Hillary Bonner

Hi! I’m Hillary Bonner. I’ve been on St. John for 8 years and have worn A LOT of hats in my time on island. Most of us do tho…A lot of times island life calls for ingenuity, flexibility and resiliency. And those things are what I kind of LOVE about the people in our Love City Community. Between boat days and day hikes and happy hours with so many happy faces, you may have seen me behind the bar at Asolare, Zozo’s, The Terrace or Drink (once upon a time, Motu) over the years. But after Hurricane Irma, I jumped from behind the bar into non-profit work. That desk job made me remember that, way back when, I DID go to college and I might have been letting some of those skill sets get a BIT rusty. My degree is in Journalism and Public Relations. When asked if I ever used it, my programmed response was, “Bar tending IS relating to the public.” But, back to the desk job…I was doing everything. Which is, again, what you do in a small office on an island. Events, marketing, handling in-kind donations, unloading containers, attempting to figure out logistics I didn’t even know how to spell, community meetings, board meetings, FEMA meetings. All of the meetings. One day, I decided that there were aspects I loved. And aspects…Well, not so much. So I started my own thing, supporting local small businesses and non-profits in the realm of design, marketing and events (specifically music related events…you’ll hear a lot about music from me). I have a bleeding heart for the small yet ambitious non-profits on St. John. And an overwhelming amount of respect for the small business owners who made their ideas take flight in a place where it’s very difficult to do so! I love life here on St. John. The highs are the highest and the lows are not so low as they can be in other places. The accessibility to Mother Nature on this little slice of perfection is unparalleled. She’s all around us all of the time. You can watch the phases of the moon, the rotation of the planets, the shifting of the sunset and the tides. Every damn day. Mother Nature’s restless spirit reflects the transient nature of the people here as well. That was hard for me at first. The coming and the going. But now, I like the fact that I will rarely visit a place that I don’t have a place to stay and a friend to catch up with from St. John. So, now, here I am (using my degree, Ma!). Contributing to a long standing super positive blog. Here I feel like I’m in a position to use my voice to entertain and inform you about the community and island that I love so much. I’m grateful for this opportunity and am ALWAYS open to story ideas! Let me know what, where or who you want to hear about!

Island Health and Wellness Hosts First Annual Gala at ZoZo’s!

December 21, 2022December 21, 2022 by Hillary Bonner

Good Morning, Good Morning! Are we all feeling that holiday spirit yet? Ok, great! Because I have some fantastic news to share with you today that revolves around celebrating and getting into the season of giving. This winter, St. John’s only non-profit clinic, The Island Health and Wellness Center, will host their first annual gala at ZoZo’s at Caneel Bay! Oh, and it’s a masquerade theme…So, picture yourself dancing under the stars on the beach at Caneel Bay after a luxurious three course dining experience in masquerade attire. Sounds incredible, right?

Island Update: What’s New at Wharfside Village?

December 20, 2022December 20, 2022 by Hillary Bonner

Good Morning, Good Morning! Man, there is A LOT happening on St. John these days! Between all of the holiday festivities and business happenings, my head is absolutely spinning. In the best way possible 🙂 Currently, there are several businesses at Wharfside that are undergoing transitions, forward motion or re-opening and I wanted to take a moment today to update you all on the food, drinks and progress happening on the beach in Cruz Bay.

Putting the “LOVE” in Love City

June 27, 2023December 16, 2022 by Hillary Bonner

Good Morning Everyone! And Happy Fri-YAY!!!

Now, we all know this is a special place. Visually, in my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The sea breezes are healing for the soul and spirit. The layers of history and culture are absolutely captivating and keep me learning new, eye opening things every day. The dining is world class for such a small little rock in the middle of the ocean. And, the beaches, don’t get me started. 😉

But, you want to know what makes this place truly the most special place? The people. The community. There are so many amazing human beings residing in this tiny geographic area who care SO much about the well-being of their neighbors. They rally together when someone is in need. And many of you rally behind them, making all of you, near and far, an integral part of this amazing community. In this season of giving, I wanted to shine a lil light on two women’s stories of hardship who are being supported and lifted up by Love City.

The All-Island Holiday Party Returns to Mongoose Junction!

December 15, 2022 by Hillary Bonner

Good Morning, Good Morning! How’s everyone doing out there today? I hope that your trees are up and twinkling and all of your elves have made their way off of the shelves 🙂 Sorry for the cheese, but I’m feeling a bit festive today! Because this weekend, the whole island of St. John will be ringing in the beginning of the holiday week in true Love City style. For the first time since 2019, Sun Dog Cafe and the Mongoose Merchants will put on their holiday BEST for the All-Island Holiday Party, lovingly known as St. John Prom.

Business Spotlight: Love City Excursions is BACK in the BVI!!!!

December 14, 2022 by Hillary Bonner

Good Morning, Good Morning! I have some great news for you all!!! After a whole lot of waiting, policy changes, paperwork, hard work and overall…well, confusion…Love City Excursions (LCE) is now exploring the British Virgin Islands with guests once again (Doing a little happy dance over here!). And I couldn’t be more excited to share all of their trip details with all of you today.

Holiday Gifts for the People You Love…Who Also Love St. John!

December 13, 2022December 13, 2022 by Hillary Bonner

Good Morning! It’s that time of year again! Who is done with their holiday shopping? Yup, me neither. I’ve never understood people who had it ALL done a week out…Such planners 😉 If you are like me and are still on the hunt for some last-minute gifts for folks on your “nice” list who love St. John like we do, then you are in luck. These gift ideas can be enjoyed at home or on your next trip to Love City!

Take a Beach Break at Hawksnest!

December 10, 2022 by Hillary Bonner

Happy Weekend! I’m headed out to the Bizarre Bazaar in Coral Bay in just a few minutes but yesterday I took a little drive out North Shore Road and made a little time for the beach. And I wanted to share a moment of that time with all of you 🙂

A Very Merry Island Update!

December 8, 2022 by Hillary Bonner

Hello world! There is a TON happening on island right now and I have not been able to keep up on all of it in individual posts! So I wanted to take a moment today to update you on all things happening on St. John. In one neat little Christmas package 😉

Lovango Resort + Beach Club Launches Innovative Captains’ Incentive Program

December 7, 2022December 7, 2022 by Hillary Bonner

This one is going out to all of the mariners out there! And to those of you who choose to make Lovango Resort + Beach Club your on-the-water lunch or dinner stop during your stay in the Virgin Islands (and love your captains!). There is so much for everyone to discover on Lovango Cay…and the staff and owners at the resort there want to make sure the captains who recognize that get the opportunity to earn some amazing rewards in return for bringing guests to enjoy the splendors.

New Boutique at Mongoose Junction: Golden Hour

December 5, 2022December 5, 2022 by Hillary Bonner

Good Morning, Good Morning and a happy Monday to you all! Last week I was doing a bit of Christmas shopping at Mongoose Junction, and I popped into the new wellness and apothecary boutique (from the creators of LuLee). I did not find anything for anyone on my list, but I did find PLENTY for me 🙂 They have a little bit of everything in the realm of giving your body, mind and soul a bit of a treat in a beautifully designed space that I truly had a hard time leaving! The store has a ton of creative products to make you feel good from the inside out…And the outside in!