We were on St. John from Dec. 4 - 10 and stayed at the Westin Resort.

Arrival at airport: Very busy (and hot!) trying to get our luggage and then a taxi -- lots of people. Could not wait to get on the ferry and get out of St. Thomas! We did not utilize the Westin Ferry service.

The Westin: At first I was overhelmed and confused as to what was where and how to get to places within the resort. But within the first day, I figured it out and learned some of the short-cuts from our villa to the shops, etc. Although a shuttle was available, we walked and enjoyed it all the time, except for once. Our villa was number 26, the farthest from the pool, etc -- which was perfectly fine because the walk to our villa was beautiful! We had the gound floor room which I highly recommend because your door to your room is outside and you don't have to go through any hallways. And by the way, the garden rooms are cheaper and I think better. I would not want to be near the pool. The view from our room was wonderful! Service at Westin was excellent and so were the prices for sandwiches, drinks, USA Today, etc. We bought a bottle of vodka and some cranberry juice and made our own drinks to take down to the beach and pool (saved a bundle!). Bring with you large cups with lids. Bugs....okay, was bit a few times at the beach during sunset but that was all.

Dinner: We ate at Zo-Zo's (view and ambiance is great, food and service good too), Fish Trap (good), Lime Inn (reasonable prices and excellent food and service -- this was my favorite place), Morgan's Mango (good service and my meal was excellent but my boyfriend did not think his meal was very good), Deli at the Westin (Sandwiches are $10 each -- next time I would go to the gourmet market located within walking distance from the Westin which had salads, sandwiches and some gourment foods and lower prices than the Deli at the WEstin). Also ate at something like Razzobbi (can't remember exact name) on the beach near the ferry dock - food was good and the view was very nice! One evening we went to The Beach Bar and had some beers (only $3.50 for Amstel Lite) while listening to one of the best female accoustic (sorry about the spelling) bands I've ever heard called Necter. They played everything from Guns & Roses to the Beatles and everything in between (Fleetwood Mac, etc.) I was suprised to see such talent on St. John!

We did go to the Beach Cafe at the WEstin 2 evenings to hear the live music. It was okay, not many people there. Talent at the BEach Bar was alot better!

We did a day trip on the New HOrizons II to 4 B.V.I. islands (I just read someone's post about it -- wonder if they were on the same boat?). Only 16 passengers - although a small boat. Service was excellent - they kept those pain killers coming all day! Stops were fun as well including Pusser's and Jost Van Dyke! Snorkeling was not great - but had fun. The Baths were very nice - highly recommended. Good day trip overall - had a very nice time and I think it was worth the money.

Of everything I read about St. John, I found it to be a little different. They say St. John is the sleepy island and not much to do at night. In Cruz Bay -- I think it was 'happening' -- a handful of bars busy with people (mostly locals) having a great time (Woody's and The Beach Bar). Actually Cruz Bay reminded me a little bit of Key West - funky shops, outdoor restaurants -- lots of different types of people.

Despite the cost of the Westin and food in general in St. John -- I would DEFINITELY return! Both my boyfriend and I loved it!! Hope next time to explore the island (never went outside the Westin and Cruz Bay - with the exception of the B.V.I.). Oh yea, we did spend 3 hours in St. Thomas to shop and found bargains on liquor and perfume. Lots of very nice jewelry if you are looking for it. But, honestly, I could not wait to return to St. John! I would only go back to St. Thomas to buy jewelry or transfer to St. John - that is ist! Streets crowded with cruise passengers -- not a pretty site. I am sure the island of St. Thomas has lots to offer, outside of Charlotte Amalie -- but again, I will stick to St. John. Hope to post some photos later if anyone is interested!