katiesam - I have kids and understand how it is different to travel with them. Thank goodness Trinidad was pre-kids. When I have had travel troubles, they have handled it better than the adults.

They (for the first time in a verrrrry long time) are not coming this time - they are going on a trip with grandma. Even if they were, I don't know that the situation at Sapphire sounds so bad that I would be scared to go there. We are talking about closed restaurants and bars, not whether or not a room will exist when we get there. As far as the kids go, I would not be worried about there being a couple boarded up buildings. I don't want to see that with or without kids, but its not enough to change my plans either way.

Now, if what I needed as a vacationer was a resort with the full amenities going, and found this out, I would change my plans. If I found out that people were not getting their rooms, or that there was no power or water I would change my plans (that cold shower thing 3 days out of the week really made me appreciate hot showers when I got home).

Kids are very adaptable to situations - more than adults.

Now, katiesam, if I had grandpa or grandma coming as you do, then I do believe that I would change my reservation to somewhere else - if for nothing else than to not hear them complain for the entire trip.

I have taken the Sapphire reviews with a grain of salt because my experience has been that accommodations on islands, be it Caribbean or Hawaiian, is that there is a different quality level. It is not uncommon for things to be a little rough around the edges. If my expectations are for something like a Hyatt, then I am going to be disappointed. If my expectations are for an apartment on the beach, then I will be o.k. I have a feeling that many of the harsh reviews were from people with very high expectations - probably helped along by some owners or the Antilles folks who aren't helping things by not giving people an honest picture of what's there.

I agree with a lot of what you are saying.....

most definitely.....that I don't want to hear granpa complain for 8 days! LOL.....

Mainly......we were hoping for a nearby restaurant/bar to escape for dinner alone a night or two. It is easier if it is on-site..but not necessary.

We really would have stayed there with or without the restaurants being closed, if the owner hadn't sold his condo.....the new owner isn't honoring rental agreements, and at this late date (within a month)...we were too chicken to find something else there on top of all the other stuff.....

but....we did find something we think will suffie this trip. Looking forward to it too!

One more note on Sapphire Resort. I went into the men's room yesterday to check on the smoke detector. Now it is was gone. I guess a battery is more important to the resort than the lives of people. Another item. The men's stall door was outside the bathroom in the hall. IT HAS BEEN THERE FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. BUT THERE WAS TOIOLET PAPER!

Not that these are not big things but they are an indication of what the attitude is by the Resort.

It is a sad sad state of affairs. Let this end, please.

Billd

Billd, ya know, it's the relatively insignificant cost to correct these type problems that makes it so foolish for the Resort not to do. Someone(s) need a boot in the a__!!!! Maybe we can find a CEO or Corporate name and send e-mails or something to the board or stock holders association. Or maybe not. It just seems sooooo ridiculous.

As long as people keep going and the board is making money, there isn't going to be much done. I have absolutely no idea what the issues of the lawsuit are, but the attorneys may be telling them not to put any money into the place. The owners would be the biggest strength at this point, but that doesn't seem to be happening.

Does Sapphire have a company that manages the property, or do you have a board of directors (volunteers) that does it???

Our Board of Directors are volunteers, they get paid nothing, the put alot of effort into it and if something needs to be fixed, to keep cost down, most likely one of those directors will do it. I know my husband and myselve do alot at our condo association, including planting all the plants. Perennials and annuals each May/June. At least 15 flats and then the perennials. We've power washed cement. He's cleaned out the gutters, has done some cement work. He's even taken 10 new fire extinguishers and replaced the old ones.

Sometimes people have to chip in to keep the cost of monthly maintenance fees down. Keeps ours down too. Unfortunately, there is a handful of people who will do these kinds of things and the other people who don't help out, sit on their beach chairs, with their drinks and bitch about everything.

Does Sapphire have a company that manages the property, or do you have a board of directors (volunteers) that does it???

