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Author: Jenn Manes

Where to Store Luggage on Your Last Day

Jenn Manes

A little news you can use right here…

Check out on your last day is typically around 10 a.m. Most flights do not leave the St. Thomas airport until mid-to-late afternoon, leaving you with several hours to fill. One of the top questions I receive here at Explore STJ is where to store luggage on your last day. Here are a few ideas…

For starters, it takes about an hour from the time the ferry leaves St. John until you get to the airport in St. Thomas. If you take the 11 a.m. ferry from Cruz Bay to Red Hook, you can expect to get to the airport around noon. The noon ferry will get you to the airport around 1 p.m. and so on. (The Charlotte Amalie and Crown Bay ferries are different, so for the purpose of this article, I am going to stick with the Red Hook times.)

Store Your Luggage at a Restaurant

A lot of people like to enjoy one last breakfast on island, and perhaps a mimosa or two on departure day. High Tide and Cruz Bay Landing are two popular options, and both can accommodate a good amount of luggage. It is very common for diners to drag their luggage to both of these restaurants, and store it off to the side. The best part is that both of these restaurants are located right beside or across the street from the ferry dock, making it super convenient for you.

The Pelican Post 

The Pelican Post is a business operating in the former Connections location in Cruz Bay. The Pelican Post is located just one block up from the ferry dock beside the intersection near Woody’s. They store luggage for people for a pretty decent price. A small bag or backpack is just $5, and a larger suitcase is just $10. This is a good option of you’d like to wander a bit more on your last day, do some shopping or perhaps quickly hit a beach on your last day. The Pelican Post is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you’d like to chat with the ladies over at The Pelican Post, you can call them at 340-693-4535.

Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!

Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour

See the island of St. John with a resident. See the nooks and crannies that many visitors miss. Explore the beaches, historical sites, perhaps a tiki bar or two, and much more. Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor.

Click Here to Book Now. 

On the Market: Waterfront, Flat w/ Sunset Views & More!

Jenn Manes
This could be your beautiful view overlooking Rendezvous!

Did you know that there are 190 land parcels currently sale in St. John? These parcels range in price from $50,000 to $7.5 million, and of course there are numerous properties in between that range. Today I would like to tell you about three properties that may pique your interest. One is waterfront; one gives you water rights out in Coral Bay; and one has amazing sunset views. Want to know more? Then read on!

15A-5-2 Rendezvous & Ditleff

There is an amazing 5.15+ acre waterfront property in one of my favorite areas of the island – Rendezvous Bay. This property has a whopping 360-feet of waterfront shoreline access in addition to more than 480-feet of road frontage with easy utility access in place. This property faces south with Ditleff Point to your east and Boatman Point to your west. It is located less than 10 minutes from Cruz Bay and has easy paved access to everything St. John has to offer, including the National Park, beaches, boating, watersports, restaurants, and more. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to subdivide or perhaps you are looking to build your dream home with an even dreamier view! This property is listed for $2,050,000 with 340 Real Estate Co. Please email Tina Petitto, of 340 Real Estate Co., at tina340realestate@gmail.com for more information.

15A-5 REM Rendezvous & Ditleff

There is a second 5.5+ acre parcel right next door, which was recently subdivided into three R-1 dwellings, which means you can have two dwellings per lots for a total of six dwellings on this 5.5+ acre parcel. This parcel also has 360 feet of waterfront shoreline access in additional to 550-feet of road access. Picture yourself waking up to the beautiful turquoise waters of Rendezvous Bay while catching a glimpse of St. Croix to the south. This is truly a remarkable property. This parcel is listed for  $2,331,000 with 340 Real Estate Co.

*You can purchase both properties together for a total of 10+ acres. The three subdivided lots are listed between $735,000 and $815,000 each.

Please email Tina Petitto, of 340 Real Estate Co., at tina340realestate@gmail.com for more information.

4C REM, 4C Little Plantation

I have to be honest, I am shocked that this parcel is still on the market. This 7.29-acre property is prime for development. It is located right on Route 107 in Coral Bay and has littoral rights, meaning it comes with water rights. This allows you to build a dock in additional to other development opportunities. Not only is it located directly across from Lime Out, St. John’s unbelievably popular floating bar, but it’s a stone’s throw from the Isola Shoppes, which is where the proposed Summer’s End Marina has its own littoral rights. This parcel is listed for $1,245,000 with 340 Real Estate Co. The owners are very motivated, so make an offer!

