St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

The Seduction of "Love City" and Its Scenic Surroundings

Who would have ever guessed that Heaven on Earth could be squeezed into a mere 20 square miles? That's exactly what you'll find when you arrive on St. John, the smallest of the three main Unites States Virgin Islands (USVI). Only one-quarter the size of its big brother St. Croix, this island packs a powerfully peaceful punch to those who set foot on its shores. It's simply the island of choice for travelers who are, first and foremost, seeking a relaxing tropical paradise experience, with the option on being an active part of society if they so choose.

Perhaps most notable, St. John has more than 12,500 acres of its precious land mass preserved under the Virgin Islands National Park. Twenty-two unforgettable pathways that traverse the entire footprint of the island provide more than twenty miles of trails for your hiking pleasure. Such trails, including the popular Reef Bay Trail, provide a close-up view of the breathtaking beauty of the lush tropical forests, blindingly white sand beaches, enchanting reefs, and other habitats that connect this glorious Caribbean parcel with the ocean that surrounds it. Each visitor is simply left to experience the splendor of St. John at his or her own pace.

And speaking of pace -- the atmosphere of this popular island is best described as "deliciously drowsy." Attracting more visitors per year than St. Croix, it's more expansive southern neighbor, and a popular retreat for those who are looking for a reprieve from the fast pace of St. Thomas, an even larger neighbor to the west, the atmosphere of St. John is considered by many to be the most welcoming of any island in the Caribbean.

Even though more than two-thirds of the island is environmentally protected and undeveloped land, this tiny gem isn't just a sleepy hideaway for nature buffs. St. John has more than a few ways for you to spend your active time.

Things to Do

Perhaps you'll feel compelled to roll out of your beachside lounge chair to take a stroll through the shops of Wharfside Village or Mongoose Junction, located in and near Cruz Bay, the "downtown district" of the island. Maybe you'll be inspired to put down your energy-bar-filled-backpack in exchange for an exotic meal at one of the nearby restaurants -- perhaps some Callaloo Soup at Miss Lucy's, washed down with a margarita at Margarita Phil's afterwards? Or maybe you'd prefer to make a single stop to visit with the locals and admire the flip-flop sandals that serve as wall art at Skinny Legs Bar & Restaurant?

Trunk Bay, a favorite beach of tourists and photographers alike, along with Cinnamon Bay, a popular beach campground located within the National Park, both offer outstanding snorkeling opportunities. Kayakers, windsurfers, and mountain bikers are a common sight, as are visitors enjoying the historical ruins of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation and those trying to decipher the symbolic meaning of the petroglyphs that can be found etched into stones that edge the Reef Bay Trail.

Places to Stay

Unique lodging options exist on St. John. Choose from environmentally friendly sources like Cinnamon Bay's campgrounds featuring standard campsites, tents, and stocked cottages or eco-resorts like Harmony Studios in Maho Bay with its facilities constructed of recycled materials. Like a little more luxury in your vacation accommodations? Head to one of the higher-end resorts such as the Westin St. John Resort with its trademarked "heavenly bed" and massive swimming pool with palm-tree islands or the Rosewood's Caneel Bay Resort that provides everything from watercolor painting lessons to hot stone massage spa treatments. Seeking privacy with a touch of elegance? Consider renting your own private villa.

More places to stay on St. John »

Who wouldn't want to visit an island that's referred to by the locals as "Love City?" Who wouldn't want to hang out with the wild donkeys that grace Cinnamon Bay's beach? Who wouldn't want to travel with their family to one of the friendliest, safest, and cleanest islands in the entire Caribbean?

When the going gets tough in the laid-back atmosphere of the Caribbean (hard to imagine, isn't it), even the locals venture to St. John to kick back and relax. If that isn't the highest form of a recommendation, I simply don't know what is. Come and be seduced by St. John.