It’s the most wonderful time of the year…And I’m not just talking about the uplifting holiday spirit decking the halls of Love City! On Monday, Lovango Resort + Beach Club re-opens for the season with a ton of amazing new offerings featuring the top-notch service, divine dining and imbibing and those picture-perfect views that they have become so well known for since they opened in December of 2020.
Villas and Resorts
What is currently happening with Caneel Bay?
What is the fundamental issue between the U.S. Government, NPS and EHI/CBI Acquisitions? The following 3 Part Article will attempt to delve into some of the key components of the 1983 Indenture, scripted by Laurance Rockefeller in 1983, that outlines the Retained Use Estate (RUE) leasehold within that document which is central to both parties’ pending Motions for Summary Judgement. The author will do her best to explain the facts in detailing what has already transpired and what the future may hold.
Looking for an Incredible Winter Getaway? “Villas for the Park” Auction Kicks off this Friday
Good morning! Off season certainly dragged on, but we made it! High season is fast approaching, which means business as usual. Tourists are arriving to escape the incoming cold back home, and our favorite restaurants, annual events, and fundraisers are back in full swing.
This upcoming Friday, Friends of the Park will begin hosting their 7th annual “Villas for the Park” fundraiser. This unique auction offers nearly 40 hotels or villas, generously donated by their philanthropic managers and owners for an incredible vacation in paradise. Luxurious villas will be auctioned off and the proceeds will go to conservation efforts made by Friends of the Park.
Tips for Planning Your Trip to St. John
Good Morning! It’s hard to believe August is already upon us, which means that stateside the back to school advertising campaigns are in full swing, and our northernmost friends are trying to enjoy the last month of beach days, bonfires, boating, and camping before the weather gets a little iffy. Before we know it, the Halloween decorations and candy will be lining store shelves and Christmas music will be hard to avoid on the radio.
All joking aside, it’s a great time to start planning a trip to St. John, and whether you’re a seasoned St. John veteran or a first timer, we hope that you find a few tips in this article beneficial in doing so.
News of St. John Villa Rentals Has Launched!
News of St. John is thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new service! News of St. John Villa Rentals is a website to showcase short term rentals and connect renters with property owners at no cost. Check it out at Newsofstjohnvillarentals.com or access it from the navigation menu on News of St. John.
Villa Spotlight: Spend the Holidays at The Hills St. John
Well folks, Thanksgiving is creeping up on us which means the Holiday Season is right around the corner. Many of you may look forward to this time of year for large family gatherings and re-connecting with your loved ones. Unfortunately, for many, the current pandemic may keep us away from these larger gatherings due to concern over the spread of the virus and the health of our more “at-risk” family members.
Due to all of this, 2020 might be the year that you finally take that holiday trip that you’ve been thinking about for a long while. With family traditions potentially on pause until a vaccination is widely accessible, a simple getaway to St. John in a private villa with your immediate family might be the holiday rest and relaxation you need.
Read moreVilla Spotlight: Spend the Holidays at The Hills St. John
Zozo’s Ristorante is On the Move
One of St. John’s most popular fine dining spots will have a new home later this year.
ZoZo’s Ristorante announced Friday that it is leaving its current location at Gallows Point Resort after 13 years. ZoZo’s isn’t going too far, however, as it plans to move just down the road over at Caneel Bay.
ZoZo’s will move into the space currently occupied by the Sugar Mill restaurant. The old 18th century sugar mill will undergo renovations this summer led by ZoZo’s owner John Ferrigno. ZoZo’s will open in its new location on November 1 after Caneel’s annual seasonal closure.
We’re curious – Now that ZoZo’s is leaving Gallows, what would you like to see go into its old spot?
Survey says St. John 5th most expensive
Cheaphotels.org says St. John is the fifth most costly Caribbean destination. Odds are, the island should rank a lot higher.
If you search the CheapHotels Web site for a place to lay your weary head (and assuming that was the sample for the report), it offers only four options on the island: St. John Inn, Hillcrest Guest House, Concordia Eco Tents, and the Westin Resort.
That’s hardly the St. John market. It ignores dozens of condominiums, timeshares, and hotels, many of which are much more expensive than CheapHotel.org’s St. John average of $224/night for a three star hotel.
Few people would consider St. John cheap by any measure.
Virgin Gorda took the top spot for the lowest-priced available Caribbean three-star hotel double room in high season at $321.
Asked for a reaction to the St. John ranking, the general manager at Caneel Bay Resort told the St. John Source, “It’s expensive all over the Caribbean. “ Nikolay Hotze gave no sign he’s ready to lower rates. “I don’t see it as a negative,” he added.
Grande Bay’s Final Four
Advertorial
The developers of the Grande View Residences at Grande Bay Resort on Cruz Bay are finishing the project with a quartet of new penthouse homes. Called "Whole Ownership Residences," the one or two bedroom units start at $900,000.
John Alvarado, director of sales, said the Residences "represent the best of St. John in terms of location refinement and convenience.
"The big distinction is that owners have the option to live here year round," he said. The units can also be rented, in which case guests will be pampered with "exclusive amenities such as daily housekeeping and a complimentary in-room mini bar that is replenished daily." Whole Ownership owners also get priority access to use of the resort's power boat and Jeep.
The latest on Maho Bay’s future
Closing day may be drawing nigh but first-timers are still discovering Maho Bay Campgrounds.
The Blog of Maho says that despite plans to shut down and pack up after May 15th, “It’s been a very typical kind of season here at Maho, with plenty of happy guests,” both ‘veterans’ and ‘newbies’.
“The general mood and attitude around camp has been very upbeat and positive as all our guests seem to be visiting, enjoying, and making the most of their last vacation to Maho.”
The new owner of the the Maho site has still not been identified, nor have his/her/its plans for the land been made public.
Maho Bay Camps is not accepting reservations after the middle of May.