1E Rem, 1E Bethany

Want to be closer to Cruz Bay? Check out this fairly flat parcel perched high above Cruz Bay. Enjoy year-round sunsets in addition to incredible daytime views spanning from Chocolate Hole and Great Cruz Bay out to St. Thomas and the outlying islands. This property is located just below of Sunset Ridge and is accessible via paved road. This property is a must-see, and its owners are also very motivated. This parcel is listed for $759,000 with 340 Real Estate Co.

If you are interested in any of this properties, please contact Tammy Donnelly, owner of 340 Real Estate Co. You can reach Tammy via email at 340realestateco@gmail.com or by call/text at 340-643-6068.

If you are looking to list your property, I would love to help you! I, too, am a licensed real estate agent with 340 Real Estate Co. Please email me at jenn@explorestj.com or call/text 203-376-3786 if you’d like to chat.

 

Island Green Living’s Annual Earth Month Raffle Ends Tomorrow!

Jenn Manes
The Beach Villa is located on the waters of Great Cruz Bay.

There is another great raffle happening! It ends tomorrow, so you will have to purchase a ticket soon if you’d like to get in on the action!

Island Green Living is currently holding its annual Earth Month raffle. All raffle proceeds go toward Island Green’s programming, which includes the island’s only plastic and can recycling. So far, Island Green has collected 120,000+ pounds of ocean-bound plastics since its inception in February 2022 and more than 4.2 million aluminum cans. Pretty impressive stuff! In addition, Resource Depot, St. John’s only reuse store, has saved one million pounds of pre-owned building materials, furnishings, clothing etc. from the landfill.

Tickets are $50 each. There will be one grand prize winner. Here is what you can win:

🏝️ GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE INCLUDES

Seven-Night Vacation for Up to 6 Guests

🏠 Luxury Villa Stay

  • 7-night stay at The Beach Villa by Artistic Villas
  • Five-bedroom beachfront masterpiece with private pool & garden
  • (Extra guests welcome at additional cost)

✈️ Airfare Voucher

  • Up to $2,000 towards airfare, sponsored by the USVI Department of Tourism

🚙 Jeep Wrangler JL Rental

  • 4-door Jeep rental for the week, compliments of Bougainvillea Leasing Ltd.

🍽️ Island Dining Package

  • Welcome breakfast for 6, prepared by Chef Vincent Alterio of St. John Speakeasy
  • $150 at La Tapa Plage – Mediterranean cuisine, Wharfside Village
  • $150 at Ocean 362 – “Island to Table” dining with sunset views
  • $100 at Sam & Jack’s – Gourmet deli in Cruz Bay
  • $100 at Paulie’s Luncheonette – Casual dining with water views
  • $100 at Cruz Bay Landing – All-day eats and drinks
  • $200 at Lime Out – Floating taco restaurant (via boat experience below)

🌊 Experiences & Shopping

  • 2-hour private Taco Run for up to 12 guests aboard Salt Deck with Salty Daze Charters USVI
  • $250 to be used toward any available sail on Kekoa
  • $100 gift card to Jolly Dog, Coral Bay
  • $100 gift card to Bamboula, Mongoose Junction
  • $200 gift card to Caravan Jewelry, Mongoose Junction
  • Private tour and voluntourism opportunity with Island Green Living’s ReSource Depot

Click here to purchase a ticket. 

Side note: This is not an Explore STJ-sponsored raffle. Explore STJ (Jenn Manes) is not involved in this raffle in any way. I am simply helping Island Green promote it. This is an Island Green-sponsored raffle. 

Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!

Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour

See the island of St. John with a resident. See the nooks and crannies that many visitors miss. Explore the beaches, historical sites, perhaps a tiki bar or two, and much more. Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor.

Click Here to Book Now. 

What to Do on a Rainy St. John Day

Jenn Manes
Stormy beach day

Well folks, it’s currently raining pretty hard. Rain is in the forecast for the next few days, but hopefully it will be more on and off rain. Here’s a few ways you can entertain yourselves on a rainy St. John day.

