usvi-on-line
your st.john addiction
your st.john addiction
i've been mainly a lurker/somtimes poster for a few years and wonder when you folks (especially the ones with thousands of posts) started your st.john addiction and where your favorite stays were.
me and my better half will be back the 2nd week of march for our 5th trip, this time to the east end at adeste overlooking coral harbor. can not wait. (it's 18 here and 81 there, that's just wrong)
-trip #1 was in '92 at over the rainbow. real remote, overlooking reef bay...contracted the paradise virus immediately.
-#2 was '98 at beyond the sea perched on the edge of maria bluff...breathtaking on many levels
-#3 was in '04 at mar de amore waaaaay up the hill above chocolate hole...top of the world
-last year we stayed at perelandra above cruz bay (next to sirenusa)...sweet privacy and unreal sunsets.
i assume this qualifies us as relative newbs on this little gem of an island.
-btw, thanks to all the advice and help supplied over the years by the characters in this little on-line community...and speaking of characters, where's jorge been?
me and my better half will be back the 2nd week of march for our 5th trip, this time to the east end at adeste overlooking coral harbor. can not wait. (it's 18 here and 81 there, that's just wrong)
-trip #1 was in '92 at over the rainbow. real remote, overlooking reef bay...contracted the paradise virus immediately.
-#2 was '98 at beyond the sea perched on the edge of maria bluff...breathtaking on many levels
-#3 was in '04 at mar de amore waaaaay up the hill above chocolate hole...top of the world
-last year we stayed at perelandra above cruz bay (next to sirenusa)...sweet privacy and unreal sunsets.
i assume this qualifies us as relative newbs on this little gem of an island.
-btw, thanks to all the advice and help supplied over the years by the characters in this little on-line community...and speaking of characters, where's jorge been?
Our first trip was in 99 and we stayed at the Westin, didn't know any better and didn't rent a car, stayed on the man made beach at the Westin and thought it was paradise until one of the guys we would see everyday from Cruz Bay water sports was like " you need to go to a real beach" that was when we wandered off to the North Shore beaches via taxi. We went back again in 01 alone right after 9-11. There were only about 18 people on our Airbus A320. That was strange. We stayed at Gallows and loved it there. Back again in 03 to a stay with the kids at Cocolobo overlooking Reef Bay (my favorite area but my hubby thinks it is too far away). In 06 We stayed at Villa Ambiance with kids and friends. That overlooks Chocolate Hole, nice location close to town. And last week again in the Chocolate Hole area. We've been to many places but STJ feels like home for some reason......
Julie
Live from St.John
Facebook Group
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California Girl
Re: your st.john addiction
I guess that qualifies me to answer!overman wrote:(especially the ones with thousands of posts)
We first went to the VI's in 2005 when my husband won a sales contest at work and got a free week at Frenchman's Reef on STT. We took a day trip over to STJ and got hooked!
When we came home, we immediately started saving for a trip back to STJ and that's when I found this forum. I researched and researched ahead of our trip and found the forum so valuable! I felt almost like an old hand when we went back to STJ in '07. We stayed at Bayview on Ajax Peak and had amazing views of Coral Bay on one side and Francis Bay and Tortola on the other side.
We will be back again at the end of April, but this time, we will be sailing on a 40 ft. catamaran with Scuba Girl and her husband. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!
My first trip was in November 1993. We (former SO and another couple) stayed at Tamarind and fell in love with the island. I had been to the Bahamas, St Lucia, St Marteen, Barbados, Casa DeCampo in the DR and Jamaica. St John blew them all away.
In 1995 Mr H and I spent a week in Turks and Caicos. We had a great trip but he didn't especially love the island. I would return there before any of the other previously mentioned islands.... but not before St John.
I returned to St John with Mr. H. and our 5 year old son in March 2003 for 9 days at Estate Lindholm (this was when they still allowed children). My son jumped off the back of the Stormy Petrel and snorkeled the Indians with us when he was in kindergarten. This was the beginning of his " I want to be a Marine Biologist when I grow up" phase , and it is still his plan for the future.
