| If you're lucky enough to be familiar with | | | | coconut palms, the fragrant breezes, and the |
| the U.S. Virgin Islands, you know that | | | | most laid-back atmosphere you'll ever have |
| they're made up of three charming isles; St. | | | | the privilege to set foot in all make this |
| John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas. All make for | | | | place the pinnacle of vacation lands, so |
| divine vacation experiences, but there's | | | | don't let another season go by before you've |
| something about St. John that sets it apart | | | | experienced this paradise for yourselves. |
| from the traditional Caribbean destinations. | | | | |
| Maybe it's the fact that most of the island | | | | St. John is accessible by ferry from St. |
| consists of National Park land, or perhaps | | | | Thomas, which means that you'll truly feel |
| it's the stunning beaches, Trunk Bay in | | | | like you're getting away from the rest of the |
| particular. It sounds simple but it's the | | | | spinning world as you hop from a peaceful |
| truth; St. John is a fabulous place to visit. | | | | island to one that's even more so. And with a |
| | | | beach named Honeymoon, it's glaringly obvious |
| It's the smallest of the Virgin Islands, but | | | | that this would be the perfect place to whisk |
| as you wander the untamed habitat of St. | | | | your lover off for a romantic week or |
| John's lush and dynamic forests you'll hardly | | | | weekend. After gazing into each other's eyes |
| feel claustrophobic. To really get to know | | | | while soaking in the most picturesque scenery |
| this precious and increasingly rare feature, | | | | imaginable, you'll rediscover all the things |
| follow a Park Ranger through a crisscross of | | | | that have been obscured by the relentless |
| paths as she regales you with all the | | | | march of everyday life. |
| information you care to know about the flora | | | | |
| and fauna that captivates your senses. If | | | | Come here for the wildlife (did we mention |
| you'd prefer to stay off your feet, Jeep and | | | | the wild donkeys and mongoose?) or the quiet |
| safari tours are also available, so listen to | | | | life, either way you'll be privy to the |
| the history of the isle while saving energy | | | | Caribbean cream of the crop. Be warned, it's |
| for the activities you'll engage in later | | | | very likely that upon your return you'll |
| that day. | | | | downplay the time you had in order to keep |
| | | | St. John your little secret. You always |
| Admittedly, those activities may consist only | | | | thought you were a nice, giving person, so |
| of lounging on the beach or floating in the | | | | the realization that you are in fact selfish |
| salty sea, not that there's anything wrong | | | | may be an unpleasant surprise. Comfort |
| with that. Yes, St John has the kind of | | | | yourself by returning to the sparsely |
| shoreline that makes you want to change your | | | | populated forests and deliciously uncrowded |
| identity and take up the coveted title of | | | | beaches of St. John. We won't tell anyone. |
| "beach bum," so you might have to fight the | | | | |
| urge to call home and tell them you're just | | | | The nature of this vacation makes it an easy |
| not coming back. You'll discover that it's | | | | choice to stay in a vacation rental. Tourists |
| possible to spend hours at a time in one | | | | tromping through hotel lobbies and resorts |
| delectable spot, so prepare to settle in and | | | | that look alarmingly similar to everywhere |
| chill out. | | | | else you've ever stayed just don't fit into |
| | | | the paradigm that is St. John. Since you'll |
| If you manage to pick yourself up off the | | | | find yourself treasuring every moment of this |
| beach towel for a while, you'll discover that | | | | trip, so go all out and reserve a villa or |
| there's actually a lot to do here in St. | | | | seaside condo that will house you in privacy |
| John. None of it is very demanding, so don't | | | | while giving you access to all the good |
| worry about interrupting your well-deserved | | | | stuff. |
| mood of utter relaxation and "all's right | | | | |
| with the world"-ness. Snorkeling, diving, | | | | Whatever you seek, you shall have; be it a |
| lunch cruises, and souvenir shopping will | | | | king-sized bed, an outdoor hot tub, a dining |
| call out to you, so head to the friendly town | | | | table under the stars, or an ironing board. |
| of Cruz Bay to get in on the action, and | | | | Your common needs as well as your silliest |
| while you're there you just might discover | | | | whims will all be satisfied if you take the |
| why it has been nicknamed "Love City." | | | | time to pick out a rental property, so put in |
| | | | a little effort now to be rewarded with a |
| It shouldn't take much convincing to get your | | | | load of contentment later. |
| traveling companions to agree to head to St. | | | | |
| John. Just tell them to imagine their ideal | | | | Go online to peruse the enticing listings, |
| vacation, making sure to include blue skies | | | | and be careful; so many of the St. John |
| and bluer waters, and they'll be sure to pack | | | | Vacation Rentals will look appealing that |
| their bags when you tell them to. The swaying | | | | you'll have trouble deciding on just one. |