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Happy Thanksgiving Hurricane Style
The third Monday in October marks the 'Hurricane Thanksgiving Day'. This year that is today, October 21 so Happy Thanksgiving! No turkey but equally important NO hurricane and no storms of any sort! Sweet! Take a look at this National Weather Service map of the Atlantic waters captured just last evening:
According to the National Geographic: Residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands know that if they haven't been hit by a hurricane by mid-October, there's a good chance they're safe for the rest of the Atlantic hurricane season. Since 1726 Virgin Islanders have devoted a day to give thanks as the summer storms pass them by. While this has not been 'full proof' why not embrace the tradition? Lets hope that the worst of the storms are behind us and all we have to look forward to is sunshine! Enjoy the day by getting to a beach (or, at least, planning your next vacation to St John!):
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| Your hammock awaits |
Love Woody's Seafood? Now You Can Have a Piece of Woody's in your Home! All for a Great Cause.
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The folks who own and manage Woody's Seafood Saloon have always been great supporters of all things St John and we are delighted to learn that the new owners still have St John front and center when it comes to supporting community activities. They have just announced on their Facebook page that they are auctioning off their Woody's Seafood Sign to the highest bidder. Best of all, all proceeds will go to support the St John Cancer Fund!
From their Facebook page:
Own a piece of Woody’s Seafood Saloon. We are auctioning off this vintage Woody’s Sign to raise money for the St. John Cancer Fund. This sign is 4 ft wide and is 3 ft tall. It is hand painted on ¾ in plywood and originally hung above the main entrance to Woody’s. Keep in mind this sign hung outside and shows all of the natural patina and weathering of being outside.
We have a new sign being made and just couldn't throw this one away.....
This sign would look great in anyone's man cave, home bar or any serious collector has got to have it!
Go to eBay now to place your bid!*
The St John Cancer Fund is a great cause so bid often & bid high!! As of Thursday's morning (October 10) @ 6:30 AM there were already 15 bidders and the price was $1,326*. Keep bidding and own a piece of St John - and, do great things for St John!
The auction deadline is October 15 @ 13:07:33 PDT. Don't let this sign pass you by!
*There was a hic-cup this today. Ebay cancelled the auction because it was 'outside' the US. After many emails from the owner of Woody's all is good again and the bidding has resumed (unfortunately, at the base bid of $400. Hopefully, all those who bid before, will be again - and more. Remember, it is for the St John Cancer Fund!
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.
St John Dogs & Cats on the Move...Want to Help?
One of our all time favorite organizations on St John is the St John Animal Care Center (SJACC). They have done a wonderful job of caring for St John animals (mainly cats and dogs) that are homeless and in need of a forever home and best of all SJACC is a 'no-kill' shelter so often capacity is a challenge for them, but they always seem to manage to take in all lovable 4-legged creatures needing a roof over their head and some love.
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| Twix is looking for a companion to transport him to his forever home in California |
SJACC is always looking for people who want to adopt (or foster) one of their animals. Often vacationers fall in love with one of their kitties or pooches and want to take them back home. Often it is seamless to get them back home with the SJACC providing travel cases and help understanding how to work with the airlines. Sometimes, though, the SJACC needs an extra hand and that is their current situation. They have announced that Twix, pictured above, is looking for an escort to California (Sacramento Airport/San Francisco). Two St John visitors, Gordon and Cerena, fell in love with Twix and want to take him home with them, but they are already traveling with their two dogs (gotta love people who vacation with their dogs!) and they are flying Delta which only allows one dog per human-type passenger. If you are traveling to northern California in the next few weeks and are willing to help transport Twix please call the SJACC @ 340 774-1625.
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| Penny (the kitty) on her way to her forever home in Southern California |
If you are more of a kitty person, the SJACC is looking for help transporting a lovely kitty to her new forever home in Southern California. Last time our daughter was visiting St John she and her husband fell in love with a teeny kitty and took her back home (to California) to join the rest of their 4-legged family. What is it about California ? Big hearts, I guess!
Even if your trip to St John is not for several months, think about taking home something very loving and lasting (and better for you than a bottle of rum!). If you think that you might have a place in your heart and family for one of the St John kitties or dogs needing a forever home, check out their Adopt a Pet page and when you get to St John stop by to visit the SJACC animals and staff. The staff are always looking for volunteers to take dogs on walks so what better way of working off that big dinner than taking a walk around Cruz Bay with one of their dogs. If cats are for you, think about volunteering some time and giving some love to the kitties in their charge. You and they will be the better for it!
