Local News

I love a good online auction, and there’s a pretty good one happening now. It benefits the Animal Care Center, a fantastic organization here on St. John. For those of you unfamiliar with the Animal Care Center (ACC), it’s an organization that supports the island’s homeless cats and dogs.

The ACC auction is happening now and will continue through February 6th. Here is a list of available items:

Accommodations: 

• Five-night stay at Reef Madness
• Seven-night stay at Mountain Haven
• Three-night stay at Coral Oasis
• Seven-night stay at Villa Tesori
• Two-night stay at Hotel Cruz Bay
• Three-night stay at the Honeymoon Suite at Sunset Serenade
• Three-night stay at Forsyth House in Savannah, Georgia 
• Two-night stay in Great Harbor on Jost Van Dyke
• Three-night stay at Seaside Suite at Grande Bay
• Two-night stay at Harborview, a townhouse overlooking Cruz Bay
• Two-night stay at String of Pearls
• Three-night stay at Beautiful Morning at Grande Bay
• Five-night stay at Concordia Eco Resort
• Seven-night stay at Croix Vista

Photography: 

• Lindsay Vann: One hour lifestyle shoot
• STJ Creative: One hour photo shoot
• Yelena Rogers: One hour photo shoot

Boat Trips:

• Magnum VI: Half day charter
• Heron: Three hour sunset sail
• Kekoa: Trip to Jost
• Ocean Runner: Full day charter
• Survivan: Sunset sail
• Cuda: Full day charter
• Sunshine Daydream: Full day charter
• Southern Hospitality: Sunset cruise

Other: 

• St. John Beach Wedding
• Parents Night Out package

Click here to bid on the items. 

It’s not every day that friends of yours get mentioned in a super popular national magazine, so when they do, it’s a big deal!

We were perusing our Facebook feed yesterday when we came across an article recently posted in Vogue about the 5 Hottest Winter Escapes of 2016. And guess who was mentioned? St. John! But not only was St. John mentioned, several of our favorite businesses got a mention too! Check it out!

Step Aside, Tulum—These Are the Five Hottest Winter Escapes of 2016 by Kristin Tice Studeman

The cold temperatures have set in and winter is finally here on the East Coast, which means it’s high time to get that warm-weather getaway booked. Convenient and au courant destinations like Miami and Tulum might be the first places that come to mind, and while they’re excellent options, why not be the first to “discover” the new spot all of your friends will be talking about in 2016? Here, five unique, off-the-radar alternatives to well-trod destinations and exactly where to stay, play, eat, and—of course—relax once you’re there. No puffy coats required.

Instead of St. Barth’s, try St. John

St. Barth’s has long been the It destination for East Coasters in the winter because of its relatively close proximity and posh hotels. If you aren’t looking to see and be seen while on vacation this time around, but still want stunning beaches and sunshine, try St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands (a short ferry ride from the main airport on St. Thomas) this year. We suggest spending plenty of time in Coral Bay on the eastern side of the island, which is more laid-back and less commercial. A few days here and you’ll forget what snow even feels like. Well, almost . . .

Where to Stay
The romantic Caneel Bay resort, about a 20-minute drive from Coral Bay, is the place to stay on this island. The 166-room, old-school property spans 170 acres and offers seven beaches surrounded by the Virgin Islands National Park.

Where to Eat
For casual eats, Skinny Legs is the place for mouthwatering burgers, or head to Shipwreck Landing for curry nut–crusted grouper. On the East End, Vie’s Snack Shack by Hansen Bay is always a must for Coral Bay repeat visitors. The West Indies rice and beans dishes are just as phenomenal as the sparkling waterfront views. You can also access Hansen Bay beach here by paying a small fee, which gets you chairs, parking, and an all-day spot on the beach.

What to Do
If you time it right, you will be there for Miss Lucy’s regular full moon parties, where you can listen to live music by local bands and watch the full moon over Coral Bay. During the day, book a boating excursion to sail and snorkel around the crystalline waters of Coral Bay. Kekoa, Palm Tree Charters, and Lion In Da Sun all lead excellent excursions. If you are a hiker, take a drive to the Cinnamon Bay trail, where you’ll come across ruins of a sugarcane factory, wildlife, and Danish burial crypts.

-So you know what all of this means? Time to book a trip! Escape the wintry North and head on down and see us! We hope to see you all soon! And congrats to all the businesses that were mentioned!

