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upcoming trip in May
upcoming trip in May
My husband and I are traveling to St John for 10 days in May. This is our first trip to the islands. Only other similiar experience is repeated trips to the Fl keys. We will be celebrating our 29 year anniversary, being done with cancer treatments (mine), and being a 17 month cancer survivor. No time like the present to celebrate. We will arrive late. Plane lands in STT at 8:30 pm, Have reservations at Harmony suites in Maho bay. Can anyone tell us how to get there? We will have a rental jeep. Husband is very athletic and full of energy and wondered if there was enough of a beach line to run from Maho to Trunk bay in the mornings for exercise? Anyone know?
I suggested the 3 mile of stairs at Maho would surely be enough. What are must see's that we should see and do while we are there? Planning to bring our snorkle equip. Interested in fairly active things. Should we rent a dinghy?, Hikes we should take? Things we should not bother to do? Any nightlife? We neither one drink, but we do enjoy music, and a place to dance. Should we plan a trip to
BVI, or is there enough to focus on in St. John? I've enjoyed reading all the posts. Any advice would be appreciated, Thanks, Debbie
I suggested the 3 mile of stairs at Maho would surely be enough. What are must see's that we should see and do while we are there? Planning to bring our snorkle equip. Interested in fairly active things. Should we rent a dinghy?, Hikes we should take? Things we should not bother to do? Any nightlife? We neither one drink, but we do enjoy music, and a place to dance. Should we plan a trip to
BVI, or is there enough to focus on in St. John? I've enjoyed reading all the posts. Any advice would be appreciated, Thanks, Debbie
Hi deejayjay,
since you like to stay active, you may wish to pick up a copy of St John Off the Beaten Track by Gerald Singer. You can buy it from this site. This book has detailed descriptions of the island's hiking trails, as well as the best snorkle spots. If you want to rent a kayak, try Crabby's in Coral Bay. You can kayak through the mangroves--it's really interesting and there is lots to see.
You can catch live music at the Beach Bar, and some nights there is music and dancing at Freds. Freds starts pretty late at night though.
since you like to stay active, you may wish to pick up a copy of St John Off the Beaten Track by Gerald Singer. You can buy it from this site. This book has detailed descriptions of the island's hiking trails, as well as the best snorkle spots. If you want to rent a kayak, try Crabby's in Coral Bay. You can kayak through the mangroves--it's really interesting and there is lots to see.
You can catch live music at the Beach Bar, and some nights there is music and dancing at Freds. Freds starts pretty late at night though.
It's like looking in your soup and finding a whole different alphabet.
Thanks for your responses. Jorge, we will just miss each other. We will be arriving the same day you are leaving. My husband was envisioning running around the island on the beach. (Not the road). But I have a feeling that the beaches are not continuously connected. Is that right? Hope you have a happy anniversary and birthdays. Not many of us get to 29 years anymore. My 50th b day isn't until August. I guess that means another trip in aug.
Debbie
Debbie
Congrats on kicking the big C!! Your just reward is a lovely trip to STJ where you may not want to ever leave. At least no one on this forum would if they didn't have to make a living!
You have a lot of questions here. One thing you should do is peruse the past postings.
But in answer to your questions. The Northeshore road will get you to Maho. Not sure how Harmony Suites work, but if you rent a villa someone is usually there to greet you at the dock and guide you. If not, then check with them for exact directions for when you get to Maho. Most roads aren't really named, they usually use geographic references. So don't be surprised if instructions are: "Turn left at the spiny tree".
You can rent a dinghy at Crabby's Watersports in Coral Bay, which is closest to where you'll be staying. DInghy days are fun. Pack a lunch and go!
Definitely don't recommend running on the roads on STJ. Too curvy and relatively unsafe. There are no sidewalks to speak of. The closest your hubby will get to do any distance on any beach without tripping over people would be Francis. This is a pretty decent sized beach. But by no means are the beachs on STJ connected in the traditional sense.
Since you are still doing big C treatments be extremely cautious of sun exposure.
People often don't realize how strong the sun is in the VI. Please don't ruin you trip by getting sunburned. Bring plenty of the waterproof spf 30. I use it religiously and still manage to get a golden tan.
Also, make sure you bring plenty of bug spray and after bite. The critters love newbies.
STJ is not crazy on night life so to speak. Things get pretty quiet relatively early.
You're also a good distance away from Cruz Bay, so you may want to consider you options in Coral Bay. If you're there over a full moon, go to Miss Lucy's full moon party.
I think with your first trip there is plenty to do on island. A trip to the BVI's is fun, but you could easily do a different beach every day that you're there and not repeat.
There are lots of great little self guided trails on island.
Also, just a suggestion. Since you're arriving late and heading out to Maho, I'd pack a flashlight that's easily accessible and have it on hand. It gets pretty dark outside of town.
That's enough advice for you to absorb for now. Just keep reading the board and you will get tons of tips!
You have a lot of questions here. One thing you should do is peruse the past postings.
