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I know - it may not be a big deal for those of you fortunate enough to be STJ veterans, but after a number of one day visits as cruise passengers (and telling ourselves EVERY SINGLE TIME that we should come and stay here) I took "the plunge" and reserved Cielo Vista for a week in October!
As I alluded to in another thread I'm still undecided on how long I'll wait to secure airfare - the flights that were $211 two days ago were, as of yesterday, $445. I'm still trying to decide if I should wait a little while to see if they drop again, or just go ahead, bite the bullet, and ensure that we can get on the ones we prefer...
I've already ordered "Feet, fins, and 4WD" and "Off the Beaten Track".
I have a few activities in mind, but as this will be our first extended stay on the island I don't want to have so many plans that we won't be able to just go where the wind takes us from time to time.
I definitely plan to rent a jeep for the duration of of the trip so that we can explore the length and breadth of the island. We both love to snorkel and dive - I know we'll do the former, and likely the latter.
We did a day sail from Red Hook this past October and had an absolute blast - so we may do that again. There are so many options - rent a dinghy, hike the trails, experience the more remote beaches, dive, fish, chill!
Since "our" villa has a great view of the sunset, and since I love to cook, it would be a crime for the wife and I not to have at least a couple dinners out on the deck, soaking in the view - so I'll be on the prowl for some fresh fish (unless I catch some on my own).
I have really learned a lot by browsing through the posts here on the forum - I thank all of you for sharing your experiences, and I vow to do the same after we get back.
As you all know, now comes the really hard part - WAITING!
See, that's why I've never been interested in taking a cruise...I don't want to "waste" several days at sea, and I don't want to just have a few hours to spend at the destinations. I'd rather just spend the entire time there. I bet you'll be so glad you did!
We loved snorkeling at Waterlemon. Have you been there? You have to hike a trail to get there (but we like that kind of thing). We also hiked the trails through the ruins and really enjoyed it.
I love how you can see the water through the "window"...
A pic of the beach from the trail
Dinners on the deck will be fabulous!
Waiting is definitely the hardest part. But you have the advantage of already having the trip planned! I'm just dreaming about it since we probably won't get to go this year. 🙁
Have a great time! And be sure to take pics to share!
Augie
Welcome to the addiction known as USVI. Your membership certificate will arrive the same day you send the villa 'deposit' check in the mail. Your fellow addicts hold meetings here 24/7, sharing their experiences & desires without provocation from others.
What we refer to on the mainland as 'waiting', is called 'island time' in the USVI and I want you to promise us all that if you come away with nothing else in October, it will be your experiencing 'island time'. Does wonders for your health, outlook and relationships with others.
One word of caution. After stepping onto the ferry for the last time on your way back to STT and the airport, you will spend all waking (and a lot of sleeping) hours trying to figure a way back and for a longer stay next time.
Gari-Ann
My wife and I feel your pain as we had to wait all last year and are now going this July for 2 weeks. Like you, we have lived vicariously through the stories of others, remembering what it was like or jotting down some tidbit for 'the next time'.
I have a deal for you...if you let us know what you want 'covered' for a trip report (picture, experience, etc.) we will make every effort to help you through the 'dry time' during our time there. While we can't guarantee full satisfaction (after all, it is OUR vacation), it would be our way of helping someone in 'rehab' back home.
Congrats!!! Like you we also "discovered" St. John on a cruise. It was love at first sight and I promised myself and made Honey promise to bring us back for an island stay. It took a few years but when we finally went, we were hooked big! I guess you could say STJ is my crack! I've been in withdrawals now since our last trip in June and am continually scheming and dreaming of how to get back at the absolute soonest opportune moment.
Unfortunately, I've become greedy and want to add a week in the BVI's to our next jaunt so in order to do that, we can't go until next Summer! I've already chosen the villa but can't even book it until we are 12 months out. It's driving me crazy so I know what you mean about getting your villa booked. It's euphoric!
Can't wait to hear about your upcoming trip and hope you have an amazing time!
Once I get my villa booked I go on line constantly and study each picture the rental co. has posted, finding something new each time. I figure out the floor plan and notice decor and art work and kitchen appliances and views and any and all details I possibly can. It's like an obsession I can't control....along with checking the boards constantly. It really is a huge part of the STJ experience for me. When I get bored I even look for restaurants that have their menu posted and I think about what I might want to order. OMG.....I think I might really have a problem.
Cypressgirl, I do that too. Eek! 😉
Chris @ work, I'll be happy with any reports and pics you share. But do tell how the sand felt in your toes, and how tasty the rum drinks were, and how awesome the locals' accents were to listen to. 😀
Wow it is interesting to know how many of us there are that first saw the island from a cruise ship and then went back to really enjoy the island. I do the same with the rental companys pictures. I print them and enjoy them. I also watch air fares constantly. Good luck on finding good rates. Enjoy your trip. Wish we had plans to go again but we just got back two weeks ago.
OK, can I say I love this board! All of you have confirmed that I am not crazy,just a STJ lover. Since our trip, I visit this board to get through everyone else's trips while planning our next. It is nice to know I am not alone. Keep those reports and pics coming.
Congrats on the villa decision, Augie! I hope the airfare cooperates for you!
Cypressgirl... Thanks for letting me know that I'm not alone. I've been doing the same thing! i even sent my wife and daughter an e-mail last night with some suggestions on which beaches we should visit and which restaurants look good (even though my wife was 6 feet away and my daughter was 30 feet away 🙂 ).
Just a little over a month and we'll be there!
Congrats augie! I would go ahead and secure my airfare and if the rates go down, they will issue you a ticket to use up to a year for the difference! This way, you'll have credit for the following year! 🙂
It also will assure that you will make it for the dates you planned!
Good Luck!
Thank you all so much for the welcome, the encouragement, and the tips!
sherri, I was thinking along the same lines as far as the airfare - I'd rather go ahead and secure it - that way I can worry about other things... 😉
Chris - I love Island Time - can't wait (oops - that word again) to be back on it!
Update: I bought the airline tickets and dropped the deposit check for the villa in the mail.
In honor of the above I have added a countdown ticker to my signature! 😀
Congrats augie! Waiting is a pain, but in can be part of the fun too. Purchasing the books, buying clothes, snorkel equipment, all that stuff has been part of the fun for me.
I'm jumping on the ticker bandwagon!! 🙂