A few weeks ago, we received an email from a man living here on island who said he wanted to bring Uber to the Virgin Islands. For those of you unfamiliar with Uber, it’s a car service in which users download an app on their smartphones. When someone needs a ride, the app locates their exact location (via the phone’s GPS) and then sends the user information on the following: the Uber driver that’s the closest to their location, what time that Uber drive can pick them up, the type of car the Uber driver is in and, of course, the cost of the ride. On the other end, anyone can register to be an approved Uber driver.

So for example, you’re in Cruz Bay and you want to visit Hanson Bay out on the East End. This is a route not typically driven by taxi drivers. You pull out your smartphone and request a ride via Uber. Within minutes, you will get a response with information about your Uber ride. Pretty neat, right?

So we’re curious? What do you think about the possibility of having Uber here on island? Let us know in the Comments section and please answer our poll below.

If you have the fortune to be on island this Saturday, there is a very special event we’d like for you to attend. It’s called Light Up the Night and it’s an event near and dear to many of our hearts here on St. John.

Light Up the Night is an event sponsored by the St. John Cancer Fund. What makes this organization extraordinary is that 100 percent of the funds it raises stay right here on island and are used to help and support our residents who have cancer.

The event kicks off at 3:30 p.m. at Mongoose Junction where many of St. John’s schoolchildren will lead a parade through Cruz Bay and to the Winston Wells Ball Field alongside a crop of local musicians and bands. Once they arrive, those in attendance will begin walking around the field. The walk will continue overnight until 8 a.m. in the morning. You can stop by and walk for five minutes, an hour or even all night … the choice is up to you.

At 8 p.m., the luminary ceremony will begin. This is a moment that we can all remember and support our friends and family who have or are currently battling cancer. At 8:30 p.m., a survivors walk will begin. Music and food will be offered throughout this 18-hour event.

If you’d like to purchase a luminary for the event, you can do so today at Skinny Legs in Coral Bay between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., tomorrow at the first floor of the Marketplace from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and anytime at Connections in Cruz Bay. If you would like to add your picture or a picture of a loved one to the Luminary Wall, you can email it to [email protected].

In addiiton, there is a great raffle being held in connection with Light Up the Night. “Golden Tickets” cost $150 and only 250 will be sold. You can have a chance to win:

• 5 nights at Caneel Bay Resort w/ 2 $500 Travel vouchers, dinner for two at ZOZO’S Ristorante and a sunset sail Survivin
• 6 nights @Gallows Point Resort w/dinner for two at Ocean 362 restaurant.
• 7 night stay at Grande Bay Resort for 6 w/ 3 bedrooms
• 7 night stay at Blue Heaven Rendezvous villa for 6 w/ 3 bedrooms.
• 7 night stay @Grande Bay Resort for 2 w/ 1 bedroom
• 5 night stay Magic View Villa, St. John, USVI for 4 w/2 bedroom
• 7 night stay @Grande Bay Studio for 2
• 7 night Stay @ Eden Lounge studio for 2
• 5 night stay at Grande Bay for two studio
• 2 night @Neptune’s Treasure on Anegada, BVI with round trip transportation with Hank Slodden
• Ted’s Supper Club 5 course dinner with wine for 4
• Boat Trip with Curtis Penn – US Virgin Islands or British Virgin Islands trip
• One $500. Gift card from Verace St. John

Contact Cynthia Smith at 340-513-0514 to purchase a Golden Ticket.

We have a lot of events here on St. John, but not many get me as excited as the one that’s coming up in just over a week. If you love live music, beaches, boats, sun and, of course, some rum, this event’s for you.

For the sixth year, Love City Live is descending on St. John for five days of exhilarating events, gorgeous destinations and live entertainment. They’re calling it “Summer in January.” And for those of you who are chilly up North right now, we’re pretty certain that sounds great to you.

The event kicks off on Wednesday, January 27th with a Reggae cocktail party at Drink, one of the coolest outdoor bars on St. John. The party goes from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m. and will feature good people, good music, a great vibe and it’ll be a great place to link up with old and new Love City Live! family members. This is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend.

Thursday’s event is more of a relaxing one. Taking place at Oppenheimer beginning at noon, guests at will be treated to a spa-style beach day featuring water sports, beach yoga and an all-inclusive VIP beach lounge complete with massage station, gourmet cocktails and a Carribbean lunch. Guests who stick around until sunset will receive a complimentary Cruzan Rum sunset toast. “Exhale” starts at noon on Thursday, January 28th and will run unit roughly 6 p.m. The cost is $45 per person; however a cash bar will be available for those who prefer general beach access. Click here to purchase tickets. 

