For almost a year we planned on a post Christmas trip to St John and the day has come and gone so here are some of the answers to my own questions for those who might be interested in the future. We had often heard about the camping adventure at Maho Bay and wanted to give it a try. Friends and family alike (and mostly our adult children) thought we might have truly gone 'round the bend' so to speak but I can honestly say, it was truly a very positive experience and while we probably wouldn't do it again in a hurry, I really am glad we did it this one time.
The campground is really great and it's most unfortunate their lease will be expiring in a few years. The tent cottages - platforms really with plastic and screen walls and roofs - were more than adequate for us 'tent campers'. It wasn't the Westin or Caneel or even remotely close to our beloved Towers at Mullet Bay on St. Maarten but it was still a great time. From our kitchen area we had a great view of the sailboats and private yachts anchored in Little Maho Bay. The beds were very good - really thick twin mattresses on a wooden platform and the cottages had electricity and a fan which we never had to use. I was worried about going to a place and not having AC - never needed it and sure didn't miss it. They provided all the bed linens and towels you could use along with enough cooking utensils that you could prepare meals if you wanted to - but who wanted to? I thought I might but WRONG - which brings us to the restaurant!!
It's incredibly good and very reasonable. There were five offerings every evening and the price range was all under $20. pp for a complete meal with salad bar and iced tea. We had some pretty darned good grilled seafood and a few of their more illustrious offerings as well. New Years Eve they had grilled bacon wrapped fillet mignon or lobster over pasta for $22. pp and again, very good. I have to say, happy hour was awesome from the pavillion. The sunsets were not to be believed. A glass of wine in that setting was beyond description and I'm not even much of a wine drinker as a rule!!
There was a full moon for much of our stay and between that and the sounds of the waves crashing below us, we slept like babies every night. The staff, while mostly young people in their early twenties, just couldn't have been more helpful, pleasant or accommodating. They even invited us to join them at Jost Van Dyke for the "New Years Celebration of Celebrations" - supposedly one one of the three most incredible New Years locations in the world - and while we momentarily contemplated it, good sense prevailed and we decided it really wasn't our scene but still felt pretty honored at the offering. (Besides, we heard we wouldn't get back to the camp till about 4AM and knew we'd never last that long!!!)
The only two drawbacks to camping at Maho, and even these were minor, were the cool water showers and the steps. We were an easy 181 down to the beach but they were a bear coming back up again. Doable, but truly not fun and they did make you very organized when you left for the beach.
Well, that's about all I can think of except to say thanks to all who helped me as I agonized along the way over our decision to give this a try. Sincere thanks to you all. It was more than worth the effort.
pat
