After trying a few ccs w/travel rewards programs, we settled with Amex "Membership Rewards" cards, and we use Amex travel to book our flights. Basically, 1 point = $1; no blackouts, no specific air carrier, etc. I am very happy with it. Amex points have gotten two of us to St. John 3 times...

I've had their website bookmarked since the late 90's, so I know this redesign was a long time coming! The new site is excellent, especially the villa photo galleries ... brought back fond memories of staying at Little Whim . Perhaps you could consider making their vehicle rentals more obvious to th...

There's an excellent Mango Chutney recipe in the St. John Style Cookbook. I've made it many many times; friends always ask for it. Uses fresh mango.

Erika, I’ll offer up yet another suggestion for you. Coconut Hill cottage is available on your dates, is within your price range, has a small pool, and is private. We will be there for the first time May 17-24. Friends of ours rented it in December and loved it, especially for the views. It is locat...

Augie, Hmmm, I think Pelican Rock is at Hansen Bay (?); Spindrift is at Fortsberg, or just around the corner from Coral Bay Harbor. From Shipwreck Landing you can see it across the bay. http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t110/nhdelk/spindrift19.jpg More pictures are in my April trip report posted he...

I like flip flop's suggestion of Paper Moon! We were at Spindrift earlier this year -- 4 very nice kayaks were included, and we enjoyed them every day! Fort's Cove, which is next door, had kayaks too. Augie, your friends might be interested in going out with an outfit called Hidden Reef Ecotours sug...

Haven't stayed there yet, but friends have Coconut Hill rented in December, and we have it rented for 2 weeks next May. It is located in Coral Bay up the hill of Road 108. From Centerline you make a right in Coral Bay, go past the gas station and make a right up 108. Elevation about 800 feet, with v...

lpowmacback, Not sure where in Belize (waterfront) you are looking at (north or south), but I can give you some input on staying north, specifically on Ambergris Caye -- we've been there twice, in 2004 & 2006, off season: In 2004, we stayed at Calm Caye Villa ( http://ambergriscaye.com/calmcaye/...

jbr, Here's my short list of budget cottage rentals (most under $1,000/wk) for 2 people. We have stayed at some of these and loved them. A rental car is necessary, as they are all on the Coral Bay side: Caribbean cottage: http://www.vrbo.com/139712 Catch 'n' Keep http://www.vrbo.com/75872 Coconut Hi...

I love this thread!

"Comes a Time" or "Hey, Hey, My, My" circa late 70's by Neil Young.

Let me quickly say that I'm not new to the forum; I just changed my username. Regular forumites might remember me as one who rented Spindrift back in April... We originally had Forts Cove booked for one week next May, but it sold. So I decided to look for a more wallet-friendly option (RickG's St. ...

I'm really enjoying your trip report; can't wait for the next installment.

And great score, indeed, at the Fish Trap market! We haven't been able to hit it on a good day...yet.

Coden - We had Forts Cove reserved for April 2008, but it has just been sold and is leaving the rental market. Also, I was told Spindrift (beachfront next door) will be off the rental market as of this July.

So our search is back on -- good luck with yours!

RickG, you are right! Pass Carolina Corral and at the eventual fork, go right and Spindrift (and Forts Cove) is down at the end. Going left at the fork takes you (almost) up to the Fortsberg ruins.

Wow, thanks for all your comments everyone! To Tracy in WI: I figured the photo taken from Shipwreck Landing would reveal the identity of Spindrift to several folks; I eyed it from there for years myself ;-) To mia & kirk: I'm so glad we gave St. Thomas a chance. We really did enjoy our day/nigh...