We compromised on an every other March trip - one year at my mom's in Florida, the next in St John. Estate Lindholm stopped accepting children (unrelated to the behavior of ours, I believe) and we began staying at Lavender Hill in 2005. That year I got lucky and had a second trip in July, with a friend and her daughter.
Somehow we missed a year - 2 in a row to Florida - so my son and I returned to St John last March for another 9 day stay (dad had to work and the child has a two week vacation every March). I made the sacrifice
and went sans spouse - for the second time.
This March we're returning for 12 nights - our first stay on the Coral Bay side of the Island. Mr H. also loves the beaches and snorkeling but what I think he really loves is a 4WD Jeep and driving those roads.
He'll use 4WD even when he doesn't have to. Once, in 2003 I think, he tried to find his way over Bordeaux Mtn. and into Coral Bay..... He's also been known to decorate the Jeep (always rented from Dependable on STT because you can remove the top) and has begun work on his 2009 St Paddy's day design.
We're looking forward to spending time on "the other side" on our next trip, and finding some new favorite beaches and restaurants. March soon come....
In 1995 Mr H and I spent a week in Turks and Caicos. We had a great trip but he didn't especially love the island. I would return there before any of the other previously mentioned islands.... but not before St John.
I returned to St John with Mr. H. and our 5 year old son in March 2003 for 9 days at Estate Lindholm (this was when they still allowed children). My son jumped off the back of the Stormy Petrel and snorkeled the Indians with us when he was in kindergarten. This was the beginning of his " I want to be a Marine Biologist when I grow up" phase , and it is still his plan for the future.
We compromised on an every other March trip - one year at my mom's in Florida, the next in St John. Estate Lindholm stopped accepting children (unrelated to the behavior of ours, I believe) and we began staying at Lavender Hill in 2005. That year I got lucky and had a second trip in July, with a friend and her daughter.
Somehow we missed a year - 2 in a row to Florida - so my son and I returned to St John last March for another 9 day stay (dad had to work and the child has a two week vacation every March). I made the sacrifice
and went sans spouse - for the second time.This March we're returning for 12 nights - our first stay on the Coral Bay side of the Island. Mr H. also loves the beaches and snorkeling but what I think he really loves is a 4WD Jeep and driving those roads.
He'll use 4WD even when he doesn't have to. Once, in 2003 I think, he tried to find his way over Bordeaux Mtn. and into Coral Bay..... He's also been known to decorate the Jeep (always rented from Dependable on STT because you can remove the top) and has begun work on his 2009 St Paddy's day design.We're looking forward to spending time on "the other side" on our next trip, and finding some new favorite beaches and restaurants. March soon come....
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nothintolose
- Posts: 1960
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 10:36 pm
- Location: New Orleans, LA
Went in 2002 for SO's daughter's wedding and was hooked and have been back almost every summer since. Before the wedding, I had never heard of St. John and had no idea water could be so beautiful.
Favorite villa: Argonauta
Second favorite (cuz of the views): Hakuna Matata (where we stayed for the wedding week and had the wedding)
Two villas we liked but have not stayed in ourselves: Luminaria and Cinnamon Stones
When I came back from our first trip, I found the forum (in the old format) and have been obsessed ever since.
Favorite villa: Argonauta
Second favorite (cuz of the views): Hakuna Matata (where we stayed for the wedding week and had the wedding)
Two villas we liked but have not stayed in ourselves: Luminaria and Cinnamon Stones
When I came back from our first trip, I found the forum (in the old format) and have been obsessed ever since.
"Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die" - Dave Matthews Band
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Boston Mike
- Posts: 974
- Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2008 5:41 am
- Location: Boston, MA.
Love St. John
I am actually new to the forum and a newbie to St. John. So maybe I should actually jump out there and introduce myself.
Boston Mike checking in folks! My name is Mike and my wife is Nicolle. We are from just outside of Boston Mass to the north on the New Hampshire border. We both are no agenda type people and simply go with the flow. What’s a vacation if you have plans? I got a lot of help from you folks last year just by lurking. Thank you all.