The All White Beach Party – an upscale tropical dance party – is back and will be happening on Friday, January 29th from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. at the Cruz Bay beach. The vibe is island chic, the tempo is pulsating, the dress code is “All-White”. The cost is $40. Click here to purchase tickets. For those of you looking for VIP access, open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be offered for $80. Click here to buy VIP tickets.  There will be a special 1:15am return ferry to Red Hook (STT) after the event. Be sure to purchase roundtrip tickets on your way to St. John.

Now this is the event that I’m super excited for…

Something pretty darn cool is happening on Saturday, January 30 … how does Reggae in the Ruins sound? Pretty cool, right?! Let your hair down and enjoy this  “Rootsy” one love Reggae extravaganza. It will be a mystical night of live Reggae bands, featured local artist, local food,  rum bars, arts & craft vendors and good vibes. (Chairs and blankets allowed, but please leave the coolers at home). The event is happening at the Susannaberg Ruins, which is located just off of Centerline Road and outside of the VI National Park, and runs from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Here’s the lineup:

4 p.m. – DJ Top Notch
4:30 p.m. – Visions Reggae Combo
6 p.m. – Lion SoulJahs Band
7:45 p.m. – Ras Abijah & The Inity Band
9:30 p.m. – Black Star Band featuring Blackness & Hugo Rankin
11 p.m. – 1 a.m. SoundSystem, an outdoor Reggae Party experience. music by DJ Top Notch & DJ Red Man

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here. 

And following Reggae at the Ruins will be an after party at Chester’s, a fun little bar across the street right at mile marker two.

And rounding out the event will be The Powerboat Party. This exhilarating all-day boating excursion will take you to some of the most beautiful ocean access destinations in the BVIs. There’ll be a lunch stop and midday beach party at Pirate’s Bight on Norman Island and the final stop will be at White Bay, Jost Van Dyke. This party, which is happening on Sunday, January 31st, costs $170 and includes drinks onboard, a buffet lunch at Pirate’s and BVI customs & immigration fees. Click here to purchase tickets. 

Fore more information on Love City Live!, to purchase tickets or to check out their merchandise, please visit www.lovecitylivellc.com

So yesterday, over on our Facebook page, we mentioned how we stumbled on a great new bar during a day trip to the British Virgin Islands. Well today, we’d like to tell you all about it. It’s called The Club and it’s a pretty sweet new(ish) spot.

How many of you recall when Pirate’s Bight burned down a couple of years ago just as it was preparing to reopen for season? If you do, you probably also recall how quickly a temporary structure was set up to the left of Pirate’s (if looking at it from the water). That temporary structure served as Pirate’s for several months while the original Pirate’s was rebuilt – one of the quickest rebuilds ever in my opinion. Once Pirate’s reopened in its original spot, the temporary structure pretty much sat vacant … until now.

My good friend Lori Stevenson invited me out on a BVI day trip yesterday along with her daughter Lucy and Lucy’s two friends Leigh and Claire. The girls are 19, which means that they can legally drink here. Knowing that, Lori needed some backup which is why I was invited along. These girls are super smart kids and all go to some pretty impressive colleges, so I knew they’d be fine. But I still graciously accepted Lori’s offer to join and “help out”. 🙂

(Side note: Lori owns Alice By the Sea, a beautiful rental in Coral Bay. She just had a last-minute cancellation for a prime week in March and is offering a 20 percent discount. Click here to check out her rental: www.alicebytheseastj.com)

But back to the new bar! So we hit a few snorkel stops and had lunch at the Willy T before deciding that the girls needed to try a Bushwacker over at Pirate’s Bight. When we pulled up to Norman Island, I was surprised to see a new restaurant operating out of the old temporary structure. I wandered over, and I have to say, it looks amazing!

As we mentioned, the place is called The Club and it opened about three weeks ago. It looks very similar to Pirate’s Bight, but it’s a bit fancier. They use real glasses instead of plastic cups, for example. They also have very nice and super comfortable lounge chairs, but they come at a price – a whopping $30 a person. They have an open air kitchen, a menu that’s very different from Pirate’s, and most importantly, an amazing view. Check out these pics we took yesterday:

So next time you’re in the area, go and check out the new spot over on Norman Island. It’s pretty sweet.

