Just a few months after Lily’s closed its doors for good in Coral Bay, a new market has opened in its place.
Dolphin Market Coral Bay opened two weeks ago, and I have to admit, I was pretty impressed by the amount and selection of items offered for sale when I popped in the other day. It was also quite reasonable. I’m going to let the pictures tell the story today, but first a bit of pertinent information…
This store is a sister store of Dolphin Market in Cruz Bay. It is opened seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Ok now on to the pics…
It’s almost like our prayers have been answered … ok, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit.
How many of you have trucked on down to Honeymoon Beach lugging what seemed like 20 pounds of chairs, coolers, snacks, fins and other beach gear only to realized once you stepped foot on the sand that you forgot your favorite adult beverage or perhaps something to nibble on? I know I’m not the only one… 🙂 Well if you’re like me, you’re in luck because a brand new snack shack just opened at Honeymoon Beach!
The folks over at Cannella Gelateria & Coffee Shop located on Caneel’s main property recently expanded and are now offering beer, wine and snacks down at Honeymoon Beach. They plan to serve lunch in the near future as well. So no more trekking up the hill in the sun to get a sandwich or adult libation when hanging out at Honeymoon or Soloman beaches. How exciting!
We’re not sure whether the new snack shack will be able to validate parking coupons, but we assume they would as the main Cannella does. One more thing to point out, the snack shack currently only accepts cash.
Last month, we told you about a new insurance option for ex-pats living in the Caribbean. Today the folks at Offshore Health Benefits/Caribbean Expatriate Medical Association have asked us to pass along some tips about how to shop for international medical insurance and air ambulance. Here’s what they had to say…
Reinsurance – make sure the proposed international insurance products are underwritten by a strong re-insurer, this is very important (like Lloyds of London and Aetna). Re-Insurers often audit corresponding companies who sell their products. Also, a strong re-insurer should have strict guidelines in place related to Underwriting, Claim Reimbursement, Customer Service, Annual Renewals, Pre-existing Conditions and Product Design. If a corresponding company denies a claim, you should have the right to protest to the Re-Insurer group and this process should be clearly outlined.
Annual Renewals – make sure the international insurance plan that you are considering guarantees an annual renewal each year. Also, make sure that you are not penalized too harshly for poor claim experience. A strong insurance company pools its members by using “age-banded” rating and does not base the annual renewal rate solely on one’s claim experience for the year. This is one of the most important issues related to annual renewals. Many international carriers weigh in a member’s annual claims experience over many other factors. Also, make sure that the international carrier’s international pool of members does not include people who live in the USA for more than 6 months out of any year (may vary). This drives up the rates big time.
Claims Reimbursement – make sure that a reimbursement check can be cut and mailed or wired out within weeks, after a claim filing, and that the member is not penalized with miscalculated exchange rates. DHL or UPS are the preferred carriers for international mailing. On many occasions, monies can be wired to a foreign bank account or directly to a hospital.
Direct Payment & Wire Transfers – make sure that the international carrier can offer a “direct wire” or “guarantee of payment” for costly or expensive procedures. Many carriers require the member to pay for large medical expenses upfront; this is not good, especially for care in the USA. A quality international insurance company and carrier can get on the phone and make things happen and help you with a direct pay to a hospital or provider. You need to deal organizations who will talk over the telephone or in person, as opposed to relying on faxes or e-mails with no or limited follow up. Please note that there are hospitals, clinics and providers abroad which simply do not accept insurance and will require payment ahead of time by a patient. It is good to have a credit card when you travel in case of an emergency.
Brokers – make sure your international broker or consultant has an insurance license. Also, make sure that your broker or consultant has experience in international benefits. International insurance companies often market to domestic brokers who mainly sell in the USA or another country, and dabble in international, as prospects pop-up on their radar screens. Offshore Health Benefits LTD, has been thriving for 12 years, adding new clients each year. Also, it prides itself with a very high annual client retention rate. Experience in international benefit planning is everything, especially in a time of crises. Approximately, 50% of its business comes from client referrals.