Our 1st trip was in May of 08. We have actually been looking at St. John since 2005 but something always stood in our way and ended up heading out to quick vacations such as Key West, Aruba, and the Bahamas. Finally made the trip in 08 and absolutely loved it. I love the way St. John is laid back and low key. The people on the island are very friendly and welcome you to their home.
We stay at Lavender Hill Suites and I can’t complain at all. We actually looked at Gallows but found it a little too costly for what we were looking for. All we wanted was a place close enough to Cruz Bay that we can walk back and forth to and didn’t have to worry about parking. Lavender Hills has some very nice condos and the service was great. Anything we needed was just a phone call away. I can’t complain about the price either. We saved a lot of money by staying there and we will be there again this year May 15th thru May 24th. Construction!!! Didn’t even notice it. We were never in the condo during the day so it didn’t matter.
I love everything about St. John. Its character and how it doesn’t have all the big high rise hotels or overwhelmed by chain type restaurants. It just that type of place that lets you leave everything at the door.
Boston Mike checking in folks! My name is Mike and my wife is Nicolle. We are from just outside of Boston Mass to the north on the New Hampshire border. We both are no agenda type people and simply go with the flow. What’s a vacation if you have plans? I got a lot of help from you folks last year just by lurking. Thank you all.
Our 1st trip was in May of 08. We have actually been looking at St. John since 2005 but something always stood in our way and ended up heading out to quick vacations such as Key West, Aruba, and the Bahamas. Finally made the trip in 08 and absolutely loved it. I love the way St. John is laid back and low key. The people on the island are very friendly and welcome you to their home.
We stay at Lavender Hill Suites and I can’t complain at all. We actually looked at Gallows but found it a little too costly for what we were looking for. All we wanted was a place close enough to Cruz Bay that we can walk back and forth to and didn’t have to worry about parking. Lavender Hills has some very nice condos and the service was great. Anything we needed was just a phone call away. I can’t complain about the price either. We saved a lot of money by staying there and we will be there again this year May 15th thru May 24th. Construction!!! Didn’t even notice it. We were never in the condo during the day so it didn’t matter.
I love everything about St. John. Its character and how it doesn’t have all the big high rise hotels or overwhelmed by chain type restaurants. It just that type of place that lets you leave everything at the door.
Life begins where the land ends!
We are not world travelers, before St. John, the most exotic place we had traveled to was New Orleans (pre-Katrina) for 4 days (M-TH), we stayed in the quarter on Bourbon Street (never again!). We had alot of fun and it wasn't too crazy! My hubby is a homebody, traveling causes him a lot of anxiety - at home we rarely cross the river!
In 2006 we were finally the empty nesters we had always dreamed of being and I started researching a warm winter vacation that we could afford. I started with Mexico - but no go - hubby not comfortable at all! Then I saw a commercial on tv about the Virgin Islands and started researching them. Found the VINOW forum and bought a few books (which I left in the bathroom, so Jim could research on his own), and he went for it! We love the outdoors, so with all the National Park grounds on St John, it sounded like the place for us. We don't spend alot while on island, we eat cheap - burgers and pizza mostly, and drinking is way cheap, whats not to love?
We went for 8 days and stayed in Windward Main in Coral Bay and he still talks about that trip. We have never looked back. Would I like to see other islands - maybe. But I don't think I could talk him into it, he loves St John and so do I. Now, how can I go for 1 or 2 months every winter? I'm such a scammer! After our first trip, I found this forum and a few others which I lurk constantly, although, this has always been my favorite. People here are always willing to answer questions, even though they have been asked a thousand times before. There are never any arguments, which for some reason, get ugly fast online. And we all love the same place for all kinds of reasons. Every time we go, I find new tips here to try and new places to check out while we are on the rock. So a big thank you especially to those of you with thousands of posts - we do read them (ok, sometimes obsessively) And a huge thank you for all of the trip reports - I read each and every one. Some have beautiful pictures, some have beautiful writing, but all of them have something valuable. And they all allow me to either relive a trip or live a little vicariously through someone elses trip!