But in answer to your questions. The Northeshore road will get you to Maho. Not sure how Harmony Suites work, but if you rent a villa someone is usually there to greet you at the dock and guide you. If not, then check with them for exact directions for when you get to Maho. Most roads aren't really named, they usually use geographic references. So don't be surprised if instructions are: "Turn left at the spiny tree".
You can rent a dinghy at Crabby's Watersports in Coral Bay, which is closest to where you'll be staying. DInghy days are fun. Pack a lunch and go!
Definitely don't recommend running on the roads on STJ. Too curvy and relatively unsafe. There are no sidewalks to speak of. The closest your hubby will get to do any distance on any beach without tripping over people would be Francis. This is a pretty decent sized beach. But by no means are the beachs on STJ connected in the traditional sense.
Since you are still doing big C treatments be extremely cautious of sun exposure.
People often don't realize how strong the sun is in the VI. Please don't ruin you trip by getting sunburned. Bring plenty of the waterproof spf 30. I use it religiously and still manage to get a golden tan.
Also, make sure you bring plenty of bug spray and after bite. The critters love newbies.
STJ is not crazy on night life so to speak. Things get pretty quiet relatively early.
You're also a good distance away from Cruz Bay, so you may want to consider you options in Coral Bay. If you're there over a full moon, go to Miss Lucy's full moon party.
I think with your first trip there is plenty to do on island. A trip to the BVI's is fun, but you could easily do a different beach every day that you're there and not repeat.
There are lots of great little self guided trails on island.
Also, just a suggestion. Since you're arriving late and heading out to Maho, I'd pack a flashlight that's easily accessible and have it on hand. It gets pretty dark outside of town.
That's enough advice for you to absorb for now. Just keep reading the board and you will get tons of tips!
*Another fine scatterbrained production
Re: upcoming trip in May
You'll take the northshore road past maho bay itself, its just before francis and if I remember right there are fairly decent signs. You will need/want 4WD and let your rental agent know that you are arriving late (most close at 6, some will leave keys some won't). If you can't get your car till the next day any taxi will take you out there, but it is probably about $10pp.deejayjay wrote:Have reservations at Harmony suites in Maho bay. Can anyone tell us how to get there?
We stayed in a harmony suite for the for two nights of our last trip. You are NOT kidding about the stairs!!! PACK lightly unless you really like to carry lots of stuff. We arrived after dark and found Maho itself with no problem. Getting to our actual studio was a bit of an adventure in the dark. I think I remember them sending us fairly good directions in our packet of info.
Anyway to check in you go to a main area where they'll give you the key to your place and some info about the goings on at the place. We only stayed for 2 nights, but it seemed like there was TONS to do there. The food was ok there - we only did dinner the night we arrived. Very summer camp like feel, GREAT views from the dining pavillion.
And I digress. TAKE A FLASHLIGHT. They recommend it and you will need it. We did not listen and had a heck of a time trying to find the door and where the key went.
Our studio was very nice and clean and spacious. There is no a/c but we had great air circulation, they give you lots of fans! It was quite noisy with the critters (way noiser than any villa I have ever stayed in) but it is GORGEOUS there. Here's a shot from the deck of our unit.
There is more info in my trip report on the old forum. Day 1 Trip Report
Last edited by flip-flop on Mon Apr 09, 2007 11:23 am, edited 1 time in total.
Welcome to your first (I'm sure it won't be your last) trip to St. John!
Sounds like you are arriving pretty late. I am not sure if Maho greets you upon arrival, so here are directions in the event that you are on your own (the villa we usually stay in is just down the road!): Head across Cruz Bay past Mongoose Junction shopping center just stay on Route 20 (Northshore Rd.). You'll drive about 20 minutes and will pass quite a number of beaches. Shortly after Maho Bay (a beach that will nearly come up to the road with a green cement building on one end), the road leaves the shoreline and turns inland towards the right. From here, continue about 1.5 miles (the road will split at one point, stay left) where you will come to an intersection with another road. Turn left and you should see a stone building on your right. Shortly after, you'll see a road turn uphill to your left. Take that road (if you hit the beach, you've gone too far!). It's pretty rough, so go slow. Keep driving past a couple of villas and you'll see the Maho signs. Maho's at the top of the hill. You can find a good map on Google maps.
A few activities you should not miss, since you'll be staying so close, are snorkeling at Waterlemon, visiting Francis Beach, and walking around Annaberg. All 3 of these are just moments from where you are staying. Leaving Maho camps, when you get back to the bottom of the hill, if you turn left instead of going back right toward the stone building, you'll come to Francis Beach. Nice beach, good snorkeling. If you turn right and go past the stone building, you'll come to the Annaberg parking lot. Park there and you can stroll through the ruins or walk down to the shoreline, head right and walk about 30 minutes to the beach across from Waterlemon Cay. BEST snorkeling.
As for day trips, my favorite day trip for first timers is the Baths. It's pretty cool. You can go on a charter, rent a boat, or take a ferry.
