Delinquencies are much less in this phase resulting in “only” a 5.5% increase.
Greetings Coral Vista Owners,
The Board members recently met onsite in September for the 2022 budget workshop. You will be pleased to know that the property is thriving.
Resort Update
Great news! The Westin St. John is back in full swing after a challenging period of this worldwide pandemic. The property is averaging 90% occupancy. This comprised of both Owners, exchange guests and rental guests. We observed that the property is continuing to take extraordinary measures to follow CDC protocol and Enhanced Operating Procedures to protect our associates, Owners, and guests. Currently, face masks are required in indoor public areas and on the shuttles, but please understand that these requirements may change at any time on short notice. Currently, midweek tidies are on hold; however, if you need fresh linens, housekeeping will be happy to bring them to your villa upon request. The procedures for cleaning a vacated villa, pool chairs and touchable areas have kept our housekeeping team busy.
Restaurants
Mango Deli and Snorkels are open for our Owners and guests. Snorkels is offering both carry-out and dine-in services for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Lemongrass space is currently being utilized one night per week to host a Caribbean night with featured recipes from around the islands. Additionally, we began serving a Breakfast Buffet 7 Days a week starting December 13th. We encourage you to take part in this unique dining experience.
Increase in Costs
Your elected representatives have worked with our management team to review and revise our budget for 2022. Insurance and utilities are the two greatest expense increases hitting our budget.
Electricity - Energy in the Virgin Islands is expensive. Electric rates are an item that is beyond our control. Due to the rising costs, we are once again strongly recommending that Owners keep their sliding doors closed and their thermostats set to a steady temperature to conserve energy. Just like a refrigerator, your villa air conditioning will run most efficiently if set at a constant temperature, 70 degrees, with the doors closed. We encourage you to do your part in helping to manage our utility costs.
Maintenance Fees
Our objective, as always, during the annual September budget workshop and November budget meeting, is to keep maintenance fee increases as low as possible while ensuring the resort’s assets and Owner experience are protected. We worked very hard and evaluated every line item in the budget to look for possible savings. However, due to the cost increases discussed above, we approved a maintenance fee increase for 2022 of 5.5% on average. We felt this was necessary to maintain the strong financial viability of the Association and will ensure that resort services, amenities, and capital improvements will continue to provide us with a superior vacation experience.
Extension 5000
Just a reminder, if you have an issue during your stay, please direct concerns first to Service Express, and if you don’t obtain prompt service, leave a message on Extension 5000. This line goes directly to our General Manager and the heads of all departments.
Kids Club, Spa
The Westin Family Kids Club will reopen by mid-December, and we hope to have the Spa open in the 1st quarter.
Late Payments of Fees and Foreclosure
Our collection rate on 2021 maintenance fees is currently 95.7%. Fifty-three accounts are delinquent in paying maintenance fees and these unpaid fees fall on those who do pay in a timely manner. This loss of revenue and associated collection expenses are an additional factor in our 2022 maintenance fee increase, as the money must come from each Owner. Law changes in the Virgin Islands are making it easier to foreclose on units, but this is not a step we wish to take. We ask you to please pay your fees when due.
We are honored to serve you,
Your Board of Directors
Nancy, Jim, Carla, Bill, David, Mark and Sharon