Broker’s Fees – make sure your broker or agent is not embedding extra commissions into your rates or charging processing fees. Some brokers add hidden fees and do not mention this to prospective customers. The international carriers pay out commission percentages based on the carrier’s advertised book and annual renewal rates and volume. You should never pay more than the published book rate during your first year of coverage. Many book rates are available on the internet. Beware of “application” fees, it is not necessary to pay these. Also, ask how long they have been in business, many folks dabble and move on to something else.
Medical Air Evacuation and Assistance – make sure that your prospective international carrier has a strong relationship with their Medical Air Evacuation and Assistance partner. Many carriers contract this service out and do not have a solid communication system in place, this is very important. Handling a crises situation correctly and in a timely manner can mean the difference between life and death in some serious situations.
Coverage in the USA – make sure that the international carrier’s PPO (preferred provider organization) or other network (if any) in the USA honors the member’s insurance card at the time of admission or appointment, and has a direct billing relationship. Also, make sure that carrier has provider internet search capabilities that are updated monthly for the members. Members should be free to go to any “western trained” provider of your liking outside of the USA. Many PPO networks offered by international insurance companies in the USA are limited, very limited. Check to see if your current domestic doctor or hospital is in the network prior to joining. If your USA provider is not in the network, ask to see what it would take to have the provider or hospital added. You may consider going out of network, if this is the case, check to see what percentage of the medical visit would be covered. You may also consider changing your provider in the USA. A few international carriers allow the members to “opt out of coverage” and save 20-50% off annual visits; this is good situation for expatriates who have national coverage in their home country. Not every member needs access to medical care in the USA. Don’t waste your annual premium on unnecessary benefits. If you are not from the USA, you may want to “opt” of coverage in the USA.
Annual Deductible and Co-payments – make sure that the international carrier is not imposing a higher deductible for care in the USA. Many international insurance companies out of Latin America and Europe increase deductibles for care in the USA and offer sub par networks. This is not the industry standard. Your overall benefit may be lower in the USA (standard), but your deductible should not change once you return the USA or your home country.
Plan Limitations – always read the plan Exclusions & Limitation Section and ask questions. Please understand that each international carrier has various limitations, especially for pregnancy, organ transplant, mental health, pre-existing conditions, preventive care, RX, air ambulance, and the first 180 days of coverage. There is no such thing as a 100% perfect plan.
Internet Purchase – do not purchase an international insurance plan off the internet without communicating with a knowledgeable broker/consultant first. You may not be getting what you think you are! Some countries are off limits to certain insurers. Offshore Health Benefits audits all of its represented insurance companies and currently has two plans that it does not advise purchasing, contact us for details. Many brokers continue to offer companies & plans who rarely pay claims or put a up a fight to pay claims, it’s unbelievable.
Coverage & Benefits – review the various plan offered by each carrier, many plans do not reimburse on a “Usual, Reasonable & Customary” model. Be aware of this. Also, Outpatient RX Reimbursement, Preventive Care, Organ Transplants, and Pregnancy coverage may not be included with all plans.
Lifetime Coverage Limits – make sure that you review plans that at least offer $500,000 of coverage (for long term 12 month renewable plans). The standard is $500,000 – $2,000,000 per policy. Avoid “travel plans” for stay longer than 12 months. You need a guaranteed renewal.
Choosing Annual Deductibles – check to see if there are limits with annual deductible options. Many carriers do not allow the members to lower their annual deductibles at time of annual renewal or during the contracted year. You may increase it in most cases. Offshore Health Benefits does have a carrier who will allow a decrease in a deductible and allow for a change in coverage (step up rather than down).
Go Direct or Go With a Protected Group or Agency?
