Santa Should Bring You a St John Villa Trip for Christmas

No Reindeer required to get Santa to St John

We hope Santa brings you a trip to St John 

Play Santa yourself and give as a present to thoseyou love a vacation at Great Expectations. Take a look at our calendar and let us know when we can host you next!  We have only one week still available (April 8 - April 16, 2016) between now and August so plan now for a 2017 holiday on St John (Christmas, New Years, Presidents week, 4th of July Carnival are all still available). It is 85 degrees year round on St John so no time is a bad time to come for a visit!

December St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• Caribbean Journal highlights the '9 Best Beaches on St John' listing Maho Bay, Trunk Bay, Oppenheimer, Denis, Hawksnest, Cinnamon, Francis, Salt Pond, and Lameshur as their picks.

• Some of these beaches offer great snorkeling opportunities, but since they are all within the National Park where shell and coral collecting is prohibited, if shell and coral collecting is your thing you might want to head over to Hart Bay beach. Hart Bay is on the western most side of Rendezvous Bay and is accessed only by a couple of trails (one being only a 5 minute walk from Great Expectations). The other day our son-in-law found this beauty while taking a walk along the Hart Bay beach.

• Ready to retire to someplace warm and laid back? Here is an article for you: The 10 Coolest Places to Retire in the Caribbean. The #1 spot went to St John: A haven for artists, creative types, beach lovers and sailors, St John is an eclectic place with beautiful beaches, a massive national park system and a very artsy, funky vibe. It’s also in the US, meaning Americans simply have to buy a plane ticket and find a house. It’s not cheap, but you’re paying to be a part of a very unique community.

• Now that TSA and the airlines are requiring people to be at the airport 2 - 3 hours before departure (American is requiring people checking bags to check in at least 90 minutes before departure), there is something to do other than mill around, buy liquor or perfume, or have one more west indian meal and that is to take advantage of free WiFi at the St Thomas airport! This is thanks to the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. All you have to do to log on to the free WiFi is to complete a short survey about your stay in the Virgin Islands.

• Contact us directly and we will help make your vacation a trip to remember!

Preparing for Fall & Winter - You compared to St. John

How do you want to prepare for Fall and Winter?

snowblowers and rakes

or 

paddle boards and pool floats

What's your choice?

Fall has officially arrived and sweaters are at the ready. We have noticed that Christmas decorations are already for sale at the stores so the winter's snow cannot be far behind! Fear not, there is relief available -- plan your next trip to St John. Just having a reservation 'in your pocket' will warm your hearts and help get you through those long, cold nights. Contact ustoday to find out about availability at Great Expectations, rated the #1 villa on St John. We only have 3 weeks available this Winter and 4 weeks available next Summer. If you are planning to come with a large group you might also want to schedule time now for 2017! It is never too early to reserve time at Great Expectations.

October St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• The federal government is making flying out of the St Thomas (STT) airport a tad bit easier. We understand that passengers are no longer required to fill out Custom Forms when going through US Customs. Mind you, passengers still have to go through Customs and the Customs official will ask you the same questions that are on the form. We guess the Government just wants to save a few trees in the process.

• Having saved a moment or two by not filling out a form, American Airlines is taking it from us! We understand from the same source (On-StJohn) that if you are flying American Airlines and are to check a bag departing the St Thomas airport, American Airlines is advising all their passengers to arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to departure. Starting this month their ticket counter will reportedly close 90 minutes prior to the flight departure time! Bring that good beach book with you so you can occupy your time waiting for your plane to depart and try some of the great local dishes available at the restaurant in the airport waiting room or do some last minute duty-free shopping for liquor, perfume, or jewelry in the waiting area shops.

• Speaking of great eating and shopping, News of St John reports that two new restaurants and a new store have opened in Cruz Bay on St John. They are:

  • The Dock - Located at the former Cafe Livin' and will be operated by the popular High Tide Restaurant

  • Extra Virgin - Located at the location of the former Fatty Crab Restaurant. Extra Virgin will offer small plates, salads and entrees ranging from $32 - $38. They will also emphasize fresh herbs and ingredients.

  • Just Beach - Located in Mongoose Junction Just Beach has all your 'go to' beach items including snorkel gear (to purchase or rent), sunscreen, sunglasses and, of course, practical beachwear. The owner is a long time St John resident who also owns and manages several other successful retail outlets including Island Fancy and Bougainvillea Shop.

April 2015 News from St. John

Rx to Survive Winter

Enjoy the winter winds -- St John style

Congratulations - you survived the winter of all winters. Spring has finally sprung in most places in the country. Now is the time to reward yourself for having survived the 'winter that would not quit' by planning a trip to St John for this year or even better, next winter.  As a reward, we are offering a 20% off discount for our June openings; check our currently availability to secure your piece of mind.

We recently received this photo from a recent guest (who has already booked his return trip). He captured this picture at Great Expectationsthe morning of his 50th birthday. We sure think he found his pot of gold on St John. Hopefully, you will as well!

March St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• St John's Honeymoon beach made the Condé Nast's 'Top 10 Beaches for Chillin' by saying: Located within the Virgin Islands National Park, Honeymoon Beach is one of the seven beaches that make up the Caneel Bay Resort. It's arguably the loveliest and also hardest to get to; the only means of access is via boat or a mile-long hike. But it’s worth the trek: Besides the requisite ivory sand and crystalline waters, you’re rewarded with views of St. Thomas and the British Virgin Islands.

• ABC News reported that St John's Maho Bay made Trip Advisor's 'Top 10 Traveler's Choice Caribbean Beaches' A TripAdvisor reviewer said, "The snorkeling is absolutely amazing. Huge sea turtles, schools of fish and stingrays are just some of the sea life found regularly here in Maho Bay. It's a postcard like setting with some of the coolest palm trees you'll find anywhere in the world. In my opinion this is the best place on the island to take pictures. Don't visit St. John without checking out Maho Bay".

