Thanks for the trip report. I've been off-forum for a couple of years, so trying to catch up on everything. We too planned to return to STJ last year, but the house we were to rent was destroyed. But, we're returning to my happy place later this month!!! Yay. Rented a small villa in Coral Bay for 9 ...

I want to get up and relax on the deck with my coffee and not worry about going somewhere for breakfast. So, I tend to bring a few breakfast items and fill in with some purchases. Our favorites are homemade egg "mcmuffins", pancakes, omelets, and oatmeal. So, I'm packing my little microwav...

Hi Pia, We're doing the sunset snorkel sail on 2/11 with 2 of our friends. You probably talked with our goddaughter who is treating us with this sail as a thank-you for me being the fairy godmother and helping her a lot with her wedding! They did the all-day sail when they were down in November for ...

If you want to spend more time on Virgin Gorda/ Baths, then recommend taking a power boat rather than a sailboat to get there faster. If you want the pleasure of a long relaxing time on the water, then pick a sailboat. We did Stormy Petrel several years ago, and they were great. Fun tour of the Bath...

Thanks for the replies, everyone. Interesting about the different regional traditions/ schedules for breaks. Yes.... definitely in the Midwest we're craving some warm weather by February. We do have the car rental fixed, and just booked our first sail on Kekoa, so really looking forward to that. 2 w...

After two recent trips over the Christmas holidays, we decided to try a less busy time and booked two weeks in February. Now I'm reading several posts that refer to President's "week", and how busy it is. We have President's "Day" in the midwest. And that's it. Is it different on...

We also prefer the east end. When our friends' villa is not available, we usually find something through Windspree. They've got two 3 bedroom villas listed that seem to fit your criteria: SeaGlass and Palladio's View. Good luck!!

Any holiday on STJ is better than the same holiday anywhere else! We've spent Christmas/New Year's on the island twice. That said, after doing it last year we've decided that we won't do it again. It was fairly crowded. Our villa did not have a higher holiday rate, but many do. Water temperatures we...

Also lurking mostly. I am SO jealous of your airfare posts. Had to spend more than $1000 each for RT airfare from MN in February. But hey.... it's still worth it. Don't want to be anyplace else. Will spend 2 weeks in Coral Bay mid Feb. Anxious to try the new Indigo Grill. Will hit Skinny's, Tourist ...

Things on my "don't forget" list: Power cords to recharge phones, etc. A plain old flat twin sheet to put under towels on the beach. (Neat sheet took up too much space in the suitcase) Snorkel gear Rash shirts for everyone (we're pasty white Minnesotans) Ziplocks of every size Small jars o...

Guess I'll join the party too. I love it when it's under 2 months!

My goddaughter and her new husband will be honeymooning in STJ in December. Unfortunately, they are a few months shy of 25 years old. All of the car rental places I've checked have the caveat that renters must be 25 or older. Does anyone know of an agency on STJ that will rent to a 24 year old, know...

On the Coral Bay side, we use Luv City market for daily basics. It IS amazing how much they pack in there, and if you don't see it, just ask. They're very nice. Also, the Calabash market re-opened about 8 weeks ago. (1/2 way to Shipwreck). Didn't check all the prices, but they had really fresh produ...

Interesting. Tipping not allowed? Just 2 days ago, the baggage "fee" was $4 per bag (CB to Redhook), (on top of the fare), and as we boarded, one of the luggage-loading guys not-too-gently prodded us to "remember to tip the loading boys". We didn't, thinking that 4 bucks a bag wa...

I just got back from STJ and saw your post. I know you've decided on Isla, but another "off the beaten track" place we've gone to and enjoyed (when we've been on a budget) is the Flagler Beach area on the FLA east coast. An "undiscovered gem". South of St. Augustine, and 100 year...