun Dog is in the middle with outside umbrella tables. The food was fantastic and their margaritas were good too!

Don't eat breakfast at the Westin, it was very slow and waaay overpriced. There are simple places in Cruz Bay or there is a deli over by the workout room and Kids Club.

Try the cabs to go to dinner. They are fun open air trucks with awnings on the top that carry a bunch of people at a time.

And I forgot to mention Rhumb Lines for dinner. It's a neat bohemian-feel restaurant in Cruz Bay. Our girls loved the swing at the bar.

Wishing you safe travels....you will love it! Think of us in Boston freezing our you-know-whats off! Looking forward to hearing your full report!

Bermudafan, you mentioned Westin Breakfast is expense and service slow. You inc=dicated a deli near the workout room is open. We are very light eaters in the morning. Tea/Coffee and cereal. Can you get that at the Deli? And can you walk to the places in Cruz Bay for breakfast?

Well this isn't Bermudafan, but being I was just at the Westin for the 2nd time this past October I thought that I would chime in. Yes there is a deli near the workout facility where you can grab bagels, muffins, etc. I think that they also sell small boxes of cereal. As far as getting to Cruz Bay and back, I would suggest taking a taxi or renting a car. We would take a taxi into town in the morning and enjoy a great breakfast at the Texas Toast cafe. - Susan

cambee, I think the breakfast ran about $20 pp and we like to eat and get going in the morning so the deli was perfect for us. It's actually called Mango Deli and it's located across from the playground and tennis center where the conference center is. I do believe that they had those small cereal boxes. They definitely had bagels, muffins, pastries, coffee and juice. And there are tables right outside. You would need to drive to Cruz Bay but it's only about 5 minutes and there are a bunch of places that serve breakfast there too. I just can't remember the names (sorry) Have a great time!

Thanks for all your tips, bermudafan! We had a great time last week, and I wish I was still there. :'(

dear amarena, so how did you like St. John?? I'm so curious to hear what you thought. I hope my recommendations were accurate for you.

I was stuck here in Boston for the whole week with my 2 girls home from school. My husband and I swore we will never stay home during school vacation week again!

We just loved it!! This was our first time to the Caribbean... not sure why we haven't gone before but I guess we weren't sure if we would like it. But the weather was perfect, and we definitely want to return either to St. John or try one of the other Westin's on the other islands.

I, too, was disappointed with aspects of the hotel. Our bathroom was kind of gross... ants and the counter top has definitely seen better days. And why in the world do they have carpet at a beach resort? I'm with you regarding the beds... they didn't feel as good as other Heavenly beds I've tried.

Also, we were woken up one night at 3:30 a.m. to a security guard trying to open our door!! Apparently a drunken guest told him he was staying in our room but had lost his key. X( You would have thought the guard would have checked to confirm this before trying to open a door.

But despite my dislike of our room and the almost-break-in, I have to say that the grounds are beautiful, and it was just such a good place for kids. We stayed for free with our starwood points, so I can't complain too much. But I will want to upgrade our room next time, if there is a next time.

The beaches on St. John are gorgeous... we got to Hawksnest beach, Trunk Bay, Salt Pond bay and Caneel bay. And we rented a boat with a captain one day which was a blast!! I haven't snorkled in awhile, and it was my son's first time... we both just loved it.

As far as food, we ate at the Sun Dog Cafe (good and nice to be outside), Morgan's Mango (good and fun), The Lime Inn (very good, very fun... my boys thought the host was a pirate because he has metal claw for a hand), Skinny Legs (my husband LOVED this place, and the boys loved the food), The Fish Trap (some things were good, but some items were extremely bland), Shipwreck Landing (an ok burger and great view). Thanks for all the rec's... they were much appreciated! ((y))

Sorry you were home in the cold last week... check out my photos to help warm you up! http://amywbaker.smugmug.com/gallery/2518990

It is so great reading all the trip reports we are going to the Westin in April with our 3 and 6 year old so your experiences and tips are really helpful. Thanks for taking the time to post.
Amerna - did you use the kid's club at all? If so, how was it?

We did use the club on one of our evenings, in order to have a date.

We thought the kids would be interested in going to the club more, but they didn't want to return, so we didn't force them.

In the evenings, the kids stay at the club, which has an arcade game room, a tv room and several computers, toys and games. They also provide dinner. During the day, I think they have more organized activities outside.

Have fun planning!

Amy--
Had to peak at your pics. Thanks for sharing...what great looking, fun-loving boys :) We were on St. Croix last week making our own family memories so glad you enjoyed your time.

what fabulous pictures you have to remember your trip! thanks so much for sharing...it so brought me back to our trip there last year (except you captured it better than we did) I'm so glad that you enjoyed St. John like we did. The island is so unique from arriving by ferry boat to the uncommercial feel. The pool at The Westin was so nice, and as I could tell, your boys loved it! we are in the process of moving so we spent the school vacation week at our new house painting (ugh!!) looking forward to a week in St. Croix in May. Take care

Thank you! =;