If you could split your trip

News of St. John · Post by **News of St. John** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 10:17 am

Working from home today, so naturally I am planning another trip to St. John in my head.

My husband and I plan to return next February for our anniversary. We are thinking of spending a few nights in one of the BVIs. We have taken several day charters to the BVIs. I really enjoyed Norman Island but there aren't any accommodations there, and I can't seem to find a two-night charter. That would be my ideal choice. Jost seems fun, but I'm not sure if I would want to spend several days there. We've spent a bit of time in Soper's Hole and have never visited Virgin Gorda.

If you were us, which island would you choose to spend a few nights on and why?

Xislandgirl · Post by **Xislandgirl** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 10:42 am

Jost! That is our plan for our next trip.

mit43 · Post by **mit43** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 10:57 am

Virgin Gorda. Jost is nice for a day trip, but we prefer VG for a split trip. More snorkeling, beaches, etc.....

Charlie2001 · Post by **Charlie2001** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 11:30 am

I used to vacation in the BVI regularly before transitioning to St John. This year my wife and I are going to spend 2 nights on Tortola before our weeklong stay on St John.

We're staying in Cane Garden Bay to be close to restaurants and nightlife. We're renting a jeep and I'll show her all around Tortola, visit Sopers Hole, Smugglers Cove, Brewers and Josiahs Bays, etc. Tortola really has a lot to see, and then we'll ease our way into complete relaxation mode once we settle in on St John.

Tortola is the easiest of the BVI in terms of travel connections as well. There is easier access from St Thomas on the way down, and back to St John is easiest from West End with frequent ferries.

dreamshark · Post by **dreamshark** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 12:13 pm

CTBeachGirl wrote:Working from home today, so naturally I am planning another trip to St. John in my head.

You must be my separated-at-birth twin!

Knolmom · Post by **Knolmom** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 1:45 pm

We have done STJ and Tortola, 5 days in villas on each, and also Tortola and VG with a day sail transfer between them. Both were done off season, as it is tough to get around the minimum stay requirements in high season. High season would be great if you are combining Grande Bay with something on Tortola or VG, if you are doing 10 days.

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 2:50 pm

I am watching this thread because we have the same idea for next February.

CTBG - Another charter boat caught my eye! AC and a water maker so Mr. PA may survive. I will show it to him this weekend (when he is nice and relaxed),

Knolmom · Post by **Knolmom** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 2:59 pm

We did Arundel Villa on Tortola and Beach Deams on VG but we were a group of 7 adults. Both of these villas are priced out of sight now. Would look at Mc Laughlin AndersonVillas for ideas on both islands, and if you are traveling with a child, look at one of the smaller villas on Mahoe Bay or@Nail Bay where you can walk to the beach in a minute of two. Would suggest Guavaberry Spring villas but if you say the Mr has to have A/C I don't know if they offer that. It is right on the beach just before the baths and the area is drop dead gorgeous. It would be just great if you could do an overnight sail from Tortola to VG and moor @ Trellis Bay.

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 3:20 pm

We rented on Mahoe back in 2009 and it was fantastic. We travelled with friends that trip and chartered a plane from SJU so the travel days were a joy. Now I am trying to figure out the logistics of the ferry system from STT and it just seems like too much movement. Husband flat out refuses to consider Air Sunshine to VG. Chartering to VG is too expensive for the three of us.

News of St. John · Post by **News of St. John** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 3:32 pm

dreamshark wrote: You must be my separated-at-birth twin!

It's an addiction. I may need therapy! Maybe we can get a couple's discount??!!

It would just be my husband and I, no kids this time around. Why is Air Sunshine a bad idea? I haven't heard much about it.

The main thing that is deterring me is the added travel time. That and the fact that I may long to be on St. John instead!

I really wish I could find a two-day overnight charter...

Knolmom · Post by **Knolmom** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 3:57 pm

Fly to Beef Island from SJU, ferry to Spanish Town and then return from SpanishTown thru VG to Beef Island or to STT and fly back from STT. Think Cape Air now serves Beef Island airport on Tortola as AMerican Eagle is gone.

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 4:00 pm

I lurk over at TTOL and have read many reports over the years of Air Sunshine -

cancelling flights, reports of people missing SJU connections with no code share as a safety net
leaving early and people missing those flights
breaking up ticketed families - we saw this happen in VG, the dad was put on the earlier flight and was denied entry because all his docs were in his wife's bag (he should have had them on his body)
people booking a ticket to direct flight to VG, Air Sunshine boards passengers and then stops at Culebra, STT, EIS and finally drops people off at VG.
general crappy customer service

bill · Post by **bill** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 6:15 pm

One year we did just that! We split our trip between St John and Virgin Gorda. We rented a villa called Open Deck on Mahoe Bay. Loved It! Perfect villa . It's even nicer than the pictures! Location is perfect. We rented through Virgin Gorda villa rentals. Very nice staff. would do it again.

PatrickMcc · Post by **PatrickMcc** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 9:21 pm

Although we have mostly gone to St John we have been to Cane Garden Bay twice. It is different from anything on St John- a very small town with several restaurants and music and a beautiful beach right there. You walk to everything. You would need a jeep to see the other nice beaches on Tortola and Roadtown but you could be happy in Cane Garden Bay unless you want a quieter place- like virgin Gorda.

mnfun2bme · Post by **mnfun2bme** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 10:18 pm

Depending upon how much time you have, have you considered sailing from one to the other and staying on a catamaran? This has been a dream of mine... I don't even need to be working from home to day dream this one out.
This way, you get the best of all the BVI's and then get to get your land legs back on St John. I subscribe to Festiva Sailing Vacations, they send me deals all the time.

Good luck! Can't wait to hear what you choose!

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