Destination wedding on St. John, USVI? Has anyone been there?

Question

I am getting married on May 3, 2009 on St. John it located in the Virgin Islands. I have never been there before but need some ideas of what the island has to offer. Can anyone tell me about the island. The do's and don't's. Ideas. We already have our place on the beach and wedding plans are done just need some good ideas. Places to eat etc... Thanks

Answer 1

You picked a great place to have a wedding and honeymoon.

St John is 2/3rds National Park with 39 pristine beaches to enjoy, many deserted. This is an island to be explore, be sure to reserve a rental jeep. We like Courtesy Car Rental (340-776-6630) Go on line and check out their website.

http://www.courtesycarrental.com

There is much to do, shopping, hiking, snorkeling, diving, sailing, horseback-riding and of course just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful beaches.

A must do is take an excursion to one of the British Virgin islands. Virgin Gorda is famous for The Baths. Here is a link

http://www.escape-bvi.com/The_Baths_Virg...

There so many restaurants to choose from, without knowing your likes, I can give you a few suggestions.

We usually stay on the Coral  Bay side of the island.

Shipwreck Landing

Miss Lucy

Aqua Bistro

Donkey Diner (breakfast)

Island Blues

Skinny Legs

Big Belly Deli (breakfast/lunch)

Cruz Bay

Sunset Beach Bar

Candi's Barbecue

La Tapa

Lime Inn

Banana Deck

Paradiso

ZoZo (upscale)

Baked in Sun (lunch)

Deli Grotto (lunch)

The main do is always greet the locals with "good morning"," good afternoon" and "good evening" before asking a question. It is considered good manners.

Here is another link for tons of information. Ferry schedules, activities etc.

http://www.vinow.com/stjohn

Have a great time and congrats in advance. Enjoy

update****

don't leave anything of value in your rental car. Locked or unlocked. There have been some reports of break-ins of cars. Just carry enough money for the day with you and leave the rest in the safe. My husband and I don't travel with expensive jewelry either. Leave it home.

The Virgin islands are safe but thefts do occur, just like at home. Follow the same precautions you do at home. Have fun.

Answer 2

One thing I'd advise you to do is to be very thoughtful about any valuable items that you might bring with you. The airport on St.Thomas is plagued with thievery. The baggage unloaders will open baggage and steal camcorders, jewelry, etc.  Therefore, I'd advise you to keep any/all valuable items with you at all times.

While you're sitting in the airport, waiting for your checked luggage to emerge, hang onto your other bags, purse, etc. The locals will often waltz into the terminal, smile, sit down and then WHAM, you turn your head for a moment, your purse that WAS next to you is gone or that Louis Vuitton bag at your feet is gone. What I do is cross a purse over my shoulder diagonally, and put my foot through the strap of a carry-on, so that if anyone tries to move it, it'll tug my leg.

As mentioned, greet the natives appropriately. One expression NOT to use it's "It's no bother" or "Don't bother yourself:" because on most Caribbean English-speaking islands, "bother" has the connotation of 'molest.'

Other than that, enjoy the beautiful waters and beaches, the fresh fruits, the Pusser's Rum (go to the Pusser's at Tortola's West End (where the ferry docks) and order a Pusser's Painkiller (rum and fruit juices, but like nothing you've ever had before). Then do yourself a favor: buy a few bottles of Pusser's Rum. Wherever you wind up eating, be sure to order some 'conch fritters.'