This can be your view for five nights! Enter to win a stay here in Island Health & Wellness’ raffle.
Hello everyone, and happy Wednesday! Today it is all about supporting St. John! There is a great online auction and raffle happening at the moment, and I think you will want to check it out!
Island Health & Wellness
Island Health & Wellness is a nonprofit primary care practice that offers affordable, and at times free, health care to Virgin Islands residents. They are holding their first gala later this month, and they’re holding an online auction and raffle to coincide with that event. (ZoZo’s is hosting the event, and it is sold out. Great for them, but not-so-great to those of us who didn’t buy our tickets in time!)
Raffle
You can enter to win a St. John Getaway for two people. This prize includes a five-night stay for two at Pure Joy Cottage in Great Cruz Bay. Included in this prize is 50,000 airline miles on either Delta or American, courtesy of Clint Gaskins, owner of The Longboard. You will also receive a $200 gift certificate to Extra Virgin Bistro, a couples massage courtesy of Mango Bliss Spa, a $50 gift certificate to Maho Crossroads and two clear paddle board rentals. And as an extra bonus, two tickets to Thomas Rhett! Those tickets can be at any US city for his Home Team Concert Tour.
Tickets cost $25 for ten entries. The raffle period ends at 8 p.m. AST on February 11th. The winner will be announced on February 12th. Click here to purchase raffle tickets.
Online Auction
A few of the items up for grabs in the Island Health & Wellness online auction.
Forty five items are up for grabs, which includes everything from boat trips to overnight stays and artwork. You can bid to win dinner at La Tapa with famed author Elin Hildebrand. How about tickets to see Taylor Swift in Atlanta? There are numerous stays in gorgeous villas around the island, and so much more! The auction is available until 8 p.m. AST on February 11th. Click here to see all of the items available and to bid.
Again, all of the monies raised will directly support Island Health & Wellness. Good luck everyone!
The future of Caneel Bay Resort has been in flux since Hurricane Irma destroyed it in September 2017. There’s a lot going on regarding the property, so I will do my best to break it all down today. I’ll also let you know how your voice, how your personal opinion, can truly shape the future of the resort for years to come.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Caneel Bay Resort, it is located on St. John’s north shore. The resort was originally dubbed the Caneel Bay Plantation Resort when it opened back in 1935. At the time, there was only one cottage on each of the property’s seven beaches.
Image credit: St. John Historical Society
That seven-cottage “resort” was sold in 1946 for only $80,000, which was the book value at the time, according to the St. John Historical Society. Laurance Rockefeller subsequently bought the property in 1952 and opened up what came to be known at the Caneel Bay Resort. The resort officially opened, along with the Virgin Islands National Park, on Dec. 1, 1956. In 1960, Rockefeller donated the Caneel Bay Resort to the Jackson Hole Preserve, Inc., a nonprofit conservation organization.
The RUE Agreement
In September 1983, Rockefeller decided that he wanted the property turned over to the National Park Service on September 30, 2023. It was then that he crafted the language for the Retained Use Estate agreement (RUE), which the property continues to operate under today. Under the RUE’s terms, the resort could be passed down to subsequent parties until it was handed over to the National Park Service in September 2023. However when one of the previous owners attempted to sell the resort in 1988, it prompted Rockefeller to write the then-NPS director and remind him of his intention for the property.
“I am concerned that the Park Service may be asked to extend the term of the Retained Use Estate, which would have the effect of enriching the seller and defeating the foundation’s intent to add the Caneel property to the park as scheduled,” Rockefeller wrote. “Caneel Bay is a very special site of outstanding scenic beauty which we believe should be protected and made available to the public as part of Virgin Islands National Park. We have been working together with the Park Service for over thirty years to achieve this end, but ultimately, your successors will determine whether and when the public will have the opportunity to enjoy the site as we intended.”
That last line is key. “…your successors will determine whether and when the public will have the opportunity to enjoy the site as we intended.”
This is actually happening at this very moment.
The Storms
When Hurricane Irma hit St. John on Sept. 6, 2017, it devastated the island, Caneel Bay included. The once-posh resort was left in ruins. The resort’s operator, CBI Acquisition, opted not to rebuild without an extension of the RUE. They tried to get an extension through an Act of Congress, and it failed. CBI subsequently filed a quiet title action in June 2022. That case is pending. Click here to read the complaint.
Where We Are Today
NPS announced last week that it was down to two options with regard to the future of the Caneel Bay Resort, and it’s basically all or nothing.