• One of St John's most important volunteer groups is asking for our help. St John Rescue is often the first on the scene to help a victim of a car or boating accident, a lost or injured hiker, or just about any other sort of emergency one can think of happening - day or night. A couple of weeks ago they were at the scene of a very bad accident and rescued a truck driver, by cutting open the bottom of the truck with their Jaws of Life, saving his life. Unfortunately, during the process the Jaws of Life was destroyed. The St John community is rallying together to help raise monies to fund a new critically needed Jaws of Life for St John Rescue. Please consider supporting this initiative by donating on-line through Go Fund Me.

• St John Blues Blowout Festival is ON! March 28th will bring lots of music to Cruz Bay's Winston Wells Ballpark. All proceeds to benefit the St John School of the Arts and the Sprauve School

• Check our availability calendar and contact us today to secure your reservation! We will be happy to work with you to, as best we can, accommodate your needs. Our goal, always, is to meet or ideally, exceed your expectations!

What Is It Like To Spend a Week On St John? Check Out: 'One day -- St John'

We often are asked 'what is it like to spend a week on St John?'

Well, this video is a great answer! It was recently sent to us by a guest who stayed at Great Expectations over this last Thanksgiving. Luckily for us, our guest Don Hyde, is a principle of EVP Marketing & Media. Check it out, I think you will feel the love and fun they had on St John:

St John - last minute discount for February; not too late to get out of the cold

Baby It's Cold Outside, but not on St John!

Enjoy the warmth of the our sunset from our pool patio overlooking the Caribbean

Great Expectations was totally reserved for the entire winter season....until we received a (very rare) cancellation for the week of Saturday, February 21 to Saturday, February 28, 2015 is now available for a 20% discount!  It is the perfect way to escape the cold and snowy winter weather and build a reserve to survive the rest of this winter.  Contact us today to reserve your week on St John.

 Or wake to the warmth of the sunrise out of the Caribbean!

January St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• The prestigious Condé Nest Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards for 2014 named St John one of the thirty best islands in the world! We were in good company, sandwiched in the #8 slot between Kangaroo Island, Australia and Santorini & Cyclades, Greece.

• Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park announced their Winter 2015 Seminar Series. These sessions are always fun whether it is learning about the birds of St John, taking a full moon hike, kayak ride through the mangroves, or enjoying one of their many lectures.

• The best new 'deal' on St John might just be the new Vitran buses that criss-cross the island. You can now travel from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay's Salt Pond for just $1 (or $2 for a round-trip). Along the way there are majestic views of the National Park and its beaches, Coral Bay, Ram's Head, and the cobblestone beach of Drunk Bay.

• If you are at Red Hook (on St Thomas) waiting for your ferry or car barge and have some time to kill, check out the new market just a few feet away (in the old Marina Market space). Moe's Fresh Market is getting high marks for great fresh produce and meats.

• St John has yet another new restaurant to tempt you. This one, Vista Mare, located on the second floor at Wharfside has great water views and an affordable menu. With sensational sunset views, this spot should become a popular spot for events as well a popular choice for families with kids since its menu and environment is family friendly.

• There is a new fitness center on St John. This one is called Rock Fitness is located at The Lumberyard. It is opened seven days a week. If you are on island for just a few days they also offer a 5-day or daily pass.

• Check our availability calendar and contact us today to secure your reservation! We will be happy to work with you to, as best we can, accommodate your needs. Our goal, always, is to meet or ideally, exceed your expectations!

Summer Over? Never on St John

Our October Newsletter is published for your reading enjoyment:

St John Offers Amazing Views Both Beneath and Above The Caribbean Sea

This Fabulous Photo is courtesy of Sail Pepper

The Virgin Islands is often called 'Candy for the Eye' and understandably so.

As the above picture illustrates, snorkeling around St John is full of colorful (and friendly) fish.  Virtually every one of the 30+ beaches around St John offer great snorkeling opportunities and, if you want to get out on a boat, you are in for a extra treat since most every captain knows 'hidden' snorkel spots only accessible by (just their) boat. Great Expectations has arranged special discounts for our guests for some terrific sailing or power boat options.

There are wonderful views and colors above the waterline as well. A recent guest sent us this picture he took from Bordeaux Mountain of Coral Bay in the foreground and the British Virgin Islands in the distance:

As another former guest said, when she first saw this view, it struck her it was what she imagined Peter Pan's Never Never Land looked like

October St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• The St John community is wonderfully supportive as are the people who visit our island. If you are going to be on St John Sunday, November 2 head on over to Maho Bay to support the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park's 2nd Annual 'Paddle in the Park' Race. You can either participate yourself or root on others, either way it is sure to be a great day.

• It's on! The 2nd Annual Rib Cook Off to benefit St. John Rescue is happening on Saturday, November 8 at the Coral Bay Ball Field. The event will kick off at 4:30 pm with 10 competitors for the honor of Best Ribs On St. John. Music, drinks, games and YES, THERE WILL BE RIBS! There might be no more important community volunteer organization than the St John Rescue folks. They literally save lives, often at the risk of their own. Show your support for them by eating ribs if you are going to be on-island (not a hardship!) or donate on-line.

• North Shore Deli opens (in same spot as the very popular Deli Grotto) and reports as of this morning have been fabulous! Yes, they have the same yummy breads that made the Deli Grotto the 'go to' place. Check them out when you are next on St John -- and, say hello DJ, the proud new owner.

• Seaborne Airlines adds United Airlines to its Partner list making getting to St Thomas/St John even easier. United joins Seaborne's other partners -- American, Delta, and Jet Blue.

• St John's Trunk Bay claimed the #1 position on the Islands 'Best Snorkeling Beaches in the Caribbean Islands' list saying in part "Trunk Bay's beach stretches for more than a quarter-mile, with white powdered-coral sand backed by palms and sea grape trees. A spit divides the bay and points directly at Trunk Cay, a rugged little isle that's a short swim from the beach. The entire bay is part of the Virgin Islands National Park and offers full facilities, including showers, a snack bar and a shop where you can rent snorkel gear, beach chairs and umbrellas."

• Halloween will be kicked up a bunch this year with addition of theMongoose Monster Ball. Virgin Fire and The Sun Dog Cafe will be co-hosting a blow-out party featuring great food, music, and lots of prizes so get your best, funniest, wildest costume on and go for the prize.

