USVI-On-Line

First off, I'm glad I stumbled across this forun. I have a small "problem" that I would like help with.

My wife and I are wanting to come down to one of the islands. The requirments we have are NICE beaches, all inclusive and a clean place to stay. The only problem is we are on somewhat of a budget. With these 3 things I listed, what island would you recommend and is there a particular resort you would recommend? We are from Indiana and really don't get away much. Places we've been that we loved was Mauhi and San Diego. We love white beaches and the laid back life. Any advice would certainly be appreciated! Thanks in advance...

All inclusive on a budget means that St John is not for you. For inexpensive all inclusive you should investigate Mexico or the Dominican Republic.

My budget is 3000. I know we can make the trip for that kind of money per my agent. I just wanted to get some unbiased opinions on location....

Thanks Charlie for the reply!

Caneel Bay, the only all-inclusive on St John, is $5800 for a week, low season, in their least expensive room category, and that does not include alcohol, just 3 meals a day with tax and gratuity. www.caneelbay.com

I looked into the Westin St John and they don't appear to offer all-inclusive packages at all.

She is quoting staying at sugar bay.? And we are only quoting 5 nights...

We also got quotes to a couple places in st marteen.

sugar bay is on St Thomas-- not on St John-- as this was posted in the st john forum i think pesos understood that you wanted to stay on St john (which is next to st thomas...)

The usvi don't have many AI's St Thomas has a couple St John is more of a private villa type place but is also about 3/4's us national park so it has alot of unspouiled areas you can do a villa trip for what you are budgeting but if you have your heart set on A I's it will be ST tomas and you could do day trips to St john
.

Thanks everyone

We save and save and use airline points when possible to stay on St.John!!! There is no place like it and worth the extra$$$$!

We're from the midwest also and just hit St. John a few months ago. Totally fell in love. Ours was definately a budget trip this year @ $2000 approx. cost. We honestly never have done an all inclusive trip and don't feel like we have ever missed out. We like hitting the local joints and trying different stuff that we can't get at home. We'll go back again soon. If your worried about drinks adding up, the alcohol prices were inexpensive. The food on the other hand was kind of shocking.

Is there a reason why you want the all inclusive? Do you just want the night life and luxury of being waited on or are you a little apprehensive about staying outside of the relative security of an all inclusive? If it's luxury you're looking for then St John probably isn't the place for you because that kind of luxury is expensive there since that sorta limits you to Caneel. If you're looking for night life instead of watching the stars, cruise ship lights and listening to the tree frogs at night then it's the wrong island for you. But if you are worried about security, not finding your way around, being constantly hassled to buy something when off grounds, not being travel savvy,etc. then you will find St John to be a FANTASTIC way to introduce yourself to the islands in a place that is small, safe, friendly, laid back and just EASY. It's not impossible to find a rental condo or villa to fit your budget - but that means not being waited on so you need to decide what's important to you. This island is more for people who like to be a little self sufficent,explore a little, and experience the real and NATURAL beauty of the Caribbean. Do NOT expect commercialized beaches with rows of rental cabanas and waiters bringing Pina Coladas, it's not that kind of place. But it IS a place where you will find more beautiful beaches than you can visit during your trip, a place where you can experience driving on the opposite side of the road on curvy, twisting, challenging roads but not get lost (it's not that big) and a place where every turn bring a more gorgeous view than the last one because every square inch is NOT filled with all inclusive resorts. If that sounds like what you're looking for, but you were thinking that all inclusive is easier because you're afraid that you won't find the right villa, the right beach, the right restaurant, etc. then just ask here. This forum is a wealth of knowledge and you'll find out just about everything you need to know BEFORE you get there and you can feel much more comfortable about trying something new. We've ALL been there!

Every thing Lindy said above!

I would also add that we used to be all-inclusive people, but having experienced St John, I will never be again!

Your budget on St John is do-able. Do your research on a villa that meets your needs but keeps cost as low as possible. People here can make some great affordable suggestions on that. Budget in a rental car - you will want one. Is your budget including airfare? If so, take that out and see what's left. Folks here can tell you if thats enough to cover the rest of your costs.

I respect the fact that St. John is not for everyone. I would never try to convince someone who prefers all-inclusive resorts to go to St. John. There have been plenty of horror stories here on the forum of newbies who didn't like St. John because the island doesn't offer what they're looking for in a vacation.

While you can get a meal plan at Caneel Bay, it still isn't an all-inclusive the way they exist on other islands.

If you are the kind of person who wants to be able to order a drink on the beach and have someone serve it to you, St. John is not for you.

If you are the kind of person who wants to pack up a cooler in the morning and drive to a beach and serve yourself, then St. John might be for you

Thank you all for such long, detailed responses. I know what your all getting at.

The biggest reason I can think of that is making me consider all inclusive is getting down there and spending a bunch on food and drinks. If a non- inclusive deal be a more affordable deal then obviously I'm open. We are not huge party people but we like to get a few drinks and just chill. Could you estimate a price for food for two people for 5-6 nights if they were to buy food/drinks on their own? Thanks again for all the info![/i]