Love the Virgin Islands? Love Rum? Now You Have a Great Excuse to Drink More to Help the USVI
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| Cruzan Rum is made in the US Virgin Islands |
Each year the US Virgin Islands receives tens of millions of dollars from the federal government as the result of a 'Cover Over Rate Tax' which is USVI rum excise tax monies returned to the US Virgin Islands from the federal government. Actually, over $250 million each year comes back to the US VIrgin Islands as the result of people buying USVI made rum! The cover over tax has been in place for nearly 100 years and benefitting the US Virgin Islands since 1954. The Congressional Research Service produced a history of the Rum Excise Tax Cover Over 3 years ago.
The 'per gallon' excise tax rate is now in dispute between the US Virgin Islands government and the federal government. The difference is not peanuts in that the USVI is projecting $264 million and the federal government is projecting only $193 million. The difference is based on a lower per gallon reimbursement rate $10.50/gallon vs $13.25/gallon. If you want to get into the details you might read the letter the USVI's Budget Director sent last Friday to the Department of the Interior appealing for relief of the per gallon rate calculation.
The bottom line for us, though, is the more US Virgin Islands rum that is sold the more money that is returned to the US Virgin Islands for support of our schools, streets, etc so....drink up to help the islands you love.
USVI Tops list of 'Bargain Destinations for Fall 2013'
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| Thinkstock photo of popular Trunk Bay |
Smarter Traveler names USVI #1 destination on their list of Top Bargain Destinations for this fall saying:
U.S. Virgin Islands
First, the downside: Hurricane season runs through November 30. But the traditional peak in activity falls in early September, so a fall trip isn't as foolhardy as it might seem. The upside, particularly for bargain hunters, is that air-and-hotel vacation deals from a variety of providers make a trip to the no-passport-needed Caribbean islands appealingly affordable in the coming season.
Others on the list include China, Oregon, Florida, and Southern California. Hands down, for me at least, it is the US Virgin Islands (and, specifically --St John) !
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
Celebrate 'Talk Like a Pirate Day' by learning about the Real Pirates of the Virgin Islands
Today, September 18, is 'Talk Like a Pirate Day' so when better to learn about the real pirates of the Virgin Islands than today!
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| Famed Pirate Blackbeard |
According to Wikipedia, along with the facts we find a certain amount of legend, the most famous of which is probably the Territory's association with the famous pirate Blackbeard. Blackbeard was known by a number of names including Edward Teach, Tatch, and Thatch. There are two "Thatch" islands in the BVI and almost directly opposite Road Harbour is the island known as 'Deadchest,' where Blackbeard allegedly marooned a number of his men[4] giving the island its name. These men were supposed to have tried to swim to the adjacent Peter Island but drowned, hence the name 'Dead Man's Bay' on Peter Island.
The reality is that there is no documentary evidence to support any of this and academically speaking, there is no proof to show that Blackbeard ever sailed through the Virgin Islands. It is known that Blackbeard did maroon some of his pirates but this happened in the Bahamas and not the Virgin Islands. More conclusive is the fact that a map from the early 18th century shows that Deadchest Island was known by this name far earlier than when Blackbeard was operating, which was only between the years 1716-18.
TREASURE ISLAND: The Blackbeard myth was perpetuated in the BVI when Robert Louis Stevenson wrote his now famous book "Treasure Island". In the book is the famous song mentioning 'Deadchest' and some suggest that Stevenson based his Treasure Island on Norman Island. Included on his Treasure Island is a hill known as 'Spyglass Hill' which is actually the highest peak on Norman Island. The reality is though that whilst researching his book, Stevenson probably chose a group of islands that suited his story from a sea chart. He would have taken their names and adapted them for this own purpose but in fact, his diaries show that he never visited the BVI.
Acts of piracy were committed in the BVI and the documentary resource proves this. In 1685, a Spanish pirate vessel called the Longue attacked Tortola and captured an English sloop and its crew of eight, one of whom was killed. In the following year, another Spanish pirate expedition which was in fact led by an English Doctor, attacked, invaded, and held Tortola for a number of days. Plantations were pillaged and the Deputy Governor's son, Thomas Bisse, was held captive and physically abused. Damage estimated at £3,977.00 was committed which was enough for the juvenile colony to collapse.
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Whether or where pirates really existed in the Virgin Islands (US or British) really is secondary to some of the wonderful tales that are told by many a sea captain as they navigate the waters of St John today! Makes for a fun story and great reason to consume the pirate's favorite beverage - da rum!
