You asked for a report?

Travel discussion for St. John
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budman
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Joined: Thu Jun 28, 2007 8:51 pm
Location: va

You asked for a report?

Post by budman »

I have been working and traveling like a dog since I last wrote, but tonight I feel like talkin. I actually reverted back to just lurking because I can read this at work, but I can't log on, don't you hate that!

For those of you that remember, I left off with my July report at the end of our first week at Mayan Sky. We dropped our friends off at the ferry then spent a few hours on Cinnamon before meeting our second group at the ferry. Second group consisted of my Mom and Dad, wifey's Mom and my nephew (7). After a couple of great hours on Cinnamon we positioned ourselves barside at The Balcony so we could see the ferries come in. Actually I sat at the bar while my wife and daughter do what they do best SHOP! Couple peices of jewelry later and some coffee and spices from you know where they returned to the Balcony and found me sippin on some Cruzan Black Strap, very good rum with a malasses flavor. Our folks arrived two hours late but all was well. My nephew came running towards me on the dock and I thought he was going to high five me or hug me but he did what all 7 year olds do and jumped off the dock and into the water without a care in the world, yes shoes and socks. We picked up their jeep and headed off to Carolina Villa. We stopped along the way at Maho to allow them to stretch after the long trip and then the smoothie stand of course.

This was my second stay at CV and our folks first. We love this villa. It's in Upper Carolina and sits just below Luminara if you've been there. CV has a beautiful gated entrance and the driveway curves around to the villa set within the most incredible landscaping possible including palm trees. The villa has three bedrooms, equal masters on opposite ends of the great room and a third down the interior stairs. The lower bedroom is not as nice as the other two but it has a seperate trundle bed and a private balcony for those who like to escape the crowd. The views from the tiled infinity pool deck are from Tortola and the rest of the BVI's on the left to Coral Bay over the pool to Bordeaux Mtn on the right.

The master suites have arched doors that open onto the pool deck on opposite ends. The furniture is basically all Tommy Bahama stuff, very nice. The pool furniture is also very nice with over sized wicker with big comfy cushions and of course the usual loungers and outdoor dining area.

The kitchen and great room area is beautiful with three arched doorways that we kept open to give you the big indoor outdoor feel that we love. The kitchen has everything that you would need.

Since everyone has been to the island before we didn't have to sight see much this week. We simply picked a beach a day and relaxed.

For those of you with young active boys, I hope you fare as well as we did. After the initial launch off the dock and a little running around the villa, my nephew became very mellow after the first day on the beach. We did the usual football throwing, kayaking, playing in the sand, but he adapted very well to just hangin out!!

My daughter (12) has spent 8 summer vacations here and she really "gets it". The only things she has demanded of us the past four trips is to sing kareoke at Island Blues, visit our friend Denise and to visit Rich at the Lime Inn.

Besides relaxing what were the highlights?

Visiting friends at a new villa on Gifft Hill. Five bedroom SKYWAY. WOW, what a place. We spent two sunsets there and the views were the best I've seen on that side of the island.

Kareoke of course. I won't get up there but my daughter loves it and it is really a good time.

We took a day trip to Sandy Spit and Jost with Truman on Flyaway Charters. We met up with my brother and sister in-law and their friends who were staying on Cane Garden Bay tortola. Truman's power cats are great boats. They are very comfortable and stable on the water. We all thought this was the highlight of the week.

Best dinners were at Lime Inn and Sweet Plantains. We have eaten at Sweet Plantains a couple times now and it is our favorite.

Personally, the Tap Room was my highlight. My Dad and I sat in there for a couple hours while the rest of the gang shopped. It's great to throw back a couple with your old man if you know what I mean!

I don't have time to add photo's now I'll try tomorrow.

Hope this gives you a trip report fix!

Oh yea, I've booked Chateau Margot and Sanctuary for this year, has anyone stayed at these?

Take Care

Budman
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JT
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Post by JT »

Thanks for taking the time to report. STJ times have changed a lot for you from the early years,eh?
When you find yourself in a hole.... quit digging.
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mbw1024
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Post by mbw1024 »

nice report, thanks for the fix!
naturegirl
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Post by naturegirl »

We did! Thanks!
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Ksea
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Post by Ksea »

Must check out CV, sounds great. Keep an eye on that "jumper" of yours!!
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Diana2
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Location: Michigan

Post by Diana2 »

Villa Carolina looks very nice. The deal breaker for us is queen rather than king beds.

I don't know anything about Sanctuary but we stayed at Chateau Margot this past June for 3 weeks. We loved this villa and the location is great. I'd be glad to answer any questions about his villa.
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LMG
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Location: Out West

Post by LMG »

Thanks for the report, budman. I've got to try jumping right off the ferry and into the water next time.
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sea-nile
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Location: Southeast Wisconsin

Post by sea-nile »

sounds like a great time. Thanks for the trip report fix. Looking forward to some pictures.
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cypressgirl
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Location: houston

Post by cypressgirl »

Thanks for the trip report fix I've been missing for a while. The time with your dad was priceless. How was the drive from CV to Cruz Bay??
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jayseadee
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Location: New England

Post by jayseadee »

Sounds like a perfect vacation.

Where is The Tap Room? Don't think I know that one.

janet
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budman
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Joined: Thu Jun 28, 2007 8:51 pm
Location: va

Post by budman »

Cypressgirl,

CV is very convenient for us, maybe 5-10 minutes to Maho and Francis, 5 minutes to Coral Bay and 15-20 to Cruz Bay straight down Centerline.

Jayseadee,

The Tap Room is second floor at Mongoose Junction. It's primarily an inside pub, but it has a small balcony you can use. My Dad and I caught up on the news from their TV and basically drank really good micro brews in the A/C while everyone else shopped.
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susan & herb
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Post by susan & herb »

Thanks for your review budman. Can't wait until May. Seems so far away right now.
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iowaguy
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Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Post by iowaguy »

Thanks for the report. Got me excited to try karaoke night at Island Blues.

Villa Carolina looks great. Unfortunately, "too many villas, too little time."
---Jim
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