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December 23rd marked the 25th wedding anniversary of Jim and JoAnne Miller. The couple got married in Chicago where it was 18 degrees below zero … brrr!! When their wedding reception ended, a few of their guests’ cars would not start due to the cold. It was so bad that the Millers had to call tow truck companies for help in starting everyone’s car.

Fast forward to last Tuesday when Jim and JoAnne renewed their vows. “It’s 98 degrees warmer this time”, Jim joked, prompting the group to sing “98 degrees in the shade…”.

JoAnne has a twin sister, Patricia Thames. Patricia and her husband JT own a villa in Chocolate Hole. Patricia and JoAnne’s daughters thought it’d be nice for the Millers to have a vow renewal ceremony for their 25th anniversary on Trunk Bay. Patricia and the girls even went to the bridal dress shop to pick out the dress for JoAnne. Since Patricia and JoAnne are identical twins, Patricia was trying on the dresses until they picked one to purchase for their mother.

The vow renewal ceremony was last Tuesday at sunset. The bride carried a beautiful bouquet of pastel colored lilies, orchids, and roses. Rev. Robert Nelson performed the meaningful ceremony. Steel Pan drum could be heard up and down the beach courtesy of Lemuel Calwood.

After the ceremony, the entire family travelled back to the villa to celebrate with dinner prepared by a private chef. It was a magnificent evening.

To all of the ladies who will become engaged this holiday season, Ceremonies of St. John would like to say congratulations, and they’d enjoy working with you to create a very special wedding week, as they did for the Millers, for you and your guests.

Ceremonies of St. John is here to help you plan your destination wedding. Call them today and see why they were just named one of the top 25 most Influential wedding planners in the world!

For more information on Ceremonies of St. John, call Stacy Mulcare  toll free at 1-888-282-3933 or email her at [email protected]. You can also visit Ceremonies of St. John’s website at www.usviwedding.com 

It’s pretty easy to gain weight during the holiday season, but one local resident wants to help you prevent doing just that.

It all began back in May when Evan Silbert decided to stop drinking, which isn’t an easy feat on an island known for its abundance of libations. Within weeks, Evan started having more energy and noticed he was losing a significant amount of weight as well. That impromptu weight loss prompted Evan to try a bit harder to lose weight, so he started to really look at what he was eating, including the ingredients in many of his favorite foods. What Evan found was that he was eating a lot of processed foods that had little to no nutritional value.

Evan began exercising more, taking advantage of the island’s wonderful hiking trails. He also started eating more healthfully. One thing he found lacking on island, however, was a protein bar that was nutritious, yet low in calories. So he decided to create one himself. The result is Eat Smart VI protein bars, and they’re not only good for you, they’re delicious!

Eat Smart VI currently offers two flavors – the Almond Happy bar and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream bar – however we hear additional flavors are coming soon. Both have less than 250 calories – the same amount of calories as an o-bomb, a popular shot in many of the local bars – and are packed with protein, vitamins and minerals. They’re also organic and gluten free.

Eat Smart VI bars are a great option when you’re looking for a little snack throughout the day. They’re great to throw in your daypack when you’re taking a hike or also when you’re out on the beach.

You can purchase Eat Smart VI bars at Keep Me Posted and Pickles in Coral Bay, or at Sam & Jacks or Cafe Livin’ in Cruz Bay. The bars can also be ordered online and will be shipped via Priority Mail. You can learn more by following them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/EatSmartVI.

And here’s a little fun fact to leave you with … Evan has lost 100 pounds since May. How amazing is that??!! Major kudos to you, Evan.

The Hawks Nest if truly a one-of-a-kind property. Located on a very private parcel within the Virgin islands National Park, The Hawks Nest sits among native trees and wild orchids just 97 feet above Hawksnest Bay.

The Hawks Nest is a finely crafted two bedroom home with panoramic water and sunset views. Its location – the road is directly across from Peace Hill – allows you to walk to Caneel Hawksnest, Gibeny, Denis, Jumbie or Trunk Bay.

The property has a solar panel system with net metering. There is also room on this half-acre parcel to expand and even add a pool.

The Hawks Nest is listed for $1.375 million.

Want more information about The Hawks Nest? Contact Tammy at 340 Real Estate Co. at [email protected]

Look who arrived on St. John last night!

We had so much fun last year, we did it again. Here’s News of St. John’s second annual ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas … on St. John.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through St. John,
Not a local was sleeping, most were at Quiet Mon.
The koozies were hung by The Tap Room with care,
In hopes that a Summer Ale soon would appear.

The tourists were hanging at Castaway’s bar,
While Hollywood stood outside and strummed his guitar.
Grabbed my last drink from Motu, so sad it’s a wrap,
Then head to The Beach Bar for a lil’ night cap.

