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by Paris Permenter & John Bigley
Throughout the Virgin Islands, there’s a nickname
for the small island that lies tucked between St.
Thomas and the British Virgin Islands. Locals often
call St. John "Love City," a moniker that harks to
the destination’s true promise of romance. It may be
smaller than its siblings St. Thomas and St. Croix,
but this petite isle is a big boy in the world of
love. Pristine beaches and miles of undeveloped park
land await the two of you.
On your romantic getaway, the accommodations that
become your home away from home can be as unique as
your personalities. One of the most pampering
options are private villas, elegant accommodations
scattered across the island. Picture you and your
sweetie in your own private getaway--likely a
multi-million dollar home. Like vacationing
celebrities, you'll be cocooned by privacy. Hire a
villa catering service to drop off a breakfast for
you; start your day in your robes out on your
balcony to enjoy the buzz of a colorful hummingbird
or the scent of tropical flowers that surround
"your" home.
In the mood for a little more action? Opt for one of
the two resorts on the island: Caneel Bay [www.caneelbay.com]
or the Westin St. John [www.westinresortstjohn.com].
Caneel Bay was founded by Laurance Rockefeller and
boasts an old world elegance that pampers lovers.
Westin St. John cradles couples in comfort; sign up
for spa treatments or arrange a private island
picnic a deux. Both resorts pick up couples at the
St. Thomas airport, whisking lovers to magical St.
John aboard private watercraft.
Or are the two of your looking for a back to nature
honeymoon? Campgrounds in the island's national park
give you the chance to play Adam and Eve in as much
or as little luxury as you choose. Opt for tent
camping, screened shelters, or eco-conscious cabins.
Wherever you stay, it's difficult to tear yourselves
away from your new love nest but budget time to
explore this island. Hop a guided tour aboard an
open-air safari bus that gives the two of you plenty
of chances to peek at the island's natural delights.
Stop at Annaberg, part of the Virgin Islands
National Park. Constructed by slave labor as one of
25 sugar factories which once dotted the island,
today the park includes numerous ruins. The most
visited site is the former sugar mil, now a favorite
wedding spot on the island. Hike the park's trails
for some great views of the neighboring British
Virgin Islands then cool off with a visit to one of
the island's beaches. Beautiful Trunk Bay, one of
the Caribbean's most photographed stretches of sand,
is home to a self-guided snorkel trail. Or opt for a
quiet stretch of sand whose name says it all:
Honeymoon Beach.
As delightful as St. John's natural beauties are,
her man-made attractions are also tempting for
lovers. The only town on the island is tiny Cruz
Bay, a hilly burg filled with one of a kind
boutiques. Mongoose Junction, named for the furry
mongoose often seen along St. John's roads, is the
top shopping area. Drop in Donald Schnell's Studio;
his handmade pottery decorates many of the villas
across the island..
For even more shopping opportunities, St. John
vacationers can hop a ferry to St. Thomas, one of
the Caribbean's top duty free destinations. Here
along historic alleys, put a twinkle in your eye--or
on your ring finger--with a stop in one of the
numerous fine jewelry stores. Not only will you have
a wider selection that you'd have at home but you'll
also enjoy a substantial savings (plus you won't pay
sales tax.)
At night, the lights of St. Thomas compete with the
stars, both enjoyed from vantage points on St. John.
One of the best views is from the deck of Asolaré,
an open-air restaurant featuring Asian fusion dishes
served in a relaxed and romantic setting.
Whether the two of you return to a campground,
resort or private villa that night, you'll be
serenaded by the sound of St. John's tiny coqui or
small tree frogs. Their melodic call echoes across
the verdant hills, over the beaches, and across the
tropical growth that will, the next morning,
brighten yet another romantic day on this lovely
isle.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Villas: You’ll find villas throughout St. John, many
with open air living rooms, private pools, and
incredible views. We recently stayed at SeaCove, one
of the incredible villas offered by McLaughlin
Anderson (www.mclaughlinanderson.com). Some villas
are available for use as wedding sites but use for
groups generally involves a surcharge.
Catering Services: Thanks to the island’s many
villas (as well as visiting yachts), you’ll find
several catering services on the island. These
pampering services can prepare a private meal for
the two of you in your villa, prepare a hot
breakfast, or drop off breakfast so that it’s ready
when you awake. We had several meals prepared by
KatiLady [www.KatiLady.com], from a gourmet dinner
to a sprawling breakfast.
Wedding Planners: Ready to say "I do" on your
vacation? Weddings are simple to arrange with the
help of an island wedding planner. Ceremonies St.
John (www.usviweddings.com) offers numerous wedding
packages and can perform weddings throughout the
island.
For more information on St. John, contact the US
Virgin Islands at 800.372.USVI or see
www.usvitourism.vi.
Photo copyright Lovetripper.com |
