VillAllure News
Discover adventures and events to be enjoyed on St. John, USVI
St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. With over two-thirds of the island designated as Virgin Islands National Park, visitors can explore pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush hiking trails. Enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles, hiking to ancient petroglyphs, and kayaking under the stars. Accessible via a scenic ferry ride from St. Thomas, St. John offers a serene escape with breathtaking views and a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. Discover the natural wonders and tranquil beauty that await at VillAllure on St. John.
To discover current events taking place on St. John visit: Explore Nature and Lots More on St. John | US Virgin Islands (visitusvi.com)
moreBanana Boat's "World's 50 Best Beaches 2024" ranks Trunk Bay, St. John USVI, as the World's Best Beach for 2024!
Trunk Bay on St. John has been named the world’s best beach for 2024, beating out 49 destinations worldwide for the top honor, and besting its sixth-place ranking in 2023.
The contest is sponsored by Banana Boat, which collaborates with more than 1,000 of the world’s “leading travel influencers and professionals, including many of the biggest names in travel such as Jyo Shankar, Pilot Madeleine, Voyagefox, Terplanet, Maria Ponomaryoya and others,” according to a press release Monday announcing the Top 50 beaches.
“Our goal is, and always has been, to create products designed to help you and your family enjoy more moments outdoors. And with summer quickly approaching, we are thrilled to sponsor this year’s list of world class beaches to help you achieve just that — unforgettable experiences at some of the most incredible beach locations around the world,” said Brianna Bostick, associate manager of public relations and brand partnerships at Banana Boat.
“It is with great pride that we celebrate this honor! Trunk Bay and the many beaches across the U.S. Virgin Islands hold a special place in the hearts of those who call our beautiful islands home as well as our returning visitors,” said V.I. Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte. “We have long regarded our beaches as some of the best in the world, and this recognition helps us share that with the world.”
moreThe tranquil waters and white sandy beaches on St. John USVI were the perfect hideaway for Robert Oppenheimer, “father of the atomic bomb” after World War II.
Eliot Stein
A new biopic is shedding light on the rise and fall of Robert Oppenheimer, “the father of the atomic bomb”. But few people know that he spent many of his final days on the peaceful and tranquil beaches of St. John.
"When one of the year's most highly anticipated films, Oppenheimer, is released on 21 July, people around the world will get to witness the rise and stunning fall of the enigmatic scientist who unleashed a weapon so deadly it had the potential to destroy humanity. But while Oppenheimer publicly grappled with the moral consequences of his creation after World War Two, few people know that the political fallout that followed affected Oppenheimer's personal life so deeply that he spent many of his remaining days effectively hiding out on the tiny, remote island of St John in the US Virgin Islands."
To read the full article online visit: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230719-st-john-the-tiny-island-where-robert-oppenheimer-escaped-his-legacy
moreBanana Boat's "World's 50 Best Beaches 2023" ranks Trunk Bay, St. John USVI, as number 6!
Trunk Bay, located in St. John USVI has made a remarkable achievement by ranking number six in the list of the World's 50 Best Beaches 2023, as announced by Banana Boat.
This esteemed list is the result of collaboration with over 750 of the world's leading travel influencers and professionals, including distinguished names like Jyo Shankar, Pilot Madeleine, and Dame Traveler. Unlike any other list, it is based on the votes of Beach Ambassadors along with a multitude of the world's most experienced and respected travel influencers, journalists, editors, and agents.
Brianna Bostick, Associate Manager of PR & Brand Partnerships at Banana Boat, emphasized the mission of the list, stating, "We believe in creating experiences that help you enjoy, embrace, and say 'yes' to more fun outdoors. We are proud to present a list of world-class beaches that help you achieve this, especially as we approach the summer months."
The World's 50 Best Beaches list, presented by Banana Boat, serves as a snapshot of the opinions and experiences of top travel influencers and professionals worldwide. The ranking of each beach is based on five significant criteria: sheer untouched nature, remoteness, swimmability, annual days of sunshine, and average annual temperature. The three beaches that clinched the top spots are Lucky Bay in Australia, Anse Source D'Argent of the Seychelles, and Hidden Beach in the Philippines.
moreTripAdvisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice Awards includes St. John’s Cinnamon Bay!
TripAdvisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice Awards includes St. John’s Cinnamon Bay as one of the top 6 favorite Caribbean beaches that travelers love for a perfect tropical getaway!
Cinnamon Bay, located on the island of St. John, is unique because it’s fully contained within the Virgin Islands National Park. If you’re looking for a truly pristine and untouched Caribbean beach, you’ll find it in Cinnamon Bay, a beach known for its beautiful clear waters where you can go snorkeling and swimming.
Make your VillAllure reservations today to experience one of the best Caribbean beaches in the world!
To read the full article online visit: https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g147237
moreCaribbean Journal Guide Top 9 St. John Beaches
Caribbean Journal has published a great guide to St. John beaches!
"St John’s beaches offer a variety of experiences and adventures. Some like Trunk Bay are world famous beaches, appearing on TV, in magazines and postcards. Others are hidden, private utopias that take a bit of hiking or some adventure to get to. Join us as we tour St John searching for some of the Caribbean’s finest beaches — and the source of that energy. All photos by St John resident Leah Randall."
To read the full article online visit: http://www.caribjournal.com/2015/11/20/the-9-best-beaches-in-st-john/#
moreVogue Magazine Ranks St. John as a top winter getaway!
Vogue Magazine just ranked St. John as one of the world's best winter getaways! Why not begin planning your vacation today and stay with villAllure?
"Instead of St. Barth’s, try St. John St. Barth’s has long been the It destination for East Coasters in the winter because of its relatively close proximity and posh hotels. If you aren’t looking to see and be seen while on vacation this time around, but still want stunning beaches and sunshine, try St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands (a short ferry ride from the main airport on St. Thomas) this year. We suggest spending plenty of time in Coral Bay on the eastern side of the island, which is more laid-back and less commercial. A few days here and you’ll forget what snow even feels like."
The full article is online at: http://www.vogue.com/13388234/best-winter-vacation-escapes-2016/
moreNew York Times Ranks St. John #4 Top Place To Visit In The World!
The New York Times just announced that St. John is the #4 travel destination in the world for 2016!
Full Article Online: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/01/07/travel/places-to-visit.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=nytmm_FadingSlideShow_item&module=photo-spot-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1
moreSport Fishing Magazine "Virgin Islands Winter Escape"
Sport Fishing Magazine has recnetly published a great article about sport fishing in the waters about Saint John!
"Like ripples expanding in a pond, swells generated by winter nor’easters in New England often extend to the Caribbean, creating heavy surf along the islands’ north-facing shores and stirring up the inshore waters. Fortunately for Virgin Islands fishermen and visiting anglers, there are plenty of options, especially if you have a big center-console at your disposal."
To read the full article visit: http://www.sportfishingmag.com/virgin-islands-winter-escape
moreExplore Virgin Islands National Park Both Above And Below The Waves! - USA TODAY
USA TODAY just published an exciting new article about exploring Saint John!
"When travelers ponder which national park in the United States they’ll visit next, it’s not likely that snorkeling in brilliant blue waters is on their vacation checklist – unless they’re considering a visit to theVirgin Islands National Park.The smallest of the three islands that make up the USVI – St. John – contains the Virgin Islands National Park, where it’s possible to hit the beach, hike through a lush green landscape, tour the ruins of 18th century sugar plantations, and snorkel over coral reefs.
By the numbers, it’s clear that St. John has made an unusual commitment to preserving the island’s natural beauty. The Virgin Islands National Park takes up 5,000 acres of the island’s 9,485 acres. Back in 1956, Laurence Rockefeller, the owner of Caneel Bay Resort on St. John, donated the initial 5,000 acres to theNational Park Service and the Virgin Islands National Park came into being after legislation was subsequently passed in Congress."
To read more of this article visit: http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/caribbean/2016/04/01/virgin-islands-national-park-st-john/82480944/
moreTravel And Leisure Magazine Features St. John
Travel And Leisure Magazine has recently featured St. John as a top destination!
Full article online at: http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/st-john-us-virgin-islands
Things Not to Miss in St. John
• Spend the day relaxing at Trunk Bay, one of the highest-rated beaches in the world • Go snorkeling at the Virgin Islands Coral Reef Monument • Learn more about the island’s colonial history and tour the Annaberg Sugar Plantation • Go on a self-guided hike along the Cinnamon Bay Beach trail and get a look at archeological excavations taking place on the beach • While the night away listening to live jazz at La Tapa in Cruz Bay • Enjoy an afternoon horseback ride • Participate in the Annual Love City Triathlon held every August
moreOutside Magazine Ranks St. John As A Top Destination!
