An island that is today what stj was 15 years ago?

BillnSue · Post by **BillnSue** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 4:46 pm

ok...i'm sitting here feeling like a Benedict. St John has been our love for several times a year since 1985. We continue to love it but rue the development and busy-ness that's defined the past ten or so years. Has anyone had experiences on an island recently that felt to them like stj did fifteen years ago? Beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, friendly, welcoming locals, fresh seafood restaurants, very relaxed pace. Anywhere in the caribbean is within bounds. This is off-off-off topic, I know, but would appreciate any help. Thanks!

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 5:01 pm

Anegada

loria · Post by **loria** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 5:15 pm

shhhhhhhhhhhh but Bequia.......
seriously.

John LMBZ06 · Post by **John LMBZ06** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 5:25 pm

I agree with Pia about Anegada. We spent two of our seven day VI cat charter there and loved it. The beaches and coral reef are fantastic. If I have time tonight, I will try to post some pictures if you are interested. Everyone on the trip agreed that if we had to do it again, we would spend more time on Anegada. There is a great restaurant right on the beach that serves fresh lobster. We had a great time there.

You could also try St. Vincent and the Genadines. They are somewhat remote (just north of South America), but the cost was bit higher. If you take a boat charter out there, be prepared for longer sail times between islands, but it is beautiful.

sherban · Post by **sherban** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 5:43 pm

Anguilla.
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/608367
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/4799000
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/608312

If you haven't already, read the book "A Trip to the Beach"

http://www.amazon.com/Trip-Beach-ebook/ ... 407&sr=8-2

Maybe also Nevis, St Barts, St Kitts.

AquaGirl · Post by **AquaGirl** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 8:23 pm

Agree with Sherban about Nevis. We've been there 3 times and plan to go back. Its gorgeous with the mountain in the middle, very laid back, friendly West Indian people, great restaurants. Staying at the inns on the island was a nice experience. The snorkeling is not nearly as good as St John, but we did take some day sails over the St Kitts and had good snorkeling there. Still not the same as St John.

St Kitts is also beautiful with some nice beaches and we loved our trip there as well. They have had some problems with gangs and shootings in the past year, so you might want to check on that before making plans.

Sherban - how was the snorkeling in Anguilla? We were thinking about a trip there several years ago, but AA changed their flights and it was too much of a pain to get there. The beaches and water look stunning and I know its a "foodie island" with lots of great restaurants. Read the book you mentioned - it was a fun book to read.

Cid · Post by **Cid** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 8:51 pm

I can't add much here, but I'm very interested to hear some other answers. I'm getting a good geography lesson too....lol!

jmq · Post by **jmq** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:34 pm

Put "Bequia" in the search function above and you'll get previous threads like this:

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... ght=bequia

BillnSue · Post by **BillnSue** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:55 pm

We send our sincere thanks to you all for the wonderful information that you've shared with us so far...We certainly do understand the "shhhhhhh..." for certain spots.
BillnSue

California Girl · Post by **California Girl** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:56 pm

What about Vieques? I haven't been there, but I've heard good things, and it's not over-built yet. Another island that intrigues me is Culebra.

sherban · Post by **sherban** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 10:30 pm

BJ- I have personally never been to Anguilla yet.

We are considering a trip to SXM next which would likely include a trip to Anguilla.

For now, just a dreamer though.

I think someone posted an Anguilla trip report here ...here they are:
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... t=anguilla
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... t=anguilla
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... t=anguilla
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... t=anguilla

Lex · Post by **Lex** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 10:43 pm

We also started going to STJ in the 80s, so unfortunately know exactly what you're talking about. We hadn't stayed anywhere in the Caribbean other than STJ for over 20 years, but it really wasn't a good fit anymore. Our last trip was to Virgin Gorda and we were happy there. We did happen to be there in October, which is real deep in the low season, which we really appreciated. I don't know how different the experience might have been if we'd gone in March. We'll go back again. We also love being on the north shore of Kauai, but we're east coasters so that's a haul.

There are a couple of islands that I'm pretty sure we'd enjoy: Bequia and Carriacou. Getting there is a bit tricky, which has a lot to do with keeping them as they are. I also think Anguilla would be to our liking.

There are others that really intrigue me: Barbuda, Cayman Brac, the Abacos, Dominica.

There was an "other island" thread recently:

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... sc&start=0

Pete (Mr. Marcia) · Post by **Pete (Mr. Marcia)** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 11:54 pm

These are some great suggestions. I actually checked out all of the links provided and googled the places for which links were not provided.

I always think it is stupid to have to say that what follows is my own opinion, because that should be obvious from the fact that I am typing it. But, saying so seems to soften ones opinion on the internet.

Anywho, in my own opinion, some of the places seem a bit too remote...or geared more towards the boat crowd. We don't need casinos or other glitzy stuff, but we do like to have a few restaurants from which to choose. Many of the places suggested seem to be a bit too spartan for our tastes.

We are villa/pool people. We go to STJ to be together. So, give us a pretty villa, a nice pool, the option to visit some of the greatest beaches in the world...and more than two places to eat and we are doing way okay.

It is STJ for us...in my opinion.

Xislandgirl · Post by **Xislandgirl** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:07 am

As is usually the case, I agree with Pete.

St John is what it is. Is it different from 15 years ago when I lived there? Of course, but it is the things that aren't different that keep us coming back.

The beaches are still pristine, the people friendly, and the vibe is laid back. Sure, there are more houses and more people, but I can choose to not think about it. I am on vacation, my brain is under my control. (unlike when I am working)

I think the island is what you make of it. It may not work for some poeple any longer, but it certainly works for me!

bevm · Post by **bevm** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 9:48 am

We loved Grenada.

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