Recently My Wife and I were back in the Virgin Islands, and since we were by ourselves, we decided to try a couple of new places. First, the U.S. Virgin Islands are hopping, because of their easier travel accommodations, compared to other Caribbean Islands. They require a Rapid Test 5 days prior to arrival, or an antibody test. The BVI's on the other hand are requiring several test: before entry, after entry, 4 day quarantine, and 1 more test before release. There is news that the BVI's are open to vaccinated entry on May 15th, but requires that ALL members of your party are vaccinated, including children, to skip the 4 day quarantine. We as a private boat are still not allowed into their waters, even with the relaxing of restrictions. Hopefully this will change by Summer time, or early next season, time will tell.
Now, 2 new places- 1. We tried Lovango Resort, on Lovango Cay, they are an Island directly across from St. John. They are in their infancy and have a 3-5 year master plan to develop the Island into a destination island resort. They are run by Little Gem Resorts, and have 2 other developments in Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. As of now they have a 3 Bedroom Villa, each bedroom is a separate structure, and another structure as a common space kitchen and living room. It has its own swimming pool, and is perfect for 3 couples or a large family. The price is $3500/ night.
Their next plan is to develop 13 Glamping tents on the western side of the Island, including A/c. Their description of the tents seem similar to the Glamping area at Anegada Resort. This area between Lovango Cay and Congo Cay, is beautiful, with picturesque Caribbean Blue Water rushing through.
Cindy and I decided to become members at the Beach Club for the day. You are allowed to Moor at 1 of their many mooring balls. They have beach chairs, 2 person day beds, and cabanas available. You can hang out overlooking the view of St. John as the back drop. As part of the Beach club, you have access to the Infinity Pool, Restaurant, Retail Shops, and the beaches.
They serve drinks and food by the pool or the beach, it's a very relaxing way to spend the day.
At night we made reservations for their Restaurant. They have complimentary tender service from the boat, so no need to lower yours from the Davits. The Restaurant has a very quaint waterfront location, and all of the items that we had were good.
Their present menu is listed below:
You can go to WWW. Lovangovi.com to set-up your reservations
The other place we checked off our list was Zozo's at Caneel Bay. They recently returned to their original location, since Hurricane's Maria/ Irma, and has become Cindy's favorite Restaurant on St. John. Caneel Bay is probably our top stop in St. John, as I've written about before, it has the best of everything: Convenience to Cruz Bay, the best secluded beaches, and now add a great restaurant.
The night we visited, we were blessed with the best Sunset, so the night started on the right foot. You can arrive by Taxi if you are staying on St. John, but for us, it was arrival by Dinghy. You can tie up directly to their dock. Arrive early enough to catch the Sunset and have cocktails near the Bar.
We were lucky enough to make a same day reservation, keep checking back everyday, just in case they have a cancellation, the Manager said they do happen from time to time. If they have no availability for Dinner, then check out Lunch on Saturday and Sunday's. Check out their website here WWW.zozosatcaneelbay.com
Try out these 2 places the next time you're down on St. John, I don't think you will be disappointed. See y'all out there.