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Trip Thoughts 4/19-4/30
Trip Thoughts 4/19-4/30
Just returned from 11 days on STJ. Wanted to provide a quick review of some of our trip, as I always find the information here so useful. Perhaps it can help someone!
Our first trip was in November 2003 and we were married there, we made 5 annual return trips, our last being in 2008. It has been 5 long years since we had been there last. We went to celebrate an early 10 year anniversary. Outside of our first trip, all others were in June. This year due to various reasons April it was. Probably would not do again, it was just far too busy for us.
We split our trip and stayed 3 days at Estate Lindholm and a week at Anchorage Aweigh in Coral Bay. EL was perfect to start out. Lauren is so kind, has a beautiful property and a great location. We thought about returning to Gallows Point or perhaps give Caneel a try, just couldn't justify those prices. I would stay at EL again. AA has gotten rave reviews and we were not disappointed either (Thanks Seagrape!) Perfect for a couple. It was our first time staying on east end, AA is a perfect start. Sits above Coral Bay harbor, close enough yet private as well. Easy drive up the hill. Boy am I missing that pool view right now!!
Flew jetblue, purchased even more space. SO glad, loved early boarding and extra space. I tend to get all caught up in the boarding process since we mostly do carry on's, this made it easy. Also used Rachel and a porter for the first time. In the past we have used a reg taxi and really had no complaints. This time we decided we just didn't want to be packed in with a group and wanted no stops. Rachel is a doll! So nice to chat with, would use her again. Another first is using a porter. I was not feeling well from the heat on our last day (I think my body naturally starts rejecting and prepares me for return) and the porter convenience was a no brainer. Money well spent, would do again. Easy breezy.
Checked Bag - We have mailed a box down in the past (nuts, cereals, snacks, almond butter, drink mixes, lotions, shamp/cond), this time we decided to give frozen meat in a cooler a whirl and take a checked bag, free on jet blue . Epic fail!!! My mistake, I used a lunch type cooler bag. We had frozen meat tips, marinated chicken breast and turkey sausage. It arrived, cold but thawed. It refroze at EL. After many various mom opinions, we decided to not risk it and threw it ALL away!!!! I would not attempt again, even with the right cooler. Too heavy and kinda a pain IMO. Marinated chicken breast at deli in starfish was fine. Prices not as outrageous as I recall, pretty comparable to CT in some ways! Shop around, Dolphin Market and some Coral Bay stores were cheaper than Starfish. Mandatory stop to St John Spice for coffee and spices while on island, amazing smell in there.
Beaches - Were all amazing, so so amazing. Hit the normal north shore and Salt Pond. Surprised that some people we talked to didn't know of the quieter harder to find beaches, that is actually a good thing!
There were many we didn't hit this time around simply due to the fact it was too busy for our likings. We would arrive early, head back to villa for lunch/pool time then head back out around 3. That worked well to avoid rush hour. One thing I missed staying on Coral Bay side was sunsets, I just love them. We often would hit a beach for a couple afternoon hours and stay for sunset. Less snorkeling this time too, just too busy. Heaven forbid you see something in the water, and it is broadcast to the beach and a rush of fins starts swarming the poor turtle, not really our thing. The joy of snorkeling is floating and the peace of it. Not dodging people and fins. Our weather was pretty much perfect every day. A good mix of clouds, 2 days were iffy and we needed it, that sun is way intense! plus the island needs the rain.
Ram Head Hike - Full moon. This was outstanding. Headed up around 5 and there was only one other couple up there. Once the sun set, then people started coming, not many though. I would highly recommend this even if just for sunset. The sun looks enormous up there and the views are incredible. I got an amazing shot of my hubby hiking with a giant fireball next to him. Once sun sets a few minutes later the moon starts rising out of the ocean. I have never watched the moonrise, again, amazing. Would recommend each person has own light source to get down. We had one headlamp and could have made do, but was slow moving. I then remembered I had the flashlight app on the phone, soo much better and quicker. Unfortunately we missed Inner visions that night, grrr!!!
Restaurants - Asolare, La Tapa, ZoZo's, Shipwreck Landing and Aqua Bistro. Asolare was our first time and on travel day, eh, was ok. La Tapa is always a favorite. Did Zozo's twice, can't get enough of that sunset! Aqua Bistro - holy Ponzu tuna!! If you like tuna, do not miss Friday night here. Portion was massive and was excellent. Overall we were way overdressed for Coral Bay, even in a sun dress. Casual casual, Cruz Bay is definitely 'fancier'. Deli Grotto for lunch if we didn't have leftovers, everything there is always incredible. Eat breakfast in villa, never out.
Car Rental - Used Courtesy for the first time. So nice there. Always used STJ car rental in the past. Had some issues getting a confirmation and I can't be too laid back in high season when I need a car for Coral Bay! Courtesy was great and our card was charged the deposit. We did have an encounter with a tree at Maho, it backed right into our tire bumper! Waiting to hear the damage on that, we used our credit card insurance. We didn't take a picture of the damage, kinda wish we did. We are now waiting to hear on the cost for that plastic dent. Having faith it will be handled appropriately, can't cost more than a couple hundred. There was no body damage, just the black plastic bumper dent. We shall see...
