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February 12, 2010

Love That Location!

Bench Overlooking Sunset At Gallows Point Resort

There are many perfect spots on St. John to be romantic, whether to pop the marriage question, offer an anniversary surprise, or have a special moment with your Valentine. After all, the island has been known as Love City for over 35 years!

 Some people choose very private locations, and others like a cheering crowd. For the latter, the evening crowds at Woody’s, Skinny Legs, or even the dining gazebo at Maho Bay Campgrounds just can’t be beat. A crowded ferry ride with a clued in captain can make a spectacular public display.  

 If you want a more private moment, St. John has romantic locations galore. As photographers, sometimes we get to tag along under the guise of a vacation photo shoot, or by just “happening by” at just the right time to capture the magic moment in our camera’s lens.  Here are some of our most memorable intimate locations for that special surprise:

Wayward Sailor Celebration

Surprise Vow Renewal On Wayward Sailor Sailboat

  • In the private outdoor dining area in the ruins near Caneel Bay’s Equator Room 
  • At sunset on the poolside bench or the small gazebo’s swing  at Gallows Point Resort
  • At the windmill in historic Catherinberg
  • In the grassy meadow on top of Peace Hill
  • Overlooking views at the Leinster Bay garrison or Leinster Estate ruins 
  • At the scenic overlook on the Lind Point hiking trail (to Honeymoon Beach) leaving Cruz Bay
  • Under the beachside tree rimmed with stonework just east of the East End Schoolhouse in Hanson Bay
  • In early morning on the large rocks at Hawksnest Bay
  • Inside the Franklin Powell Park bandstand across from the Cruz Bay ferry dock
  • On the walking bridge in the Westin Resort villas area
  • On any sunset sail overlooking St. John

 The most popular St. John beach wedding locations are – you guessed it – some of the most popular beaches on St. John. There are a few lesser known beaches that also made this list of our top dozen romantic beach locations:

  • Trunk Bay Beach
  • Cinnamon Bay Beach
  • Francis Bay beach

    Classic Romance at Cinnamon Bay Beach During Sunset

  • Hawksnest Beach
  • Turner Bay Beach
  • Honeymoon Bay Beach
  • Little Lameshure Bay Beach
  • Hanson Bay Beach
  • Great Cruz Bay Westin beach
  • Gibney Beach/Oppenheimer Beach
  • Brown Bay Beach
  • Jumbie Beach

 Because more and more brides are choosing non-beach locations on or around St. John for their special day, we have assembled a list of our own short list of locations to consider for the wedding celebration:

  •  Annaberg Plantation grounds near large frangipani tree
  • Fortsberg Point garrison area
  • Westin Resort beachside gazebo
  • Estate Concordia Preserve
  • Caneel Bay’s grassy  Turtle Point
  • Gallows Point Resort large gazebo on the point
  • Framed in the windmill on Peace hill
  • Offshore – on a sailboat, catamaran, etc.
  • Inside the Maho Bay pavilion
  • At the Catherinberg historic ruins

Love City Is For Lovers

 Note – private villas all over the island are also excellent choices. There are too many to list here, but if you are interested in this option, we’ve worked with perfect locations for just 2 people to those for large groups. At Tropical Focus, we’re always searching for romantic locations.  If you have a personal favorite you want to share – drop us a line. And if you are looking for some place special but none of the above inspired you, then share your vision with us and we’ll do our best to come up with a creative solution.

When it comes right down to it, the truth is that anywhere on St. John can be a very romantic place, especially when you are with the one you love.  

 Any time and any place… share the love.

January 18, 2010

Photo Monday – January 18, 2010

This week our Photo Monday explores some interesting contrasts caught by our cameras here in the Virgin Islands. We start off with a beautiful view of nearby Hans Lolik island.
Hans Lolik

Hans Lolik Island As Seen From St. Thomas

This is a seldom seen perspective for St. Johnians, but it is certainly a beautiful one showing the pristine island in mid-afternoon. 

The photo was taken from Villa Del Mar in Peterborg, near Magen’s Bay, on the north shore of St. Thomas, where we had a villa photo shoot this week.  

Ram Head Point on St John

But nothing can play second fiddle to our own Rams Head near sunset. This photo showing a bit of Salt Pond too was taken from Concordia. The colors were just remarkable. 

Bird Ornament in Great Cruz Bay on St John

  A yard ornament in Great Cruz Bay caught our eye this week while taking a walk. It makes a sweet photo that captures the peace of that afternoon.  

Graceful Egret Looking for Breakfast in Enighed on St. John

 But, it can hardly compary to the real thing.

We caught this little guy swooping down to get a closer look at breakfast in the Cruz Bay area. His reflection is a thing of beauty.

Baby's Favorite St. John Pal - A Stuffed Donkey

Karin thought this little stuffed donkey was very ‘St. John” and knew immediately it had to belong to a St. John island infant. And it did. Who needs teddy bears when you have a happy donkey?  

Real Baby Donkey - Wet As The Island

Not all St. John donkeys were happy this week. It rained here on St. John this week and we passed this baby donkey looked a bit forlorned. We caught her on a rough curve in the road, so we could only catch this single frame for you.

Frank Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Trail

Walking Path Alongside Frank Bay Nature Conservatory

Different paths – even on St. John. We met a vacationer who visits St. John every year and stays at the Westin Resort. They never leave the property, but love their annual pampering on the beautiful resort grounds and the varied resort activities. Sculpted gardens lined with sweet smelling flowers, tropical birds and iguanas to add to the ambiance they like. 

 We met another vacationer this same week walking along the quiet nature trail that edges the Frank Bay Wildlife and Marine Sanctuary. He was doing a little birding at this hidden island gem of a location on his way to visit the VI National Park Visitors Center to check on island activities . The next morning he planned to take a hike to Solomon Beach for the day. 

Two people, two vacations, one perfect paradise. 

Aren’t our islands wonderful? Enjoy every bit of them.

Until next Monday,

- Karin and Bob Schlesinger, island photographers