Option A – No Redevelopment
Under this option, the property will be handed over to NPS on September 30, 2023. At that time, NPS “would assume management responsibility of the Caneel Bay area and would not issue any permit, lease, or concession contract to reestablish overnight use or provide resort-style services.”
Under this option, “the NPS would minimally restore the site to allow for safe access by visitors through existing roads and trails, including safe access to beaches. The NPS would not provide visitor services, including overnight lodging at the Caneel Bay area under the no-action alternative.”
Under this option, “the NPS would stabilize some historic buildings affected by the hurricane damage and subsequent deterioration to meet the NPS’s responsibilities for historic preservation and visitor safety. The historic structures would be left in place where possible, and their forms and outlines would be maintained. Existing trails and viewing area(s) may be rehabilitated, and information on site hazards would be provided for public safety, education, and protection of the site. Existing roadways would be minimally maintained and provide hiking access only to viewing areas and beaches. Administrative use of the roads by NPS vehicles would be allowed.”
Option B: Redevelop the Property
Under this option, NPS “aims to balance enhanced public access, recreational opportunities, resource protection, and park operational efficiency while reestablishing an overnight experience on a portion of the original RUE that is consistent with the landscape as envisioned by Laurance Rockefeller. Alternative B also identifies two potential locations for future community spaces where residents, overnight guests, and Park visitors could more directly experience the local culture of St. John and the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
Under this option, “future transportation system planning, such as the review of existing transportation infrastructure, site circulation including site drop-off and pick-up areas, and parking would be conducted when additional site access is obtained and in coordination with more detailed site planning. Future site-specific compliance and public involvement would be conducted if these actions are pursued. As part of Park- wide planning efforts, the NPS could elect to require an amenity fee for enhanced services or parking fees to help manage visitation at various sites within VINP that are not specific to the Caneel Bay area.”
Option B – Redevelopment
The National Park also released information last week regarding the environmental impact of both options, specifically with regard to the following topics: historic districts, floodplains, socioeconomics, and visitor use and experience. Click here to read the document in its entirety.
So this is where we’re at, folks. Do you want the property redeveloped or simply cleaned up enough that we can enjoy the beaches? The National Park Service wants to know what you would like to see happen. All of our opinions matter and will be used to shape the future of the Caneel Bay Resort property. You can share your thoughts by filling out a quick form. The comment period has ended.
As always, I will keep you posted on this. And if there is ever a topic you would like to know more about, please feel free to email me at jenn@explorestj.com.
Landing at the STT airport is always so exciting! Leaving = not so much.
You’ve made it. You’re here! You just landed at the Cyril E. King (STT) airport on St. Thomas, and you are excited to get off the airplane and start your vacation. When all of a sudden, an airport employee comes on the plane’s intercom and tells you to arrive three hours before your departing flight. What??!! Can this be real? Well, unfortunately it can be for many folks. Today’s post is all about navigating the St. Thomas airport when it’s time to go home.
So let’s start with the three-hour protocol. Is that real? Honestly, it really depends. If you are traveling on a Saturday and are checking a bag, then yes, you should get there as close to three hours before your flight as possible. Are you flying out on a Tuesday with carry on bags only? Then you’re pretty safe with only two hours.
Tip #1: If you can download your boarding pass on your phone or print your boarding passes in advance, I strongly urge you to do so. This will allow to to skip the counter if you are traveling with carry ons only. Checking a bag? Then it doesn’t really matter, because you have to go to the counter anyway.
Step One: Checking Bags (Skip to Step Two if you plan to travel with carry on luggage only.)
If you are checking bags, the first thing you need to do it get your bag tags. Once you receive them, the airline does not take your bags. You actually keep them with you until you pass through Customs & Border Patrol, which is step number two.
Step Two: Customs & Border Patrol
Now you may be wondering why you have to go through Customs & Border Patrol if the US Virgin Islands are part of the United States. The reason is because we are outside of the “customs territory.” Therefore we have to pass through and answer some relative quick and easy questions. The agents will ask if you have any souvenirs, the value of the souvenirs, if you have fruits, vegetables, alcohol or tobacco, where you are heading, where you stayed, etc. Families or groups living in the same household can go up to the agent together.
You do not need a passport for Customs (or to visit the US Virgin Islands), but if you have one, bring it. You will get through Customs much faster with one. However if you do not have one, a driver’s license or state ID is fine. And for families with small children, just bring along a copy of your child’s birth certificate.
Have Global Entry? Lucky you! There is a special lane for you right in the center when you walk through the glass doors and into the Customs area. (Heads up: You must have your physical card with you to utilize Global Entry in St. Thomas.) Just lift up the belt, and let yourself in. There are two separate lanes – one on the right and one on the left – for those of us who do not have Global Entry.
