TX Travels
Mar 18, 02, 9:46 am
This report is for our trip to St. John, USVI for five nights at the Westin.
We left Thursday afternoon on AA from DFW. We were in coach using 30,000 mile awards. Flew to SJU and then to STT on Eagle. Uneventful flights (the way we like them).
We arrived STT at approximately 10:15pm. Went to baggage claim area and directly to the lounge that the Westin has there. Nice, air conditioned space with couches and complimentary bottled water. Did the whole check-in process there at the airport while waiting for the bags. The clerk confirmed our room upgrade to a one bedroom suite. I am a SPG Platinum and was staying on a 40,000 point 5 night award.
We had decided to use the hotel transportation. Since we arrived so late, we ended up having to wait about 30-45 minutes for another flight to get-in, so they could consolidate all of the "stragglers". We finally boarded a van and set off for Red Hook (the last Westin ferry from Crown Bay, which is only minutes from the airport, leaves around 6pm, so if you arrive late, you go to Red Hook). We were consolidated with guests who were going to Caneel Bay as well. Red Hook is about a 25 minute drive from the airport at that time of night. We arrived there and boarded a small water taxi for the 25 minute ride over to St John. We unloaded the Caneelers first and then headed to the Westin dock.
Bellman and golf carts were waiting for us at the dock when we arrived about midnight. We passed the beachfront check-in desk and were treated to some Rum Punch. Then driven to our room up on the hillside.
The room was a second-story one-bedroom suite with a full living room. Nice view of the water overlooking the grounds of the hotel on the patio. King-size Heavenly Bed, Molton Brown bath products (HB bath products were brought in during the week), oversized Jacuzzi tub. There were some minor issues needing repair (sink stopper, tile on patio would get water under it), but overall it was in good shape. The landscaping was in great shape and there was always somebody out working on it. Also, lots of painting and repair going on at the pool, etc. The workers were very unassuming and presented no problem. In fact, I was pleased to see the work going on to keep up this nice property.
First day, we decided to spend time at the resort. We had croissants and coffee from the deli and then set out for the beach. Overall, the beach is decent. Plenty of lounges, umbrellas, etc. Good service from the staff (flag on each lounger to let the staff know you need another drink!). The water there is cloudy from all of the boats that anchor in the bay. There is a big trampoline/slide complex out in the water to climb/jump/play on. It was fun for all ages.
After a sudden rainshower on the beach, we left there in the afternoon and headed down to Cruz Bay. Taxi from Westin for two was $6. This town has really grown, although it still has island charm. Shopped around for a while - there are three different shopping centers that we found - all within walking distance. We headed up the road to Gallows Point for drinks at Ellington's. We sat at the bar and enjoyed the sunset from this great vantage point (the upstairs dining area has an even better view). Had dinner at La Tapa (quiet, sat outside). The food was great. We had appetizers, split an entrée and had a couple of glasses of wine for about $50.
On Saturday, we rented a jeep from the hotel ($70, no tax, gas included) and headed out for the other beaches. We got to Trunk Bay about 9:30. It was still quiet and gorgeous. Snorkeled on the trail - neat coral, but not too many fish. Again, we got caught in a little shower. It was 11:30 so we headed off to Coral Bay for lunch at Skinny Legs. Simple place for burgers and beer. Not too much else going on over there. We then went to Waterlemon Cay. It's about a 1 mile hike along the coastline where it supposedly has great snorkeling. We didn't think the snorkeling was too great, and it's not much of a beach. You definitely need reef shoes and be a good swimmer as the currents are strong and it's a pretty good swim to the Cay from the beach. We were definitely tired as we headed back to town (via the "mountain"). Stopped at a roadside trailer at the main intersection for a smoothie. It was awesome! Spent a little time at Honeymoon beach near Caneel Bay and then headed back to the Westin. We ate at Asolare that night which was outstanding. Asian influenced, island food. 3 course dinner for two with a reasonable bottle of wine ran about $150.
