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Hello all,
Thanks in advance for any info. I have been "lurking" for info for some time, and this is my first posted question. I already appreciate all of the tips and info from other posts.
Background info for question: My family of 3 adults (me, husband,mother-in-law) + 2 kids (two 10 year olds) will be needing ~6 nights in STT in early June 2007. We will do Maho Bay Camps on STJ for 3 nights first. We've been through STT/STJ before on a cruise stop, but spent all of our day in port going to georgeous STJ (typical tourists to Trunk Bay), so are planning to plan a bit more time on STT this time to explore. We are looking for a condo type accommodation with proximity to a lovely beach, room for 5 people (spacious ideal, but slightly crowded not a huge problem), kitchen, and preferably washer and dryer in unit (but is OK anywhere on property). We will rent a car. Husband and I like snorkel-friendly spots, while the 2 kids enjoy a white sandy beach (and sandy enough swim area in the water to not get scratched up). Calm water would be nice so the kids could enjoy some snorkeling as well. I am working to find a great spot, but really we are not at all high maintenance, so I think I've narrowed my best choices down to Secret Harbour and Crystal Cove Deluxe Suites (Bldg A via BestBeach, though this may not be large enough, could go with another agency). I guess either could be getting booked for my dates anytime now, since they both seem popular. Interesting how the comments on both differ on this site vs. Tripadvisor; I am sort of "averaging" all and taking outliers with a grain of salt.
Anyway...my question, since we have a differing beach style within our group and I want the kids to have space for their rock-free swimming, I wondered if anyone could offer specific comments on the "sandiness" of the 2 beaches for my top 2 choices. It sounds like the snorkeling part will be fine at either, though perhaps rougher water at Crystal Cove/Sapphire.
Thanks again for any thoughts!
You are correct in your assessment of the water at Sappire Vs. SH, but the difference is so slight as to be almost negligible, so I wouldn't really even let that weigh on my decision, were I you. The units at SH are definitely going to meet your needs, and there will most certainly be less people at SH, so it will feel more 'secluded'. The view from the beach at Sapphire wins, but from the units, SH wins, as Crystal Cove sits back from the water quite a way. Wit Sappire's bar/restaurants being closed right now, I'd say that tips the scales in favor of Secret Harbor. The bech is perfect sand, right into the water, good snorkeling, no waves, great sunsets, quiet, great restaurant on site, Red Hook is just around the corner...I vote SH for ya. Anyone else?
Marty, you are wonderful to provide such great details! I have been, in fact, leaning toward SH myself. I was calling this question my final decision-maker. I just needed to know the sand that looks so beautiful in pictures didn't end at water's edge (that's harder to tell in photos). Thanks!
cmom the beaches in the VI can be very different even if they are relatively close due to prevailing currents and wind. but to answer you ques. the beach does change at the waters edge in secret harbor... its mostly coral and rock just a foot or 2 from where it laps up on the beach w/ just a few ports of entry where you can wade out on the sand bottom. dont let this stop you however from staying there. its very pretty and my personal favorite on stt. and if you like a different beach you can get from sh to saphire in five mins by car.
agree with marty of course
SH for sure!
and there is PLENTY of rockLESS water ....just walk INTO the water closer to the beach bar and building one as a matter of fact REQUEST building one...the water is just fine there.....
also you might want a two bedroom so be sure to book soon as there are only a few beachside...
enjoy!
It has been my experience at Sapphire that there are places with great sand going into the water, then it turns a bit rocky. But there are also places where is stays sandy. Same thing at SH. It just depends on where you enter the water. If you get a unit on the second floor, you'll be able to see exactly where these ares are. If not, just walking along the beach will suffice, too. Have fun!! SH is awesome! For a nice bunch of trip reports, visit here: http://www.craigandstephsvacations.com/StThomas/StThomas2005/StThomas2005toc.html Lots of good pics of SH, too...
Thanks to all for the comments... I'm feeling good about my new reservation for the 2 bedroom beachfront at Secret Harbour!