Tip #2: Do not bring pork products to the airport in the USVI.
You cannot bring certain pork products through Customs, and those that you can bring, must be in a sealed container. Here is the official verbiage from the USDA:
The revised Federal Order also allows travelers to bring certain processed swine products and byproducts in passenger baggage. These products must be shelf stable, packed in hermetically sealed containers and cooked by a commercial method. Unprocessed swine products and byproducts in passenger baggage will not be allowed to enter any other States or Territories.
Step Three: Dropping off your luggage(Skip to Step Four if you have a carry on only.)
Once you leave the Customs area, you will see a sign indicating that baggage drop off is ahead to your left.
Step Four: Security
Ok, so the people dropping their bags go to the left. The people with carry ons only go in the middle. The people with precheck go to the far right against the wall. If you have precheck, and this is a service you can sign up for, you do not have to take off your shoes, belts or a light jacket, and you do not have to remove your electronics or liquids from your bag. It’s a real time saver. The application fee for precheck is $78, and it is good for five years. Click here to learn more.
Checked bags get dropped to the left.Passengers with carry ons only (and no precheck) go in the middle. Precheck goes to the far right against the wall.Precheck to the right.
So as you can see, if you are checking a bag, it’s a four-step process. If you are not checking a bag and have your boarding passes ahead of time, it’s only a two-step process.
Tip #3: Avoid Saturdays, if possible
Saturday is the busiest day at the St. Thomas airport. This is due to the fact that most villas rent Saturday to Saturday. Also, it’s because it’s easier to travel on the weekend for many. If you are traveling on a Saturday, I would arrive as close to three hours as possible, especially if you are checking a bag. The St. Thomas airport is packed on Saturdays, and oftentimes there are more people than actual seats inside the terminal. Fridays and Sundays are pretty busy too, but not as bad at Saturdays. So if you can travel Monday through Thursday, the airport will be a bit better.
Tip #4: Hire a Porter
If you get to the airport and the Customs line is out the door, you can always hire a porter. They charge a nominal fee per bag, and they have the ability to bring you to the front of the Customs line. You can find them outside of the Customs area and near the airline counters. The porters can be easily identified by their red shirts.
Get to know St. John. Visit beautiful beaches & centuries-old plantations. Perhaps stop at a tiki bar or two. Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor. 2023 & 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Winner. Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour
Add some of the items below to your St. John packing list.
So I was driving along the North Shore the other day when I noticed a business was selling beach noodles for $14. Fourteen dollars for one pool noodle! I know things are pricey here, but my goodness, that is just nuts. I joked to my island tour guests that I should start selling noodles out of my trunk! Ok, so I won’t get that crazy, but it got me thinking… An inflatable pool noodle is such an easy thing to pack for a vacation to St. John. There are so many minor things that you can easily pack in a suitcase that will not only save you some pennies when you’re here, but it will also make your St. John vacation that much better. So you know what I did? I compiled a list for all of you. 🙂
Here are some items that you may want to add to your St. John packing list. I included links to buy, when possible, too.
Beach/Pool Noodle
One of my repeat island tour guest using a noodle at Saltwell Bottom.
Clearly we have to start with beach/pool noodles. You can purchase inflatable ones on Amazon for as little as $4.55, and they take up no room at all in a backpack or suitcase. Traveling with a group? I recently purchased six inflatable noodles for only $17. Click here to check them out on Amazon.
Neso Tents
Image credit: neso.com
There isn’t a ton of shade on the majority of our beaches here on St. John. And let’s be honest, it’s hot here, so shade is our friend. The Neso tent is a great way to bring some shade along with you to the beaches that have less natural shade. These are definitely a pricier item, but they are a great investment. They come in a variety of sizes, they don’t take up a ton of room in your suitcase (you can put it in your carry on too), and they are easy to set up. You simply put the poles up (not into the sand, so they’re turtle-nest friendly), fill a few bags with sand and voilà! Click here to check them out on Amazon.
Reef Safe Sunscreen
It is actually illegal to use sunscreen that is not “reef safe” in the US Virgin Islands. This law was enacted back in March 2022. Rather than scrambling to find some when you arrive, you can grab some off of Amazon and bring it with you. There are numerous options, but Caribbean Sol is one of my favorites. Reef-safe sunscreen protects us, our coral and the marine life that we are all so excited to see while snorkeling. Basically you do not want to use sunscreen with any of the “Toxic 3 Os” – oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene. Click here to check out Caribbean Sol’s reef-safe products.
