and I can't wait to get back! in 2011 we were there for 4 weeks & this time its 4 1/2 weeks at Sapphire Beach. After last years trip...I had triple by-pass surgery, 3 weeks later my Grand kids Father took his own life...he lived in the Chicago area and they had just been up there...my poor Daughter is still trying to settle the estate and my 36 year old son got married, has a 12 year old "bonus" child and his 1st baby on Dec 15....he is so in love with that baby!!! whoa, there is a lot more in that little paragraph but not now!!

We fly out of Chicago and have found what works best for us, we fly out of Moline, put our luggage on a rental cart, push it indoors to the Hilton and go to the bar....and food. reverse in the AM and last time we took the cart to our gate!! we're going thru Miami , how is that?

We found a good deli at Crown Bay, next to Tickles and we will probably stop there 1st. I also have 2 flat rate boxes to send down....some food, PB&J, redi mac, sun screens, condiments...our 14 year old G'son along with his Mother and 10 year sister will be down for Spring Break & we need to keep a lot of snacks on hand. this is their 4th trip and we have never been to Coral World ( how can that be?) so that is on their list...looking for a day sail out of Sapphire Marina to BVI'S now that they have passports, to the Baths & Soggy Dollar Bar, we once did a cataram trip & that was fun !

last year we drove out to the W end by the University....what a beautiful place that was...we could see the airport and it didn't reassure a nervous traveler.....the run way is built out into the water!!! I want to take more roads we have never been on.

Food favorites...coming in from the airport it would be Hook, Line & Sinker, also great place to eat on the way to the airport before you leave.. The Green House, consistently good food & drinks some killer shrimp appetizer!! The Deli at Havensite is a good breakfast place, you can watch the cruise ship people. Also good Deli, the lady in the Burka must be the owner, I had a NY news paper & she pointed out that it was $7.50...good reason to go back and the BEST book store is next door. For authentic Island food go to Bolongos Caribbean night on Weds, they are really pulling in the people! Good to see them doing well, favorite server is Erin & Verneta is the best! social director! steel drum band , dancing ,fire walker, fun conga line our G'kids loved it last year...great family place!

On to Sapphire, we have stayed there 3 times and love it...www.sapphireinthesun.com the cruise ship people gather to the L of the volly ball net and the pool is off to the right where they can't go. We fall asleep to the waves, only turned AC on twice last visit. This a quiet place and yell if you see people standing on the reefs.
We are there from 2/20 to 3/20 so if I can help in any way please let me know...maybe more tips later...but, this is a great idea we learned at Magens Beach....take a shoe brush to brush off the sand before you get in the car!! Have Fun and make lots of memories....Donna