Random observations - Witnessed Cafe Roma fire, so so sad. New to us - Grande Bay completion, round about and Maho parking. April was great, just too busy for us. Once you made it to Coral Bay the return to Cruz felt like Manhatten! Got my first charm necklace at Bamboo Studio, waiting for it to arrive. Cute stuff. Love their version of the hook bracelet, never cared for them before. Ol' Salty dog is beautiful hammered look for men. Might be placing an order for 2 for our 10 year anniversary gift! Tried to make it out to Maho Camps before they closed, that is a ride out there!! Made it and then turned around. Oh to be a billionare and buy this space for yourself, what is this world coming to!!
Nothing beats waking up that first morning and breathing in that STJ smell, it can not be described but is so amazing and unique! Not sure when we will make it back.
Of course today we are figuring out how we can move there and make it work, as we all seem to dream as we enter back to our normal lives
Hopefully in 2015, 2014 is taken with a trip to California already. Hubby has a work trip in Monterey and we can piggy back and extend to do coastal drive. Love me some west coast! Will never let 5 years pass without a return, as we all know, STJ is truly magical, it was an amazing vacation. Thanks as always for input!
Our first trip was in November 2003 and we were married there, we made 5 annual return trips, our last being in 2008. It has been 5 long years since we had been there last. We went to celebrate an early 10 year anniversary. Outside of our first trip, all others were in June. This year due to various reasons April it was. Probably would not do again, it was just far too busy for us.
We split our trip and stayed 3 days at Estate Lindholm and a week at Anchorage Aweigh in Coral Bay. EL was perfect to start out. Lauren is so kind, has a beautiful property and a great location. We thought about returning to Gallows Point or perhaps give Caneel a try, just couldn't justify those prices. I would stay at EL again. AA has gotten rave reviews and we were not disappointed either (Thanks Seagrape!) Perfect for a couple. It was our first time staying on east end, AA is a perfect start. Sits above Coral Bay harbor, close enough yet private as well. Easy drive up the hill. Boy am I missing that pool view right now!!
Flew jetblue, purchased even more space. SO glad, loved early boarding and extra space. I tend to get all caught up in the boarding process since we mostly do carry on's, this made it easy. Also used Rachel and a porter for the first time. In the past we have used a reg taxi and really had no complaints. This time we decided we just didn't want to be packed in with a group and wanted no stops. Rachel is a doll! So nice to chat with, would use her again. Another first is using a porter. I was not feeling well from the heat on our last day (I think my body naturally starts rejecting and prepares me for return) and the porter convenience was a no brainer. Money well spent, would do again. Easy breezy.
Checked Bag - We have mailed a box down in the past (nuts, cereals, snacks, almond butter, drink mixes, lotions, shamp/cond), this time we decided to give frozen meat in a cooler a whirl and take a checked bag, free on jet blue . Epic fail!!! My mistake, I used a lunch type cooler bag. We had frozen meat tips, marinated chicken breast and turkey sausage. It arrived, cold but thawed. It refroze at EL. After many various mom opinions, we decided to not risk it and threw it ALL away!!!! I would not attempt again, even with the right cooler. Too heavy and kinda a pain IMO. Marinated chicken breast at deli in starfish was fine. Prices not as outrageous as I recall, pretty comparable to CT in some ways! Shop around, Dolphin Market and some Coral Bay stores were cheaper than Starfish. Mandatory stop to St John Spice for coffee and spices while on island, amazing smell in there.
Beaches - Were all amazing, so so amazing. Hit the normal north shore and Salt Pond. Surprised that some people we talked to didn't know of the quieter harder to find beaches, that is actually a good thing!
There were many we didn't hit this time around simply due to the fact it was too busy for our likings. We would arrive early, head back to villa for lunch/pool time then head back out around 3. That worked well to avoid rush hour. One thing I missed staying on Coral Bay side was sunsets, I just love them. We often would hit a beach for a couple afternoon hours and stay for sunset. Less snorkeling this time too, just too busy. Heaven forbid you see something in the water, and it is broadcast to the beach and a rush of fins starts swarming the poor turtle, not really our thing. The joy of snorkeling is floating and the peace of it. Not dodging people and fins. Our weather was pretty much perfect every day. A good mix of clouds, 2 days were iffy and we needed it, that sun is way intense! plus the island needs the rain.
Ram Head Hike - Full moon. This was outstanding. Headed up around 5 and there was only one other couple up there. Once the sun set, then people started coming, not many though. I would highly recommend this even if just for sunset. The sun looks enormous up there and the views are incredible. I got an amazing shot of my hubby hiking with a giant fireball next to him. Once sun sets a few minutes later the moon starts rising out of the ocean. I have never watched the moonrise, again, amazing. Would recommend each person has own light source to get down. We had one headlamp and could have made do, but was slow moving. I then remembered I had the flashlight app on the phone, soo much better and quicker. Unfortunately we missed Inner visions that night, grrr!!!