• New partner - Kids Night In! St John has a great relatively new resource (for both parents and kids alike!) in Kids Night In. Just as the title hints, this is a child care (much more than babysitting) service offered by Leslie McKibben, a physical therapist who has specialized in pediatrics for nearly 30 years. Leslie engages the kids with artwork, cooking (if parents allow), reading, and games of all sort. Kids have a blast and parents can enjoy a night on the town (it is your vacation after all).

• Winter 2015 is Completely Sold Out! Great Expectations is already totally reserved this coming winter season as well as much of the 2015 Spring and Summer season. We never want to disappoint previous guests -- or potential new ones -- so please contact us as soon as you can when you start your trip planning. Please check our availability calendar and contact us today to secure your reservation! We will be happy to work with you to, as best we can, accommodate your needs. Our goal, always, is to meet or ideally, exceed your expectations!

Beneath the Waters Where St John is Truly Magical

 Turtles, squid, puffer fish, and even nurse sharks! CBS Sunday Morning featured St John's underwater beauty in this video

We always enjoy it when St John is featured in the national press. If you are a fan of the CBS Sunday Morning program - and of St John - you will love how they ended last week's program with a wonderful underwater video of St John waters.

No one captures the beauty of St John - at sea level, in the air, or below sea level - better than St John photographer Steve Simonsen. Below is one of his latest shots. We love that Steve captures the sky from underwater. The colors are wonderful and check out the school of fish under the coral!

Steve Simonsen's photo of the beauty in the waters off Hawksnest beach

June St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• Best of VI on St John for 2014sponsored by the Virgin Islands Daily News was announced this month (this seems pretty unusual for our laid-back island life since we are not even though half of 2014!) and produced some interesting results including some newcomers. Some of the highlights are:- Best Private Chef: Mathayom Private Chefs - Chef Mat is a favorite with our guests at Great Expectations (and we also love he offers our guests a discount!) - Best Home Builder: Carlson Construction - Carlson Construction has done fabulous work around Great Expectations having recently installed connecting doors between 2 sets of bedrooms and our very popular new infinity swimming pool and the fabulous new mahogany shelving and sea-glass bar counter in our Great Room.- Best Charter Boat & Day Sail: Wayward Sailor- Best Day Sail: Calypso (a great outfit which offers a Great Expectations guest discount!)- Best Beach: Cinnamon Bay- Best Dive Excursion: Low Key Watersports (another great outfit that gives guests of Great Expectations fabulous deals)

       - 

Best Ecotourism

: 

Virgin Islands Ecotours

       - 

Best Kayak Tours

: 

Arawak Kayak Tours

- Best Local Band: Inner Visions

- Best Stand Up Paddle-boarding: Arawak Kayak Tours

- Best Tourist Activities: Virgin Islands National Park

- Best Water Sports: Cruz Bay Watersports

- Best Breakfast: Jakes Restaurant

- Best Bakery: Baked in the Sun

- Best Bar: Woody's

- Best Bar with Live Music: High Tide

- Best Barbecue:Candies BBQ

- Best Beach Bar: High Tide Restaurant

- Best Bread: Sam & Jack's Deli

- Best Catering: Katilady Catering

- Best Coffee Espresso: Sam & Jack's Deli

- Best Creative Cuisine: Morgan's Mango

- Best Deli: Starfish Market

- Best Dessert/Sweets: St John Scoops

- Best Dining View: Chateau Bordeaux

- Best Family Restaurant: Miss Lucy's

- Best Gourmet Dining:La Tapa

- Best Hamburgers: Shipwreck Landing

- Best Happy Hour: Joe's Rum Hut

- Best Retail Liquor: Pine Peace Market

- Best Lunch: Ocean Grill

- Best New Restaurant: Virgin Fire

- Best Photographer: Steve Simonsen (no surprise here!)

- Best Wedding Coordinator: Island Style Weddings

St John -- Unadvertised Special for our Newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter Recipients!

January newsletter:

Leave Winter Behind
Enjoy St John's Warm Waters

Photographer Steve Simonsen captured a fabulous shot of Solomon Bay
 

Due to a cancellation, we are announcing an exclusive offer only for our newsletter, Facebook & Twitter subscribers:

    20% off our regular pricing for any new reservation between Sunday, February 23 - Saturday, March 8, 2014 (one week minimum)! 

As of February 1 we will be publicly announcing this offer so do not delay or you may be left out in the cold!

Contact us today to reserve your week on St John.

January/February St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

If you are a tennis or basketball player you will be happy to know we have just completed resurfacing our basketball/tennis court.

We even added a basketball key for those of you wanting to practice your 3-pointer shots! 

• Recently the Boston Globe highlighted the wonderful work of Concordia Eco-Resort of trying to minimize their carbon footprint. We, too, at Great Expectations are working hard to be green. Over the past few years we have added photo-voltaic panels to our roofs and recently added a net meter so we can return electricity to WAPA (our local utility company).
   
• Treat yourself to a vacation at Great Expectations after your 8 Tuff Mile Race! This year's race is Saturday, February 22. Whether you are a runner, walker, or a supporter of this 'tuff' event you can also participate in the 'after' party at the 'Oppenheimer Recovery Beach Party' sponsored by the St John Cancer Fund. 

Hope to see you on St John and at Great Expectations soon!

Kristin & Chuck 

owners of Great Expectations

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news about Great Expectations specials & St John activities

St John Beaches are OPEN for Business (Oops - Pleasure)!

Enjoy our October newsletter (& the re-opened beaches, waters, & trails of St John!!):

Life is good again on St John!

This past week we have gotten a lot of inquiries about how the Federal government 'shut-down' has impacted St John. Are the beaches open? Can we still have our wedding on the beach? Snorkel in the waters off the beaches? Well, until this morning Sunday, October 6 at 7 AM, the answer had been that the US Virgin Islands Park Service closed all Park facilities, including the beaches and waters surrounding the Park beaches. This impacted a lot of folks, tourists and locals, who depend on the Park beaches (wedding planners, taxi drivers).We were delighted when this morning the VI National Park Service Deputy Superintendent, Mike Anderson, told the St John Source that the VI Park beaches, waters, and trails will be open effective immediately!  The Visitor's Center and the Annaberg Plantation will both remain closed for now.