Sapphire is a bit different in that the owners don't own the whole property. We own the condo buildings, the pool and a small area around them. All the commercial sites are owned by another party. I think you'll agree that other than the exterior wood, which is on the agenda, our property is well cared for. Our board and committees are volunteer and I know they put a lot of hours into all that they do. With the exception of a very few owners, most of us are only there a few weeks a year so we rely on the committees and the outside people they hire to maintain the property.

 

Sapphire, we own from the drywall in in our condo. The condo association (which means us) owns the outside of the building and any ground that the condo is on. We're still, in general responsible for all the grounds. Then there's the limited common areas and he common areas. It gets confusing.

First off let me say I am in no way shape or form associated with Sapphire Resort. I lived in St. Thomas 10 years ago and worked at the Marina there for a charter company. In the 10 years since we left my wife and I have vacationed 7 times in St. Thomas including the last 5 years straight. The decline in the Sapphire property in those 10 years has saddened us. Sapphire Resort holds a very special place in our hearts. It is where we met and fell in love. Although the resort was not at its peak 10 years ago it certainly was better than it is today. I don't doubt that the owner's and owner's association maintains the integrity of their buildings and units. The fact that an earlier poster referenced the exterior wood as a being on the agenda is good news. We were last there about a month ago. In my opinion the grounds were atrocious. When we were there the pool restaurant was opened but the appearance was so bad that it was unappealing. Sapphire Resort has 2 things that no other resort on the island can boast:
1. A huge wonderful beach with an incredible view.
2. A full service marina.

The fact that the resort is not the premier resort on the island is a shame. The fact that the resort is in the shape that it is, well, that's almost criminal. I hope that the issues can be resolved and Sapphire can once again become all it can be. It would be in all involved party's best interest.
Chip

As usual the only people that will make out is the lawers!

As I was walking around today I noticed a few people where there. It must be the beach and views. It can't be the facility!

Lets hope that something happens.

billd

Bill, we'll be there on Sunday and after I get back, I'll report back.

This thread really needs to stop because there are people depending on renting their units. There are ALOT of excellent places to rent on Sapphire and it really doesn't feel right, to me.

Sapphire will always be a great place for us and I'll leave it at that.

Molly's tomorrow night!!

Trip report when i get back.

Whether people are depending on renting their units or not , knowing the current situation of the facility would seem to be even more important now.

You were checking on a smoke detector for what reason????

I thought I read a recent posting requesting alternative wedding locations in June because Sapphire Beach was full. I hope that is accurate. That has to speak volumes about the resorts current status, with or without restaurants. The snack/bar grill run by the owners association is a welcome piece of news, my family used it the entire week last summer. The positive qualities and assets are to numerous to mention................I can't wait for our trip. ( I don't own a unit, or a time-share.)

I do depend on rentals, but I also agree that prospective renters need to be informed as to whether the restaurants are open etc. That said, there isn't a beach more beautiful or a location more convenient than Sapphire Beach. Restaurant food is always available from the Grapevine Grill (an easy walk or they deliver), the shuttle to Fungi's, many great places to eat in Red Hook and when the on site restaurants are closed the COA opens the snack bar. About the wood, it does look weathered from the beach, but many owners have oiled it on the inside. When you are enjoying your morning coffee on deck/patio it looks great. We want people to come, enjoy and be comfortable. I would be there 365 days a year if possible.

Ok..this info is not good. We are going to a friend's time share there and i am a bit worried............coming June 18. Staying at the Holdiay Inn for 2 nights at the end of our week.
anything good to say about a time share?

anything good to say about a time share?

You can trade them.

Curran,
You're going to have a great time. Don't worry, be happy.

We opted to cruise instead of do a week on St. Thomas after we heard about Sapphire and the issues, hopefully it's straightened out by next year. On another note I would like to know what the most kid friendly beach is for an 8-10 hour port call? We spent last year at Trunk Bay and loved it but getting there with the kids this time is looking pretty pricey about $200 roundtrip from WICO. Are there any beaches with water trampolines, or similiar kid friendly things?

$200 from WICO? How?