Restaurants - Asolare, La Tapa, ZoZo's, Shipwreck Landing and Aqua Bistro. Asolare was our first time and on travel day, eh, was ok. La Tapa is always a favorite. Did Zozo's twice, can't get enough of that sunset! Aqua Bistro - holy Ponzu tuna!! If you like tuna, do not miss Friday night here. Portion was massive and was excellent. Overall we were way overdressed for Coral Bay, even in a sun dress. Casual casual, Cruz Bay is definitely 'fancier'. Deli Grotto for lunch if we didn't have leftovers, everything there is always incredible. Eat breakfast in villa, never out.
Car Rental - Used Courtesy for the first time. So nice there. Always used STJ car rental in the past. Had some issues getting a confirmation and I can't be too laid back in high season when I need a car for Coral Bay! Courtesy was great and our card was charged the deposit. We did have an encounter with a tree at Maho, it backed right into our tire bumper! Waiting to hear the damage on that, we used our credit card insurance. We didn't take a picture of the damage, kinda wish we did. We are now waiting to hear on the cost for that plastic dent. Having faith it will be handled appropriately, can't cost more than a couple hundred. There was no body damage, just the black plastic bumper dent. We shall see...
Random observations - Witnessed Cafe Roma fire, so so sad. New to us - Grande Bay completion, round about and Maho parking. April was great, just too busy for us. Once you made it to Coral Bay the return to Cruz felt like Manhatten! Got my first charm necklace at Bamboo Studio, waiting for it to arrive. Cute stuff. Love their version of the hook bracelet, never cared for them before. Ol' Salty dog is beautiful hammered look for men. Might be placing an order for 2 for our 10 year anniversary gift! Tried to make it out to Maho Camps before they closed, that is a ride out there!! Made it and then turned around. Oh to be a billionare and buy this space for yourself, what is this world coming to!!
Nothing beats waking up that first morning and breathing in that STJ smell, it can not be described but is so amazing and unique! Not sure when we will make it back.
Of course today we are figuring out how we can move there and make it work, as we all seem to dream as we enter back to our normal lives
Hopefully in 2015, 2014 is taken with a trip to California already. Hubby has a work trip in Monterey and we can piggy back and extend to do coastal drive. Love me some west coast! Will never let 5 years pass without a return, as we all know, STJ is truly magical, it was an amazing vacation. Thanks as always for input!
Re: Trip Thoughts 4/19-4/30
Thank you for posting. With three days before we leave, I am loving the last minute suggestions.
Your St. John history is similar to ours. First trip in 2002. Have visited St. John 5 times, but the last trip was 2007. Oh, and we celebrate our 10 year anniversary this year (this month actually!).
We have also arranged to use Rachel's service....so looking forward to a bit less hassle. We also arranged the private ferry (splurge!) - travelling with friends, so makes it reasonable.
Your St. John history is similar to ours. First trip in 2002. Have visited St. John 5 times, but the last trip was 2007. Oh, and we celebrate our 10 year anniversary this year (this month actually!).
We have also arranged to use Rachel's service....so looking forward to a bit less hassle. We also arranged the private ferry (splurge!) - travelling with friends, so makes it reasonable.
Re: Trip Thoughts 4/19-4/30
Oh....and we have NOTHING planned for our time on St. John except for Friday night's dinner at Aqua Bistro! Appreciate your recommendation the other forumites who have recommended.
Re: Trip Thoughts 4/19-4/30
Thanks for posting your notes and thoughts, nice of you to share!
Where's the link to your pictures?
Where's the link to your pictures?
STJ Villa Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
Re: Trip Thoughts 4/19-4/30
Laura , how funny. happy 10th, enjoy your trip!
Thanks Sherban, horrible at posting pics! They are on the computer...this is link to Instagram of Ram Head sunset, hope it works!
http://instagram.com/p/YkZJ62Dd4M/
Thanks Sherban, horrible at posting pics! They are on the computer...this is link to Instagram of Ram Head sunset, hope it works!
http://instagram.com/p/YkZJ62Dd4M/
-
ColumbiaSCTraveler
- Posts: 528
- Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2011 9:33 pm
- Location: Columbia, SC
Re: Trip Thoughts 4/19-4/30
Thanks for posting!
Never hiked Ram's Head. !!!!
Maybe this year!
Never hiked Ram's Head. !!!!
Maybe this year!Re: Trip Thoughts 4/19-4/30
Thanks, that's a good start!Rebubula wrote:Thanks Sherban, horrible at posting pics! They are on the computer...this is link to Instagram of Ram Head sunset, hope it works!
http://instagram.com/p/YkZJ62Dd4M/
STJ Villa Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14