This happened just in the nick of time since this afternoon at 1 PM the 'Occupy St John Beaches' movement (over 1,000 people signed on in about 48 hours!) planned a 'sit in' - or I guess in this case 'swim in' at Maho Bay beach entitled "Yah nah shut down da beach me boy". The Occupy folks encouraged people to be respectful but, I am sure that the Park Service staff were also relieved that the event will now turn into a 're-opening' party!

October St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• St John's Basketball Court and Playground has been totally renovated and this month the final equipment has been installed. The Estate Pine Peace court is the only regulation size basketball court on the island. The renovations included major improvements including a drainage system, new playground area, covered bleachers, a new scoreboard, new lighting, and a brand new basketball court. We, Great Expectations, were happy to be one of the private sector financial contributors to this important project. You can pass by the court at just about any time - day or night - and see it being used.
• 8-Tuff Mile Race Registration is now open and available for on-line sign-up. The 18th Annual Race which takes place on Saturday, February 22, 2014 has been a 'sold-out' event in the past so if you are interested in running or walking this race, best to sign up now!

• Cruz Bay Landing is the official name of the new restaurant of the JJ's Texas Coast space. Seems appropriate to us since the restaurant is right at the ferry dock. The space has been totally renovated and built out.  Todd and Christy, former owners of Woody's, promise this restaurant to be a fun, delicious, family place where their slogan 'You're Here. Now Relax' means serious fun.

• Great Expectations has a few openings this winter. If winter time is your preference to be on St John, do not dilly-dally since our calendar is already filling up for this winter (and spring). Contact us today to secure your week on St John to make sure you have a place in the warmth.

Snorkeling in Paradise

Enjoy our September newsletter...

Snorkeling Around St John is Worth the Trip

The beauty of St John often leaves people speechless.Our crystal clear waters are calm and pristine so that the snorkeling is phenomenal. Even for novice swimmers, because the entry at most of the beaches is so gradual, you can stand in knee deep water and watch the colorful fish and graceful turtles. With over 30 beaches, there are almost endless options to explore the warm waters which surround this paradise island. Some of our favorite spots for seeing lot of fish and sea turtles are the beaches of Maho, Francis, and right in front of Great Expectations in Chocolate Hole harbor. Waterlemon Cay is the hands-down favorite spot to see huge colorful starfish scattered about just 3 or 4 feet below the surface of the water on the ocean floor.Check out some of these great resources for finding the best snorkeling spots:Books --St John Beach GuideSt John: Off the Beaten TrackSt John Feet, Fins, & Four-Wheel DriveWebsites and blogs about St John snorkeling --Snorkel St John -- great pictures and an identification gallery of different fish, coral. Tips for snorkelers.See St John -- blog about St John's beaches, snorkeling spotsSt John Snorkeling -- lots of information about beaches, snorkeling tours, and snorkeling 101.Boat trips -- One of the best ways to spend a day around St John is to be on the water whether you rent your own boat or get a captain to escort you around. Here are some fun and popular options...Kekoa Sailing Expeditions -- is a 50' Catamaran which is available for private charter or a day sail with others. This is one of St John's most popular sailing vessels which is famous for spotting whales as well as wonderful snorkel spots.Sadie Sea -- is a popular 40' Motor Trawler which can accommodate up to 35 people. Sadie Sea offers 1/2 or full day private or group.Kayaking -- St John offers wonderful opportunities to kayak around our shores and coral reefs.There are lots of great organizations that offer snorkeling around St John.

September St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• St John is #1 again!  Caribbean Journal includes St John on their 'Caribbean's 10 Best Beaches for 2013' list.
• Recently, we have heard encouraging news that airfares are going down and lower this year than last! Recently, there have been several posts on Trip Advisor about great airfares for JetBlue's Boston - St Thomas flights.

• Welcome to St John - Gallows Point Gift & Gourmet has a new owner. This couple are truly in love with St John (and, who could blame them) having gotten engaged and married on St John.
• Love St John and love birds?  St John has some wonderful sanctuaries for wildlife and birds and now we will have a great opportunity to view them without being intrusive. St John will have a new bird viewing walkway in Frank Bay within walking distance to Cruz Bay which will be easily accessible for all to enjoy.
• Caneel and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts are parting ways this fall but, worry not, Caneel will still be Caneel. They anticipate no changes in local personnel other than those already announced such as the opening of Zozo's Restaurant this fall in the space that has long been the Sugar Mill Restaurant.
• Found on the beach of Cruz Bay recently were three 7' long cannons which by all accounts had been there for over 100 years! While no one knows for certain the origin of these cannons, it is thought that they were moved along with ammunition from Fortsberg in Coral Bay to Cruz Bay after the Coral Bay fort was decommissioned in 1765. Pretty cool.
• On-line registration for this year's 8-Tuff Mile Race will start October 1. Registration is limited (and final) so if you are planning to walk or run the race this year (February 22, 2014) mark the date on your calendar and make sure you register early.

• Great Expectations has a few openings this winter. If winter time is your preference to be on St John, do not dilly-dally since our calendar is already filling up for this winter (and spring). Contact us today to secure your week on St John to make sure you have a place in the warmth

Cheers, Kristin & Chuck

Farmer's Almanac Predicts a 'Bitterly Cold' Winter! What to do?

This weekend the famed Farmer's Almanac released its forecast for this winter and it is a bitterly cold one!  By their own admission they are using words like 'piercing cold' and even a strong four letter word in caps: C-O-L-D!  You can read the entire Farmer's Almanac report - 2014 Long-Range Weather Forecast - which is broken out by sections of the USA to see just how chilling your part of the world will be this winter.

So what is a warm blooded person to think or do? Yes, plan your trip for St John in the warm Caribbean where the only cold thing you will find is the ice in your smoothie!

Don't be left out in the cold this winter. Where would you like to put your toes this winter?

Do you think they are reading about the winter forecast while dipping their toes in the waters at Cinnamon Bay?

