return of the newbies trying to "get" STJ

jp · Post by jp » Wed May 14, 2008 1:28 pm

Our family of five with our oldest son's girlfriend are making a repeat visit for 10 days starting in a couple of weeks. We spent a mostly wonderful week on STJ last June staying at La Lapin. Yes, I'm the guy who posted "Can a newbie get STJ" last June which was semi-critical of the whole Cruz Bay scene to mostly scathing comments.

I said we would likely return but wanted to try the Coral Bay side. Well, we have compromised and will be staying at Coral Oasis on Mamey Peak. Although the villa looks to be luxurious (maybe too much so), I have had no luck in finding any review from someone who has actually stayed there. It does appear that we will be able to get to Maho (one of our favorites) very easily tho.

Last year we visited Hawksnest, Francis, Maho, Hansen and Trunk and are looking for beach recs. Dad and #1 son (18) and the g/f enjoy snorkling. Mom and the other two kids like a shady place to read and get in the water once in awhile. We did do an early morning snorkle at Waterlemon and will definitely do that again.

We are thinking about Jumbie, Salt Pond and Little Lameshur in addition return visits to Maho, Francis and Hansen. I've looked at my notes from last year and could have sworn that Hansen is also known as Vie's. I know we left some $ in a box and were the only people on what I remembered to be a nice sandy beach with decent shade. I believe Salt Pond and Little Lameshur have restroom facilities which is a spousal requirement.

The only planned activity is a day trip with Lion in da Sun for our group. I'm thinking of the Indians, Caves and cold beach drinks. The family members have passports and the g/f has photo id and original birth certificate. Any potential problems seen? Considering renting a dinghy from Calypso for a day and hooking up with the family at a predetermined beach? Has anyone done this and what beach worked best?

We came to rely on Deli Grotto for our daily beach eats. I've heard Big Belly Deli gives them a run for their money and wonder if this could be true. We'll return to Shipwreck and Skinny's for multiple visits and plan to give Island Blues and the Donkey Diner a try. We are going for the total Coral Bay experience if you haven't noticed.

One last question involves parking in Cruz Bay for our day trip. We rented a vehicle from Bougainvillea Leasing and they indicate they have limited parking on a first come basis. Our trip is on a Monday meeting at 8:30 am. What are other parking options and can you get breakfast (JJ's, maybe) at 7:30 or so?

All responses are much appreciated.

jp

mbw1024 · Post by **mbw1024** » Wed May 14, 2008 1:59 pm

I didn't use it but I think the facilities at Salt Pond are basically a port a john. Not sure how the wife feels about that

As for parking, slip in to Slimmin's lot for the day for $10 bucks. You can't beat it for convenience.

Bill in Va · Post by **Bill in Va** » Wed May 14, 2008 4:10 pm

Yo....Glad you are coming back. Beach wise it looks like you have a great handle on it. My only suggestion would be to hit Caneel one day and use their beach and walk on over to Honey Moon and Soloman from there. Come back and have a great bufett lunch, about $25 per by the way but fantastic in my opinion...The need for passports is pretty final. I don't think the birth certifacates will get you into the BVI's. Parking at that time should be better than later. Donald's place has always worked for us...We hit the sand on June 12th...God bless...Bill

RickG · Post by **RickG** » Wed May 14, 2008 4:11 pm

Big Belly Deli is a good spot, you'll like it.

For day charters we park on the access road to the National Park Visitor's Center. Watch for dangling coconuts.

Have fun!

Cheers, RickG

Suds · Post by **Suds** » Wed May 14, 2008 4:43 pm

jp,
don't go to slim man - no need to, park right at Bougainville and walk down. We used them and the savings EVERY night vs paying was a real plus. You always have your own spot at no cost = no brainer.
Enjoy jp!

Suds

waterguy · Post by **waterguy** » Wed May 14, 2008 5:05 pm

Know problem with the birthcert. with using lion in da sun but you can call them and ask if it would make you feel better.
Tom

bayer40601 · Post by **bayer40601** » Wed May 14, 2008 6:50 pm

By Rick G: Watch for dangling coconuts.

Rick, careful, this is a family site.

RickG · Post by **RickG** » Wed May 14, 2008 7:12 pm

Passports are not required for travel by boat to the BVI - photo id and birth certificate with raised seal for adults, birth certificate with raised seal for kids.

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_ ... _1079.html

Cheers, RickG

usvi-on-line