Going direct will cost an applicant more in premium dollars and lack of claim services. Offshore Health Benefits uses the power of our client pools to obtain discount not found on Insurance websites. There are so called “groups” out there with no Agent-Brokers or Advocate too assist you with claims (non licensed admin accepting applications) and you may be very upset if these folks can’t help you due to lack of experience, etc.. The main job of any broker is to help choose the correct plan for you and your family and most importantly, fight to have claims paid. It doesn’t charge fees to help, never have, never will. If you talk to people who have had issues with claims, ask them, who is representing you? Every member needs a 3rd party advocate.
The consulting team at Offshore Health Benefits/Caribbean Expatriate Medical Association is available to assist you, your family, or your business group. Its team only works with expatriates, third country nationals and foreign locals.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Caribbean Expatriate Medical Association or for information on plan design, rates, etc., please call (504) 264-3250 or visit its Facebook group page by clicking here.
For those of you who’ve been on St. John in recent weeks, you may have noticed an abundance of seaweed floating around the beaches. It started a few months ago as a little here and there, but as of Sunday, it’s nearly consumed some of the island’s most popular beaches. Some experts predicted that it should have been gone by now, but the problem’s only seemed to have gotten worse.
What you’re seeing is called sargassum. Sargassum is a genus of large brown seaweed (a type of algae) that floats in island-like masses, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). Tyler Smith, an associate professor at the Universit of the Virgin Islands Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, told the VI Daily News back in October that the sargassum should start to move out of the territory by mid-November when the winds begin to shift. Unfortunately that has yet to happen.
So while the sargassum may be unsightly, it is not harmful and is also a very important part of the ecosystem. This floating habitat provides food, refuge, and breeding grounds for an array of critters such as fishes, sea turtles, marine birds, crabs, shrimp, and more, according to the NOAA. Some animals, like the Sargassum fish live their whole lives only in this habitat. Sargassum serves as a primary nursery area for a variety of commercially important fishes such as mahi mahi, jacks, and amberjacks.
So I guess we’ll have to wait a bit longer for it to move out of the area. In the meantime, you may want to consider bring a rake to the beach. 🙂
Sargassum near the ferry dockSargassum in Cruz BayHoneymoon BeachSargassum floating near Denis Bay
Kekoa is hosting a two-hour sunset sail this evening and will donate all proceeds to the Hale family, who lost their boat, which they lived on, last month. The father, a working captain, was gone on his job and the children were asked to move boat while he was away. Caught by a squall, their boat went on the rocks and they lost everything. The family, which includes four children and a dog, was left homeless.
The sunset sail happens tonight from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Tap Room has also donated beer for guests to enjoy.
The suggested minimum donation is $60 per person to be paid for by cash upon boarding Kekoa. Guests are asked to arrive at the National Park dock at 4:15 p.m. One hundred percent of the money collected will be given directly to the Hale family.
Please call 340-244-7245 to reserve you space. Both locals and visitors are welcome.
With a week to go, the Coral Bay Bizarre Bazaar is all set to be one of the highlights of this year’s holiday season. Returning on December 13th for its second year at Pickles In Paradise just past the Coral Bay Triangle, there are already over 60 vendors (including us!!) signed up to offer great holiday shopping for locally made arts, crafts, jewelry, food and drink. The event will be from 11a.m. to 4 p.m.
Come and enjoy non-stop music, dancing, eating, drinking, shopping, children’s activities and donkey rides, a surprise visit from Santa Claus, raffles, a beer brewing and tasting contest, auctions, a plant sale and last but not least, a yard sale. Items are still being accepted for the yard sale. So clean out those closets and drop off your items at the Coral Bay Community Council located across from the Fire Station and Skinny’s in Coral Bay Monday, December 8 – Friday, December 12: 8:30 am until 6 pm.
As we mentioned above, we’ll be there selling St. Johnopoly, so please stop by and say hello!
The Coral Bay Community Council (CBCC) is the host of the Bizarre Bazaar and uses the proceeds to fund its programs. The CBCC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization staffed by two employees and dozens of volunteers, and gratefully receives charitable donations. The CBCC helps assure that the Coral Bay community has safe drinking water, clean beaches and bay waters, cultural and environmental protection, and land-use and development accountability. For more information, visit CBCC’s website at: http://www.coralbaycommunitycouncil.org
The CBCC will direct the proceeds to projects supporting the Coral Bay community. The Coral Bay Agriculture Center has been selected to receive a portion of this year’s funds for repairs to the building that houses the community room in cooperation with the American Legion Post.