Caribbean Fish ID
This is a handy tool for snorkelers. This waterproof card shows you which fish and other sea creatures you may see while you are snorkeling or diving in our waters. And the best part? It’s only $3.99 on Amazon. Click here to check it out.
Defogger
Speaking of snorkelers, defogger is a must. Nothing ruins a snorkel faster than not being able to see anything due to fog on your snorkel mask., A couple dabs of defogger will do the trick! You can also use Dawn dish soap as a backup defogger, and sometimes you will find that in your villa or condo rental. Both the defoggers and dish soap are sold in containers that are less than three ounces, so you can easily take them along with you even if you are not checking a bag. Click here to check out a few defoggers on Amazon.
A GoPro Waterproof Camera
I absolutely love my GoPro. I can strap it to the Jeep to take cool driving videos, and I can take it in the water to shoot video underwater. It is very pricey, but you truly cannot beat the quality. I film all of my driving videos using a GoPro, and I filmed the walk through the Caneel Bay Beach Club earlier this week using it too. Click here to check them out on Amazon.
A Soft-sided Backpack Cooler
These backpack coolers are great because it can double as your carry on bag on the plane. It makes it easier to bring drinks and snacks to the beach being that it’s a backpack. A lot of villas provide coolers, but they can be the larger, bulky ones. This is another great investment, and you will likely use it at home too. Click here to check out a few options on Amazon.
Baby Oil or Skin So Soft
I learned this little trick from a taxi driver several years back, and it changed my life. If you are one of the unlucky people, like me, that gets eaten alive by the no see ums, baby oil is a must. I haven’t tried Skin So Soft, but a lot of my tour guests have said it works well too. In either case, the oil prevents the no see um from biting you. I promise you, it will change your world. 🙂
Insulated Travel Cup
A lot of people opt to bring their favorite insulated cup with them on vacation. It’s great to have on the plane, so you can have a lid on your drink when it gets bumpy. And then you can obviously use it at the beach, or even at a restaurant to keep your drink colder longer.
A few other items that are helpful to bring are reusable shopping bags, a reusable water bottle, and reusable straws because not all restaurants provide straws.
I hope this helps you all plan your next trip to St. John. And if there is anything you think I should add to this list, please email me at jenn@explorestj.com. Thanks everyone!
Something Not for Vacation, But Something My Family Loves
This is one of the best purchases I have ever made. We are renters here on St. John, and we do not have a pool. We purchased this Intex hot tub and use it as a pool for our son. It’s great because it holds up to the island heat, and it has a filter so it stays nice and clean. And as you can see in the picture above, Dalton loves it!
You can buy it from several places, but here is a link to buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/46IVfkO
The Refinery is located in the former La Tapa space in Cruz Bay, below Quiet Mon and next door to Woody’s. (Pic taken Thursday afternoon before they opened)
Hello everyone, and happy Thursday! I am excited to tell you all that a brand new bar opened last night in Cruz Bay, and I have to say, the space looks fantastic!
The Refinery is a tropical cocktail bar, which took over the former La Tapa space in Cruz Bay. It is located below Quiet Mon Pub and is nestled between Woody’s and the legislative building. The Refinery is owned by Elderfield Roberts, Jason Cawthron, Brandon Towle and Dallas Osborne. Michael Cote-Wurzler is the general manager.
I stopped by The Refinery yesterday afternoon as Jason and Brandon were giving it some final touches. It truly looks great. Check out a few pics I took:
Doesn’t it look great? It gave off a speakeasy-like vibe to me, and I really liked it!
The Refinery is serving drinks only at the moment, but they plan to start serving Caribbean street food in the future. They are currently serving classic representations of Caribbean cocktails using house-made syrups, juices and mixers. One cocktail is even served in a pineapple. You know you’re excited for that! Even their ice cubes look cool. Seriously. 🙂
Everything you need to know about a beach… all in one place!
Are you curious which beaches have food and drinks? How about which ones have restrooms or showers? Or perhaps you like to know about the parking situation. If so, then you are going to love today’s post!
I created a simple, searchable and sortable beach guide that’s very easy to use. Say you’d like to know which beaches have food and drinks available for purchase. Just click the little arrow next to that topic, and all the the ones that do will pop up as yes. Want to know what amenities you can find at a specific beach? Simply type the name in the search area, and the results for just that beach will pop up. The beach guide includes the following topics:
Food and beverage
Restrooms
Showers
Chairs for rent
Snorkel gear for rent
Entrance fee
How to get there: Drive, hike or water access only
Do the taxis regularly go there?
Is it sandy or rocky?
There are nine categories of information per beach. Each category is sortable.Type a specific beach name in the search area to see information for that beach only.
