Good Bye Maho Bay Camps

Sunset over Maho Bay Camps, St. John on its last evening .

The last guests watched the final sunset over Maho Bay Camps on it's official closing date of May 15, 2013. The well known eco-resort here on St. John has been in operation for over 37 years with founder, Stanley Selengut at the helm.

Many will mourn its closing since this unique community was formed for environmentally conscious travelers even before "eco" had become a recognized part of speech.  People have been coming to stay at the tent cottages located on the lush hillsides of Maho Bay for so many years that honeymooners have become parents and then grandparents bringing their entire family to enjoy living in a tree house for a week or two each year.

Maho Bay Camps was forced to close because the land where the eco-resort is situated on has been sold to a single individual for a family compound.  Concordia Eco-Resort, sister resort to Maho, will continue to operate from its location near Salt Pond Ba,y so some of Maho's guests will be checking that out as well as Cinnamon Bay Campground.  But some things just can't be replaced and there will be a hole in the heart of guests and staff who will forever carry happy memories of their stay at Maho.

Beach-to-Beach Swim 5/26/13

Swimmers jump into the 10th Annual Beach-to-Beach Swim

Ready, Set......SWIM!  Join the fun on Memorial Day Weekend when beginners to advanced swimmers take to the water at Big Maho Beach as part of the 10th Annual Beach-to-Beach Power Swim.  You have your choice of three different abilities:  short course (Maho to Cinnamon) 1mi; intermediate course (Maho to Trunk) 2-1/4mi; or long course (Maho to Hawksnest) 3-1/2mi.

Whichever course you decide on be sure to register before May 24 for the Sunday, May 26 race.....and most importantly show up at the big beach party at the end of the race at Hawksnest Beach.  It makes all that hard work worth it!  For more information see http://friendsvinp.org/race-info or call (340) 779-4940.

March Fundraisers for St. John Schools

Julius E. Sprauve School Gala, St. John USVI

St. John boasts a variety of schools to help guide our young people as they grow up here on island.  This is the month when you can help fund these schools which operate on a slim budget.  Here are three fun events that can make a difference for St. John children.....

Sat, March 16--Gifft Hill School  Dinner and Auction at the Westin St. John Resort $125 each for information call (340) 776-1730www.giffthollschool.org/auction.

Sat, March 23--Guy Benjamin School Benefit Flotilla at Vie's Campground at noon.  $20 each for information call Mary at (340) 513-8141

Sat, March 23--Julius E. Sprauve School Benefit Gala and Auction at Caneel Bay Resort.  For information call (340) 776-6336.

Schooner Roseway arrives in St. John this week!

World Ocean School comes to St. John, USVI

Watch the horizons today for the red sails of Schooner Roseway to come billowing in on a broad reach from their home winter port of St. Croix. This Schooner is unique in its mission as The World Ocean School helping students learn more about themselves through experiences at sea.

This week the Roseway will be working with Julius Sprauve School in Cruz Bay and Guy Benjamin School in Coral Bay. as Abby Kidder, co-founder of the non-profit organization puts it, "we offer a platform for students to experience the beauty and inspiration of sailing Roseway through Caribbean waters, bringing academics and community-building to life."

We're happy to welcome this beautiful schooner to St. John waters and enjoy the view as they sail by packed with local students each learning while working aboard a historic tall ship. For more information about the Schooner Roseway click on http://www.worldoceanschool.org.

Christmas Prom on St. John USVI

Mongoose Junction Prom coming up December 15

This Saturday, December 15 marks the 17th annual Christmas Party at Mongoose Junction.  Starting at 9pm The Prom is an event not to be missed by islanders and visitors alike since it celebrates the rare occasion when locals dress up in "island fancy" and dance the night away.

The party is FREE and has become a St. John event ever since it was first established after Hurricane Marilyn hit in 1995 when The Prom made its debut as an effort to rebuild community spirit.  This year the spirit is going strong and will be jiving to the vibes of Ah We Band as well as enjoying food provided by Mongoose Junction restaurants and a champagne bar.

Keep an eye on St. John events posted at http://www.stjohnessence.com/ since the island is in full swing for the season...come join us!

Come to Love City Live!

If you're looking for a reason to start planning your St. John vacation then check out the newest local music celebration Love City Live! Performing on island January 24-27,2013.

You can join the reggae party and hear some of the most recognized musicians in the world. Starting the lineup will be Steel Pulse, the UK's Grammy-winning artists. Also performing will be St. John's own Inner Visions, as well as popular singers like Reemah, born on St. Croix, and Duane Stephenson, known for his poetic lyrics addressing social change.

Love City Live! is a chance to experience local food, view Caribbean art, and enjoy the amazing vibes of world renown reggae performers. Learn more about the schedule of events at http://www.experiencelovecitylive.com/ and register by 12/31 to get the early bird ticket price.