Get Ready to Party: St Thomas Carnival Officially Starts Tomorrow - April 5 - and runs through May 3 (2014)
The Biggest Fete Ever Seen, Carnival 2014!
The schedule for St Thomas Carnival 2014 has been released and its theme is 'The Biggest Fete Ever Seen' so get ready to party:
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!)
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
May happenings on St John
May News flashes & fun St John clips:
- Spring marks the start of Carnival season in the Virgin Islands which is always exciting. St Thomas celebrated the 60th anniversary and did it in style this April. The St Thomas Carnival Ritual Dancers (picture to the right) were spectacular as usual. This year's theme of 'A Celebration for the World to See' highlighted past and present cultural events, food, music and dancing. The young ones had their special day with the Children's Fair and, as usual, there were lots of activities for the adults. The month long celebration culminated with J'Ouvert, a mile long street party, which started at 4 AM. Flat bed trucks overflowing with equipment, speakers, bands, dancers belted out music and dance moves as though the month long festivities were just starting! St John was represented by Cool Sessions Brass Steel Band which led the large band procession. St John's s Carnival season begins early June and ends with with a great parade and fireworks on July 4.
- Wagapapalooza, St John Animal Care Center's wonderfully fun dog show and important fundraiser to support the Center's activities, will be held this year on May 19 from 5 - 9 PM at the ball park in Cruz Bay. If you cannot come, you candonate online and support the pooches of St John!
Restaurant happenings: Moonshine Steak & Seafood is to open this month in the same great location as Cactus on the Blue (right on the waterfront with fabulous views) with the same owners but a radically different look and menu. Moonshine aims to be an upscale venue. Another wonderful new waterfront bar is Motu (picture to right) which is located on the porch in front of the brand new building housing Low Key Watersports. The owners are planning jazz and old time beach music and hope that they will be able to attract private parties. We think it looks like a great place to host your wedding reception or family celebration! When you find yourself in Coral Bay a new must experience restaurant is Ekaete Pink Corner featuring true Caribbean foods including roti, curry goat or curry chicken, BBQ ribs, local juices including mauby, plum, sorrel, tamarind, and golden apple, and of course, smoothies and homemade ice-cream. Yumm!
New Cruz Bay store: Waterbase at Wharfside Village opens offering paddleboard lessons and rentals and island-centric clothing. The owner, Pretlow Majette, is a pro and seasoned St John retailer who also owns the popular Big Planet, Made in St John and Shade eyeware.
- Our reviews continue to be fabulous (we rank #1 on Trip Advisor out of more than 400 St John villas) and we thank our guests for taking the time to tell others of their trip and stay at Great Expectations. It continues to be a pleasure for us!
Come to St John - and Great Expectations - to find for yourself why St John becomes an obsession!
Best,
Chuck & Kristin
owners of Great Expectations
P.S. Check out our availability; we still have a few weeks available during this coming summer and fall.