Our last full day was Thursday, which was also my birthday. This seemed to be the warmest if the days. There was only a slight breeze, and while we headed out to the pool early, we left around 2:30 to start getting packed and cool-off a little. We also decided to let the girls come back for an after-dinner swim.
I have to say, besides a fee cosmetic/damage issues, we loved the unit. I forgot to mention that we were surprised because they cleaned and restocked twice during our stay - Monday and Tuesday. After we came in from the sun, we realized it was the first time we were inside during the day, so we relaxed and enjoyed a couple of beers while appreciating the view. There is lots of space for the kids to run around and play in these. We got nothing packed but that was ok!
For my birthday, I decided I wanted to back to rhumb lines. We had another delicious meal, including tempura lobster tail, pad thai, and one if the most delicious pieces of fish I've ever had. We celebrated with a little key lime pie - my favorite - and then made our nightly stop to see Thomas and grab some smoothies. One thing we noticed, and my wife remarked several times about, is the was everyone interacts with each other. If you spend some time walking around, you'll notice a real melting pot, and everyone seems integrated with each other. We took our last truck ride back to the westin.
We got back, and the girls and I suited-up for a final swim. This was probably one of the most memorable parts of the trip for me. The pool was incredible quiet, and to like on your back and watch the stars was simply amazing. We will definitely do that again!
The next morning, we put our luggage out at 7:30, dropped extra stuff off at the free cycle, and then ran from a downpour to the Beach Bar for a great breakfast. Hopped on the 9am ferry and said goodbye to St. John.
A few final recommendations other than above:
For a first time group, I recommend the ferry. Next time we'll rent a jeep for the week, but even though it's small and easy I navigate, it's helpful to have bearings, and the westin ferry makes this so simple.
The 4-door jeeps have plenty of space in back - likely similar to our MDX with the third row seats down. We were worried about this, but we are actually contemplating buying one now!
Kids meals are relatively inexpensive, but most meals out will cost $35-45 for entrees.
Buying food at the St J Market is actually quite reasonable, but be aware if things that may surprise, like the $11 box of cereal my wife bought. If you have kids, I recommend bringing dry snacks as those seemed pricey.
Make sure you go out if the resort!
We survived ok with the truck taxis with three little kids. We never felt unsafe. No car seats necessary for that; however, we were glad to have the jeep for visiting the beaches since, with kids, it would have been a pain to wait.
Summer is not too hot! Beautiful time to visit.
Carry bug spray - some nights we didn't need it and then others we did. And then one afternoon we did, too.
Go snorkeling or diving!
. Footage of snorkeling off one of the small islands near st j
