Trip Report (3/3 - 3/10)

[b-as-u-r]

I left a greeting message "Hi Forum ~b-as-u-r~" in the sand near the ferry dock yesterday just before leaving STJ, hoping some might catch it on the webcam. This was my first trip without hubby and went with my mother, almost-17 year old daughter and almost-18 year old niece. Although we had an initial flight delay, we made our connection flight in NC and caught the downtown ferry to STJ, so all went amazingly well! We stayed at the Westin, which we usually rent a villa and used the taxis instead of renting a car. I will practice driving on the next trip (hubby usually drives) so that any future trips without hubby will not require the use of taxis. It was nice to talk to the taxi drivers and not have to be bothered with parking, but taxis can be pretty pricey and you can't be as adventurous. I have to say that in many respects it was not the per-usual trip. (Also noted how much attention is given to female travelers with no male chaperone in the mix.) We went to the beach bar on Sunday for the jazz band and later found a fundraiser-concert going on in the Sliman parking lot, which was a good find. Most days were spent on the beach, either at Cinnamon, Trunk or Honeymoon and one day at the pool at the Westin; not my choice, but the girls were a little sunburned and felt they needed a break. The weather was spectacular and the water was amazingly beautiful. No one else in the group snorkels, so I particularly missed doing that this trip. Most evenings were spent in Cruz Bay just walking around, having dinner, doing some shopping and either sitting on the balcony at the Quiet Mon or hanging out at Woodys and then back to the timeshare. They took our picture at Woody's for the website photo gallery, so the girls are pretty excited about that and are waiting for it to post. Restaurant choices also seemed different as a result of the travel group. Instead of Rhumb Lines and Zozo's, we went to some of the more casual restaurants like Café Roma, Banana Deck (especially good Margaritas) and The Balcony, but did some of the usual ones like Lime Inn, Morgans Mango and Margarita Phils. It was nice to try some new places. So, no complaints, all good meals and best of all, didn't have to make any reservations all week. (I'm just not that organized and prefer to be more spur-of-the-moment, especially when on vacation.) I was surprised that it wasn't a little busier for this time of year. No complaints of course, just expected things to be that much busier in March. We actually found ourselves running into some of the same folks on a daily basis, which was neat. So, it was nice to show and share the island with some other members of my family, it was nice to spend some quality time with both my daughter and mother, it was a great week to be there (since it was particularly chilly at home in CT) and we all had a great time relaxing in paradise. The return flights did not go quite so well and our luggage was just delivered about an hour ago. Oh well, no big deal. The getting there was what really mattered. And so the next countdown begins... 48 days. (I'm having a very lucky year!) IMO, there is something very romantic about STJ, so I'm looking forward to this next trip with husband and friends. Ali~

[waterguy]

I wonder if I could have a service to just be around all girl groups if they need a stand in guy they could say I was a husband or boyfriend I'd open jeep doors get bar stools. This might work. Hey Jorge I thought of it first.
By the way great report.
Tom

[liamsaunt]

Thanks for the report. You are so lucky to be able to go back so soon! Are you staying at the Westin for the next trip too?

[obsessedmuch]

Sounds like a nice, relaxed trip. I too am jealous you get to return so soon!

[MrsCARolph]

Going back so soon? You're one lucky lady!

You mentioned that you girls got around by taxi--how was that experience? We're considering that option (to save a little $$ versus renting a car) but I'm nervous about the availability of taxis. Were they easily found around the island or did you have to call ahead?

Thanks for the fun report!

[b-as-u-r]

MrsCARolph: Getting taxis was very easy, though I don't think there is any real savings. In fact, I think it would even be a little cheaper to rent a car and a whole lot more convenient. The cost from the Westin to Cinnamon was around $9.00 per person one way, to Trunk was around $8.00 per person one way, to Caneel was around $6.00 per person one way and to town was $4.00 per person one way. So if 2 of you were to go to the beach during the day and then into Town at night you'd probably be spending at least $50.00 per day in taxis with very limited travel and no adventuring around the island. Taxis were always in Town, always at the beaches and always at the Westin. I'm not sure how it would work if you were staying at a villa. You'd probably have to call for a taxi everytime you wanted to go somewhere. I would think this would be quite a hassle for you. Having now done both, I would definitely recommend renting a car.

liamsaunt: We are renting villa Oceanport through Destination St. John for the next trip.

Tom: I'll keep your offer of stand-in-guy in mind in case there are any future trips without the hubby.

Ali~