Any one been to the Virgin Islands lately?

Question

My son is getting married in the Virgin Islands, St John's Island on the Coral Bay side, next March. Just wanted to get some idea of the price of things there, like lodging, food, shopping. Also the best places to stay and eat. Any places I should stay away from. Thanks for any information. :-)

Answer 1

Please don't be discouraged by what rmmjr420 has posted. The type of people he described represent a very small percentage of the population here. People tend to get lost in the whole paradise image and forget that the rules for traveling here are the same as traveling anywhere else (i.e. stay in well lighted areas, travel in groups if possible, etc.). One piece of advice: Stay on your Ps and Qs. Saying Good Morning, Afternoon and Evening will get you far.

rmmjr420 was right on one thing though. Things here are very pricey. Most food and goods have to be shipped here and it's reflected in the price. As a small consolation, there's no sale tax and liquor is cheap.

To get to St. John you have to take a ferry from St. Thomas. The first thing you'll see is Cruz Bay. As far as shopping and dining goes, Cruz Bay isn't bad at all. The Cruz Bay stores are open from 8am-5pm Monday to Saturday and sometimes on Sunday too. You can buy jewelry, fashionable clothes, arts and crafts. As for dining you'll probably find a restaurant on every corner of Cruz Bay. Some places you might like to try are The Fish Trap, Island Blues and Morgan's Mango.

Accommodations here can be pricey here too...but that's only because we rarely offer 1-2 star accommodations. Since you're coming in March you'll be coming during the tourist season so expect some slightly higher prices and book your room early. There are a few places though that offer bed and breakfast style rooms if you're here on a budget. The USVI Department of Tourism compiled a rate sheet that you might find useful. I've linked it in my sources.

Don't forget that St. Thomas is only a ferry ride away so it's like getting two islands for the price of one.

Places you should stay away from: Dark isolated places and alleys and anywhere where there aren't people around. Just like anywhere else. :)

Answer 2

Hello there:

First of all I want to congratulate you on your son's getting married, it must be a wonderful time in the life of your family. I have read one of the responses to your question, and I just wanted to respond as a 6th generation Virgin Islander who has travelled to 40 of 50 states, and 5 contintents and had a chance to see a whole lot of different places.

This is one of the most beautiful places in the world. We welcome you and your family and are happy that you chose the Virgin Islands as the destination for your wedding.

Things here are a bit expensive as with any popular vacation spot, so you should budget for that, but I would not say it is more expensive than a vacation in Martha's Vineyard, or the Hamptons, which based on my experience is even more expensive than it is here.

If you are looking for a great place to stay while on St. John, I recommend the Westin. You just can't beat the Heavenly Bed!!!

The shopping is second to none, and that is one of the main reasons that so many people come to visit, and enjoy the Virgin Islands. A day trip to St. Thomas, is well worth it for shopping, and I would make the trip on a day with no cruise ships, there will be less hustle and bustle.

There are great restuarant all over St. John. A Solare, La Tapa, the Fish Trap, all great spots. You can't beat the food, and you may just end up having the best meal of your life.

I hope you guys have a good time, and you will find that Virgin Islanders are more than willing to help you with anything you need while you are here. You'll enjoy our hospitality and friendliness when you get here. I can't say we are a panacea by any means we have our issues just like any spot on the globe, but when you are here, if you want to be taken care of you can feel free to e-mail me at [e-mail], and tell me you are the person who's son is getting maried in St. John, and I will make sure visit ROCKS!!!!

~Cheers

Answer 3

I happen to live on St. Croix the largest of the Virgin Islands. I have been to St. John several times and absolutely loved the island and its people. I stayed at Caneel Bay and the Westin. Caneel was an absolute dream. The snorkeling and restaurants in St. John are unbelievable. The people of St. John are hardworking and hospitable. After all most of their bread and butter is derived from tourism. In general, Virgin Islanders are warm and friendly. You will find crime everywhere you go. I can tell you that people here do not live behind locked doors or are afraid that their kid's face would end up on the back of a milk carton. I have lived here all my life and have never been afraid of anyone or anything. Trust in God, buy your ticket, pack your best attitude and enjoy what St. John and the rest of the VI have to offer.

Answer 4

For shopping, there is always Cruz Bay, where the ferry docks in St. John. In one of those shops (I don't remember which one exactly) to the right when you walk up the dock from the ferry they've got this store where they sell these pieces of jewelry that the owner makes by hand made out of different seashells and stones that are really beautiful.

On St. Thomas, there are Main Street and Havensight, where there are many, many shops selling everything from jewelry to clothing to random souvenirs. In particular, Main Street is nice even if only to see the traditional stonework that is still present on many of the buildings there. In addition there are what you might call "shopping alleys" [NOT the sort of alleys that the earlier poster warned you about]. They are all lined with little shops and stores and are often lined with the historic stone and brickwork that was the traditional building style.

Right in the same area as Main Street, in front of Emancipation Gardens, there is an area with an array of little tables set out with various vendors selling all sorts of different items. I know that I have seen people having their hair braided there, which kids in particular seem to enjoy.

There is also Tillet Gardens on St. Thomas, where local craftspeople make some jewelry and candles crafted with seashells and other great gift items. In addition, of course, there's always our locally made rum from St. Croix: Cruzan Rum. When I was young they only had light and dark but now they've got a bunch of different flavored rums as well.

If you will be staying more than for a weekend, St. Croix is just a 25 minute plane ride away and also has beautiful historic structures, including most of the old sugar cane mills that are probably the quintessential historic structures in the Caribbean. St. Croix is definitely the place to go for a great taste of the history of the Virgin Islands. Christiansted in St. Croix also has a nice boardwalk on the water with plenty of great shopping and restaurants.

Hope this helps.

-MDH

Answer 5

Hector gave you excellent advice.

I don't know how long you will be staying on St John but many people rent homes/villas on the island. The advantage to renting a villa versus a hotel room is you have a kitchen where you can save some $$ on having breakfast and lunch at the villa rather than eating these meals in a restaurant. Also having cocktails and snacks before dinner on the deck is nice and can save some $$$.

Check out these sites for villa/home rentals
http://www.bookitvi.com
http://www.gallowpointresort.com
http://www.cateredto.com
http://www.carribbeanvilla.com
http://www.destinationstjohn.com

For hotels
http://www.caneelbay.com
http://www.westinresortsstjohn.com

Guest houses, Inn
http://www.estatelindholm.com
http://www.tamarindcourt.com
http://www.stjohninn.com

Food is expensive, since everything is imported. 20-30% higher. Shopping is great (duty free)

It's hard to suggest a place to stay since I don't know your budget. But the websites above will give you an idea what lodging can cost.

Have a wonderful time at your son's wedding.)

Answer 6

You got some good advice so far. Everything is expensive!!! Far more than some other islands. St. John has no airport so you must ferry in from St. Thomas. Most people are very nice, but like anywhere else in the world, if it looks like you you shouldn't be there, don't go there!!! Try some local restaurants, the prices are lower and as they say "When in Rome do as the Romans do" So "When in St. Thomas, do as the St. Thomians do".

Answer 7

I have and I love it. The place is gorgeous! The people are friendly as long as you are nice. All the islands are beautiful. I would visit St. Croix and Water Island if you get a chance while you are in the Virgin Islands, that way you can see how all the islands are different and yet very much alike.

Lots to do. St. John is a nice place to have a wedding, congrats to you and your son.
eh

Answer 8

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