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we're planning our first trip to st john this summer, and are wondering:
will we need air conditioning in our villa?
does anyone know the property la sirena near kiddle bay? is that area "overly remote?"
how much bug spray will we need?
thanks for any input!
You know..... that is a good question. I was "told" that you don't really need A/C except in October and November because it tends to be much more humid during those months. Those were the only 2 months I ever visited USVI. Especially during our stay last November, I would have been very uncomforable at night trying to sleep with the heat and humidity.
As for the bug spray..... we took a can of Deep Woods Off and used it between the two of us all week. Had plenty to spare. I only remember needing it in the morning sitting out on our balcany at Secret Harbour while enjoying the view and a cup of coffee. The only other time we really needed it (but did not have it with us) was one day at Cinnamon Bay when we were sitting on that taxi-truck waiting for other passengers. The driver wanted to wait for other passengers because we were the only 2 at that point. He realized we were being eaten alive and decided to take us without waiting any further. THANK YOU!
TMax
As far as air conditioning is concerned I would rather have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it. As far as remoteness is concerned I will defer to a St. Johnian for the specificics. But if you want Witness Protection Program privacy Kiddle Bay is for you. I would suggest going to a hiking/provisioning store (somewhere that sells National Geographic National Park Maps) and get the one for STJ. It shows the area in detail. Kiddle is beyond the Lamshurs and some car rental companies won't rent to you if you plan to go to Lamshur. Again I defer to the locals on this one, but when you go to the grocery store don't forget the butter!
Disregard my previous post I was confusing Kiddle with another place. It's still pretty remote, but not too far from Coral Bay. The NGNP Map is a great buy, as are the two books at the top, and to the left, of this board. As for bug spray, I don't think a heavy deet product is necasary. Cutter Skinsations (6% Deet) worked very well. And Skin so Soft (an Avon product available at WalMart) works well on the "no see ums"
I have lived here over 7 years and have not had A/C in any of my apartments/home. A fan works just fine for me!
Hi Marty. You just answered one of my questions. We will be there July 28th and are staying on Water Island. I understand the waterfront cottage does not have AC. We were a little concerned until I just read your post on this. I love this board. We will be shopping every day in STT so I need to find your shop. Thanks. Anything you can think to tell me would be appreciated, I am taking notes.
We have rented La Sirena for two weeks in May. I will let you know about the property when we return the first of June. I have tried asking about this property before and no one seems to know. So...I will let you know when we return.
thanks trixie. we gave up on la sirena and opted for closer to cruz bay - staying at glenmar. if anyone knows about it, pass on info!
have a great trip - i'd still like to know how you liked la sirena - it looks like an awesome house.
Be sure to say "Good morning/afternoon/evening" instead of "Hi" or "How ya doin'?" and the locals and taxi drivers will treat you much better. Pick up the yellow "St. Thomas This Week" magazine at the aiport...lot's of good info in that one. Wear sunblock everyday (only takes about 20 minutes to start burning here). Bring fewer clothes than you think you need. Bring an extra suitcase for all of your souvenirs and gifts for others. Go down on BOB (www.bobusvi.com), it's a hoot. Bring your passports (or birth certs w/ photo ID) so you can do a BVI trip (like the New Horizons II or Captain Nautica). Rent a car by going to www.budget.com and book it on-line. You will get a better rate and save tons of money vs. taxis. Definitely visit Paradise Point on a Wednesday or Thursday evening for the sunset. Bring a digital camera and extra memory cards (or LOTS of film!) or buy one here at Boolchand's. Try to go into Charlotte Amalie when there are the fewest ships. Plan on spending a day on STJ (and take the car ferry if you rent a car). Eat at INDiGO (fantastic!! and inexpensive for the quality of food). Get a milkshake from Udder Delight after a day on Magen's Beach (yummy!!!). Remeber that the term "island time" aplies to just about everything. Take it slow and don't be in a rush. That's why you are coming here. Get to Honeymoon Beach on Water Isle on a Saturday (or is the party on Sunday? Hmm...been a while for me). Let's see...is that enough to get you started?
HAVE FUN!!!.
thanx!!