In 2006 we were finally the empty nesters we had always dreamed of being and I started researching a warm winter vacation that we could afford. I started with Mexico - but no go - hubby not comfortable at all! Then I saw a commercial on tv about the Virgin Islands and started researching them. Found the VINOW forum and bought a few books (which I left in the bathroom, so Jim could research on his own), and he went for it! We love the outdoors, so with all the National Park grounds on St John, it sounded like the place for us. We don't spend alot while on island, we eat cheap - burgers and pizza mostly, and drinking is way cheap, whats not to love?
We went for 8 days and stayed in Windward Main in Coral Bay and he still talks about that trip. We have never looked back. Would I like to see other islands - maybe. But I don't think I could talk him into it, he loves St John and so do I. Now, how can I go for 1 or 2 months every winter? I'm such a scammer! After our first trip, I found this forum and a few others which I lurk constantly, although, this has always been my favorite. People here are always willing to answer questions, even though they have been asked a thousand times before. There are never any arguments, which for some reason, get ugly fast online. And we all love the same place for all kinds of reasons. Every time we go, I find new tips here to try and new places to check out while we are on the rock. So a big thank you especially to those of you with thousands of posts - we do read them (ok, sometimes obsessively) And a huge thank you for all of the trip reports - I read each and every one. Some have beautiful pictures, some have beautiful writing, but all of them have something valuable. And they all allow me to either relive a trip or live a little vicariously through someone elses trip!
Deb
Don't have thousands of posts, but here's an indication of how fast a STJ addiction can take hold:
Jan. 2003 - Trip to STT, day trip to STJ. Drove all over the island trying to find a snorkle spot, but after being turned away from Trunk for "high surf" we didn't have much luck. Enjoyed the drive and views, but nothing memorable. (I was sick that day, too, so that didn't help.) Didn't think much about it until we started planning our 2008 Caribbean vacation.
Dec. 2007 - Nine days in STJ. First time ever we rented a villa instead of staying at a resort. Carnival Beach House had the most fantastic pool we've ever seen. Everyone (us + another couple) enjoyed everything about STJ so much that we started talking about our next trip only two days into this one.
Dec. 2007 - present -- Reading, lurking and posting on this and other STJ forums on a DAILY BASIS. Seriously. Nearly every day I wanted to read something about STJ, look at the Spice Cam, and dream of our next trip.
Jan 2009 -- STJ WE SOON COME!!! Rest assured it won't be our last!!
Jan. 2003 - Trip to STT, day trip to STJ. Drove all over the island trying to find a snorkle spot, but after being turned away from Trunk for "high surf" we didn't have much luck. Enjoyed the drive and views, but nothing memorable. (I was sick that day, too, so that didn't help.) Didn't think much about it until we started planning our 2008 Caribbean vacation.
Dec. 2007 - Nine days in STJ. First time ever we rented a villa instead of staying at a resort. Carnival Beach House had the most fantastic pool we've ever seen. Everyone (us + another couple) enjoyed everything about STJ so much that we started talking about our next trip only two days into this one.
Dec. 2007 - present -- Reading, lurking and posting on this and other STJ forums on a DAILY BASIS. Seriously. Nearly every day I wanted to read something about STJ, look at the Spice Cam, and dream of our next trip.
Jan 2009 -- STJ WE SOON COME!!! Rest assured it won't be our last!!
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
Feb 1996 4 day trip
July 1996 moved to the island
Stayed for just short of 5 years
Back to visit in 2002 stayed at Villa Caribe
Stayed at Cara Mia in 2007
Ilios 2008
Staying at STJ Passion in April
There is still a part of me that steps off the ferry and feels like I am home. The island is not just a destination for me but a place to just be.
July 1996 moved to the island
Stayed for just short of 5 years
Back to visit in 2002 stayed at Villa Caribe
Stayed at Cara Mia in 2007
Ilios 2008
Staying at STJ Passion in April
There is still a part of me that steps off the ferry and feels like I am home. The island is not just a destination for me but a place to just be.