When out on the dock, there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my barstool to see what’s the matter.
Away to the beach, I flew like a flash,
Ran quickly past Joe’s and heard a big splash.

The moon on the bay with the St. Thomas lights,
Gave a luster of midday to something in flight.
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a tanned little driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.
More rapid than mongoose his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blixen!
To the east we must fly! We must save the bay!
We like it! We like it! We like it this way!

As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So out toward the East, the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of swag, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof,
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the palm tree St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed in flip flops, a cold drink in his hand,
And looked happy to’ve ditched the snow for the sand.
With a snorkel in tow and a cooler of beer,
He looked ready to spread some holiday cheer.

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His skin was so tan, from his head to his toes,
He just looked so happy to be out of the snow!

He put on his swimsuit and downed his cold drink,
Took a dip in the pool and gave me a wink.
He had a broad face and a cute little belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
He looked at his watch and hopped out of the pool,
Who would have thought that this guy was so cool!

The fun had to end, time to get back to work,
So he filled up the stockings, then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the palm tree he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, as he flew toward the Bight—
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Merry Christmas everyone!! Love, Jenn & the News of St. John family 🙂

(Click here to read last year’s version of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas…)

Here are details on who is staying open for Christmas…

Across the Street: Opening at 11 a.m. Special happy hour happening on Christmas Eve from 10 p.m. till close

Asolare: The bar opens at 5:15 p.m. and dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. Call 340-779-4747 for reservations.

Barefoot Cowboy – Will be open – Time opening uncertain

Beach Bar: Opening at 11 a.m. – Special turkey dinner will be served along some of the best Bushwackers on island!

Castaway’s: Opening at 11 a.m. – Special Christmas menu will include turkey, ham, all the fixins and Dan’s almost famous homemade dessert – all for only $18.

Cruz Bay Landing: Will be open for breakfast. lunch and dinner – Prime rib dinner special with rosemary jus whipped potatoes, honey glazed carrots and banana foster – all for $29.

DaLivio’s: Open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Joe’s Rum Hut: Opening at 3 p.m.

Morgan’s Mango: Opening at 5:30 p.m.

Motu: Christmas Eve party starts at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve – Snow will be falling all night long!

Ocean 362: Special holiday menu – Call 340-776-0001 for reservations.

Waterfront Bistro: Opening at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner (Food will not be served between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.)

Woody’s: Opening at 11 a.m. Special happy hour happening on Christmas Eve from 10 p.m. till close

ZoZo’s: Opening at 5:30 p.m. Reservations needed. Call 340-693-9200 to make a reservation.

For those of you in Coral Bay, it seems that mostly everyone will be closed including Skinny Legs, Aqua Bistro and Shipwreck Landing.

Happy holidays everyone!

I absolutely love checking out new villas. I was invited over to Three Palms villa recently and instantly fell in love. Everything from its location directly on the ocean to its open floor plan and impeccable decorations and furnishings makes it, in my opinion, a top option for those of you looking for a rental conveniently located near town, yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle that can come with an in-town location.

Three Palms is located in Estate Enighed just minutes from the heart of Cruz Bay. Its convenient location, in town yet on the water, makes it a great home base for families or groups searching for the perfect St. John adventure. The home boasts four king bedrooms, a bonus queen bedroom and three baths. Guests enjoy indoor/outdoor living with incredible views from nearly every room and a private hot tub overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Private verandas scattered throughout the home provide great viewing areas of Three Palms’ pebble beach and beyond in addition to spectacular sunsets.

Friends and family will love Three Palms’ Great Room with travertine floors and exposed beam ceilings. Prepare food in the chef inspired kitchen or put your flip flops on and take the short walk to Cruz Bay restaurants and shopping. Three Palms is a waterfront villa where no one gets left behind. You can simply walk to what you need.

Three Palms has onsite laundry and a large, walk in closet in the main master bedroom. Kayak and paddle board rentals are also available for guests who want to take advantage of Three Palms’ waterfront location.

Rates for Three Palms begin at $3,000 a week. If you’d like to learn more information aboutThree Palms, you can email the villa manager at [email protected] or its website at www.stjohnthreepalmsvilla.com. You can also follow it on Facebook by clicking here.

Happy Monday everyone! We figured it’s a short week for many of you, so let’s start it off with a warm and sunny video from St. John. Take a few minutes and cruise with us from the Coral Bay Triangle over to Salt Pond.

As always, we brought our GoPro Hero3 and Kenny Chesney along with us. So be sure to turn your sound up … Enjoy!

Ps: No, I don’t drive that fast. We sped the video up to match the song length. 🙂