First time visitor over Christmas

Travel discussion for St. John
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shemp
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Nov 15, 2008 6:27 pm

First time visitor over Christmas

Post by shemp »

I didn't find the USVI to quite match Hawaii for beauty, but it's closer, cheaper and more convenient and I'd go back again tomorrow. I ended up going to St. Croix looking for a quiet place to go with a bar close to my room.

I ended up at the Palms at Pelican Cove for 6 nights after reading numerous reviews. This place isn't a 5 star hotel, but I'm giving it 5 stars. The people were great, the views were great, the food was great and the drinks were beyond great. I can't say enough nice things about the place. It was exactly what I wanted. It's not a huge place you get lost in or you're constantly battling crowds. Not every amenity is right there, but enough that the hotel stay was the highlight for me, and I'm never one to say that. Props to Willy and Jovon (sp) behind the bar and Diti (sp) at the front desk. And I should mention kudos to Conan, the kitchen and bar manager.

We did the Salt River Bay kayak tour which was pretty good. Scenery wasn't all I had hoped for, but it was informative and the guide, Ty, was very good. We took the CSA boat out to Buck Island which was a cool thing for a first time snorkeler. I'm not very good with water, but they were very good in helping me get on my way. Other than that, we didn't do a whole lot besides check out the island and stop north of Fredericksted to find a beach where the water was calmer. The waves made the beautiful beach at the Palms unswimmable this time of year. I'd go back to Croix just because of the Palms, but I think I want to check out St John's first.

The band playing island Christmas music over Christmas lunch at the Palms:
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View from our room:
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The beach at the Palms:
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A sight from Christiansted's boardwalk:
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Christiansted's Boardwalk:
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The coast near Point Udall on the east end:
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A pelican at sunset near Rainbow Beach (I think)
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The south end of the island
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loria
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Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2008 3:33 pm
Location: NY

Post by loria »

thanks for a look at another island--never been to st croix--sounds like you had a great time
< leaving on the 22nd of march...but too lame to figure out the ticker thing again!>
Cid
Posts: 577
Joined: Thu Feb 07, 2008 1:18 am
Location: Barre, VT

Post by Cid »

Yeah, thanks. I haven't seen too many STX pics either. Very nice...
Still waiting to return to St. John!
http://facebook.com/cidsinclair
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piscesgirl0314
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Joined: Thu Sep 25, 2008 12:31 pm
Location: Chesapeake, VA

Post by piscesgirl0314 »

I LOVE St Croix. Its not as visited as the other USVI islands but it just as beautiful. I would love to go back at some point...Thanks for the pictures...
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XOXO
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Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2007 8:05 pm
Location: Midwest USA

Post by XOXO »

Nice pictures. I really loved the pelican with the rainbow--so pretty. Thanks for the trip report! It is so nice to travel to an island over Christmas, isn't it??

Gina
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RickG
Posts: 5397
Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2006 3:06 pm
Location: Coral Bay, St. John

Post by RickG »

Thanks for the STX pics, it's been a long time for me.

Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
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Bob & Anita
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Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 11:20 pm
Location: Charlotte, NC

Post by Bob & Anita »

Wonderful report and pictures. This forum doesn't get many STX reports so your report was fascinating.
Bob & Anita
Wakey
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Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2008 1:08 pm
Location: Atlanta/New Orleans

Post by Wakey »

thanks!
Margy Z
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Joined: Fri Aug 25, 2006 6:37 pm
Location: Illinois

Post by Margy Z »

Thanks for the STX trip report and the beautiful pix. We have really enjoyed our past two trips to STX and are returning in April, again staying on the east end. It was -17 on the thermometer this morning and we sure wish we were going sooner!

- Margy
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