"A Piece of Heaven in the Caribbean"

We are proud that on Trip Advisor Great Expectations has been rated the #1 vacation villa on St John.

The pool patio area is just one of many informal gathering spaces

Here is our most recent review:

Trip Advisor/Flip Key review by a recent guest

Thanks for the feedback. It sure makes our day! Can't wait to have you all return to 
Great Expectations.  We are glad that your entire family (of 19 people!) enjoyed 
   their time at our St John villa. I guess it proves we are family friendly!

St John: New Beginnings & New Special Discounts (4th Couple Stay Free!) at Great Expectations

Enjoy our July newsletter:

New Beginnings 

Steve Simonsen captured these amazing photos as baby turtles emerged to see their new surroundings for the first time on a Virgin Islands beach

I can count 16 baby turtles (which coincidentally is the same number of beds as at Great Expectations). What an amazing event! Just as amazing is planning a vacation, especially to St John, with a large group (of people, not turtles). It can - but, does not have to be - daunting! We found a blog thread recently which you might find fun, relevant, and reassuring, if you have ever traveled with a large group. RickG, a regular visitor to St John and a USVI-on-Line contributor to their forum, posted his 'Group Travel Rules for St John'. As interesting are the comments by other experienced travelers who added to Rick's list.RickG's 'How to Plan a Vacation to St John with a Large Group': 1. Don't invite a whiner. Don't invite anyone that you would not spend a week with 1-on-1. 2. I pick the villa and the week and people get to decide if they want to come. It's OK if no one wants to come with me. 3. You get to pick your room in the order that you pay. I've already paid the deposit, so I go first. This deals with the equal room problem and #1 deals with whiners (Note - @ Great Expectations all 4 Main Villa Master bedrooms are 'equal'). 4. One vehicle per two couples. Expect there to be an early group and a late group each morning. This is not a problem I get my own vehicle and my lover is in the late group. 5. Pick a beach each day you want to visit. 11 AM is a good rendezvous hour.  The late group can usually make it and the early group will have done a hike and another beach already. It is OK if no one else shows up (you do not have to be joined at the hip all week!). 6. Do some happy hours at the villa. It's cheap and 6 -8 + people is a party. 7. Do some dinners at the villa (you can even have them catered for no more than the cost of a meal at one of St John's nicer restaurants) and do some date nights. Dinner out for 6 - 8 + people is a pain in the a$$. Meet for drinks before and after dinner.

8. Expect to spend a day without leaving the villa. Start the blender at 10 AM, put sunscreen on all exposed skin first. 9. Put $100 in the food kitty for initial food/drink provisioning. If someone is concerned that they won't spend that much and want differential treatment, that breaks rule #1 - they don't get to come. $800 will cover food and booze for a week.Some of RickG's lessons learned: -If someone whines at home, they will whine on St John (STJ). -If someone pitches in at home they will pitch in more on STJ. -The herd moves at the speed of the slowest beast. -Don't be afraid to say "I'm heading out. I'll be back for sunset." -Newbies will assume the villa is on the beach, even if you tell them otherwise and show them pictures. If they can't get over this, they stay at the Westin. -#1 takes care of almost every possible problem.

Some additional 'rules' added by others were: 1.  Let everyone book their own airline tickets. 2. Some people assign the days to have a different person responsible for each dinner (or planning the activities for the day). 3. Don't feel as though you have to be joined at the hip. It is OK to go off on your own to explore STJ.

The most important common thread was the 'no whiners' aboard. We know that it can be hard to do the planning for a large group but, we also know how much fun it can be to vacation with a group of friends.

This is why Great Expectations has just added a new discount to our family of 'specials' (Bride & Groom Stay Free!, Grandparents Stay Free! Active Military Stay Free!). The new special is specifically for groups of couples traveling together. See our website for details:

                             4th Couple Stays Free! when accompanied by 3 or more couples

We hope that this will make the planning for your St John vacation a bit sweeter (and more affordable) for all.

July St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• St John's 2013 Carnival was a great success again this year. This year's Festival Parade was colorful as usual. The winners, by category, were detailed in the St John Tradewinds and captured in this video by Virgin Islands Source.
• Delta and Jet Blue are expanding service to the US Virgin Islands. This winter Delta will have more direct flights to St Thomas including a daily flight from JFK to St Thomas. In addition both Cape Air and Seaborne Airlines are expanding their service from Puerto Rico to St Thomas.

• Speaking of airlines, News of St John recently had a great posting about 'Finding the Best Airfare to St Thomas' we thought would be of interest.

• Fodor's Travel Guide published its 'Top Reasons to Go to St John' including: beach hopping, hiking Reef Bay, Snorkeling at Trunk Bay, Relaxing at a Villa (we like this one the best and have a great villa to recommend!), and exploring Cruz Bay.
• Popular Cruz Bay restaurant ZoZo's will serve its last meal at Gallows Point this coming Saturday. Fret not though it is not closing but, rather, as of November it is just changing its vantage point for fabulous sunsets and panoramic views of Pillsbury Sound to the enchanting Sugar Mill Restaurant at Caneel Bay. We are now all waiting to see what will take its place at Gallows Point.
• Ever season the restaurant scene changes on St John and this year is no different. The successful Sun Dog Cafe owners are branching out and will open the Virgin Fire Bar & Grill Restaurant this fall in the Mongoose Junction space that housed the former LaPlancha del Mar restaurant. The owners promise to feature foods that are grown or inspired locally, hence the name.

• Great Expectations has a few openings during 2013 (summer and fall) and we are offering them at great savings so take a look our last minute specials. If winter time is your preference to be on St John, do not dilly-dally since our calendar is already filling up for next winter (and spring).Contact us today to secure your week on St John.

Best,

Kristin & Chuck 

owners of Great Expectations

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news about Great Expectations specials & St John activities

St John tops 'best of' lists (once again)!

