USVI-On-Line

We love st. John but would like to know of other islands similar to visit that you guys recommend. Similar in beaches, cost and laid-back style. What do you recommend?

We loved Eleuthera in the Bahamas. The Island is not scenic like ST John but the beaches are out of this world. Lovely houses to rent on beautiful beaches where you will likely be all alone. It a place that we will returen to along with St John. Totally different but both wonderful.
Nancy

Kauai

2nd Kauai...especially the north end of the island!

Eleuthera is very pretty, slower paced than STJ. We went to Antigua a couple of years ago and really enjoyed that island. We sayed with a coworkers family, they were very gracious, beautiful beaches(365 of them), lush forest. We vow to go back some day. Laura

We think St. Bart's (SBH) has many parallels with St. John:

- Not so easy to get to. You take a short flight from Sint Maarten on a very small plane that makes SBH somewhat exclusive. (Check YouTube for some memorable videos about this flight.)

- Lodging is typically in villas rather than hotels. I don't think there's anything the size of the Westin on SBH. No high rise development.

- A bit pricey once you get there, so you may see a more upscale crowd than its larger island neighbor.

- Great beaches that, for the most part, you drive your jeep (or hike) to. Very little, if any, commercial development around SBH beaches. (Although not as many and generally not as good for snorkeling as STJ.)

- Lots of hills and great vistas. Alternately lush and arid. Picturesque harbor (Gustavia).

- Once owned by a Scandinavian country (Sweden).

- I wish I were there right now. It's a very special place.

There are probably other similarities, but that's all I can think of at the moment. Of course, SBH flies the French flag, but everyone speaks English.

TM

sea-nile wrote:Kauai

Living on the Right Coast and the Hawaiian islands feel like the other end of the world. There are many great TRs and reviews on this forum, so it's tempting. And there is the surf...maybe a trip to Costa Rica, or back to Puerto Rico.

Vieques. I am putting a trip report up on the OT forum shortly.

ST. Barths -- this island is very likely to appeal to many of the people who enjoy STJ - much better food and wines -- way more and better shopping - many small hotels that offer great service - beautiful undeveloped beaches - a huge yachting component - no big cruise ship presence - some spectacular rental villas - the snob appeal.
The Euro - the airport experience - the snob appeal - the prices for food --- are all possible downsides though.

Right on about the airport.

There is easy ferry access from St Martin to St Barths if the small plane or unique runway are too scary.

culebra or bequia

Provo Turks and Caicos- While the water and sand is just as wonderful you dont have the green vista from the water because its more of a flat scrub island. Grace Bay is amazing though and you have many small restaurants and condo that you can just walk down the beach to. Smooth travel also with airport hotel/condo/ beach all very close and easy driving.

I also agree about Bequia. Beautiful and undeveloped.

Been to and will return to: Virgin Gorda. Kauai.

On our list to try: Bequia and some of the other Grenadines, Cayman Brac, Barbuda, Culebra, Vieques.


All time favorite: Ko Samed in the Gulf of Thailand (although that was decades ago and it's probably quite different now).