In 2004 I started looking for a Caribbean destination that had off shore snorkeling and was not crowded. I found the "other" forum and through the people on there ended up at Gallows point in 2005. I instantly fell in love with the island and "got it". My husband liked it but did not feel the "I have to come back" urgency that I did. The minute I stepped off of the ferry, I thought about coming back that same summer. I didn't get back until 2007 when I brought the whole family and stayed at Villa Cielomar. Then in Nov 2007 went with the SOTB group and stayed at Sea Forever and in Nov 2008 SOTB II at Oceana. I think I can say that I liked Sea Forever the best because of the views. But I'd stay at any of them again.
June 2009 I take my mom and daughter and I am working on the husband to let me go with SOTB III if there is one. I am definitely addicted and once a year just isn't enough anymore.
June 2009 I take my mom and daughter and I am working on the husband to let me go with SOTB III if there is one. I am definitely addicted and once a year just isn't enough anymore.
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traveler22
- Posts: 853
- Joined: Fri Dec 29, 2006 5:17 pm
- Location: New Jersey
My addiction started 1994, I went over on the ferry from STT from a Cruise ship. We were walking around the stores in Red Hook and went into the yacht center(I think Capt. Jay works there now) The wounderful lady behind the counter asked where we were going and we said "Trunk Bay" , she told us that while Trunk is beautiful, go to Cinnamon, it would have a lot less people. When we arrived at the beach we were amazed at it's beauty. We were walking down the beach and wondering out loud,"where do you stay here" (believe me even 15yrs ago there were alot less villas) A man sitting on the beach overheard and said pointing up the hill" just rent a villa". That's where it begun, I was at the end of a 10 day cruise and none of the other islands had what St. John did. A year later I went to Caneel for 4 days in July, 7 day at Gallows ($89 per nt) in Sept. and my first villa Casa Contant in Feb 96, I was hooked, since then:
1997-Gallows- Aug. Hot, Hot , Hot
1998 Gallows-Sept-love walking to town at night
2000-Poi Pu -Feb-with a new baby boy
2001-forget the name but a villa in Choc hole-Feb
skipped a couple years and tried Turks & Caicos,Jamanica, Dom Republic, Mexico But it wasn't St.John
2006-Sunset Ridge- Feb
2007-Sunset Ridge-Feb.
2008-Blue Heaven Rendezvous-Feb- my first group trip with newbies who are all HOOKED now.
2008-Sunset Ridge-June- First of hopefully many with the Kids.
2009- House with a View-in a few weeks with the not so new newbies and more newbies.
Even though I don't live on St. John, everytime I step off the ferry I have that same feeling of coming home.
I may not know alot of names but the faces are always familiar, It's a very special place for me.
1997-Gallows- Aug. Hot, Hot , Hot
1998 Gallows-Sept-love walking to town at night
2000-Poi Pu -Feb-with a new baby boy
2001-forget the name but a villa in Choc hole-Feb
skipped a couple years and tried Turks & Caicos,Jamanica, Dom Republic, Mexico But it wasn't St.John
2006-Sunset Ridge- Feb
2007-Sunset Ridge-Feb.
2008-Blue Heaven Rendezvous-Feb- my first group trip with newbies who are all HOOKED now.
2008-Sunset Ridge-June- First of hopefully many with the Kids.
2009- House with a View-in a few weeks with the not so new newbies and more newbies.
Even though I don't live on St. John, everytime I step off the ferry I have that same feeling of coming home.
I may not know alot of names but the faces are always familiar, It's a very special place for me.
My wife and I were married in 2003...I had never flown before, and my wife had done a good bit of traveling in her past. So, my idea of driving to Disney or Key West for the honeymoon was not going to fly (pardon the pun). Like I said, I was 26 years old and had NEVER flown - and was petrified at even the thought of it.
So, I did absolutely NO research for the honeymoon because honestly, I wasn't all that pumped about her insistance on flying somewhere, anywhere. Neither of us had ever been to any island in the caribbean, so we had no clue.
My mother in law (who also had never been to the caribbean) just happened to come across an American Airlines special to St. John - an offer in conjunction with the Westin St. John. And of course, it also just so happened that the dates were good for the time of our upcoming honeymoon in July of 2003.
They told me about it...My attitude was "whatever, sounds good...just make sure I have some Xanax with me".