Enjoy our May newsletter:

Islands Magazine Best Beach 2013 Photography Contest Has
St John in Top Spot

Island Magazine contestant Matt Erikson's Maho Bay beach photo

Islands.com recently issued their top 10 photos - so far - for their 2013 Best Beaches Photo Contest and St John is Number #1 on that list. No wonder. The St John waters make for a pretty phenomenal canvas. Having a beautiful canvas is a necessary ingredient, but taking great pictures needs more than that. I know. I have hundreds of over or underexposed pictures of our beaches. A few months ago, my husband treated me to one of St John Photographer Steve Simonsen's Beyond the Basic's Photography incredible workshops. If you happen to be on St John when one of Steve's workshops is being offered, take it! He is a delight and in just 3 - 4 hours you will see and photograph St John as never before!

During this past month St John also made it onto the following lists of US News's 'Best of' Lists:

   Best Caribbean Vacation

   Best Caribbean Beaches, and 
   Best Caribbean Honeymoon

And just in case you are thinking of quitting your stateside jobs and moving to the Caribbean you should know that Islands.com declared St John 'One of the Best Islands to Live On'!

April/May St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• La Tapa (a personal favorite of ours) and La Plancha del Mar get top honors by making it onto the 2013 Best Chefs in America list! What is especially sweet about this award is that the judges were America's top chefs themselves! Not food writers or surveys, but confidential interviews with actual chefs.

  

• Folksinger Kenny Chesney released his new album April 30th about his experiences and time on St John and in the Virgin Islands waters. It is aptly named, Life On a Rock. Chesney says he found peace on St John and the Virgin Islands became a 'safe harbor' for him from all the craziness. Many of us who know St John could not have said (or sung) it better! To help preserve our waters and lands for future generations to enjoy, Chesney has announced that he is donating part of the album's profits to the Friends of the National Park.
   

• The afternoon of April 21st an electrical fire swept through the long-time, popular Cruz Bay restaurant Cafe Roma. Luckily, quick action by the St John Fire Department, St John Rescue, and several folks from local restaurants helped contain the fire. No other neighboring buildings were damaged. OnCafe Roma's Facebook page the restaurant's owner, John Hiebert, thanked all that helped that day and promised to rebuild. That is the St John spirit for you!

• We have a new St John partner who has agreed to offer guests of Great Expectations discounts for their services. We are delighted to announce that Low Key Water Sports will extend our guests a 15% discount for snorkeling equipment rentals and diving! Low Key is known as the very best dive outfit on St John. 

• Great Expectations has a few openings this summer. What better way of ending the winter than enjoying the warmth of the Caribbean? Contact us today to take advantage of our last minute specials. 

Best,

Kristin & Chuck 

owners of Great Expectations

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news about Great Expectations specials & St John activities
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Our monthly St John newsletter for May which we distribute to all those who love St John and want to be kept up-to-date about happenings on and around our wonderful island. If you would like to sign up for the monthly newsletter, there is a 'sign up' box at the bottom  of the blue column on the right of this page. 

St John newsletter - March and April happenings around the island

Our monthly St John newsletter for April which we distribute to all those who love St John and want to be kept up-to-date about happenings on and around our wonderful island. If you would like to sign up for the monthly newsletter, there is a 'sign up' box at the bottom  of the blue column on the right of this page. Enjoy!

Trip Advisor names St John as one of the
World's 10 best islands

I took this picture of Trunk Bay while attending one of world-renowned
Steve Simonsen's photography seminars (highly recommended!) 

What do Bora Bora, Santorini, and St John have in common? Well they are all islands, but there are literally millions of islands in the world so that is not it. These islands, and 7 others, made the coveted list of Trip Advisor's 2013 list of the 10 Best Islands in the World! Not too shabby! Those of you who have been to St John understand why we made the list. Those of you who have not been here yet, will see for yourselves when you step on the island for the first time. The beauty of St John is ever-present. Our mountainous topography offers a wonderful vista around every bend. Our crystal clear, warm, turquoise waters are magically beautiful. And, it is just as pretty underwater as it is above.  I believe, though, we also made the list because of what we do not have. Two-thirds of St John is part of the US National Park system so we will be forever green and those lands should never, ever be developed. We also do not have casinos, movie theaters, airports, cruise ships (well, yes, day trippers come over from St Thomas, but no huge cruise ships can get close enough to dock in our harbors, just sailboats and small power boats).  Trip Advisor writes that "Ecotourism is alive and kicking on St. John. There's more than enough to do on land, from watching for wildlife in the national park to hiking miles of trails or strolling sandy white beaches. Hit the water for amazing snorkeling, swimming, even underwater photography—of course. This is the Caribbean, after all."  Trip Advisor lists 48 'Things to Do' and if that is not enough our wonderful Concierge, Coby, can add to that list for you!

April St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• One of the reasons St John made the 'Best Islands' list this year is the commitment we have to the environment. Virgin Islands Ecotours is the leading eco-tour company offering a variety of tours many of which start off at their new Honeymoon Beach location at Caneel Bay, in the Virgin Islands National Park on St John. There are also private tours for families or wedding parties.Their award-winning tours combine kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling into a unforgettably fun and educating experience emphasizing our leave no trace style ecotourism. Experience it for yourself first through their video and then for yourself when you next visit St John. 

• April is Carnival Season on St Thomas and this year is every bit as festive and fun as the first St Thomas Carnival over 101 years ago in 1912. This year's Carnival officially began on March 31 and ends on April 27th. The St Thomas's Festival (aka Carnival) is filled with music, food, and parades as are all the Virgin Islands Carnivals, but, somehow this one is more rambunctious and wild than the others. If you want to experience a Caribbean Carnival, but do not want to be overwhelmed on St Thomas come to St John during our Carnival season which is calmer, but still colorful (mid-June to July 4th). 

• Spring also brings sailing regattas to the Virgin Islands. The 40th Annual International Rolex Regatta was held last month with St Thomas Yacht Club hosting the races. The weather during this year's race was picture perfect as many of the  local photographers captured in dramatic ways. The weather during the recent British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta was not as blue, but the strong winds and rain (yes, rain) made for dramatic sailing and some wonderful pictures as well. 

• If you want to keep up with All Things St John  there is a great app for you. News of St John Blog reports that the app, My Virgin Islands, is new and improved and now provides information, by island, about beaches, shopping, services, events, accommodations (and yes, you can find our villa,  Great Expectations, which is the only villa rated with 5 stars!), and restaurants. Given the popularity of this app I sure would put it in your 'favorites' and check back often for updates. The app is iPhone, iPad, iTouch, and Android friendly and best of all, it is free!

