St. John in The U.S. Virgin Islands
St. John...
St. John island is the smallest island of the three U.S. Virgin Islands which is only 28 square miles. Almost two-thirds of the island is a United States National Park. The national park portion of the island was purchased in 1956 by Laurance Rockefeller who fell in love with the island in the 1920’s and turned the land into a national park to preserve the beauty of the island. There are 22 preserved nature trails, many beautiful beaches, a bounty of wildlife, birds and marine life, and the park provides a safe nesting place for a variety of turtle species. While the other islands of the Caribbean have become much more developed with large tourist resorts and attractions, St. John usvi has remained untouched, a trait that enhances the beauty of the island. St. John Virgin Islands travel guide provides information on resorts, hotels, dining, beaches, shopping and more.
Saint John Resorts and Hotels...
If you’re looking for a vacation where you can turn the cell phone off and enjoy the sounds of the ocean breeze you’ve found your destination. There are only 2 resorts on the island with additional accommodations that are classified as eco-tourism sites which are mostly powered by the wind and sun. These are unique lodging sites but are very affordable, comfortable and offer much privacy and an overwhelming sense of peace.
The most known of St. John resorts is Caneel Bay which is built on the ruins of a former sugar plantation. Today the elegant Caneel Bay has botanical gardens, beautiful old stone walls and lovely beaches. The resort offers five-star meals in an open-air restaurant and a full range of water sports. The facilities include 166 elegantly understated rooms, three restaurants, a 20,000-square-foot spa and a state of the art tennis facility. Guests are privately picked up in St. Thomas upon arrival. Caneel Bay was also named one of the Top 10 Caribbean Resorts by the Travel Channel. Caneel Hill is a popular 2.3 mile hiking destination.
Maho Bay is just one of St. John’s eco-tourism sites. The resort's goal is to create memorable vacations in the beautiful setting of St. John without sacrificing the delicate ecosystem of the island. Maho Bay Camps actively recycles, augments its water supply with rain collection and carefully plans all new buildings to avoid damaging the pristine setting of Saint John USVI. You will also find a full-service restaurant with wonderfully prepared meals and there is also internet service available for guests. There are other camping areas on the island such as Cinnamon Bay Camps and other wonderful eco-tourism lodging options in St. John hotels to choose from.
In the town of Cruz Bay you will find the Gallows Pointe Suite Resort with front row seats overlooking the harbor near the ferry dock. The other upscale property on the island is the Westin Resort St. John USVI. This large resort is 47 acres and has almost 300 rooms, three restaurants and a wide variety of activities available.
You will also find that throughout the island there are a wide variety of private villas for short term lease, ranging from one week to an entire season. These villas often offer a better value than many hotel accommodations.
Saint John Dining and Entertainment...
While St. John might not have a lot of lodging options, their food and restaurant selections are spectacular! There are great restaurants at the two resorts and a handful of others in the colorful town of Cruz Bay. The small town hosts four-star restaurants with beautiful gourmet meals in a barefoot setting. Yes-barefoot. If you’re feeling the need to dress up for dinner be sure to leave your shoes at the door! Coral Bay has a delightful collection of shops and restaurants and is sometimes referred to as the local Margaritaville. As far as nightlife and entertainment goes there are things to do after dark in St. John. In Cruz Bay the evening bar scene can get quite lively especially on the weekends, you’ll find lots of great music and Caribbean style dancing. Both resorts on the island also offer entertainment, so be sure to check their current line-up when arriving to the island. Also, the residents of St. John love a reason to celebrate, so you’re sure to find an assortment of festivals, celebrations, events, and contests year 'round just be sure to check the upcoming events for the island.
Saint John Beaches...