Check out lots of links and info about the real and not-so real pirates of today and yesteryear.
St John to Get Wildlife Sanctuary Walkway and Pier at Frank Bay
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| Great Blue Herons are known to visit St John's Frank Bay |
Friday, September 13 proved to be a lucky day for the wildlife, birds, and all those who will visit the new Wildlife Sanctuary at St John's Frank Bay. Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. and members of the Audubon Society of the Virgin Islands gathered at The Battery on St. John to execute a Memorandum of Agreement for Frank Bay Pier.
When completed, the wooden walkway and pier will create a special vantage point from which to observe and appreciate the diverse and spectacular birds that inhabit the sanctuary. It will allow observers for the first time to view the full pond without disturbing its avian inhabitants doing the important work of breeding and nourishing themselves. The project will also add new signs offering information to visitors about Frank Bay and its wildlife.
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| The Spotted Sandpipers call Frank Bay 'home' |
“The great ornithologist and naturalist John James Audubon said a true conservationist knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children. The native and migratory birds that populate our islands are a part of our children’s inheritance,” the governor said.
“Those birds—the Great Blue Herons, Black-necked Stilts, Spotted Sandpipers and so many other magnificent species—need refuges on these islands for rest and sustenance; the health of their population depends on sanctuaries like Frank Bay that are safe from predatory animals and unspoiled by human development.”
The governor noted the new infrastructure at the Frank Bay sanctuary will enhance public awareness and understanding of a unique wildlife environment and the local and migratory birds that populate it by allowing visitors to view them in their natural habitat.
“This, above all else, I consider a gift to our children, who in their backyard will find a world-class outdoor classroom that no amount of technology could replace,” he said.
Best St John Snorkeling Pictures
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| 'Isabel Traveler' captured this fabulous turtle photo last month |
St John is fortunate to have a number of professional photographers who are able to capture the incredible vistas and vibrant underwater sea life, however, we also often have visitors who also capture very special pictures. Yesterday, I read a Trip Advisor posting by 'Isabel Traveler' who was on-island this August. She is a pretty frequent visitor to St John but, before this trip, she had only come during January. She was pleased to find even more sea-life during this trip than her previous winter vacations. Her pictures are stunning! She captured lots of pictures of turtles and even has a turtle movie on her photo stream so you can really feel as though you are truly swimming along with the turtle.
The colors and variety of fish (including lots of sharks, octopus, and tons of starfish) are really amazing.
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| What a colorful fella! |
When 'Isabel Traveler' dried off and was above sea level for a bit of the week she captured some fun shots of new life on St John.
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| Doesn't this little guy look like he is smiling and pretty happy to be hugged? |
This Christmas Bush you do not want to mess with
Christmas Bush is the Virgin Islands equivalent of Poison Ivy
& is really, really nasty stuff
There are so many wonderful things to see and do on St John including
, whether along our wonderful beaches or through the National Park hills, however, we do have a couple of nasty plants that - if touched - can ruin your day or vacation! One of them is commonly called the 'Christmas Bush', probably because its leaves look like the leaves of a holly tree and are red and green. The formal name of this plant is
.
Here is a close up of it. The effects of rubbing up against it are quite similar to the rash one can get with poison ivy. Nasty! Be forewarned and give this plant plenty of space!
Summer Over for You? Not For Us on St John!
Averaging 80 degrees year round, truly! St John weather is ideal!
| Spring March - May |
Summer June - Aug |
Fall Sept - Nov |
Winter Dec - Feb |
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| St John average seasonal temperature (F) |
78 | 82 | 81 | 77 |
Southeast Regional Climate Center (SRCR):
Come on down to where we have summer 12 months a year!
We all know that it never snows on St John and the only ice one ever sees is in your drinking glass, however, many do not know that during the summer months often it is actually cooler on St John than in mainland USA where it can easily reach 100 degrees (as it has recently even in southern California).
Ah, welcome to the land of the endless summer...
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| Francis Bay, one of over 30 fabulous beaches around St John |
Foxy is turning 75!
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| The one and only Foxy is having a major birthday! |
This Saturday, August 31st, from 1 PM - 6 PM (and probably way beyond!) will be the party that beats all parties! The one and only Foxy is turning 75 and celebrating this weekend by throwing himself - and all who want to attend a - a birthday bash!
If you have ever been to the Virgin Islands (either US or British) most probably you have heard or been to Foxy's Bar on Jost van Dyke. It is known as THE 'in' spot for boaters to spend New Years Eve (or as it is called in the BVI's 'Old Year's Weekend' - not limited to just one night but a whole weekend of activities). It is also a great destination if you are out and about on the waters around St John to just stop by and enjoy the music for a while. Livin' is easy @ Foxy's.