• Great Expectations has a few openings this spring and summer. What better way of ending the winter than enjoying the warmth of the Caribbean? Contact us today to take advantage of our last minute specials this May and June.
   

Best,

Chuck & Kristin

owners of Great Expectations

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news about Great Expectations specials & St John activities

Whales, Whales, and more whales -- around St John

From our March newsletter....  

Whale sightings are all around St John

The website USVI Weddings posted this amazing shot 

Spring is a wonderful time to visit St John, our island in the sun. The waters are warm, the breezes are blowing, and whales abound. Whale sightings so far this year have been amazing. And, thanks to the quick actions of several folks we have pictures to share. This video was shot recently by Jason Siska of Coral Bay, St John and posted on Facebook:

Famed St John photographer, Steve Simonsen, captured these wonderful shots last week while running about in his beloved motorboat, Jackson:

 There she blows!

These shots were taken just south of where Great Expectations is located

March St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• March not only brings whales to our waters, but mega-yachts also have been spotted around St John recently. News of St John blogged this photo taken by St John Captain John who pilots the charter boat Palm Tree. The owner of this small craft that measures a mere 288 feet is Mark Cuban (owner of Landmark Theaters). One would guess that the 35 crew aboard can and do cater to his every need. Rumor has it that Paul McCarthy and Bruce Springsteen were spotted on another mega-yacht, The Rising Sun belonging to David Geffen, which was moored just off Honeymoon Beach. Ah, what a life!

• St John is once again in the news as the 'go-to' island. USA Travel writer, Melanie Renzulli, has declared the US Virgin Islands and St John, in particular, one of America's best islands!  The fact that we are part of the USA so that no passport is required is one of many reasons she cites for making it to the list. Calling St John 'the most natural' island is another reason. The beauty of St John is inescapable. CNN Travel featured as the #1 'Beaches we'd like to be lounging on', you guessed it - Trunk Bay!

• The Virgin Islands National Park Service (VINP) made the news nation-wide with its recent announcement banning smoking on any of our National Park beaches or at their facilities. From the Huffington Post and the Seattle Times, the word got out that our beaches are to be forever smoke free!
• You know you are in the Caribbean when three of the top blogs and newspapers on St John feature a new brew! And, why not, since the new offering comes from our own St John Brewer's and is a key ingredient for the favorite tropical drink...the Dark & Stormy! The St John Brewers have been serving up, on tap, their home made Ginger Beer at their pub for a long-time, but they have just perfected the bottling of it and the Ginger Beer will be distributed to a larger market throughout the Virgin Islands (yes, you must make a trip to the Virgin Islands to taste this, but it will be worth the trip...).

• Great Expectations has a few openings this spring. What better way of ending the winter than enjoying the warmth of the Caribbean? Contact us today to take advantage of our last minute specials this April and May.

We sure hope we see you at Great Expectations or Beau Geste this year or next!

Best,

Chuck & Kristin

owners of Great Expectations

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news about Great Expectations specials & St John activities

These are just for you if you love the colors - and views - of St John

Hot off the press the January newsletter from Great Expectations:

Artist Sloop Jones captures the beauty of the St John sunrise
on his 'canvas'

Photographer Steve Simonsen uses a camera to as his 'canvas'
to capture the sunset's colors
 

Both Sloop Jones and Steve Simonsen are passionate about their respective crafts about the beauty and colors of St John. Sloop is an artist who captures the colors of St John on anything 'wearable and useable' whether T-Shirts, dresses, hats, rugs, wall hangings, or banners and signs. Rather than a paint brush, Steve Simonsen uses a camera to create his art. Steve often takes to the skies (in an airplane or helicopter), water (diving or boat), or the beach or hills of St John to capture his pictures. His fabulous photography can be seen on the covers of travel magazines, walls of cruise ships, or art galleries around the world.

Both Sloop and Steve offer workshops aimed at giving you a peek into their worlds and helping you capture the magic that is St John:

Sloop Jones Workshops: Every Tuesday morning from January - April, 2013. Classes are limited to 6 people to ensure that everyone gets a good deal of Sloop's attention.

Steve Simonsen Workshops: Scheduled sporadically (it is the islands 'mon) are workshops on Underwater Photography, Snorkel, Tropical Light, and Beyond the Basics. Steve looks for groups of 6 people for his workshops. This weekend I am attending the Beyond the Basics Workshop with the hopes of being able to capture in a lens the beauty I see through my eyes.

OK, assume that you have worked all morning at one of these workshops, what better way of relaxing than spending the afternoon in our new pool:

Watch the clouds float over St John from our new pool

January St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• Once again St John makes several 'Best of' lists. Travel + Leisure launched its first annual 'Beach Beach on Earth' survey and after much debate identified the top 30 best and several Virgin Islands beaches made the list including St John's Trunk Bay in the 'Best for Wildlife Watching'. The Toronto 'The Star' newspaper/blog declared that St John is THE Caribbean island to explore.

• The latest issue of St John Magazine is now available and the reviews are terrific (maybe the best yet!). Each year, MaLinda Nelson outdoes herself to produce an issue that is fresher, bolder, more interesting, and more beautiful than the year before. The 2013 issue is just that! Steve Simonsen's fabulous photography captures St John's magical beauty and Amy Roberts captures, in words, the turmoil in our plantation years. Come to St John to buy one yourself or, if you must order on-line contact MaLinda directly. 

• News of St John (a wonderful blog) had a great posting about how to prolong the 'St John buzz'. We have great musicians on the island and always have lots of live music options available. Several of the groups have put out their own CD's so you can hear St John even when not here. Here are just a few: Inner Visions (for Reggae), Victor Provost has perfected steel drums & pans, and Marty Beech who you can hear at Caneel Bay's Turtle Bay where he sings songs of Frank Sinatra. Best to come to St John to hear these folks in person!
   
