Pleasantly Surprised

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

The last time we visited the St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) was over 15 years ago when we bare boat chartered from Red Hook.   We were not impressed, with St. Thomas, so we sailed over to the British Virgin Islands where we spent our vacation.

Haulover Cut

Our guidebook recommended catching one of Frenchtown Marina’s moorings.  That was a mistake.  The ferries and their associated wakes come very close, but that was not the scary part.  The sea planes use the cut for their landing area.  We were able to see the passengers’ happy little faces while enjoying our morning tea on the back of the boat.

The next day we moved over and anchored off of Yacht Haven Grande Marina and the cruise ship terminal.  The half a mile move put us closer to town and where we could watch all the action.

Part of the action was the “pirate” ships getting ready for day cruises.

There were plenty of boats available for people to get the pirate experience.

Bluebeard’s Castle tower

Evidently, every pirate that plagued the Caribbean passed through Charlotte Amalie at some point.

Charlotte Amalie works at keeping the legend alive.

The modern pirates of Charlotte Amalie are the duty free high-end stores.  It is hard to believe that many jewelry stores can survive, or that people on cruise ships do that much shopping.

99 Steps

Once past the jewelry stores, Charlotte Amalie was fun to explore.

Small shaded allies connect the main streets.  Interesting shops and restaurants can be found off of the allies.

Pollie’s favorite place was the Amber Museum.

Hotel 1829

After the 99 Steps, I was happy just sitting in the shade.

On the way back south we plan on stopping at St. Thomas again and doing some more exploring.

Eco-resort

Francis Bay, St. John, USVI

Two-thirds of the island of St. John, United States Virgin Islands is under the stringent control of the National Park Service in an effort to maintain its pristine appearance.  On the northern shore are a series of bays that are fun to visit when a north swell is not a problem.

Because it is National Park, most of the island is not developed, but occasionally you find property with “grandfathered” uses.  Connected to Francis Bay is Maho Bay, home to, “The US Virgin Island’s renowned eco-resort.”

There are 114 “affordable” tent-cottages that provide the guest rooms.  During high season (November through April) prices range between $165 per night for an “Efficiency Futon,” to $230 per night for the “Full Kitchen Queen.”  Let’s see: 114 tents at an average of $195 per night – hmmm….

Also included are a small store, guest registration facility, restaurant, and a small beach café.  We attempted to try the restaurant, but the surf that evening was too much for a comfortable dinghy landing, and the noseeums were out in force.

Guest tent-cottages and resort facilities are connected by miles of board walks through the jungle.

Because it is built up the side of a hill overlooking the bay, there are also stairs.

A lot of stairs.

Dogs are not allowed at the resort, so there are some very laid back cats.

Showers

Some of the facilities seem a little primitive, but what-the-hey, you are here to commune with nature.

Privacy does not seem to be an issue, as most of the tent-cottages are isolated from the others.

Activities include: swimming, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, hiking, outdoor dining, art classes, glass blowing, yoga, massage, and of course just enjoying the Caribbean sun.

The kids also find other activities at this family friendly resort.

Maho Bay eco-resort has lost its lease on the property and will be closing in May.  Future plans for the site have not been disclosed.  For more information, visit: www.maho.org