Outside Magazine has recently featured St. John as a top destination for travellers who love the outdoors and want to discover remote secluded beaches.
"St. John is the jewel of the Caribbean. While most of the other Virgin Islands were corrupted long ago, Virgin Islands National Park has preserved St. John’s integrity: 7,259 acres above sea level and 5,650 below, 26 miles of hiking trails, and 30 beaches Photoshopped by God."
Read the full article online here: http://www.outsideonline.com/2071851/sail-empty-beaches-virgin-islands
moreFORBES Magazine, "Choose Your Own Adventure"!
Forbes Magazine recently featured the US Virgin Islands as a top travel destination! Why not start planning your vacation today?
"They say that two-thirds of St. John is national park. After a day or so here, you’ll wonder where the other one-third is. St. John feels like your own private island that you just happen to be sharing with a few other mammals."
To read the full article visit: http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestravelguide/2016/06/09/choose-your-own-u-s-virgin-islands-adventure/#4b1201714250
moreUSA Today Best Places To Retire: St. John!
USA TODAY just published an article about the top places to retire in the Caribbean! St. John in the Virgin Islands made the list!
"On St. John, Trunk Bay Beach is the recipient of umpteen "best beach in the Caribbean" awards courtesy of the pearly sand and clear water. Nature lovers find plenty to do in the national park, which covers 60% of the island."
Read the full article online at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/caribbean/2016/07/07/caribbean-island-retirement/86774566/
moreCBS News Just Featured St. John!
CBS News just posted a great article that sheds insight into the fabulous history of St. John. Specificaly, this article looks into the important role that the Rockefeller family played in preserving the virgin nature of the St. John island, preventing over commercialization and development.
"And, if you're wondering, how did a NATIONAL PARK end up with a resort that feels like the kind of place a Rockefeller would stay? Well, it's because Caneel Bay is actually the kind of place a Rockefeller would BUILD.In 1952, Laurance Rockefeller landed on a stretch of St. John, the smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands. He thought this was one of the most beautiful places he'd ever seen. So he bought it -- a lot of it, at least"
Full article online at: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/on-the-trail-the-virgin-island-that-remained-virgin/
moreOver 50 Free Music Gigs Per Week on St. John
St John might be a small island, but it is mighty when it comes to the daily entertainment choices. The island is packed full of unique shopping experiences such as art galleries, and even more interesting the island is home to an impressive selection of live music at various restaurants. For live music lovers villAllure located on St. John is truly an island paradise. Even better, access to all the excitement on St. John is generally free of charge. To better help music lovers understand the full scope of the live music options St. John offers on a daily basis, we have collected a small sampling of the music available on the island during the 2016/2017 season. This live music selection is always changing, keeping the music scene on St. John fresh. Sundays (time/location/band/style)10am - 2pm - Miss Lucy’s Brunch, Sambacombo - Sax Buitar
10am - 1pm - Concordia Brunch, Bo - Guitar
4:30pm - 7:30pm - Aqua Bistro, Lauren - Guitar & Vocal
5pm - 8pm - Cruz Bay Landing, Broheem - Sax
6pm - 9pm - Sun Dog Cafe - Mark & Jay - Open Mic
6pm - 9pm Lemongrass (Westin), Lemuel Callwood - Steel Drum
7pm - 10pm - Shipwreck Landing, Hot Club of Coral Bay - String Swing Vocals
moreNew villAllure 5 Star Review!
villAllure was just awarded another 5 star review by one of our guests!
"We just got back from a stay at villa allure and are missing it already. There were seven of us, two couples and three adults. The villa gave us plenty of private space as well as huge communal areas to hang out comfortable. There are definitely a lot of stairs, so be prepared for that, but everything else was wonderful. I do feel like it's probably a better rental for adults and older children versus families with young children. House was clean and well stocked with any kitchen item you could need. We had groceries delivered and the property manager worked with the grocery store to get the order to us seamlessly." -Leigh S.
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