briz5 wrote:
Is Coral world really great for a family with kids?

We would like to eat out at at least one really nice restaurant. Any recommendations?

IS it worth it to take a ferry to st john and if we do, do we need to bring our car?

What grocery store do you recommend we go to when we get there (we are staying on sapphire beach)?

THANKS! And sorry for all the questions!

1, Yes.

2. Banana Tree Grille.

3. Yes. Yes. If you rent from Hertz they don't allow their cars to go to STJ.

4. CostULess in Market Square East and Plaza Extra in Tutu Park Mall.

Is Sapphire beach resort have convenient restaurants close by the beach? Bars to get a drink? I read somewhere things were boarded up?? Is that true, or another rumor? We pay our deposit today. Is there another area you'd recommend that has everything running smoothly? This trip is really pricey! I want to make sure we get the most out of our money - including convenience (which is priceless when you're traveling iwth 3 little kids!)

gosh, I am getting discouraged. I just read online about a roach problem at Sapphire Beach resort?? This concerns me! I am very picky, a neat freak! Is this place nice/well kept? If not, is there another place that is better/more upscale? We don't want to do the hotel thing. Our last family trip was Maui, we stayed at Grand WAilea. We regretted not having a full kitchen to cook in.

Thanks again for all help!

There is a restaurant at the top of the hill in Sapphire Village and there is a BBQ/sandwich/bar setup on the beach. Runners from the restaurant take orders from the beach. as does Senor Pizza. There are many restaurants located in Red Hook which is a 5 minute drive. It would be hard to find anywhere else with the combination of beautiful beach, easy accessibility, close proximity to everything necessary and facilities. I'm sure the owner from whom you're renting will have plenty of suggestions as well as answers to many questions. Have a great time!

Sapphire has a make-shift burger stand on site. Yes, the restaurants at Sapphire are closed and broaded over. The owners are involved in some heavy duty litigation which has impacted the management and maintenance of the common facilities--such a shame because it truly was one on the best complexes on STT. The beach is very nice, shady and pretty consistent cooling breeze. Some of the unit's interiors are well maintained by owners and some are not--be careful. If you stay at Sapphire you'll be cooking in most of the time. Don't book at Sapphire expecting full resort amenities. Expect an older condo on very good beach. (Beach can get crowed on Cruise ship days.)

Other condo complex resorts to consider are Secret Harbour: genital beach, great snorkeling, nice (pricey) restaurant. Shady, but can be "still" in the summer - hence the good snorkeling and genital beach.
Marriot Morning Star: Very nice, good dinning choices, beach can get small waves, not so great snorkeling.
(side note: The VBRO Magens' rental was not a bad idea--you just need to research the questions posted under the original thread. You need to resarch the condos, too!)

Yes the ferry to STJ is well worth the $$ and time for a day exploring STJ's beaches. But, it's not really a ferry, more like barge that you drive your car on, sit in the car, and drive off. (not like car ferries in MA / WA) The crossing itself is about 30 minutes but the line-up + load + cross can take over an hour. With three kids be prepared to sit in the car. When my kids were little they LOVED taking the barge to STJ and spending the day. Pack for the day: coolers, towels lots of water, change of dry clothes, snorkel gea, BUG SPRAY. Hit a bunch of beaches. Explore the sugar mill ruin trail across from Cinnamon. A-berg is fun too. Francsis, Mahoe and Junbie are our favorites. I like salt pond but if the kids aren't into walking they might not like the hike to and fro.

I would also suggest taking the family to STJ one evening on the passenger ferry and having dinner. A good family place is Morgan's Mango: Good food for mom and dad, fun atmosphere for kids. Before dinner stroll around mongoose junction. Bring bug spray.

I like Havana Blue: very good food, hip atmosphere. Service can be spotty (like any restaurant in the VI). I ALWAYS have my kids bring a book or something to keep them occupied to every restaurant in the VI. VI service is notoriously slow, a meal out is more of a event--prep the kids and enjoy.

Don't be afraid to go out at night. Just know where you are going and how to get there ahead of time. I LOVE the west idian night--so many stars, chripping critters....

My kids like Coral World (for about two hours). Clean, well run, safe parking on site. Be sure to see the educational sessions (sharks, turtles). Avoid a cruise ship day. If you have the $$$$, the sea lion encounter is FABULOUS!!!

Red Hook can be hetic. It's the main ferry port for STT (airport) to STJ. Many floks who work on STJ live/go to school on STT so lots of commuter traffic, confussed torrists with too many bags, locals, taxis, high energy. Some OK resturants in Red Hook. Marina market is good place to shop. Small decent selection. Freash produce 2X per week. Higher prices than state side. No matter where you shop expect high food prices. (Bring froozen meats, chicken, ground trukey, ect from home. ) Some "salty" bars as well. Sometimes tons of open parking, sometimes none. I've yet to break the code....

Yes it it a VERY expensive vacation: air, villa, car, eating out. But traveling with your family builds a lifetime of memories....

Disclaimer: I don't own a tourist relalted business, work behind a bar or rent property in the VI, so I have no vested interest in any of the above mentioned locations. My opinions are just that--opinions. My family has maintained a "second' residence n the VI for generations, I visit frequently with my family, so my perspective comes form traveling with kids (now in college) and not trying to make a buck. Some folks will disagree with the opinions above. But like the kids say "whatever..."