• Carnival season has begun in the Virgin Islands. St Croix ends the 'old year' and starts the 'new year' with its Festival. This year's activities were, as usual, spectacular. The next Festival will be on St Thomas during the month of April. St John rounds out the activities for the Virgin Islands with its Festival activities (our favorite) which are scheduled during the last couple of weeks of June and culminate with food fairs, parades, and music during the first week of July.
   
• Rumored for years but it finally happened: Maho Bay Campgrounds was sold! Just as the clock struck twelve on the old year, the deal was sealed so says the island's rumor mill. No one knows for sure who the buyer of the spectacular site is for a steal of a price ($13.9 million), but we can all hope that it is someone who appreciates the beauty of St John who believes in preservation. The Campgrounds is open until May 15 after which they plan the biggest 'garage sale' in the history of St John. If you are interested in a propane burner, tent, table, or other camping gear contact the Stanley Selegut, the owner of Maho Bay Campgrounds, directly.

• Beau Geste, the Guest House of Great Expectations, is currently available for 10% off from Saturday, February 16 - Sunday, February 24 (President's week). Beau Geste has 3 bedrooms, including a connecting bedroom, swimming pool and hot tub, and, of course, fabulous Caribbean views. Contact us today to get out of the cold!

  Enjoy the holidays and we hope we see you at Great Expectations or Beau Gestein the new year!

Best,

 

Chuck & Kristin

owners of Great Expectations

P.S. While Great Expectations is already booked most of this winter, we have a five night opening in March (check out our March Madness Special), 5 night opening in April, and then no  availability until May. We are already taking reservations for 2014, so contact us soon  for your choice dates.

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The last day of the year on St John...a mixed day but both of the 'book-ends' were pretty! Check out our St John webcams

The day started off with threatening skies note the rain shower on in the far right

but, the rain went south of St John and the last day of the year ended with pretty pink skies:

As they say 'pink skies at night...sailor's delight!'

And the next morning brought

The first day of the year was gorgeous

Bodes well for 2013! May it be filled with pretty skies, warm waters, and wonderful tidings! So, what are you waiting for? Come on down and enjoy...

Can't come today - sad for you - check out these webcams to get your St John 'fix':

Rendezvous Bay this is our favorite -- from our St John villa Great Expectations so, we admit, we are not totally objective!

Other great St John webcams to bookmark are: 

Chocolate Hole - Villa Serendipity

Cruz Bay Dock - St. John Spice

Cruz Bay, Pillsbury Sound & St. Thomas - Tap Room

Cruz Bay views - Beach Bar

Cruz Bay views - Hillcrest Guest House

Ditleff Point - Kaleidoscope Villa

Peter Bay - Villa Amorosa

Overlooking the BVI's - Skyridge Villa

Enjoy our views, until you can come to St John yourself to feel the wind and warmth and enjoy the sounds of the waves breaking on the shore beneath your villa!

Caribbean skies light up with meteor showers

An E-Space reader captured this shot of the Geminids meteor shower

St John is spectacular during the day, that is well known. Many call the magnificent vistas of the Caribbean seas and the fabulous hillsides of St John 'candy for the eye' and it is! What is not as well known is that the viewing at night can be just as spectacular!  Far from city lights, the stars seem so much more plentiful, clearer, brighter, and just more fascinating.  This is true at any time of year but, right now, it is true on steroids!

This week marks the peak of the Germinids meteor shower and it is also coupled with the time the moon is newest which makes the stars ever more vibrant.  The Germinids meteor shower is also called Winter's Fireworks and it is the final meteor shower of the year and often the most spectacular. 

Here is a first hand opinion as posted on our son-in-law's Facebook page this morning (needless to say I was not up at 1:30 AM!):

Good news for those of us that are not up in the wee hours of the morning, e-space reports that the Germinids meteor shower 'unlike many other major meteor showers, the Geminids can be viewed early in the evening. This is due to the radiant (the constellation Gemini) being about 30 degrees above the eastern horizon by 9 PM'.  We are also told while the peak days are December 13th and December 14th there should be great viewing for the next week while stragglers fly by...keep your eyes to the sky - to the east - and enjoy!

Information from Spacedex.com

What do you do when a guest won't leave your St John Villa?

Steve seems to be living in our new pool

We actually have no complaints and thought it was funny when Steve e-mailed to ask if he and his wife, Carrie, could stay on for a few more days!  Luckily for them we happened to be available this week so we said yes, indeed!

Steve and his wife first stayed at Great Expectations 10 years ago this past week when they were married on St John. At that time they rented Great Expectations for their family and friends - 14 in all. The actual wedding ceremony was at Oppenheimer beach and they had their reception catered by our good friend and fabulous chef Laura Samms, owner of Passion Fruit Chefs. 

About a year ago Steve reserved Great Expectations for his 10th anniversary.  This time it was to be a surprise for his wife. Carrie thought that she and Steve would be coming to St John for their anniversary to stay at Beau Geste, the Guest House of Great Expectations (as they have several times over the last 10 years).  Well, instead, Steve invited Carrie's siblings (and their spouses) and several of their friends to join them.  It was only along the way, at the airports when Carrie saw one sister and then another, that she realized something was 'up'! But it was not until she arrived at Great Expectations that she realized that Steve had invited 15 friends and family to celebrate with them! Tears - of joy (luckily!) - flowed and a great week was had.  So great that when their family and guests left on Saturday they could not tear themselves away so they stayed on...a happy ending!

Here is an e-mail we received from Carrie on the first morning of their stay:

"I'm sitting alone on the porch, waiting for the sunrise. Still taking in the events of the last 24 hours! I'm shocked at what Steve was able to pull off!  And laughing at your complicity in it all!  You are all sneaky!
Everyone loves GE....The new pool is absolutely amazing, seems like it was always here. Just a perfect addition to an already perfect place. I know we'll have lots if fun stories to share, but I wanted to just thank you and Chuck now for this week and everything you did to make it happen for us.  It's going to be unforgettable!"  

Here is a picture Steve took, from where he now apparently lives near our new pool, on what was to be his last morning on St John:

Steve calls this is 'bacon 'n cake' breakfast by new pool (obviously, all sense and sensibility has left his head!)

And, the vacation continues....