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Just thought I'd write a quick trip report.
We spent one week on STJ just my husband and I (it was our 5th year back). The villa is still amazing, the views spectacular. Glad to see the round-a-bout is almost complete. Love the changes made to Dolphin Market, so much bigger, cleaner and great produce. Had dinner at the usual spot Shipwreck Landing and as usual it was awesome every time. Skinny Leg burgers are still the best on the island. Did a bunch of hiking again, I think this trip we finally made our goal of hiking every trail on STJ.
Second week we had one of the daughters and her family (husband and 2 grandkids ages 4 and 6) down. They've never been and it was amazing seeing their expressions on their faces, it was like visiting the islands for the first time. Grandkids loved the beach, we took them to Trunk all the way to the left where they ran and ran and played in the ocean, buried grandpa and built sandcastles. We didn't go out to eat w/ the kids because by the time we finished the beach and drove back to villa they were exhausted so we had many amazing meals cooking in and looking out at the ocean, soaking in the hot tub and swimming in the pool.
One thing I really noticed this year was the changes in the beaches, so much erosion. The place we got married on Cinnamon 4 years ago is no longer there, the Maho beach has been pushed right up into the sea grape trees. The swells this year were incredible, we had some massive waves on Trunk and Cinnamon, not just occasionally but all week long. Definately some changes going on w/ mother nature!
Week 3 we went to Jost and Anegada, I know this is a USVI forum so if anyone wants info on those places let me know. It was our 5th trip to Jost and first to Anegada. Highly recommended if you have the time!
So now it's back to reality and snow! But already planning next year's trip.
Jill
How wonderful! I can't wait until we can do a 3 week trip! So far we have done an 11 day trip, but as soon as we got back we were already trying to figure out when we will have enough money to go back. Both our kids want to go on the next trip so that means more $$$! Our oldest is 19 though so this may be the last "family" vacation with just the 4 of us. We have only stayed on STT in the past so this time we are searching for a villa on STJ. So far we are deciding between Jolly Diversion, Barefoot Villa and Casa de Palmas. They have pretty good prices. Do you have any comments on these villas?
3 weeks?! yer killin' me, yer killin' me! LOL glad you had a great time, we'll be doing a similar trip in 2 months but 'only' for 2-weeks.
Our trips over the years have been from 1 week to 4 weeks in length and we find that 3 weeks is perfect. Thanks for the trip report. It sound like you managed to have it all on this trip.
I have no knowledge of those villas. We have always rented Astral Ridge from Coralbayvacations.com. We first rented it 5 years ago and can't imagine staying anywhere else. It is absolutely amazing and it feels like our home everytime we return. Not sure of your travel time but you should check out their site. It truly is a slice of heaven. Jill
You might want to do some thorough research on Casa as it seems to be for sale and at a very reduced price. Not sure if the owner is just in trouble or the property needs a lot of work. The other two look great for the price. While a little more, if you want a pool and like the SW end take a look at Soft Winds through Private Homes. You sit on top of Cocoloba Point so you have amazing breezes all day long and it comes with a pool if your kids want one after the beaches.
If you go to the VRBO Jolly Diversion site Cocoloba Point is the hill seen in the "Main deck overlooking Fish Bay" picture.
Barefoot is also for sale but many, many rental villas are.
Pia
I'm on this board because it is helping me deal with the wait until May when we will return for our 8th trip. We have stayed anywhere from 10 days to 4 weeks. Now, I feel 2 weeks will do because it did once before. But, hearing you mention 3 weeks has me wondering because that is what we did two years ago. We have also talked about staying on Jost but have never done that. So, I would be interested in hearing about where you stayed there, etc. We generally stop there for a day visit or a few hours when we go to St. John. So, I would love to hear your opinion of your stay there in relation to St. John and also info on Anegada. I guess the best way to get that info would be to give you my email address. I guess it's ok to do that on here. I hope. [email protected]
Thanks.
three weeks, what a way to go! thanks for letting us know how things went.
i cannot understand people who come all this way just to stay a day or two or three. you don't really get a feeling for a place unless you stay for at least 5 days... three weeks must have been heaven!
we've been having a lot of high seas lately... bad weather in other places often means cooler, windier weather here, and swells to match. i believe there was some surfing going here within the past month!
glad you chose to stay in a villa, for a really down home experience. great memories, good times!
I will send you a personal e-mail w/ info regardig our BVI trip.
Our first trip to STJ was only 10 days, definately not enough time. With loosing a day in the beginning and end for travel you are down to 8 days, then a day or two to get aquainted w/ the island now you are down to 6. Not enough. The next year two weeks, the next 3 weeks and it's been 3 weeks ever since. I'm hoping for a month next year!
Jill
Im definitely interested in your trip to BVI. I am planning a destination wedding in St. Thomas/St. John and would like to visit Jost & Virgin Gorda while there. I've been to Tortola & it was incredible! Did you charter a captain, if so what company?
We took the STJ ferry to Jost where we stayed for a week at Ivan's, one of the days we where on Jost we chartered a boat from Colin at the Dive Shop on Jost and one of his captains took us to Anegada. It was an hour ride each way, we rented a car on Anegada and saw the whole island stopping at the local bars and doing some snorkeling, well worth the trip.
Got back from our first STJ trip a couple of weeks ago. We stayed at French Cap over Devers Bay in Chocolate Hole. It may be a little more pricey than your looking for but was an outstanding two bed/two bath villa. Huge deck with nice pool and everything else you'll need. And it was only a 5+ min drive to Cruz Bay.
Some comments for your first visit. Be aware that the drive from Coral Bay back to Cruz Bay will take some time (30 min or so of winding up and down driving) if your needing to get to markets, restaurants or other necessities/shops. Only found a mini mart in Coral and a few, but outstanding, restaurants - skinny legs and shipwreck. I suspect villa rentals in Coral are less $$ due to their remoteness.
So options to consider closer to Cruz Bay would be out at chocolate hole, fish bay or rendezvous.