The Bizarre Bazaar planning committee is still accepting donations for the auction, the raffle, the yard sale, the plant sale and sponsorships. Volunteers are needed. Direct questions and sign up to volunteer via email to [email protected] or call Nancy Stromp at 775-0533.
One of the perks of owning News of St. John is that I get invited to some pretty cool events on island and even cooler houses. A few weeks back, I was invited over to Marea, a spectacular home at the end of Ditleff Point. A small cocktail party was held to introduce Marea to the rental market and I was lucky enough to make the guest list. To say this home is spectacular, incredible and magical is truly an understatement. See for yourself…
Sunrise at Marea
There are no words to truly describe the experience one feels at Marea. Whether arriving by vehicle, by private boat or helicopter, you will immediately sense you have been transported into a very special and private world. The moment you enter Marea, your senses will be overwhelmed by the beautiful blue water surrounding you on all sides, the fabulous gentle ocean breezes, the intoxicating bouquet of Caribbean flora, the absolute comfort and exquisite beauty of this Michael Oxman-designed luxury home. There are no neighbors, nor any man made sounds to disturb you, only the ambient sounds of the ocean lapping the shore, and the occasional palm flapping in the breeze.
Bordering the USVI National Park established in St John by Laurence Rockefeller, Marea sits on over seven acres of exquisite waterfront terrain with dramatic views that stretch for miles in every direction. It is one of the most secluded luxury villas in the entire Caribbean and the privacy its guests have is one of the most incredible amenities it offers. The outdoor living space which surrounds the entire main house will immediately seduce you. Amazingly comfortable poolside sofas and chairs, its large outdoor tiki bar, the rooftop star gazing terrace, the elevated 360-degree spa, the gorgeous waterfall and the acres of beautiful pristine landscape and gardens, not to mention the private sandy beach just a short walk down the drive, all contribute to the zen-like experience. Marea also invites you to enjoy its almost daily double rainbows, enchanting sunrises and sunsets, hummingbirds, shooting stars, and full night sky planetarium like star gazing with zero light pollution.
The great room is simply stunning. The accordion style custom Costa Rican mahogany doors surrounding the great room on all sides all slide open to create a wonderfully wide open, palladium style living environment. The great room provides guests with a 60″ Samsung LED Smart TV equipped with surround sound, Dish Network, Apple TV, and Blu Ray Player. Marea’s Great Room also has automatic drop down shades that lower to shield the sun’s rays, should you need it, with just the click of a button.
Marea’s kitchen is state of the art. Equipped to very high standards with the most high end appliances, and everything you could possibly need to prepare your perfect dish, nothing has been left out. With two Francke sinks, two Wolf ovens, an eight burner Wolf stove, and beautiful imported hand made Italian ceramic dining ware, guests will be completely satisfied in their kitchen at Marea. While dinner is being prepared, take a short walk down the spiral staircase into the basement of Marea. This is where you will find Marea’s beautiful walk in wine cellar. The wine cellar is stocked with over 500 bottles of the finest wines from around the world for you to enjoy. (Side note: I had to fortune of sampling a few and they were simply amazing!)
Marea houses five beautiful custom designed bedroom suites, each facing east with amazing views of the ocean and sunrise. Four suites include outdoor showers, double vanity sinks and private balconies. Each suite includes 42″ Samsung LED TV’s equipped with individual Dish Network and Air Conditioning with individual controls. Every bedroom suite boasts five star comfort.