The flight was great...smooth as can be. The crew handled me like a kid on his first flight...When I boarded, the attendant must've seen that I was white as a ghost and asked "first timer"? You betcha...She introduced me to the pilot, and the pilot actually allowed me to step into the cockpit to check it out...I'm typing this thinking how ridiculous this sounds...But just imagine your absolute biggest fear in life, and that was what I was up against.
Anyway, it didn't take more that 5 minutes on island to realize we had just lucked our way into paradise. It's funny to look back now and remember thinking two things to myself on that trip...1. "Will we ever make it back here (I hope!)...and 2. "I want everybody I know to see this place at least once".
We've been back four times since (5 trips in total), and have always stayed in a villa, with the exception of the honeymoon.
My mother in law, who first stumbled across St. John in the local Milford, NH paper, has been with us twice...It is also her favorite spot now...We've been with my wife's aunt and uncle, it's now their favorite spot...And we went with my cousin this past July and she loved it...always talks about wanting to go back.
Our next visit will be in July of 2010. Seems like an eternity.
Oh, and the flying thing? Love it. I now fly a few times a year for work, and a few more for vacation.
So, I did absolutely NO research for the honeymoon because honestly, I wasn't all that pumped about her insistance on flying somewhere, anywhere. Neither of us had ever been to any island in the caribbean, so we had no clue.
My mother in law (who also had never been to the caribbean) just happened to come across an American Airlines special to St. John - an offer in conjunction with the Westin St. John. And of course, it also just so happened that the dates were good for the time of our upcoming honeymoon in July of 2003.
They told me about it...My attitude was "whatever, sounds good...just make sure I have some Xanax with me".
The flight was great...smooth as can be. The crew handled me like a kid on his first flight...When I boarded, the attendant must've seen that I was white as a ghost and asked "first timer"? You betcha...She introduced me to the pilot, and the pilot actually allowed me to step into the cockpit to check it out...I'm typing this thinking how ridiculous this sounds...But just imagine your absolute biggest fear in life, and that was what I was up against.
Anyway, it didn't take more that 5 minutes on island to realize we had just lucked our way into paradise. It's funny to look back now and remember thinking two things to myself on that trip...1. "Will we ever make it back here (I hope!)...and 2. "I want everybody I know to see this place at least once".
We've been back four times since (5 trips in total), and have always stayed in a villa, with the exception of the honeymoon.
My mother in law, who first stumbled across St. John in the local Milford, NH paper, has been with us twice...It is also her favorite spot now...We've been with my wife's aunt and uncle, it's now their favorite spot...And we went with my cousin this past July and she loved it...always talks about wanting to go back.
Our next visit will be in July of 2010. Seems like an eternity.
Oh, and the flying thing? Love it. I now fly a few times a year for work, and a few more for vacation.
July 2003 - Honeymoon at The Westin
July 2004 - Glenmar, Gifft Hill
July 2005 - Arco Iris, Fish Bay
December 2007 - Dreamcatcher, GCB
July 2008 - Ellison Villa, VGE
July 2004 - Glenmar, Gifft Hill
July 2005 - Arco Iris, Fish Bay
December 2007 - Dreamcatcher, GCB
July 2008 - Ellison Villa, VGE
Our first trip was in 1994 to STT on a trip we wonb from 7-Up Uncola Island contest!! We took a day trip to STJ, rented a car, explored the whole day, fell in love and the rest is history. We have 2 other couples now hooked so we are now planning our 9th trip!! We prefer the Coral Bay area. We actually stayed at Adeste in 2007 - great place right above Skinny's on Seagrape Hill, you'll love it there! It's fun to watch Coral Bay come to life in the mornings.
In my case it is all Gromit and her hubby's fault. They convinced us to take a trip to this little island they just LOVED back in 2001.
Hubby and I have been all over the caribbean - Bermuda, Jamaica, St. Barths, St. Martin, Bahamas, etc - but I am totally addicted to STJ. I had agreed to an every other year to STJ trip schedule but as you'll see I have cheated a little in recent years!