Sunday morning radar

Shop, Dine & Drink

The shops and restaurants will remain open even if we receive monsoon rains. Mongoose Junction is a great place to spend a few hours on a rainy day. Enjoy a locally crafted beer from The Tap Room or an ice cream cone over at Scoops. Looking to shop? I love Sugar Birds for unique souvenirs, Big Planet, Just Beach, and Lulee for clothing, and Caravan Gallery for jewelry. There are a ton of other great spots at Mongoose, so check out everything while you’re there. When it rains super hard, the gut that runs underneath Mongoose will become a raging river. It’s a pretty neat thing to check out.

Grab an umbrella and head over to Wharfside Village. I am fairly certain that The Beach Bar and High Tide will be rocking. There’s great shopping over there too. Or perhaps check out the casino! Check out the Spice Shop, The Little Things, the jewelry stores, and more.

For those of you who enjoy having a shot while you’re on vacation, The Upstairs, which is located across from The Longboard, offers free rain shots. Please drink responsibly!

If you have a vehicle, you can head up Centerline Road and check out Shambles or Mid Way Cafe & Grill. Both have ample covered spaces and are great places to grab a bite or enjoy a few cocktails. The Windmill Bar is holding a fundraiser today to support the St. John Revolving Fund. Be sure to stop by.

Over in Coral Bay? Head to Skinny Legs and join in on the fun. There is a great retail shop there called Mumbo Jumbo, so you can combine some retail therapy with one of Skinny’s famous burgers. Once you’re done, walk across the street and check out Pirate’s Cove or go around the corner to Jolly Dog.

Explore the Island

Hawksnest

If you have a vehicle, take a ride around the island. Be careful if it is raining hard because small rocks sometimes fall into the roadway and there can be a lot of water that pools on the roadways.

You can grab a book and sit under the pavilion at Hawksnest, or grab a raincoat and check out some of the island’s rich history. You can explore Catherineberg, Annaberg, or even the Cinnamon Bay Sugar Factory. All are very cool spots, rain or shine.

Hike to a Waterfall

The waterfall at Reef Bay

When we get a decent amount of rain like we’ve been getting here and there, a waterfall should form at Reef Bay. This is definitely a sneaker or sandals with straps kind of hike, as it will definitely be slippery. The trailhead for the Reef Bay trail is about five miles outside of Cruz Bay and about three miles outside of Coral Bay on Route 10, also known as Centerline Road. The trail is 2.1 miles in each direction if you are going from the road to the ocean, and it is quite steep. There is a spur trail on the right that will lead you to the petroglyphs where the waterfall will form. Pack a bag, bring snacks, and plenty of water for this hike.

A small waterfall is likely to form between Cinnamon and Maho bays. The water will flow across the road, so be careful when driving in that area.

A temporary waterfall near Cinnamon Bay

For those of you who are off-island, you can still see what’s going on. Check out more than 20 live-streaming webcams at www.explorestj.com/webcams.

Stay dry everyone! Sunny skies, soon come!

Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!

Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour

See the island of St. John with a resident. See the nooks and crannies that many visitors miss. Explore the beaches, historical sites, perhaps a tiki bar or two, and much more. Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor.

Click Here to Book Now. 

Own at Grande Bay for as little as $9,000!

Jenn Manes
Grande Bay is located across the street from Cruz Bay.

I know that many of you love Grande bay as much as I do! Well did you know that you could own a slice of paradise for as little as $9,000? Well now you do!

Grande Bay is one of my favorite complexes here in St. John. The reason that I love it so much is because of its location. It is located right across the street from Cruz Bay, and is within walking distance of Cruz Bay’s shops and restaurants. The taxis and the ferry dock are a quick five-minute walk, and the closest hiking trail is only 10 minutes away. And the best part – these are all FLAT walks. No hills when staying at Grande Bay! Can I get a high five for that??!

A portion of Grande Bay is wholly owned, while the other portion is fractional. This means that you can own a week in a specific unit at Grande Bay (basically a timeshare). Each unit has a private balcony with an amazing view, in additional to a fully-equipped kitchen (studios have smaller kitchenettes), and each unit has a washer and dryer. Grande Bay has a nice rooftop pool, a large spa, a well-equipped gym with water views, and concierge services. Parking is available for people who own a one-bedroom or larger too! (Studios do not come with a parking space.)

