Grande Bay Trip Report, Part One

[Tracy in WI]

To get this started, I want to say that I am fully aware that some of you are very much against Grande Bay and wish it didn't exist. My husband and I have realized a long time dream by being able to purchase property on St. John. We chose to own at Grande Bay and we are excited and feel blessed to be able to do so.

This report is from my trip with three (newbie) girlfriends to make sure everything was in place and to finalize some details of our purchase. We also made sure to have a little fun and enjoy our time.

Thursday and Friday were our travel days and were not very exciting so I’ll spare the details. Upon arrival in St. Thomas we enjoyed a few shots of rum (more than one flavor equals more than one shot, right?) and then a beverage at the airport bar while we waited for our luggage.

We then picked up our car from Dependable and were told that if the gas gauge reads half full it is actually empty and we should never let it get that low. Since it was given to us half full we needed to make a quick stop at a gas station! Fortunately, we never had a problem with it at all.

Once on the car ferry, we saw St. John in the distance and lingering above my favorite island was a full moon – pictures didn’t do it justice. We made our way to Grande Bay and were welcomed by the staff and shown our way to our new condo. Upon opening the refrigerator, we spotted a very nice gift from our Realtor, Les Otis and his lovely wife aka Pia (thank you!!). The staff at Grande Bay also gave us a welcome gift of wine, cheese and crackers.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kb ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xg75HwDwOEU/TN8Js ... G_0199.JPG" height="400" width="300"></a>

Here are some shots from inside (a few dashes of color are needed and we’re working on it!) Our condo is a two bedroom lockout which means it can be rented as a two bedroom, a one bedroom and/or a studio unit.

Living room and kitchen

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6e ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xg75HwDwOEU/TN8KD ... G_0202.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a>

Master Bedroom

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eU ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xg75HwDwOEU/TN8KE ... G_0204.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a>

Studio side bedroom

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CL ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xg75HwDwOEU/TN8KE ... G_0781.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a>

View from the Balcony

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T8 ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xg75HwDwOEU/TN8KG ... G_0226.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a>

After unpacking a bit and taking it all in, we walked to the Beach Bar for a few drinks and dinner and then called it a night so we would be ready for our week!

[bubblybrenda]

Tracy, your condo is beautiful. Curious, did it come furnished? If not, how did you shop for the furniture and get it to STJ?

Nice colours inside the fridge too. That was a lovely gift.

I'm excited for you and I wish you a generous list of renters.

[Rachelle & Joe]

Thanks for posting Tracey ! How Exciting to have your dream become a reality !! The Condo is Beautiful Much Happiness & Beautiful memories to you both in your new home away from home !!! Rachelle

[cindygad]

Congratulations Tracy. I have been following your posts. What a beautiful Condo and great view.


We have always stayed in Coral Bay but would be interested renting when you start doing that. Do you know who you will be going through when you do start renting?.

Enjoy your new Condo.

[XOXO]

I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip. Your condo looks really nice! Do you know when your next trip will be? Also, I am looking forward to hearing what your girlfriends think of St. John.

[California Girl]

That's a beautiful place, Tracy. The white palette leaves all kinds of possibilities for adding punches of bright color here and there! How exciting! Wishing you much happiness in your new condo!

[XOXO]

That's a beautiful place, Tracy. The white palette leaves all kinds of possibilities for adding punches of bright color here and there! How exciting! Wishing you much happiness in your new condo!

That is what I was thinking. Maybe the inspiration could come from the gift from Mr. and Mrs. Pia. Add some exciting rugs, pillows, throws, accessories and leave everything else. Perfect. To me anyway.

[bevm]

Congratulations on your purchase! (You don't have to justify it to anyone or feel guilty for purchasing at Grande Bay) It's lovely and I know you and your guests will enjoy many special moments there!

[Coden]

Lovely condo!! So glad you and your gal pals had such a wonderful time!!

[augie]

How exciting to be a St. John property owner!

Now, let's hear about some of the fun!

[waterguy]

Nice Looking place

[Tracy in WI]

Tracy, your condo is beautiful. Curious, did it come furnished? If not, how did you shop for the furniture and get it to STJ?

Nice colours inside the fridge too. That was a lovely gift.

I'm excited for you and I wish you a generous list of renters.

Thanks Brenda! The condo did come furnished - we made that a part of our purchase requirement! I would be pretty lost trying to arrange that from home. Still need a few more things, but will do that ourselves.

[petepie]

Tracey,
How do you rent out your condo? Is there a central booking/management agent for all Grande Bay condos? Or are they all different (some with management companies, some on VRBO etc.)?

[Tracy in WI]

Tracey,
How do you rent out your condo? Is there a central booking/management agent for all Grande Bay condos? Or are they all different (some with management companies, some on VRBO etc.)?

At this point, they are all different. We are using the Grande Bay Management program but are also using VRBO to market ourselves. Hopefully there will be one central booking location in the future.