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La Bella Vita

Luxury Vacation Villa
Gift Hill, St. John, USVI

Rick’s Picks for St. John

St John Map

Car Rental
St. Thomas

If you want to rent a car at the airport, drive to Red Hook , then get on the car ferry to St. John, the two rental companies at the airport are Budget Rentals (800-626-4516) and Avis Rentals (340-774-1468) or www.avis.com

Two things to remember if you choose this do not purchase a round trip ticket. If you do, the return trip ticket is only valid on the boat you came over on, there are about 3 different boat carriers and the schedule varies. I prefer to pay a little more for a one way but know I have the flexibility to return whatever time I choose. The other ... STAY LEFT!!

St. John

Cars are limited so reserve early.

Cool Breeze Jeep & Car Rental
(340) 776-6588 www.coolbreezecarrental.com

Courtesy Car Rental
(866)776-4228 www.courtesycarrental.com

With parking spots difficult to find, you can usually park in the rental lot if you go to town at night. Just check with them when you reserve.

 
Restaurants

Zozo’s
This is Rick’s favorite restaurant on the island. He loves the Osso Bucco, beautiful sunsets and delicious Martini’s. Located at Gallows Bay resort. (340) 693-9200

The Equator at Sugar Mill
Located at the Caneel Bay Resort, this is the only restaurant on our list (possibly on the island) that Gentlemen need to wear long slacks. (340) 776-6111 x 7218

Woody’s
Downtown Cruz Bay, although we’ve yet to go, we’ve heard that the Conch Fritters and Bushwhackers are the perfect ending to a day at the beach.

The Balcony on Cruz Bay - Located in Warfside Village, American cuisine.
(340) 774-8470

Shipwreck Landing
A great stop after spending the day at either Salt Pond or Leinster Bay. Located in Coral Bay, great conch fritters. (340) 693-5640 www.shipwrecklanding.com

Skinny Legs
Also in Coral Bay, take a glimpse at the past and how St. John was 20 years ago, I don’t think they let you pour your own drinks anymore but the relaxed atmosphere is reminiscent of times gone by. No reservations needed.

Banana Deck
Downtown Cruz Bay, my kids love this restaurant. (340) 693-5055

I don’t know about you, but I can’t get away without giving the family pizza at least once. So my kids and I like Ronnie’s pizza (340) 693-7700, located near the Lumberyard ( although there is no lumber anywhere near it ) but my wife likes Seniorita pizza (340) 776-0404 at Wharfside Village. You decide.

 
Boat Rentals

If you like to sail, we’ve gone on Breath. It’s a small tall ship and was built on St. John by the captain and his family. (340) 693-5277 or (340) 777-5414

Motor boats that you can either captain yourself or hire a captain: Ocean Runner (340) 693-8809, we always request Captain Tom, he knows the best snorkel spots, where to find Sea Turtles and over on Jost Van Dyke, where to eat ... Soggy Dollar.

If you want to see St. John from the water side, take a step back in time on The Cinnamon Bay. Originally the Rockefeller family’s personal boat, and when they were off island, the Caneel Bay Plantation Resorts ferry. Now privately owned, and available for a number of trips. www.motoryachtcinnamonbay.com or (340) 776-4037

 
Day trips to the British Virgin Islands
  • Passports required
  • Swim with the Dolphins at Discovery Cove in Tortolla
  • Go to Foxy’s for some Firewater Rum on Jost Van Dyke
  • Swing in a hammock while you wait for lunch at the Soggy Dollar Bar- Jost Van Dyke
  • Stop at Sandy Spit for some snorkeling (this small bit of sand in the middle of the Caribbean is where the Corona commercial was filmed
 
Shopping

Although St. Thomas is known for it’s shopping, it can be very congested when more than one cruise ship is in port. You can check if boats are in port in the local paper. We prefer shopping on St. John. Some of the stores are the same, it’s not nearly as hectic, and the locals are charming. Wharfside Village and Mongoose Junction have most of the shops, although if you’re looking for Little Switzerland you’ll have to go to the Westin Resort.

 
Other Activities

Public Tennis Courts are located in town, but you can also go to the Westin Resort and pay a non-guest fee for the courts. Town also has basketball courts as well.

Maho Bay Campgrounds have an art center. They teach classes in watercolor, bead making, ceramics, glass blowing etc. We tried the glass blowing this year, you don’t really blow the glass, but you get to make 3 items to take home with you, my daughter loved it. Remember to wear sneakers, not flip flops, call (340) 776-6226, reservations are required for classes. Glass blowing demonstrations are held in the evenings and you can eat dinner there as well.

Caneel Bay Resort - Located on the North shore, the oldest resort on the island. 10 minute drive from La Bella Vita.

 
Snorkeling

We usually rent our snorkel gear from Low Key Watersports located in Wharfside Village. (340) 693-8999.

 
Movies and Video Games

La Bella Vita has a good library of movies. One bedroom has an X-Box and games. If you’d like to rent more Kaleidoscope Video near the Starfish Market rents.

 
Food Shopping

You can pretty much get the same items you’ll find stateside at the Starfish Market, just outside of town. We like to eat breakfast home, picnic at the beach and usually out for dinner. We have coolers in the laundry room for picnics.

These are some of my picks for the island, but I’d love to hear your picks when you return. I hope you enjoy La Bella Vita.

Rick and Cindy can be reached at (732) 946-8219