Next day, we went on the Limnos boat to Virgin Gorda and Norman Island. Left at 8:30am from the Westin dock. The Baths on VG were definitely worth the trip. It is a really amazing place - Giant granite boulders framing a beautiful beach. The boat fed us a deli lunch and then we headed to Norman Island for snorkeling. The snorkeling there was the best I have ever seen for coral. Multiple coral formations, multiple colors and lots of it. The water was quiet there and made for a very enjoyable afternoon. Got back about 4pm. The trip was $90 per person and $15 per person for BVI customs. Afterward, we were beat and stayed at the hotel for the night. The trip was nice because it was about 50% of capacity - I might have had a different impression if it was full.
On Monday, we went to Cruz Bay for a nice breakfast at Chilly Billy's. We then went to St Thomas on the Westin ferry. Arrived into Crown Bay after a 45 minute trip and rode with the travelers in a van over to the airport to pick up a Hertz rental car. I had a free day from #1 Awards. We went on a brief shopping tour in Charlotte Amalie and then headed up the mountain. We had a quiet lunch at the Mafolie hotel overlooking the town and the bay. Spent the afternoon at Magen's Bay which is one of our favorite places in the world. Crystal clear water, minimal surf, and a wide expense of beautiful sand. Got back to the airport (total charge on the car was $0.50), hooked up with the incoming passengers and headed back with them to Crown Bay and the ferry back to the Westin. For dinner, we headed to Cruz Bay to Morgan's Mango. Nice atmosphere, lots of drink and food options. Food was excellent and for two people with drinks, we spent about $75.
Next day, we had to get on the 7am ferry to STT and the airport. Flew back through Miami to DFW. Again, uneventful.
Overall, St. John has grown into a full-service destination. Great restaurants and bars, enough shopping for gifts, etc. and lots of activities. It still has a lot of charm (which I think has been drained from St. Thomas). Some of the prettiest beaches and views we have ever seen. I would definitely recommend it. I know I will be going back soon.
We left Thursday afternoon on AA from DFW. We were in coach using 30,000 mile awards. Flew to SJU and then to STT on Eagle. Uneventful flights (the way we like them).
We arrived STT at approximately 10:15pm. Went to baggage claim area and directly to the lounge that the Westin has there. Nice, air conditioned space with couches and complimentary bottled water. Did the whole check-in process there at the airport while waiting for the bags. The clerk confirmed our room upgrade to a one bedroom suite. I am a SPG Platinum and was staying on a 40,000 point 5 night award.
We had decided to use the hotel transportation. Since we arrived so late, we ended up having to wait about 30-45 minutes for another flight to get-in, so they could consolidate all of the "stragglers". We finally boarded a van and set off for Red Hook (the last Westin ferry from Crown Bay, which is only minutes from the airport, leaves around 6pm, so if you arrive late, you go to Red Hook). We were consolidated with guests who were going to Caneel Bay as well. Red Hook is about a 25 minute drive from the airport at that time of night. We arrived there and boarded a small water taxi for the 25 minute ride over to St John. We unloaded the Caneelers first and then headed to the Westin dock.
Bellman and golf carts were waiting for us at the dock when we arrived about midnight. We passed the beachfront check-in desk and were treated to some Rum Punch. Then driven to our room up on the hillside.
The room was a second-story one-bedroom suite with a full living room. Nice view of the water overlooking the grounds of the hotel on the patio. King-size Heavenly Bed, Molton Brown bath products (HB bath products were brought in during the week), oversized Jacuzzi tub. There were some minor issues needing repair (sink stopper, tile on patio would get water under it), but overall it was in good shape. The landscaping was in great shape and there was always somebody out working on it. Also, lots of painting and repair going on at the pool, etc. The workers were very unassuming and presented no problem. In fact, I was pleased to see the work going on to keep up this nice property.
