Hi All,

Great forum.

I will be taking the family to STT (Me, my wife and two 7 year old kids) between Dec 21-Dec 29th. We have booked 8 nights in Crystal Cove. From what I read we should make day trips to STJ but what about STC and British virgin islands? I also booked a car (not a jeep) at STT, is that going to be necessary? From what I heard, you need a 4wd in StJ so we will probably leave the car in STT when we visit STJ.

Thanks.

--yufeng

You should be alright with a less than 4WD on St John. It's really only necessary when there is a continuous rainfall and you're trying to drive into it.

A car will be fine.

We had family with children stay at Crystal Cove last spring and they were very happy with the accomodations. Nice long beach to stroll, close to Red Hook for the "action." I have to say that some people come here on vacation and never leave the beach, others seem to run from pillar to post to see everything. IMHO, you can't do it all in a week without wearing out! Pick a couple of things you really want to do, relax and do the rest next time.

The children will really enjoy Coral World, so be sure to dedicate some time there. Spend some time getting them comfortable with snorkeling, too!

Also, I feel the car ferry is over-rated. If you go over to St John, you can pretty easily get around by safari or rental car and have more options for returning on the regular ferry.

All,

Thanks for the prompt reply. I think I will keep the car then instead of getting the jeep.

Is it even possible to visit ST. Croix from St Thomas?

Thanks.

--yufeng

It is possible to go to St Croix, but you have to fly. Seaborne Airlines is the seaplane service- 15 minuntes from Charlotte Amalie to Christensted. Lots of fun!!

I like the idea of trying out the seaplane while also getting over to visit STX. How many people can say they've flown in a seaplane?



~Blu

*Here is the link to the FAQ post with lots of links from former posts covering some of our most popular topics: [www.vinow.com]

I just checked Seaborne Airlines. Most of the cheaper tickets during our stay have already sold out (to STX). Too bad the ferry is not running this season.

On a seperate note, I booked my trip on Nov 28th now the agent told me today the crystal cove (one bedroom suite) is no longer available. I understand it takes time to comfirm but do people running these hotels that layback and it takes that long to comfirm the hotel is not available? I am quite upset now that I have been forced to go to Saphire Village, which does not have positive reviews in tripadvisor. Anyone on this board actually have ok experience in Saphire Village? There were only 3 reviews in trip advisor so I have this slight hope their experiences are not typical.

Thanks.

I have several friends and family who've stayed at Sapphire and have been very positive about their accomodation. Antilles Resorts used to own many of the units and theirs were generally considered to be better maintained than those owned by Sapphire. Antilles Resorts has recently taken over the whole operation, apart from the few privately-owned units. The beach is lovely, the general location is perfect for "getting around" and the units I've seen have been very nice indeed so I wouldn't worry too much.

Friends of mine checked in two days ago at a privately owned unit which they were able to get at an incredibly inexpensive rate. I'll be seeing them in the next couple of days, get their thoughts and find out how they found the unit. I'll be back!

I have Blu and it's nothing short of wonderful! My rides have been around and to and from Seattle to the San Juans.

Marie; currently landlocked in frosty Atlanta

STT Resident,

Thanks for your reply. I feel better now. Let me know how they feel about the village.

Yufeng, we stayed at Sapphire Village in July '04. We rented a unit from a private owner, had a great time. We were impressed, had a real nice pool all to ourselves, a fantastic restaurant, and just a short walk to a nice beach.

Relax, you'll have a wonderful vacation.

John,

Thanks for your comment. Lets hope the village is not as bad as tripadvisor's reviews.

STT Resident:

I thought that the Sapphire Beach Units were all privately owned.

Antilles Resorts is a management company. We own a condo at Point Pleasant Resort and have contracted with Antilles to manage our unit (on a hotel plan). My business associate just bought a condo at Sapphire Beach and he too has signed with Antilles to manage his unit. Antilles, recently, was provided the "exclusive" authority to manage the Sapphire units by the Sapphire Owners Association.

F.I.

Let me try to clarify a few points.
There are a number of condominium complexes "on" Sapphire Beach. Sapphire Village, Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina, Crystal Cove, and Sapphire House.
Sapphire House is longer term rentals so I will not comment. Sapphire Village is not on the beach but on a hill (big hill) overlooking Sapphire. Crystal Cove is on the beach but set back. Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina is ON the beach.
Antilles does not own any units, all the units are privately owned. Antilles does act as rental agent at some units at all of the resorts on Sapphire.
Because the units are individually owned some are in better shape than others.
If it were me, especially with children the age you mention, I would want to be on the beach at the newest and nicest resort, which in my opinion is Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina.

Visited my visiting friends at their privately-rented unit at Sapphire Village the other night for dinner and it was delightful. Overlooking the boat slips with the Caribbean and beach very close by, it was well-kept, clean, nicely decorated. A 2-bedroom, one of the bedrooms was locked - containing the owners' private things - but for the two of them it was perfect and they were very happy. On this trip they decided not to rent a car but had no problem getting around. All in all they were very happy indeed!

STT Resident,

Thanks for the update.

Hi - we're going to Crystal Cove as well from the 23rd to the 30th. We'll see you on the beach!