Sounds like you are arriving pretty late. I am not sure if Maho greets you upon arrival, so here are directions in the event that you are on your own (the villa we usually stay in is just down the road!): Head across Cruz Bay past Mongoose Junction shopping center just stay on Route 20 (Northshore Rd.). You'll drive about 20 minutes and will pass quite a number of beaches. Shortly after Maho Bay (a beach that will nearly come up to the road with a green cement building on one end), the road leaves the shoreline and turns inland towards the right. From here, continue about 1.5 miles (the road will split at one point, stay left) where you will come to an intersection with another road. Turn left and you should see a stone building on your right. Shortly after, you'll see a road turn uphill to your left. Take that road (if you hit the beach, you've gone too far!). It's pretty rough, so go slow. Keep driving past a couple of villas and you'll see the Maho signs. Maho's at the top of the hill. You can find a good map on Google maps.
A few activities you should not miss, since you'll be staying so close, are snorkeling at Waterlemon, visiting Francis Beach, and walking around Annaberg. All 3 of these are just moments from where you are staying. Leaving Maho camps, when you get back to the bottom of the hill, if you turn left instead of going back right toward the stone building, you'll come to Francis Beach. Nice beach, good snorkeling. If you turn right and go past the stone building, you'll come to the Annaberg parking lot. Park there and you can stroll through the ruins or walk down to the shoreline, head right and walk about 30 minutes to the beach across from Waterlemon Cay. BEST snorkeling.
As for day trips, my favorite day trip for first timers is the Baths. It's pretty cool. You can go on a charter, rent a boat, or take a ferry.
There is some reasonable running in the Maho Bay area. Once you get down the hill to the Francis Bay Road, you have a straight shot on flat roads to Annaberg. You can make this route longer by taking the Francis Bay trail. From there, if you like trail running, you can go on to Waterlemon Cay and onto the Johny Horn trail to Brown Bay and Coral Bay. Johnny Horn is a good fast hike and would be runnable, if your ankles are better than mine.
The Bandit trail maps are very good. I have a list of STJ map resources at http://www.garvin.us/STJ/STJ_Maps/STJ_Maps.html
If you drive down the North Shore Road and take every left hand turn you will end up at Maho Bay.
If you are interested in background, I have a Maho Bay trip report from 2004 here in the archive and at http://www.garvin.us/STJ/Trip_Reports/2 ... round.html
If hubby REALLY wants a long run you can head to Anegada next time - 27 miles of beach in a full circumnavigation. That would be a fun backpacking trip. I don't think I could do the marathon!
To your health, RickG
The Bandit trail maps are very good. I have a list of STJ map resources at http://www.garvin.us/STJ/STJ_Maps/STJ_Maps.html
If you drive down the North Shore Road and take every left hand turn you will end up at Maho Bay.
If you are interested in background, I have a Maho Bay trip report from 2004 here in the archive and at http://www.garvin.us/STJ/Trip_Reports/2 ... round.html
If hubby REALLY wants a long run you can head to Anegada next time - 27 miles of beach in a full circumnavigation. That would be a fun backpacking trip. I don't think I could do the marathon!
To your health, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
Thank you all for your advice. Thanks to you Rick for your running suggestions, map and maho trip links. I have thought of one more question. Drinking water? The books I have say to use bottled water. Is that true? What about their ice used in smoothies, drinks, etc. I don't want to be compulsive about the bottled water thing if it's really not necessary, but if quality is questionable, I would be the person to get sick from it. THanks again, Deb
This question sparked some controversy a few weeks ago.
I have been traveling to the VI since 1995 and have been drinking water ice etc from the house to restaurants and have NEVER had a single issue. We've traveled with friends who had infants and it was never a problem.
Some people prefer the taste of bottled water. Some people don't want to drink the water.
From my personal experience I have never had, nor heard of anyone having, a problem with the water on island.
All this being said, if you are still doing chemo or recently finished with chemo you may be more susceptible to things that a healthy person is not. In which case you should take serious precautions and make sure you wash hands etc.
Bottom line, if you want to pay the extra money for bottled water-- go for it. If not, you should be just fine
I have been traveling to the VI since 1995 and have been drinking water ice etc from the house to restaurants and have NEVER had a single issue. We've traveled with friends who had infants and it was never a problem.
Some people prefer the taste of bottled water. Some people don't want to drink the water.
From my personal experience I have never had, nor heard of anyone having, a problem with the water on island.
All this being said, if you are still doing chemo or recently finished with chemo you may be more susceptible to things that a healthy person is not. In which case you should take serious precautions and make sure you wash hands etc.
Bottom line, if you want to pay the extra money for bottled water-- go for it. If not, you should be just fine
*Another fine scatterbrained production
We use the Ice from the fridge but have to buy some because it doesn't make enough. In cruz bay they have public water it is desalted sea water that has to meet the same standreds that water in the state has to be that is where all the boughtened ice is made so it is safe. We always by gallon jugs and refill them at STJ ice company by the lumber yard about .50 a gallon.