Another great feature of the fractional program is that the fees are LOW!

I currently have four units listed for sale at Grande Bay. I have two studios, a one-bedroom, and a one-bedroom penthouse. Here are the details:

    1. I have a studio listed for $9,000. The annual fees are only $988 a year. This is unit 5-102s, which is the upper building. This unit is available for week 16, or flex weeks 15 to 50, which means you can book any week from early April through mid-December.
    2. I have another studio listed for $9,950. The annual fees are also only $988 a year. This is unit 2-302s which is one of the lower buildings. The unit is available for flex weeks 17-23, which is late April through early June.
    3. I have a one bedroom penthouse listed for $23,500. The annual fees are only $1,100 a year. This penthouse is located in building 7, which is the highest part of the resort. The views are incredible! This is for week 44, or flex weeks 15-50. This unit comes with a parking space.
    4. I have a one bedroom listed for $25,000. The annual fees are only $1,288. The is unit 3-303, which is a higher unit in the front building. This is a flex unit that’s available weeks 17 through 23. A parking space comes with this unit, too.

Looking to buy a timeshare at the Westin? Click here to see what I currently have listed for sale. 

If you are interested in one of these properties or another property that is listed for sale on St. John, I would love to hear from you! Please send em an email at jenn@explorestj.com for call/text me at 203-376-3786. If you are looking to list your property, I am happy to help with that too! I am a licensed realtor with 340 Real Estate Co.

Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!

Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour

See the island of St. John with a resident. See the nooks and crannies that many visitors miss. Explore the beaches, historical sites, perhaps a tiki bar or two, and much more. Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor.

Click Here to Book Now. 

 

Celebrity Chefs, Mixologists & Lots of Fun at These Upcoming Beach Parties

Jenn Manes

Lovango Resort + Beach Club is holding its annual Taste of Lovango culinary event next week that will feature delicious dishes curated by world-renowned chefs. While the dinner portion of the event may be sold out, there is still time to purchase a ticket to one of their exclusive beach parties.

Saturday, May 3rd – Island Flavors and Culinary Legends Beach Club Party 

The event will feature culinary talents like St. John’s Speakeasy’s Vinny Alterio, The Wine Shop’s Gary Kim, and St. Thomas Fish Bar’s Kenny Claxton, alongside Hawaiian celebrity chef and James Beard winner Sam Choy. Lovango’s Executive Chef Kyle McKnight and his culinary team will be featuring some delicious bites, and celebrity mixologists Will Elliott and Ariel Rosario will craft signature cocktails. Relax at the beach club and indulge in an incredible day of food, drinks, live music and island vibes.

Sunday, May 4th – A Celebration of Puerto Rico Beach Club Party 

Get ready for a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican cuisine when the Lovango Beach Club is taken over by Culinary U, a Puerto Rican food group and experiential company at the forefront of our neighboring island’s culinary scene. Puerto Rican celebrity chefs Ariel Rodriguez, Rene Marichal, Juan Jose Cuevas, and Xavier Pacheco will showcase the rich flavors of their homeland, serving up delicious dishes throughout the day. In addition to these mouthwatering creations, Puerto Rican based celebrity mixologist Ariel Rosario of Signature Cocktails, along with Lovango’s own mixologist lead Will Elliott, will craft refreshing, island-inspired drinks. Guests can relax, indulge, and experience the best of Puerto Rican culture with live music while relaxing at the beach club.

Tickets for both beach parties start at $150 per person and include roundtrip ferry transportation.

Click here to learn more about Taste of Lovango and to purchase tickets to one or both of the beach parties. 

Lovango’s Beach Club features a 70-foot infinity pool, plus a new adults-only plunge pool. You can opt to rent a poolside cabana, a beach cabana or a waterfront chaise lounge. All food and a welcome cocktail is included in the price. Both beach parties will feature live music. Take advantage of Lovango’s location and hike one of their trails, or hop in the ocean and snorkel one of their colorful reefs. Snorkel gear and showers are included.

Want to know more about Lovango’s Beach Club? Click here to read a recent article I posted. 

Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!

Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour

See the island of St. John with a resident. See the nooks and crannies that many visitors miss. Explore the beaches, historical sites, perhaps a tiki bar or two, and much more. Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor.

Click Here to Book Now.