To avoid looks when you arrive, it's called St. John.
As for your friend...I suppose it depends upon her expectations and accommodations. The weather doesn't change much throughout the year but if she likes Rocky Mountain chill she would be uncomfortable. If she wanted a Cozumel night life she would be disappointed. If she stayed in Eco-tents but expected linen service...you get the point.
My own experience,
St. John (no 's) has never met my expectations. It has always exceeded them. Each visit has surpassed the previous. If you want the crowds and shopping, day trip to St. Thomas. If you want the night life, try St. Thomas, enjoy the different and intimate style of Cruz Bay or visit via a cruise ship. Some people prefer a packed itinerary while others like to sit back and enjoy what lays before them. To each his (or her) own.
If you have any doubts as to whether or not you can get what you are looking for in your vacation, ask this board and everyone will be happy to help.

Your friend is crazy - St. John in June is perfect and couldn't be more beautiful or enjoyable!!! I should know, my husband and I were married there and spent 10 days on the wonderful little island!!!

I guess I can see not liking the VI if you hate swimming in 85 degree water and watching incredible sea life while snorkling; hate tropical weather, wonderful food, friendly locals, spectacular views, and pristine beaches......

I was on St. John in June about 5 years ago and it was perfect. Planning a trip back this spring. Your friend sounds a little......well never mind.

we have the last week of June in the ownership Villas at the Westin and the last 2 years have been perfect. Could not ask for anything more.

June's a fine time to be on STJ. Fewer people, some rates are lower. Weather's fine. The weather's always fine. Only risky time as far as weather is hurricane season, particularly mid-Aug to mid-Oct. Was there anything in particular that your friend hated about the VI? Be worth your while to ask her for specifics, because they could be things that you wouldn't care for either. Most visitors find it to be paradise and begin to plan to either return or never leave, but it is different from the US mainland.

After reading the other replies, I think you probably get the idea...St. John is just fantastic! Maybe your friend just had expectations that weren't met because she thought this would be like Hawaii. True, we are an island with perfect weather, great beaches, views to die for, etc., but people visiting for the first time might be dissapointed if they have a predisposed idea of what it will be like. I liken it to Paris. Some people LOVE paris...but we always hear things like how rude the pople are. They may be rude according to YOU, but for their culture it is normal. That's what the island are like. Just go with the flow and remember, you are the visitor, so accept it as it comes. The culture here is very different than the mainland and that's is just one of it's many charms. As for Concordia...I LOVE that place! Go to this link to read more about it: http://stjohn.wheretostay.com/property/274.html and here toready my review of it: http://stjohn.wheretostay.com/property/274-reviews.html.

Have fun!!

We were just there around June 25th of this year and the weather was wonderful. We were on the side of the island which was very breezy (We stayed at Grand Beach Palace) so it didn't really seem hot at all. The only time it was hot was when we were in the cabs !!! No air conditioning....whew, was it hot. June isn't really crowded either. I highly recommend June.

DLZ
As you can see, your friend is in the minority but this trip is all about you so what are you interested in and perhaps we can shed better light on what STJ can provide?

Marty, Have you stayed at Concordia? Do you have a recommendation for a specific eco-tent? After reading HUNDREDS of these messages I have a few questions...
should I bring food with me?since the eco tents have kitchens....I love to cook with local food so I'm planning on buying fish, etc....AM I CRAZY?
should I rent a jeep at STT or STJ?
I'm having information overload. I did order the travel books recommended by Islander and should have them next week.

Kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, visiting other islands. Not too much of the sit around type or just lay on the beach types, although seems like many a visitor has been converted, so we want to DO things.

If you like to hike... check out reef bay, hike to waterlemon cay and then snorkel (guarantee starfish... last time we were there we saw a starfish being eaten by a conch. St. John has tons of good snorkeling and I would definetely visit other islands (island hopping is a lot of fun... maybe rent a boat with a skipper, then you can choose your day 😉

Jen

I would just be chiming in...

We stayed at Concordia (ecotent #3) two years ago (Thanksgiving) and loved our week there. Outstanding views, loved the sound of the waves crashing at Drunk Bay down below, watching cruise ships in the distance all lit up at night, incredible sunrise each morning... We brought a suitcase of food/snacks/bottled water and bought a few things upon arrival (Starfish). Cooked just fine in the tent., but I'm not a big cook (does mac-n-cheese count???) Rented the jeep on St John. I don't know how our view from ecotent #3 compares to the others, but we'd choose it again. Did a day sail to Jost Van Dyke and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Hubby has been to Hawaii and prefers St John. I haven't been to Hawaii so he has promised to take me. The only problem is that when we discuss vacation, I keep saying "St John".... Plus, we returned in 2003 to marry on Hawksnest and will return on a cruise next month. If I could have the strength to be away from hubby for a month, I'd apply to work at the Maho summer program since I'm a school teacher.

DLZ,

Yes, I have stayed at Concordia quite a few times.

As for a specific tent, they are all VERY similar...views, decoration, accomodations, etc., but if I had my druthers, I would choose either E-1 or E-3. They are both up high at the end of a dead end road. E-2 is not so bad either, just more stairs. But, no matter which tent you get, you are going to enjoy it! If you go here: http://www.maho.org/Concordia.cfm you cansee some pics..not many, butit gives you an idea. I think bothofthe tent pics are fromE-1. The pool is by the lobby, about a 4 minute walk.

Food: Bring some! I like to cook, myself, but we don't bring anything elaborate, as there is only a cooler...no refrigerator. Remember, you are going to be cooking on a gas stove/camp stove. Nothing fancy. We usually just bring some breakfast foods, some wine and cheese for late night snacking, some fresh fruit. Other than that, there are so many good restaurants to choose from, you really should try a few. From the super casual to the elegant, St. John offers it all. Get out and enjoy the myriad chef's offerings...you won't be disappointed.

Jeep rental: That's a tough one. We always bring our Jeep from STT over, but a lot of the rentals on STT don't alow you to take it on the car ferry to STJ. I mean, the ferry won't turn you away or anything, but if you get a flat, or it breaks down, or you lose the key, they won't come over to help you. If it were me flying in, I'd risk it and get a jeep from the airport and drive to Red Hook and take it over. A lot less hassles, freedom to come and go at your leisure, no cab fares...and driving on the left is fun!

I can be happy at the Ritz or a tent, and these eco-tents have so much charm, that I actually prefer them to the fancy resorts. IAgreat get-away! Have fun!

http://www.arawakexp.com/
Try this site for kayaking information on the island. You can also try parasailing if you're in to that. Make sure you read the 'STJ Off the Beaten Track' book for hiking and out of the way locations. Island Girl is right about the Reef Bay Hike. Beautiful views and not a very difficult trip. Day sails are a great way to get off island and see even more. We used Wayward Sailor out of Cruz Bay but there are numerous charters from STJ and STT.