Of course there also is no shortage of beaches on the island of St. John. Be sure to check out the long stretch of beach Cinnamon Bay or one of the more private beaches, Hawksnest Beach, Lameshur Bay and Salt Pond Bay. Cinnamon bay is a lovely beach and the site of a privately owned campground. There are restrooms, restaurants, and showers. Hawksnest Beach offers plenty of shade, picnic facilities and restrooms. Maho Bay and Little Maho Bay are perfect places to swim and snorkel and you might even catch a glimpse of the hawknest turtles floating around the edges of the bays. Lameshur Bay is an excellent snorkeling highlight but only reached by a steep, winding and only partially paved road. However, this remote beach area of Virgin Islands National Park has lots more to offer. Hiking trails head off to Yawzi Point, Bordeaux Mountain, and on to Europa Bay and eventually Reef Bay. A park map is needed if you intend to go beyond the beach area. There are picnic tables and portable bathrooms at the beach.
Trunk Bay is considered the most beautiful beach on the island of St. John and often called the most pristine in the Caribbean. Trunk Bay is part of the Virgin Islands National Park and is one of St. John’s most well preserved attractions making it the perfect place to experience the beauty of the ocean. Tourists can sunbathe in the Caribbean sun, snorkel the 225-yard-long Underwater Trail of reefs or try out underwater photography. The crystal clear water and colorful underwater scenery promise the perfect photo opportunities. Trunk Bay also offers well-maintained facilities including chair and snorkel equipment rentals and showers. TravelChannel.com has also named Trunk Bay one of the “Top 10 Caribbean Beaches” and is also one of the most photographed beaches of the Virgin Islands.
Saint John Things To Do...
Throughout the island you will find ruins of sugar plantations. Some of these have been preserved where you will find information and demonstrations about their history. The Annaberg Plantation includes an animal-powered mill, a sugar factory and slave quarters. Other plantations include the Windberg Estate and the ruins of Fredriksdal. The Reef Bay Plantation House is the most elaborate building on the island. Currently it is in a state of disrepair but still very interesting and you can also see the sugar factory equipment located down near the beach. You can also check out the Elaine Ione Sprauye Library & Museum, which was previously a plantation great house in the mid 1700s. It has been restored to be the island’s library and museum that houses artifacts of the early days.
In the town of Cruz Bay you will find the hot shopping spot in St. John, Mongoose Junction, which is built of local stone. The beautifully designed Junction includes many vendors, art galleries, and upscale shops. Mongoose Junction is located at the north end of town and at the south side of town you’ll find Wharfside Village, a lovely seaside shopping spot with local shops and restaurants.
If you’re interested in exploring the National Park be sure to visit the National Park Headquarters, located at the ferry dock, where you will find a great selection of maps and materials about the island. Be sure to ask about the scheduled hikes and demonstrations from the rangers to learn more about the park. You also might want to visit Bordeaux Mountain which is located in the center of the mountain. The peak is more than 1,200-feet high and you can even catch a glimpse of the British Virgin Islands from the top.
Don’t forget about the water activities! The water on St. John is some of the clearest of any of the islands and home to many beautiful multicolored fish, you might even catch a sea turtle. Snorkeling is offered all over the island, you won’t have to look far to find a mask and flippers. You will also find sailing and other fun water sports at various locations. If you’re interested in scuba diving or fishing, be sure to check with your resort to see what they offer. Remember, the other U.S. Virgin Islands are only a boat ride away. If you want to take a trip over to the more populated St. Thomas, feel free to take a boat over for a day of fun. Visit St John, USVI - Saint John, US Virgin Island.
Saint John Fun Facts...
Population: 4,197
Land Area: 28 sq mi
Average Annual Rainfall: 45 in
Average January Temperature: 77 degrees F
Average July Temperature: 82 degrees F
Saint John Quick Facts…
Major Industries: Agriculture, Tourism, Petroleum Refining
Electricity: 120 volts, 60 Hz; standard two-pin plug
Time Zone: GMT-4
Country Dialing Code: 1
Area Code: 340
Did You Know?
During WWI the United States paid USD 25 million for the Virgin Islands in order to stop the Germans from expanding into the Western Hemisphere.
Orientation…
St. John is one of the United States Virgin Islands, which are located between the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. About 50 miles east of Puerto Rico, they make up part of the large arc of Caribbean islands that stretch from Florida down to South America. St. John is the closest to the British Virgin Islands, which lie to the northeast.
