USVI-On-Line

Hello forumites! I'm planning a birthday trip...for myself...I'm selfish like that. What I'm looking for is a place that will do everything for me and 10 or 15 of my best friends. I found Spring House in Bequia where all we need to do is show up. All food, transportation, maid/butler/chef service is provided, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. The only downside is getting there. We'd have to fly in to Barbados and then take a puddle jumper to the island. The island airport doesn't have landing lights so all flights have to start and end in daylight. Coordinating travel for people coming from all over the country would be next to impossible. Is there any similar set up in St John where we could be spoiled rotten without having to take a second mortgage on my home? Anyone have any experience in the Bahamas? Much easier to get to for sure. I'm looking for quiet, not a lot of people, and "affordable" luxury. Am I nuts thinking that something like this exists closer to home?

Bequia is beautiful, but is a Pita to get to. How much time do you have to spend, if you will be there for a week its may be worth it.

Not in STJ but in the BVI:
Guana Island
Necker Island
Peter Island

Exit Zero wrote:Not in STJ but in the BVI:
Guana Island
Necker Island
Peter Island

I don't think those qualify for "not an arm and a leg"..

How about a cruise or an all-inclusive resort? Also, I sent you a PM.....

We have been to Bequia, St. John, Bahamas, etc. It depends on what you want to do, but Bequia is WAY TOO QUIET for a large group. There is no shopping (and I'm not a shopper). This is a great sailing venue and the sail boats are wonderful. There are also some good restaurants. The scuba diving is good. The beaches are OK. I know lots of people love Bequia for real down time.

St. John works well for a group. Easy to get to (for the Caribbean) and so many beaches and places to hang out.

Bahamas is also good. And don't overlook St. Croix or Puerto Rico (they will have all inclusives). AND if all inclusive is the way you want to go - consider St. Lucia.

You could stay in style like the Real Housewives of NYC did and rent Presidio del Mare in Peter Bay

Just don't bring any screaming mimis like they did!

Seriously though, with that many people, you could rent a big villa or a group of villas, but you'd have to have drivers and cars to get out to the beaches, restaurants, and shops. It may be easier to go all inclusive where everyone can kind of do their own thing and join the group when they want to (plus you won't have to decide where to go for dinner each night and then try to find somewhere to accomodate 14 or 15 people).

Let me know if you babes need a bartender!
I'm good, and work cheap!
You girls are going to have a blast.
As long as you're not like those "Housewives Of Wherever" good for nothing divas, you're going to have the trip of a lifetime!
Just hope all of the invitees realize that tropical islands tend to provide tropical experiences.
I'd obviously recommend STJ, with a daytrip on www.motoryachtcinnamonbay.com to check out the highlights of a few other islands. Fun, fun,fun...
Lots to enjoy, just remember to pack your
Smiles!
MJ

Thanks for the replies. Lots to think about for sure. We are not even close to any of those real housewives. I'm calling this trip "A Midlife Crisis Done Right". This is going to be a real laid back adventure. I want us all to take the time to stop being super moms/super wives/super workers and get back in touch with who we all are as individuals...as well as the people we are still striving to be. I'm enjoying the planning process and the trip, wherever we end up, is going to be awesome!

Take the girls to STJ!
YOU'LL LOVE IT!!!
Even having not ever met you, I can only imagine your bliss as you lazily poke around & stroll through Mongoose Junction...
And the beaches...
Serenity!!!
Last time I checked,about a week ago, the airfare to/from the Bahamas was around the same price if not more than the rates for STT. .
Good luck, and always
Smiles-
MJ

We are doing our 4th girl's trip to STJ in November. Although we cook for ourselves, make our own drinks, etc, we do have a blast! (We are still searching for that perfect pool boy...)

I organized a surprise 50th birthday party to St. John for my sister in 2006. There were eight women and we had a great time. We came from various locations in the U.S. and met in Miami and flew to St. John together. I made arrangements with Christopher's taxi and we also used Dohm's water taxi service to make it personalized.

We loved the relaxed atmosphere of renting a villa on St. John and also went to St. Thomas one day for shopping. Each person was responsible for one breakfast and we all pitched in for drinks and snacks. We went to a different restaurant each day for dinner. We also rented two jeeps, each with two drivers, so not everyone had to stay together and do that same thing.

I almost had more fun planning the trip than the actual trip! Good luck with the planning and have fun!