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Hi Everyone!
I have really enjoyed reading everyone's messages, it has been a great help in getting a feel for the island!
Im sure yall get the same inquery all the time but here it goes anyway.
My whole family is coming to STJ June 16-24th (YEAH!)
There are 15 of us, 8 adults & 7 children
(children ages 8 months - 9 yrs)
We have rented the villa Ristaba which appears to be absolutly GEORGEOUS! I havent found alot of forums on this villa...any input?
Also, any ideas for the must do things that can accomadate a family our size with the amount of children? Obviously beach, snorkling, the pool by the villa are on the top of our list but I was hoping someone may know some great activities to plan.....great shopping ideas, great restaraunts (possibly live music) any ideas would be great!!!
Thanks in advance for your ideas....My husband & i (+ our 3 girls) have barely been out of our home town in Florida much less the great STJ VI, I want to make sure we dont miss a thing while were there.
Thanks, Erika
By the way did I forget to mention 15 days and counting!!!!!
We are so EXCITED!
That's quite a tour group you're trying to accommodate. I assume you have the transportation worked out except who will lead the convoy around the island. 🙂
It's been my experience that groups this size seldom travel in a single pack and prefer to break up and go in different directions. However, if you are all dedicated to each others company, I suggest any of the hiking trails. Reef Bay is always beautiful but make sure you book in advance with the Parks Department, especially if sending more than 5 at a time. Still time to get either one of the books "Feet, Fins & 4WD" or "STJ Off the Beaten Track" for trail descriptions, beaches and history. You can also get some details from
http://www.stjohnbeachguide.com/Trails.htm
Meals will demand advance reservations to fit all of you but that should not be a problem given the Low Season. Shopping in CA, STT is an all day affair and worth it if your group is up for it. If you have the money, a Charter on New Horizons II would be a blast and you are nearly a complete boat so you may be able to broker a deal.
Make sure you get into Cruz Bay for the Carnival celebrations while you are on STJ.
Enjoy
I did find this villa review of Ristaba from last summer on another forum: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/sj/sjhotelreviews/20050708114652.shtml
ThankYou so much for your ideas, they sound great!
i have read alot about the "Baths" on one of the british Vi, it sounds like a wonderful excursion...do you have any experiance going there? Is it worth the trip over there?
Thanks again, I look foward to hearing back from you!
Erika
Hello Erika,
Snuba is something the kids and adults in your group might enjoy. How about diving? If not certified you can do an intro class. A note on the Reef Bay suggestion - read up on it - might be tough for/with the younger kids in your group. There are shorter, flatter trails so they can get in on the hiking too if Reef Bay turns out to be too much for them. Do pick up the Junior Ranger Program packet from the National Park visitor center for the kids, its an activity packet to help them learn more about the park, flora etc. I believe the kids get a certificate when they return to the center showing their completed packet. The Baths are a neat place and nice daytrip.
--Islander
The Baths are absolutely worth it! THey are these huge granite rock formations on the beach that you can hike through, over, under, etc. The kids will love it! I know you have smaller children, too, so there are definitely areas that aren't so challenging to get around. Here's a link for more info.
http://www.thebathsbvi.com/map.htm
Depending on the excursion you choose to get there, you may want to inquire about how you physically get there. Some boats will drop you off at some sort of a dock; others will have you swim in.
You can also catch the ferry to Virgin Gorda (info on that is at the top of the website). With such a large group of people, it may be cheaper to do New Horizons Breakaway or some other excursion.
Have fun!!
