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Re: St John
[Re: lobstaroll123]
#22194
08/26/2013 10:41 PM
08/26/2013 10:41 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,454 Virginia wishing STJ
TomB
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,454
Virginia wishing STJ
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Welcome to the USVI
Both STT and STJ are very different from SXM. I will not compare and contrast and try to stay focused on question at hand.
Both islands have a nightlife, but the day time is what is all about. ST Thomas (STT) is more active after the sun goes down, but no casinos etc..
Snorkeling off the beach is amazing so I hope you guys are swimmers.
There are no umbrellas, chairs, or beach bars on the beaches, especially STJ, because the beaches are shady naturally with local trees and bushes and part of the National Park. Most villas provide chairs and coolers.
Highly recommend a day trip over to Jost Van Dyke. It can be done by a day sail or a ferry ride. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Our favorite is to get a private boat like Palm Tree Charters and go wherever you want with a knowledgeable Capt. Little pricey for two – great for six
Much like SXM, it is all best to pay attention to the cruise ship schedule to avoid crowds on certain beaches on certain days.
The drink of the USVI is a Bushwacker The drink of the BVI (in case you do a day trip) is a Pain Killer
You will be driving on the Left Side of the Road. KEEP LEFT! (Really not that hard)
If you like to hike – STJ has some amazing trails If you like to shop – STT was made for you
Just a heads up for the Westin folks. A nice resort, but it is one of the few places on the island that actually has grass and is built on a manmade beach. Beautiful Pool. To find the beauty of STJ a rent-a-car is a must! For that matter STT you need a rent-a-car also.
I will let someone else jump in.
“Every time I open a bottle of wine, it is an amazing trip somewhere!” José Andrés
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Re: St John
[Re: TomB]
#22195
08/26/2013 11:24 PM
08/26/2013 11:24 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493 VIRGINIA
BEERMAN
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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I have a trip report from March in the archives if you're interested in reading it. The Westin is a nice resort and you'll love it there, but get out and explore the whole island. Check the cruise ship schedule and if you can pick a day with zero or at least minimal ships in port go to Trunk Bay. Cinnamon Bay is a nice beach with bath houses, outdoor restaurant/cafeteria, small store, and there's a beach shack with drinks and chairs you can rent if you like. Maho Bay is our favorite and it has restrooms now but no other amenities except for the beauty! Look up my trip report Blue Moon on the BVI forum for photo's, I think it's day 9 and conclusion. If you have a jeep try Francis Bay and Leinster Bay to get away from the crowds. Leinster is about a mile walk on a flat trail, easy. Waterlemon Cay is out there and the snorkeling is great. You'll also find the Annenberg Ruins there and it's worth the visit. In Cruz Bay check out Mongoose Junction and Wharfside Village for shopping. Cruz Bay restaurants, Lime Inn is a must for lobster or whole blackened snapper! The Beach Bar at Wharfside has great bar food and the location in the harbor is great. We really like Skinny Legs, Shipwreck Landing, Island Blues, Sweet Plantains and Aqua Bistro on the Coral Bay side. There's A LOT to see! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />
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Re: St John
[Re: stevemac]
#22197
08/27/2013 04:36 PM
08/27/2013 04:36 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,454 Virginia wishing STJ
TomB
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,454
Virginia wishing STJ
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stevemac reminded me of something... Get an underwater camera or housing for your camera. Lots of fun! Here is a quick tour around the beaches of St John. Starts at Cruz Bay and goes clockwise around the island. Well it is not all of them, but some them... I did this about 3 years ago and probably should update with more beaches and better pictures, but you will get a sense for what you are in for. Enjoy The Beaches of St John
Last edited by TomB; 08/27/2013 04:40 PM.
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Re: St John
[Re: TomB]
#22199
08/27/2013 09:47 PM
08/27/2013 09:47 PM
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Wow, just wow. Thanks for posting this.
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Re: St John
[Re: RickinAtlanta]
#22202
08/28/2013 04:22 PM
08/28/2013 04:22 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
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We stayed at the Westin for a week with friends. We had a Jeep for the week and ended up going to a different beach each day. It was a great way to spend the week and we had a blast!
Matt
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Re: St John
[Re: maytrix]
#22203
08/28/2013 04:27 PM
08/28/2013 04:27 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 592
surf
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 592
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What was the original name of the Westin? I was there for the big opening party but cant remember the name?
Welcome to Jamrock
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Re: St John
[Re: BEERMAN]
#22205
08/28/2013 08:55 PM
08/28/2013 08:55 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 592
surf
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 592
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It just came to me..Virgin Grand
Welcome to Jamrock
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