First day, we decided to spend time at the resort. We had croissants and coffee from the deli and then set out for the beach. Overall, the beach is decent. Plenty of lounges, umbrellas, etc. Good service from the staff (flag on each lounger to let the staff know you need another drink!). The water there is cloudy from all of the boats that anchor in the bay. There is a big trampoline/slide complex out in the water to climb/jump/play on. It was fun for all ages.
After a sudden rainshower on the beach, we left there in the afternoon and headed down to Cruz Bay. Taxi from Westin for two was $6. This town has really grown, although it still has island charm. Shopped around for a while - there are three different shopping centers that we found - all within walking distance. We headed up the road to Gallows Point for drinks at Ellington's. We sat at the bar and enjoyed the sunset from this great vantage point (the upstairs dining area has an even better view). Had dinner at La Tapa (quiet, sat outside). The food was great. We had appetizers, split an entrée and had a couple of glasses of wine for about $50.
On Saturday, we rented a jeep from the hotel ($70, no tax, gas included) and headed out for the other beaches. We got to Trunk Bay about 9:30. It was still quiet and gorgeous. Snorkeled on the trail - neat coral, but not too many fish. Again, we got caught in a little shower. It was 11:30 so we headed off to Coral Bay for lunch at Skinny Legs. Simple place for burgers and beer. Not too much else going on over there. We then went to Waterlemon Cay. It's about a 1 mile hike along the coastline where it supposedly has great snorkeling. We didn't think the snorkeling was too great, and it's not much of a beach. You definitely need reef shoes and be a good swimmer as the currents are strong and it's a pretty good swim to the Cay from the beach. We were definitely tired as we headed back to town (via the "mountain"). Stopped at a roadside trailer at the main intersection for a smoothie. It was awesome! Spent a little time at Honeymoon beach near Caneel Bay and then headed back to the Westin. We ate at Asolare that night which was outstanding. Asian influenced, island food. 3 course dinner for two with a reasonable bottle of wine ran about $150.
Next day, we went on the Limnos boat to Virgin Gorda and Norman Island. Left at 8:30am from the Westin dock. The Baths on VG were definitely worth the trip. It is a really amazing place - Giant granite boulders framing a beautiful beach. The boat fed us a deli lunch and then we headed to Norman Island for snorkeling. The snorkeling there was the best I have ever seen for coral. Multiple coral formations, multiple colors and lots of it. The water was quiet there and made for a very enjoyable afternoon. Got back about 4pm. The trip was $90 per person and $15 per person for BVI customs. Afterward, we were beat and stayed at the hotel for the night. The trip was nice because it was about 50% of capacity - I might have had a different impression if it was full.
On Monday, we went to Cruz Bay for a nice breakfast at Chilly Billy's. We then went to St Thomas on the Westin ferry. Arrived into Crown Bay after a 45 minute trip and rode with the travelers in a van over to the airport to pick up a Hertz rental car. I had a free day from #1 Awards. We went on a brief shopping tour in Charlotte Amalie and then headed up the mountain. We had a quiet lunch at the Mafolie hotel overlooking the town and the bay. Spent the afternoon at Magen's Bay which is one of our favorite places in the world. Crystal clear water, minimal surf, and a wide expense of beautiful sand. Got back to the airport (total charge on the car was $0.50), hooked up with the incoming passengers and headed back with them to Crown Bay and the ferry back to the Westin. For dinner, we headed to Cruz Bay to Morgan's Mango. Nice atmosphere, lots of drink and food options. Food was excellent and for two people with drinks, we spent about $75.
Next day, we had to get on the 7am ferry to STT and the airport. Flew back through Miami to DFW. Again, uneventful.
Overall, St. John has grown into a full-service destination. Great restaurants and bars, enough shopping for gifts, etc. and lots of activities. It still has a lot of charm (which I think has been drained from St. Thomas). Some of the prettiest beaches and views we have ever seen. I would definitely recommend it. I know I will be going back soon.