St. John is a tropical sanctuary of untouched beauty. Unlike other Caribbean islands, two-thirds of St. John is protected as a national park, meaning you’ll find pristine beaches, unspoiled hiking trails, and thriving coral reefs. The island exudes laid-back charm, where you can wake up to breathtaking sunrises, snorkel alongside sea turtles, and relax under swaying palms—all without the crowds of commercialized resorts. If you’re looking for a secluded, luxurious, and rejuvenating getaway, St. John is the perfect destination.

St. John is a year-round paradise, but the best time depends on what you’re looking for:

Peak Season (December–April) – Ideal for perfect weather (mid-70s to low 80s), vibrant island life, and clear blue skies. This is also the busiest and most expensive season.

Shoulder Season (May–June, November) – Fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and still gorgeous weather.

Off-Season (July–October) – The most peaceful and affordable time to visit. Some businesses may close, and there’s a higher chance of rain, but the island is lush, and the beaches are almost empty.

• Fly into St. Thomas (STT), the closest airport.
• Take a taxi from the airport to either:

Red Hook Ferry (20 min ride, ferries leave every 30 minutes).

Charlotte Amalie Ferry (closer but fewer departures).

• Aboard the ferry to Cruz Bay, where you’ll arrive in St. John in just 15-20 minutes.
• From there, rent a 4x4 Jeep or take a taxi to your accommodation.

No passport needed for U.S. citizens! Just bring a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID. However, if you plan to visit the nearby British Virgin Islands (BVI), you’ll need a passport.

• Trunk Bay – World-famous for its soft white sand and an incredible underwater snorkeling trail.
• Hawksnest Beach – A quieter option, perfect for relaxing under palm trees with gentle waves.
• Maho Bay – Best spot for swimming with sea turtles in calm, shallow waters.
• Salt Pond Bay – A hidden gem with a short hike to a secluded, tranquil beach.
• Cinnamon Bay – Offers great snorkeling, shade, and a laid-back atmosphere.

For a luxurious yet private retreat, VillAllure is the premier choice. Located on a hillside overlooking Coral Bay, it offers:

• Expansive ocean views from every room.
• A private pool surrounded by tropical gardens.
• Spacious, high-end accommodations for families, couples, and corporate retreats.
• Quick access to beaches, hiking trails, and island dining.

• Snorkeling & Diving – Explore vibrant coral reefs at Trunk Bay, Waterlemon Cay, and Hansen Bay.
• Hiking – Trek through lush national park trails to waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
• Sailing & Kayaking – Discover hidden coves and crystal-clear waters.
• Swimming with sea turtles – Maho Bay is your best bet for spotting them up close.
• Historic Exploration – Visit the Annaberg Plantation ruins and learn about the island’s rich past.

A 4x4 Jeep rental is a must—St. John’s roads are steep, curvy, and sometimes unpaved. A Jeep allows you to:

• Easily access remote beaches like Salt Pond Bay and Lameshur Bay.
• Explore at your own pace, without relying on taxis.
• Enjoy scenic drives with breathtaking overlooks.

Unlike islands filled with mega-resorts, St. John is peaceful, natural, and untouched. There are no cruise ship ports, no high-rise hotels, and no tourist traps—just an authentic, unspoiled island escape.

Yes! St. John is safe, welcoming, and perfect for families. Kids will love:

• Gentle beaches like Maho Bay for swimming and snorkeling.
• Hiking to petroglyphs on the Reef Bay Trail.
• Exploring tide pools and watching iguanas sunbathe.

• Trunk Bay – Great for beginners with an underwater snorkeling trail.
• Waterlemon Cay – A must-visit for experienced snorkelers seeking vibrant marine life.
• Maho Bay – Famous for sea turtles gliding through the water.

Yes! Day trips by boat can take you to Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Norman Island. You’ll need a passport to visit.

Expect fresh seafood, Caribbean flavors, and island-inspired cocktails. Top restaurants include:

• Miss Lucy’s – A beachfront spot for local West Indian dishes.
• The Longboard – Casual island eats with fresh tuna poke bowls.
• Morgan’s Mango – Serving lobster, conch fritters, and Creole dishes.

Relaxed but fun! Enjoy:

• Live music at The Beach Bar in Cruz Bay.
• Reggae nights at Skinny Legs in Coral Bay.
• Craft cocktails with ocean views at The Windmill Bar.

Yes! It’s one of the safest Caribbean islands, with a friendly community and low crime rates.

• Sea turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish while snorkeling.
• Wild donkeys roaming freely.
• Hummingbirds, pelicans, and iguanas in the trees.

• Swimsuits & lightweight clothing.
• Reef-safe sunscreen (chemical sunscreens are banned).
• Water shoes for rocky beaches and hikes.

Most homes use rainwater cisterns, so it’s best to drink bottled or filtered water.

The U.S. dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

While St. John doesn’t have big supermarkets like on the mainland, you’ll find well-stocked local markets with fresh produce, meats, and island specialties. Here are the best places to shop for groceries:

Cruz Bay (Main Shopping Area):

• Starfish Market – The largest grocery store on St. John. Offers fresh produce, meats, seafood, dairy, a full deli, and an extensive wine and spirits section. Best option for stocking up.
• Dolphin Market – Great selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and essential household items. Convenient location near downtown Cruz Bay.
• St. John Provisions – Best for freshly baked bread, pastries, and gourmet coffee.

Coral Bay (Closer to VillAllure):

• Love City Mini Mart – A smaller, local grocery store in Coral Bay. Perfect for grabbing last-minute essentials, snacks, and drinks.
• Calabash Market – Well-stocked for a smaller store, carrying fresh produce, wine, and Caribbean spices.

Specialty Grocery & Organic Options:

• St. John Gourmet Market – Offers organic, gluten-free, and gourmet ingredients.
• Josephine’s Organic Greens – A small farm in Coral Bay offering fresh organic greens, herbs, and locally grown produce.

St. John is known for its locally made crafts, artisan jewelry, and beach-chic boutiques. Shopping here is about finding unique, handcrafted treasures rather than big-name brands.

Best Shopping Areas on St. John:

Cruz Bay – The Island’s Shopping Hub

Mongoose Junction – A charming shopping plaza with stone pathways and tropical landscaping. You’ll find:

• Bajo el Sol Gallery – Local Caribbean artwork and handmade jewelry.
• Sugar Birds – Unique souvenirs, books, and island-inspired gifts.
• St. John Brewers Brewtique – St. John-branded t-shirts, craft beer, and fun gifts.

Wharfside Village – Oceanfront shopping with boutique stores, bars, and restaurants. Look for:

• Caravan Gallery – Handmade Caribbean jewelry and gifts.
• Bamboo Studio – Gorgeous island-inspired jewelry crafted from recycled gold and silver.
• Island Fancy – Beachwear, souvenirs, and island-themed home décor.

Coral Bay – Local & Laid-Back Shopping

• Pickles in Paradise – A funky café & local art shop with handcrafted souvenirs.
• Jolly Dog Trading Co. – Laid-back Island clothing, T-shirts, and locally crafted goods.

VillAllure is an exclusive retreat, blending luxury and island charm with:

• Private oceanfront views.
• A serene pool & tropical gardens.
• Elegant, spacious accommodations.
• Easy access to beaches & attractions.