Roaches are a fact of life in the Caribbean. Most owners spray monthly and, when I do see a roach, it's dead. If you have concerns, talk to the agent. Try not to overthink - you'll drive yourself crazy.

Yes, lots of bugs in the VI. We don't have roaches in our home. We spray. Never leave food on the counter. Wash all dishes imediatly after use. Cover and take out the trash every night before bed. sweep the kitchen every day. Good habits.

blu4u wrote: Secret Harbour: genital beach,

Good gracious. :S

blu4u wrote: Disclaimer: I don't own a tourist relalted business, work behind a bar or rent property in the VI, so I have no vested interest in any of the above mentioned locations. My opinions are just that--opinions. My family has maintained a "second' residence n the VI for generations, I visit frequently with my family, so my perspective comes form traveling with kids (now in college) and not trying to make a buck. Some folks will disagree with the opinions above. But like the kids say "whatever..."

Just to be clear, I do not own a tourist-related (or any other) business in the VI; I do not work either behind a bar or in a bar or in any tourist-related business; I do not own rental property in the VI, and therefore I have no vested interest in any of the locations I may suggest to visitors. St Thomas has been my home for the last 28 years so my perspective comes from living here.

My motivation in contributing to this and other similar forums is to help visitors in their numerous choices in order that they might enjoy a wonderful stay here.

STT Resident wrote:
[quote=blu4u]Secret Harbour: genital beach,

Good gracious. :S

spell check error:

gentle i.e calm, sandy, flat (not rocky, choppy)

STT Resident wrote:
There is a restaurant at the top of the hill in Sapphire Village and there is a BBQ/sandwich/bar setup on the beach. Runners from the restaurant take orders from the beach. as does Senor Pizza. There are many restaurants located in Red Hook which is a 5 minute drive. It would be hard to find anywhere else with the combination of beautiful beach, easy accessibility, close proximity to everything necessary and facilities. I'm sure the owner from whom you're renting will have plenty of suggestions as well as answers to many questions. Have a great time!

STT Resident: You forgot to mention the "Cat Cafe" at sapphire beach. Isn't one of your "pet projects"? (pun intended)

blu4u wrote: STT Resident: You forgot to mention the "Cat Cafe" at sapphire beach. Isn't one of your "pet projects"? (pun intended)

Actually it's not. I had my own "cat café" at my business in the area and it worked like a charm and cleared the area of a huge stray population in just a few short years. For those visitors unfamiliar with the project, a group of volunteers from the Humane Society man feeding stations at Sapphire and other resorts in order to contain the feral cat population. As the cats become used to feeding at the cate cafés they become easier to handle and, when the time is right, they're checked over for any transmittable diseases then spayed/neutered and let back out from whence they came. It's a win-win for all!

briz, the outdoor grill (Banana Cabana) at Sapphire also does a light breakfast, so they're open in the early morning should you want coffee or something. The restaurant at Sapphire Village, which is a short walk up a hill from the beach), is a full service restaurant near the pool. Very nice atmosphere and I've heard from others that the food is good, and they have live music on Sunday evenings (unless something's changed). I had their tortilla soup, and it was the best I've had on STT. The chef/owner loves to make soups.

The original outdoor bar at Sapphire is boarded up and has been for many years. It gives the property a run-down appearance, but there's really no need for a full-service bar, IMO. Most people seem perfectly happy with the selection of beverages at Banana Cabana.

There are roaches and then there are the huge bugs that in the southern US are called water bugs. If you keep screen doors open, some bug is bound to get in, but I doubt that Sapphire is overrun with roaches. If it were, it wouldn't be the popular vacation rental that it is. Sand fleas and mosquitoes are probably the biggest insect concern, so bring repellent.

Thanks for the tips!

You will be very happy at Sapphire, we will be there from 2/20 to 3/20 for our 3rd stay at Sapphire...we have stayed at many places all over the island and think Sapphire is the best...our G'kids love it, this is their 4th trip and they are now 11 & 14 the Little one was 3 at her 1st visit and they will be down for Spring break. don't worry about bugs, I'm very high maintenance and the places we have stayed must spray...the only worry about leaving the screen slider open is a friendly bird might wander in.
the kids will love the Iguanas
when will you be there? and how old are the kids?
2 years ago, friends talked us into going to Hawaii, one week on Oahu and another week on Maui, it seemed we were in the car most of the time. everything we wanted to do was at least a 30 min drive, it is beautiful but it just didn't seem like we were on an island!

Coral World can be great for the kids. Depending on their age, their attention span will be 2-4 hours. Coki is right next door, so take advantage of the opportunity to move next door and enjoy the area. Great snorkeling there.

Lots of great restaurants on STT. Banana Deck (already mentioned) was fabulous. We also really like Craig & Sally's. More adult atmosphere (somewhat "formal"), with outstanding food and a wine selection beyond excellent. Sally is the Chef and Craig is the General Manager/Host. Nice folk. For excellent food and an amazing view, try the Mafolie restaurant. Been awhile since we've visited, but the view never changes. Amazing.

Good Luck! Have Fun!