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This is hard work!!! as the the Bush Jr. would say. My wife and I and another good friend couple have chartered a sailboat out of ST Thomas (Red Hook- American Harbor)leaving at noon on 1/10/06 and returning on 1/17/06. We have 1 room at the Holiday Inn reserved for all of us for the 9th when we arrive. We have extended our vacation by 2 days after the charter and am looking for a hotel for those two nights 17-18 and leaving on the 19th. Our friends and us felt after a week together on the boat it would be nice to spend the last two nights on our own. This is a honeymoon vacation for all of us as neither one of us took one when we got married.....They have booked all inclusive at the Windam Sugar Bay. We are have not booked yet for those two days and am having a hard time finding the perfect reasonable spot. I am leaning towards the Sapphire Beach Resort at $225 for the Yacht Harbor Suite but maybe it is better to book up to the beach front for $50 more a night? And can we walk to redhook for supplies...booze, steaks, booze, wine etc.... Our plane leaves at 10:45am on the 19th, Is it a problem getting transportation early in the Am...we get up early and would be ready to get to the airport at 7 or 8am. It is so harrrrd since the reviews are sooooo extreme from one end of the spectrum to the other.. Oh yeah the crime...we hope to not have to deal with it on vacation ....I have worked in corrections for 22 years and my wife is a probation officer for 15.
HI Mike-
If you're going to choose Sapphire, get a beachfront. The Yacht Harbor suites are the same rooms (layout, amenities) but sit over by the marina and the right side of that buillding is adjacent to the mountain where Sapphire Village sits, so you're view is seriously obstructed to the right - and your view in front may be obstructed by the boats in the marina (especially if you wond up on a ground floor). I don't think 2 nights are worth saving $50 a night for a much less pleasurable view. The beachfront portion of the resort is REALLY close to the water, sitting right on the sand. I've heard from locals that Sapphire was fined heavily for building too close to the beach - but, it's done now and people just love being so close.
See if Sapphire still accepts the entertainment card and if they will accept it for the time of year in whch you're going (high season) , which is also called the Traveler's Advantage Card. There's a membership fee to get the card (something like $75), but you get 50% off of rooms at Sapphire. THe card would pay for iteself in one night. Plus, you'll get 50% off on tons of other hotels.
I guess the two of you won't be seeing much of your friends once you're all back on STT since they've booked an AI resort. Was that the plan? After a charter together, that might be a good idea 🙂
Based on my experience, you are absolutely right to find separate quarters after spending 7 days of togetherness on a boat. No matter how closely aligned we are with our friends or the size of the boat, we needed the time apart at the end of our journey/adventure. By the way, we chartered bareboat from CYC (out of Compass Point/Benner Bay) who offer special rate for additional couple of days (7+3 days = special rate) - though that's prime season so deals might not be available. Maybe ask the charter company if they can make you a deal and you & your companion can stay on the boat a couple extra days for x$. Just an idea. Though you might be ready to get OFF the boat and onto shore for the last couple of days and get your "land legs" back before your departure. Anyway, its an idea.
Hello Mike,
You can arrange for a taxi in the early am, won't be a problem.
Walking between Red Hook & Sapphire is doable during the day, however there is no sidewalk and its not flat along the whole route. It might be a bit much if you are carrying several grocery bags.
--Islander
How far is it to the market? I thought I saw .5 miles...
I your going to stay..... does that mean you would suggest a better place...all advice is greatly appreciated
Mike,
I don't know if you are already all set with your plans. (I just came across your thread.)
But, if all-inclusive is not mandatory for you - you really need to check into Secret Harbour Beach Resort.
My husband & I stayed there this past April & recommend it highly. Beautiful beachfront suites, fantastic tree-lined beach with incredible snorkeling & a first-rate open air restaurant.
If you would like any other info - feel free to ask!
Have a wonderful trip!!
Sue
