There’s only one week 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 at Halycon Villa, 4XD jeep rental, an inclusive day at Lovango Resort, a high-end dinner, cultural rum tasting, and a half day charter.
The Love for the Land giveaway includes a week stay at Halycon Villa in beautiful Coral Bay
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!
Starting today, one of our favorite nonprofits is kicking off their 8th annual Villas for the Park Auction, giving you the chance to plan an incredible winter getaway or summer retreat! Bidding on Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park’s Auction opens today and closes on Friday, November 29th. Registration and bidding are happening now and can be found here.
Featuring over 30 stays in luxury hotels, villas, and cottages across the Virgin Islands, this auction offers the perfect opportunity for a relaxing vacation in the Caribbean, and if you already live here, then an excuse to go island hopping for the week.
Cruz Bay has seen a surge of development recently, with projects such as The Saint Resort, the Lind Point Complex, and now a new proposal for a dock exclusively for the guests and owners of Gallows Point Resort. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking input from the public, as well as from federal, state, and local agencies and officials, to help determine whether a permit should be issued for the dock. The deadline to submit public comment is Friday, October 25th.
The proposal is for the installation of a 96-foot, 4-foot wide floating dock in Galge Cove, for the guests and owners of Gallows Point Resort in Cruz Bay. The dock would “provide safe access for boats and water-based activities.” Also, it would be convenient for guests coming by boat (maybe from St. Thomas or after a sunset cruise?) to enjoy dinner at Gallow Point’s restaurant, Ocean 362. The water around the proposed dock is only 3.5 feet, making it suitable for dinghies, sailboats, paddleboards, and kayaks.
Proposed dock extending towards NE Cruz BayPlanned location for dock on the east side of the Resort
It’s worth mentioning that Cruz Bay is bustling with activity already. With registered moorings scattered in the Bay (two unregistered moorings will be removed for this project), charters picking up guests several times a day, and the Cruz Bay Ferry departing every hour, this area is a hub of boating activity.
Measures Taken to Avoid Negative Environmental Impact
The location of the dock, in Galge Cove, was selected because it is devoid of coral and native seagrass. The location is approximately across from the cemetery, Lovango Rum Bar, and DR!NK.
If the permit is approved, the floating dock will be approximately here overlooking Galge Cove and Cruz Bay
During construction, a turbidity curtain and silt fencing will be used to mitigate a negative impact on the area. According to the US Army Corps, turbidity curtains are installed to keep sediment and construction debris from spreading into the waters outside the construction zone. It will be inspected daily for repairs and to prevent turbidity damage that can impinge the local marine life, coral health, and water quality.
The proposal states the dock “would be held in place by 6 sand screws down the center on 20-ft centers. It would have open grated decking in an aluminum frame on pontoons.” The open grated decking will allow sunlight to pass through the dock, providing sunlight access to the seafloor underneath.
Effect on Endangered and Threatened Species
The proposed project may impact several endangered species, including green, loggerhead, hawksbill, and leatherback sea turtles, as well as the Nassau grouper, giant manta ray, and queen conch. Although the project is not expected to significantly affect essential habitats for fish and sea turtles, there remains a slight possibility of impact. To ensure a thorough evaluation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers states they “will request consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with separate letters pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.”
There is no doubt that Gallows Point would benefit from having a floating dock. It would provide their guests with an opportunity for more water-based activities and to have easier access coming and going by boat from the Resort. The dock would allow a direct meeting point for charters, better access to Ocean 362 for boaters, and it could help reduce the boat traffic next to the Cruz Bay Ferry. The question is: does the benefit outweigh the potential damage to endangered species’ critical habitats?
The decision whether to issue or deny this permit is based on public opinion. Anyone is allowed to request a public hearing if submitted in writing to the District Engineer by Friday, October 25th.
Comments regarding the proposed plan can be sent to Karen Urelius, Project Manager, Antilles Permits Section by October 25th at[email protected] or 787-370-8359.
Do you think the benefits of the proposed dock outweigh the possible negative impact? Let us know what you think below.
A boutique resort with a day club and wellness spa is coming to Cruz Bay!
Click above to play video
The Saint is more about relaxation than wild party. While there are plenty of spots on St. John for a party, there are few that focus on wellness, healing, and recovery. The Saint Resort and Day Club is committed to the latter.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
