After 25 years, Cruz Bay’s iconic Beach Bar announced the end of their live music for the foreseeable future via Facebook. Although their music is temporarily suspended, they are actively working to get it back and will hopefully have some good news soon.
“Unfortunately, we have been forced to cancel our Live Music until further notice. Please know that we have done and are actively doing everything we can to continue offering the stellar entertainment that we have been allowed to offer for the last 25 years. Stay tuned and keep the faith…..”
There’s only two months left to purchase tickets for the incredible family and friends (up to 10 people) vacation package valued at over $15,000. This package includes a luxury villa stay, 4XD jeep rental, an inclusive day at Lovango Resort, a high-end dinner, cultural rum tasting, and a half day charter.
We will go more into detail about these fantastic giveaways below.
But first, I’d like to talk about the amazing things the St. John Land Conservancy stands for and their impressive accomplishments in the last few years. With tourism and residential development on the rise, organizations like this one are more important than ever!
Good morning! It’s rare when a waterfront villa with secluded beach access is listed for sale, so this is a unique opportunity.
Discover Tranquility Villa, a breathtaking property tucked into a lush, private acre in the Chocolate Hole neighborhood, just five minutes from town. This 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom luxury villa offers world class amenities and awe-inspiring ocean views from nearly every room.
Exclusively listed with Cruz Bay Realty, this aptly named retreat comes with direct access to a calendar-worthy beach where you can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, or simply relaxing while taking in the incredible views.
Ah, January. The holiday excitement is officially over and we’re in that awkward in-between until spring arrives. I’m looking forward to my St. John trip planned for February (eeek!). Knowing that I am T-minus 1 month away from snorkeling with vibrant reef fish, soaking up the sun on lazy beach days, and hiking the winding trails of St. John is getting me through the below freezing temps.
In the same spirit as our recent article on sustainable tourism, I like to travel a little more ‘off the beaten path.’ I’m always looking for hostels or work exchange programs. It’s an excellent way to get immersed in local culture, give back to the community, and find adventure. If that sounds like you too, then I’ve found the perfect option for your next visit to St. John.
St. John is often called the gem of the Caribbean, and for good reason. It’s a beautiful area packed with unforgettable experiences that will leave you longing for more. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler to the island there’s always something new to add to your bucket list. How many of these must-do experiences can you check off?
A lot of tourists come to St. John because they want to enjoy its pristine beaches and hiking trails. You probably already know about spots like Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay. But the island has much more to offer people willing to go the extra mile—sometimes literally—to find lesser-known beaches and trails.
Where do you go to find a beach that isn’t crowded? Set some time aside for these destinations.
Oppenheimer Beach: A Quiet Oasis
Oppenheimer Beach (once part of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer’s estate) is perfect for relaxing away from crowds. You can access the beach by walking down a short path off of North Shore Road. Parking is limited, though, even for this fairly secluded spot. You might need to arrive early, but the beach’s serenity is worth skipping an hour of sleep.
Salt Pond Bay: A Snorkeler’s Paradise
Salt Pond Bay’s snorkeling makes it a favorite among locals. A moderate hike from the parking area leads you to this secluded bay, where the shallow waters teem with marine life. Snorkelers, keep your eyes open to spot colorful fish and rays. If you’re lucky, you might even see a sea turtle.
You don’t feel like getting wet today? No worries! You can always hike the Ram Head Trail to enjoy stunning views of the island.
Little Lameshur Bay: Way Off the Beaten Path
Little Lameshur Bay is only accessible by a rough, unpaved road. But the journey is part of the adventure! Once you arrive, you’ll find calm waters along a stretch of sand.
The nearby Lameshur Bay Trail offers a scenic hike through the Virgin Islands National Park, leading to even more secluded spots like Reef Bay and historic petroglyphs. Indigenous people carved these images into the rock thousands of years ago. You won’t find artifacts like that in many places.
Denis Bay: A Beach Hideaway
Denis Bay is one of St. John’s best-kept secrets, a hidden beach that can only be reached by foot or boat. The short but steep hike from the Peace Hill parking area leads to a deserted beach that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The surrounding foliage provides plenty of shade, making it the ideal place to lay out your picnic blanket and have some snacks.
Haulover Bay: Dual-Side Snorkeling Adventure
Haulover Bay offers a unique experience with its dual bays—one on the north side and one on the south. The north side features rocky shores and excellent snorkeling with a vibrant underwater world. The south side, while less rocky, has great snorkeling options for beginners.
St. John’s Lesser-Known Hiking Trails
St. John is famous for its beaches, but the island also has a network of hiking trails. Put these three options on your list to really explore the island’s beauty:
Bordeaux Mountain Trail is a challenging hike that takes you to the highest point on St. John. The trail is steep and rugged, but the panoramic views are breathtaking.
Maria Hope Trail is a historic trail that winds through dense forest and old plantation ruins. The trail is lightly trafficked, making it a peaceful escape for those interested in nature and history.
Brown Bay Trail leads to the quiet Brown Bay. The hike is perfect for anyone who wants to combine a beach day with a bit of adventure. The trail is moderate in difficulty and offers beautiful views of the East End of the island.
St. John’s hidden gems introduce you to the island’s quieter side. Do you want to relax on a secluded beach? Does exploring the island without a crowd around you sound like the perfect day? Then these spots are right for you!
St. John has long been a favorite destination for ringing in the New Year, and for good reason. With its vibrant community, stunning island views, and lively celebrations, there’s no better place to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new. This year, Lovango Rum Bar is proud to host what promises to be the island’s most exciting New Year’s Eve celebration.
A couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to enjoy what might be the greatest work commute in the world. Each morning, I took “the shortcut” to town—it was a narrow trail winding alongside a salt pond, connecting the neighborhood I lived in to Frank Bay.
Sunshine Daydream Boat Charters is officially for sale. As an iconic charter company based out of St. John, Sunshine Daydream has spent the last nine years delivering unforgettable adventures and cherished memories to visitors and locals alike. This may be your chance to make your dream a reality and carry on the legacy of Sunshine Daydream!