As Trip Advisor reports: "This bar is full of character, particularly the character of Foxy himself, who greets visitors with impromtu songs to a calypso beat."
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| This hammock has your name on it! |
If you are anywhere around Jost van Dyke this weekend stop by to say happy birthday. Regardless of where you are on Saturday, raise a glass (or two) to wish Foxy a happy birthday and many, many more!
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?
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| Do you think they are reading about the winter forecast while dipping their toes in the waters at Cinnamon Bay? |
US Virgin Islands makes short list of 'Best Islands to Raise a Family'
We know the US Virgin Islands, and in particular St John, to be one of the best places in the world to vacation, but according to Islands.com the US Virgin Islands is one of the 5 best islands to raise a family.
Cafe Roma Rises from the Ashes (Literally), Plans to Reopen November 2013! The Owner has created his Own Kickstarter-Type Program...Help Make it Happen!
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| Work is well underway for the New Cafe Roma |
As many of you know, this past spring Cafe Roma experienced a devastating fire that essentially gutted the very popular Cruz Bay restaurant. This happened right after the owner, John Hiebert, was awarded the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center's 'St John Small Business Owner of the Year' award! After the fire, John was down but not out. He has worked tirelessly to rebuild his beloved restaurant. Insurance helped defray some of the costs but left a huge gap in the funding needed to purchase equipment and furnishings for the new space. Being the creative - and determined - guy that he is John has developed his own 'Kickstarter' type funding program. Read his announcement from his Facebook page, and if you love St John, 'the world greatest pizza', or just a really determined guy find your level of giving and support this worthwhile effort!
Straight from John's Facebook page:
This year has been a roller coaster ride for everyone involved with Café Roma and with great support the opening is planned for this fall during November 2013. There is still much to be done before the opening and we are offering great promotions for locals and island visitors. We are close to having the capital needed to complete the project. We do have a ways to go. So please take advantage of the offers below and SHARE this page.
The build out is not yet complete and funding is still ongoing. We have raised a great portion of what is needed, but we still need to buy more kitchen equipment, food, wine, liquor and beer inventory to open. There is also painting, wine rack, kitchen shelving, cabinetry, and the bar build out to complete. In order to help reach our funding goal, we are offering some creative ways for patrons, old and new, to contribute and be part of the historic rebuild. “Since we fell in love with the island on our honeymoon, and this tragic event happened on our wedding anniversary, we decided the promotion had to be love and special event themed. Since many people come to St John to celebrate special events such as weddings, birthdays, couples vacations, and anniversaries they should come celebrate at Café Roma.”
Café Roma is offering the following promotions to people who want to help finish the rebuild and celebrate something special at our location. You can contact John at CafeRomaStJohn@aol.com to plan and schedule your donation and special event.
$100- 1 free large pizza and bottle of house wine.
$250- Dinner for 2. Includes 2 entrees, 2 salads, a bottle of house wine, and a dessert.
$500- Your name engraved on a chair plaque plus everything included in the $250 package.
$750- A menu item will be named after you on the new menu plus everything included in the $500 package.
$1,000- Guaranteed reservations for up to 4 people for one year plus two of everything included in the $250 package. You will also receive 10% off up to 2 people for life.
$2,500- Restaurant dinner for 10 guests. Your choice of entrees, appetizers, salads, desserts and an open bar. You will also receive your name engraved on a chair plaque and 15% off up to 2 people for life.
$5,000- Restaurant dinner buyout for up to 25 guests. Your choice of entrees, appetizers, salads, desserts and an open bar. Your name engraved on a chair plaque and 20% off up to 2 people for life.
$8,500- Restaurant dinner buyout for up to 40 guests. Your choice of entrees, appetizers, salads, desserts and an open bar. Your name engraved on a chair plaque and 20% off up to 4 people for life.
** Discounts for life are dine-in only and non-transferable.
This is what the restaurant looked like just a few months ago:
"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.
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| The pool patio area is just one of many informal gathering spaces |
Here is our most recent review:
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!
National Rum Day - Life is good indeed!
Today is National Rum Day so we now have a great excuse to enjoy...
Tell the World How Much You Love St John!
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| Renowned St John Photographer Steve Simonsen recently captured this guy on film and challenged us to create a caption |
Give it your best shot...What do you think this fella (or she) is saying?
Mine is: No, NO, NO I will NOT leave St John...ever!