May, 2001 - Cygnus, now Beach Music (Chocolate Hole) Couples trip with Gromit and her hubs
May, 2003 - Coco Lobo (Fish Bay) Post-baby #1 trip with Hubby and one of my BFFs from college and her sister (I gave them the STJ fever). My mom watched our little one for the week.
May, 2005 - Ambiance (Choc Hole Hillside) Group trip with two other couples (inc. Gromit and her hubby again) and our then 3 year old and our friend's 1 year old.
Nov, 2006 - Trip was planned for November of 2006 but was thwarted by pregnancy complications
Nov, 2007 - Hale Lani (Maria Bluff) Us, our two kids (5 and 10 months), friend from 2003 trip and her hubby and my mama oh and our sitter for part of the time.
Aug, 2008 - Sea Biscuit (Coral bay) Nuclear family only. Kids were 6 and 19 months.
In the works:
June, 2009 - group trip with Gromit, her hubby, her mama, aunt and cousin and my crew. I can't wait!!
Nov, 2010 - I KNOW INSANE but we have two other couples with kids who have decided they need to find out what all the STJ love is about. My kids will be 8 and 3.5 by then so it should be a great trip.
Hubby and I have been all over the caribbean - Bermuda, Jamaica, St. Barths, St. Martin, Bahamas, etc - but I am totally addicted to STJ. I had agreed to an every other year to STJ trip schedule but as you'll see I have cheated a little in recent years!
May, 2001 - Cygnus, now Beach Music (Chocolate Hole) Couples trip with Gromit and her hubs
May, 2003 - Coco Lobo (Fish Bay) Post-baby #1 trip with Hubby and one of my BFFs from college and her sister (I gave them the STJ fever). My mom watched our little one for the week.
May, 2005 - Ambiance (Choc Hole Hillside) Group trip with two other couples (inc. Gromit and her hubby again) and our then 3 year old and our friend's 1 year old.
Nov, 2006 - Trip was planned for November of 2006 but was thwarted by pregnancy complications
Nov, 2007 - Hale Lani (Maria Bluff) Us, our two kids (5 and 10 months), friend from 2003 trip and her hubby and my mama oh and our sitter for part of the time.
Aug, 2008 - Sea Biscuit (Coral bay) Nuclear family only. Kids were 6 and 19 months.
In the works:
June, 2009 - group trip with Gromit, her hubby, her mama, aunt and cousin and my crew. I can't wait!!
Nov, 2010 - I KNOW INSANE but we have two other couples with kids who have decided they need to find out what all the STJ love is about. My kids will be 8 and 3.5 by then so it should be a great trip.
Our first trip was July of 1996....We stayed at Tennis Villa. We took a friend of the family down whoe graduated college the a year before I did. The stipulation was that he stayed out in the pool bedroom and I stayed with my grandma to assure there was no funny business. I said ok since we were just friends. I remember laying on Francis Beach and having my mom ask if we would ever date. I said nope.......(Hmmm, we married 2 years later and just had a baby girl a year and a half ago ).
We have stayed 20 times between Tennis Villa, Gibney Beach and Garden Cottage and the Westin and my parents house. After nagging mom and dad that they were wasting so much money renting, I got them to buy a house in Coral Bay (Island Dreams).
There are many reason we got "addicted" to St. John, although the island has seemed to change alot in the last few years. The main annoyance is there are alot of "needy" people around. By this I mean tourists who don't say hello, don't understand what island time means and they walk around town in a bikini top. But no matter what, we always will think of St. John as our second home.
Wow, I sure can ramble. Sorry!
).We have stayed 20 times between Tennis Villa, Gibney Beach and Garden Cottage and the Westin and my parents house. After nagging mom and dad that they were wasting so much money renting, I got them to buy a house in Coral Bay (Island Dreams).
There are many reason we got "addicted" to St. John, although the island has seemed to change alot in the last few years. The main annoyance is there are alot of "needy" people around. By this I mean tourists who don't say hello, don't understand what island time means and they walk around town in a bikini top. But no matter what, we always will think of St. John as our second home.
Wow, I sure can ramble. Sorry!