Well we might have not won the lottery last night, but someone else here on island did … Well, sort of.

You all remember the story about Moose, right? He’s the super cute dog who had been living at the Animal Care Center for more than four-and-a-half years. A big push was made several months back to get Moose into a loving home before his fifth shelter anniversary. Well the push worked and Moose went to live with a woman in St. Thomas. That, sadly, was short lived, and before we knew it, Moose was back here on St. John.

In an effort to help Moose with some of his challenges, he went to obedience training over on St. Thomas. He quickly flourished as we all knew he would. At that time, we all knew that Moose was a lovable, adoptable pet. The only challenge was finding the right forever family for him. Well that family was found.

Meet Amelia, Bella, and Carissa, three little girls who live in the Boston area and are super excited about their new dog:

So Moose had found his forever family, but how the heck is he going to get to Boston? Well some fantastic people stepped forward to help with that too. Here’s what happened straight from Moose’s very own Facebook page:

An amazing family from New York heard about his plea for a ride and WOW are they rolling out the red carpet for Moose. Shelter Manager, Ryan, and Moose leave on Saturday, Jan. 23 with them on their plane to New York, and if that isn’t enough, this gracious family has then booked a car service for them to go from NY to Boston. We are beyond grateful for Patty, Ron, Vince and Michele Riggi for their dedication to all the animals they have saved, but most especially for giving Moose a ride to his forever home. We are one month away from it being 5 years at the shelter and thanks to this family, Moose will never see that anniversary. Thank you EVERYONE who has shared Moose’s request for a ride. The power of social media really works and Team Moose in both St. John and Boston are thrilled that he is finally going home.

My gosh, I have to admit, that brought a little tear to my eye.

So I’d like to extend a huge THANK YOU to all of you who shared Moose’s story and helped him in any and every way. And a HUGE thank you to the Riggi family. You all are an amazing family. Thanks for spreading some love in our little slice of paradise.

I was scrolling through News of St. John’s Twitter feed this morning when I came across an article on airfare. Apparently, airline prices are about to hit a three-year low. You know what that means, right? Time to start vacation shopping!

According to Hopper, an airfare price predicting app, the average price for a round trip ticket will be almost 15 percent lower than it was last January. That’s pretty darn good. The decrease in price is thanks to cheap oil, increased competition and the race among airlines to provide cheap, bare-bones ticket options. But these prices won’t last, the experts say. So hurry and buy your tickets now.

We did some research to give you an idea of what it ail cost to come and spend time with us in our little slice of paradise. Here are a few prices we found for a six-night stay in the next 30 days:

Boston to St. Thomas: $269 round trip on American Airlines leaving on February 4th

New York to St. Thomas: $326 round trip on Delta leaving January 20, January 29, February 1 or February 3

Washington, DC to St. Thomas: $290 round trip on Delta leaving January 20, 22, 26, 27 & 29, February 2 and 3

Chicago to St. Thomas: $331 round trip on Delta leaving February 3

Dallas to St. Thomas: $417 round trip on American leaving January 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 31, February 1, 2 and 4

Those are some of the best prices I’ve seen in a long time. Happy shopping!

We posed a question over on our Facebook page the other day when Powerball’s jackpot was $1.3 billion … If you won Powerball, what’s the first thing you would do? Overwhelming the answer was “buy a house on St. John.” Well folks, we’re making that a tad easier for all of you this morning. No, not in the money department, but rather in the shopping department. Check out Villa Divertimento, a private pool villa home that just listed for sale with 340 Real Estate Co.

Villa Divertimento is a beautiful custom built home that faces East into Chocolate Hole harbor. This masonry and stone villa offers one one level, and two air conditioned bedrooms with en suite bathrooms complete with outdoor stone showers. A great room, dining room, kitchen, laundry and half bath complete the home. There is a sleeping loft in the great room, offering two additional twin beds for guest overflow.

A pool cabana sits beside the 30-foot swimming pool, which offers an additional sitting area. Custom mahogany windows and doors, poured concrete counter tops and a large parking area are just some of this villa’s many features. The insulated roof has a solar net metering system on it to greatly reduce and zero out your electric bills. That’s a big deal down here. And for those of you simply looking for some extra income after winning the Powerball jackpot tomorrow night, Villa Divertimento is also a successful turnkey short-term rental.

Villa Divertimento is being offered at $1.3. For more information, please contact Tammy Donnelly at 340 Real Estate Co. at [email protected]