Marea has also been designed with state of the art technology throughout the villa. It offers high speed WiFi throughout the entire home and have equipped Marea with a fabulous audio system indoors and outdoors. The audio system is powered by SONOS and allows users to operate the audio with their very own smart phone. Simply download the application and the controls are yours. You will instantly have access to every artist and album ever recorded at any time all at your finger tips! So turn up the music and enjoy….because no one can hear you. 🙂
Marea is also “green.” The property has its very own solar farm, not visible from the home, with 126 solar panels generating 100% of Marea’s energy needs. It also collect all rain water from rooftops, driveways, and hillside runoffs for all our irrigation needs.
Last and certainly not least. The staff… Marea provides guests with five star service from the moment they book until the moment they leave. As an option, Marea’s staff will provide daily maid service and offers full time on call staff for absolutely any need our guests request.
Just four months after listing it for sale, Colette Diede announced Wednesday her decision to close the doors to Island Blues for good. Here’s what she posted on Island Blues’ Facebook page:
“DIVING BACK INTO THE CARIBBEAN…. Yes, I’ve finally had to chose between 2 dreams and I’m heading back to my true love, teaching diving and 6-Paq Scuba. To make that happen I’ve closed Island Blues while its up for SALE. It’s been a great experience getting to know so many of you and I already miss you oh so much. But you know the old saying, “you can take the girl out of water…”, and those of you who have seen me in both places know this girl is oh so much more alive in the water than in the bar…. I’ve tried for three years to operate and hopefully integrate the two businesses, but it’s just too much for one person. So to get my gills wet again, I’ve slashed the price to operate your own waterfront Caribbean bar and restaurant to $35,000, but just make an offer if you are interested. What could I have done better. Run one business and had the right people in the kitchen consistently for lunch and dinner every day of the week. But then how can I take my diving family diving? lol. After many attempts, I just love the ocean and resolving diver’s fears way more than dealing with cooks. I’m not as old as I thought. lol.”
So as Collette mentioned in her Facebook posting, Island Blues is now listed for only $35,000. That’s a pretty huge reduction considering her initial asking price was $99,000.
Now I’m sure many of you are wondering how the possible marina will affect the sale of Island Blues. Here’s what its MLS listing states with regard to that:
“SELLER SAYS ”MAKE ME AN OFFER!!!!!” GET SET UP & RUNNING IN TIME FOR SEASON! WATERFRONT Business on CORAL BAY, ISLAND BLUES RESTAURANT & BAR in the heart of the proposed marina. There are 2 years and an option to renew for 5 years remaining on the lease. IF the marina goes in we have first right of refusal to similar ground floor space in the marina. The floors, bar and kitchen recently refinished and repainted. Your opportunity is in operating the kitchen & serving consistently good food! Seller was turning away people every day who wanted to eat in this waterfront restaurant. There are no outstanding debts, liens or financial or legal burden of any kind associated with the business.”
Think you have what it takes to run a waterfront restaurant and bar in the Caribbean? If so, contact Diana Beam at RE/MAX Island Paradise Realty at [email protected] or visit her website at www.remaxstjohnrealestate.com
One of the island’s most popular part-time residents just released a nice little Christmas video, and we think you’re all going to like it. It features some familiar spots and possibly even a few familiar faces including two of the coolest kids on island. Check it out…
There isn’t anyone on island who loves St. John, in my opinion, more than Captain John Brandi of Palm Tree Charters. For the past several years, Captain John was a fixture on the water here, cruising up and down the North Shore and making the near daily trek to the BVIs while entertaining guests along the way with his stories, charm and wit. He chronicled his travels on Facebook starting with an early morning weather post and typically ending with a shot at his favorite place – the Soggy Dollar Bar.
You may have noticed that Captain John hasn’t been posting as frequently lately. Well that’s because he’s had some health issues lately and sadly today, he announced that he and Island Sue have sold Palm Tree Charters. Bridgett and Jimmy Key will now head up the popular business, and will continue the Palm Tree Charters’ “You Choose the Cruise” tradition. We know them well and are certain and they’ll do a great job.
Jimmy and Bridgett Key (far left) along with some News of St. John friends at the St. Johnopoly launch party.
So please join me in showing Captain John some island love while congratulating Bridgett and Jimmy…
