USVI-On-Line

Hi - My husband and I and another couple who have traveled together to St. John once before, just got back from a week on St. John. We had a wonderful week, but it was the coldest week we've ever had there! We're thinking of trying off season next time to try to get calmer weather.

Villa: we stayed at Maison Miele for the second time - Coral Bay side. We love staying in Coral Bay and avoid Cruz Bay til we have to get the ferry. The villa is in a wonderful location right off 107 and has killer views. The set up is very nice. Our only complaint this time is that the appliances are getting old and the upkeep doesn't keep up with the prices. Even with that - we will probably go back - it is that nice a spot.

Car: another happy rental with Conrad Sutton!

Food: here we were a little disappointed. Last time we loved Lucy's. This time we all thought the food was only mediocre. It's always been pricey and the service slow but the food was excellent in the past. None of us thought so this time. We did not repeat it. Same experience at Aqua Bistro. But we loved Shipwreck Landing and landed there a lot. We miss Calabash Boom where we could get fresh swordfish to cook at the villa. And we were happy to have Big Belly Deli for fresh sandwich makings. Lily's had quite a bit but was also more expensive than Starfish Market.

Snorkeling: I won't go into exhaustive detail but we did some different things this time. We tried Haulover, Vie's beach (nice spot), Tektite, Kiddel Bay. And we did a lot of the regulars. We all thought the coral was the healthiest we've seen in the times we've been here.

Excursions: We rented kayaks from Doug at Crabby's again. Went into Hurricane Hole and had a wonderful day. Also did a day trip with Captain Truman Barbieri with Flyaway Charters. He took us to snorkeling spots all around the island that we couldn't get to by land. It was a great day and we will definitely do this again. I highly recommend Truman. Be sure to ask for the drift snorkel!

Airport: The VERY best tip I got here this time was "use the porters"!! We had to fly back on Saturday. Got a wonderful porter who took both couples (two different airlines) and got us through the mess with no stress. It turns out that there was no gas to be had at the St. Thomas airport and all airplanes had to stop in San Juan to be gassed up. So our nonstop was not and our friends ended up with two stops. But we got homes safe and sound after a fabulous week so who cares.

Can't wait til it's time to go back.
Thanks again for the great information given here.
Sue

Sounds like our kind of trip. I wasn't overly thrilled with Miss Lucy's food last time, either, though we'll always stop for a drink and appetizer, just to enjoy the spot. Aqua Bistro is hit or miss, though I enjoy the bar. Shipwreck is unbeatable.
Funny how those villas deteriorate so quickly, eh?

Maison Miele is on my rental wish list. (good info, BTW) Where is it in relation to Miss Lucy's? On the Coral Bay side or closer to Salt Pond?

PA Girl, Maison Miele is in John's Folly. Close to Salt Pond.

Thanks for the trip report! Sounds like you had a good time. Do you mind my asking the cost for a kayak rental? I'm interested in trying that out one of these trips.

The villa is in between Lucy's and Salt Pond. Very close to Lucy's. Sort of out on a cliff. You can see it from the road on the way to salt pond.

We got single kayaks for the whole day. It was $45 each. Not sure what a double was. I think he has a website. Google Crabby's in St. John and he probably has his rates on there. He will deliver the computers right to Princess Bay for an extra fee if that's what you like, too.

sue

Thanks for the report Glad ya had a great time

Sounds like a fun time! Thanks for sharing!!!

Sounds like a good time...note to self, use porter in November...Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for report ! Have heard a lot about Miss Lucy's but have never been, hopefully will get there this trip. maybe just for drinks & app's will have to do at least once ! Glad u had a great trip !

How much did the porter cost?

We did $5 per bag and would have paid more!! She seemed very happy with that. From past post that I read before I left that amount varied from person to person. Figure they put your bags on a cart. You stand there while they go right up to an agent - no waiting - with your ID and get your boarding pass and luggage tags. Then she took us to the customs line. Not directly to the front but very close. Still not done - she took us right up to security. And all done with a smile.
sue

I too saw porters escorting, as you describe, passengers from curb all the way to baggage drop after immigration. At $5/bag that's the best bargain in the islands! My wife and I have two checked bags and two small carry-ons---$20 seem about right?