DIVI CARINA BAY

We spent last Christmas there last year. They were very nice, and the place is beautiful.

However be aware you will need a car, as the place is out on the east end of the island, and not within walking distance of anything but the casino. We goofed and did not reserve a car, and at time of year they were all gone.

You might take a look at stcroixvilla.com . It is owned by Catherine and Richard who we met when we were there in Dec. I haven't seen it personally, but it sounds very nice. It is built around a old windmill. It has it's own kitchen, etc. I don't know how many people it will accomadate. Tell them Terry from AZ recommended it.

Try Midwest auto rental, 877-772-0438. They were very easy to work with when we were down there in May, and we are using them again in Ausust.

I would also suggest that on the first or second day go on a island tour with a guy named Sweeny, 340-773-6700. He gives a very nice tour. We goofed there also, and went on it the last day.

If you are looking for a realestate agent, I would highly recommend Alexandra Marshall at 340-514-5591 or email at stcroixhomes@hotmail.com .
We went through her when we purchased our condo in May, and she was graet to work with. She will help you while you are in the states, and more importantly, she WILL answer back your email questions. Some people will not do that.
If you do contact her, tell her you heard about her from Terry, I don't make a dime, I just want her to know how much we appreciated her help.
Terry

DIVI...probably one of the nicest places to stay if the $$$ are no problem, BUT...it is decieving as it IS NOT representative of the typical sTX island experience. For visitng only YES, for trying to get a feel for STX, no way!
Good Luck!

Leeann, In the last year or so I have spent 37 days at the Divi. A car is important. They have small frig,microwave,cable,game room and fitness room,a rent shop for water sports stuff,beachside pool,etc. Across the street is the only casino in the USVIs which has a snack bar that stays open late( fried foods, cold sandwiches,fruit etc). 3 miles away is the Just in Case Deli next to the Reef Golf Course where Lori and Jim cook fresh foods each day,cold and hot stuff. You're only about 5-6 miles from Cheese Burgers of Paradise, Duggans, and about 9-10 miles from Christiansted and Schooners Mkt and the only sports bar of note, Sharky's.Also with in 4 miles is the Eastern most point of the United States properties called Udall Point. The Divi side of the island most times has more sun and less clouds then the NW side.

Also, I recommend Villa Margarita. Affordable Northshore guest House, run by John & Adele who are new transplants to the island. They were INVALUABLE to us with info, recommendations, people, places, etc. Strongly recommend the place. Their web site is www.villamargarita.com I believe - beautiful place. Also recommend Alexandra Marshall who is our real estate person.

Stayed at the Divi last year (when they were starting the contruction for the expansion of the resort) for my PMV. Best resort for the price. The Buccaneer is probably the best resort if you like golf and have the money to spend $200-$300 a night on a room. Booked the Divi through Expedia (Stay 5 nights get 2 nights free) also came with a $50.00 travelers cheque and a coupon booket for stuff at the hotel and around the island. Made me wonder at first if it was legit but with some research I found out that the Dept of Tourism was offering that promo for the summer last year for many of the hotels/resorts in the Virgin Islands. I would call or visit the web site to see if they are going to do that again. http://wwww.usvitourism.vi #1-800-372-8784. Rooms were better than I expected. Looked just like they did on the website and they were very clean. Beware, if you want your room cleaned everyday they charge a ridiculous price. We just put the DND sign on the door for the week. We took our own trash out and asked housekeeping for more towels. The one thing we couldn't clean was the floor. By the end of the week the tile floor was dirty from all the sand. I recommend taking your shoes off. Downfall is that in the summer mths the restauraunt has limited hrs and the deli was closed. We shopped at the grocery stores and made most of our own meals and the occasional stop at Subway and Wendy's. Remember not to leave any food out in the open or you'll have sugar ants everywhere. I also recommend bringing your own snorkeling gear. Rentals are expensive. Although I had a chance to snorkel many places around STX, I found the best reefs down the beach from the Divi (towards the new part of the hotel) They also had free VHS rentals. They have so many that they have a binder that lists them in all in alphabetical order. The casino is small but fun and not attatched to the hotel like you would think. It is across the street in it's own building. Monday nights they have a free contest called the slot tournament and you can win some cash and if your cheap like me you will go Wednesday and get $1.00 hotdogs. Athough I have heard/read comments from many different websites that the staff at the Divi was rude. I never had a problem with that. As far as getting a feel for the island...No problems with that either. We didn't spend much time at the hotel. Left early morning and came back late night just to sleep. It depends on the person and how much you are willing open your mind up to seeing the nice resorts/villas and then heading to town to see the abandoned homes destoyed by hurricanes and the locals wondering the streets. I don't think it matters where you stay. It's all in how you precieve what you see. If you are "high maintance" then this isn't the place. Just keep an open mind and act and think like you live there. Talk to the locals to get an honest view of things, make friends and connections. You will need them. If you will be driving around alot I suggest getting this certian kind of map that shows all of the sections/quarters of the island. Directions are usually told in this fashion. Also very useful if you are looking at real estate and want to know which part of the island it is at. You can get this detailed map at the airport or from a realtor. They may have the same map or a simalar one at the front desk at the Divi. Check out the map on line http://www.usvi-on-line.com. Have a great time!

Knowing that leeann is bringing the family in December this will not apply to her but for those who will be traveling to the USVI this summer will be interested in the Summer Super Saver Program that Dept of Tourism is offering. Direct page to info www.usvitourism.vi/en/welcome/pressreleases.asp?id=430.com
Promo ends August 31st.

Leeann (the leeann from michigan?)
For a group your size you don't have many choices here. Divi, Carombola, Best Western and The Buccaneer.

You can always contact Vicki Locke at the Buccaneer at 340-712-2100 ext. 741. She handles all the group sales. I'd ask anywhere for a group discount. The buccaneer has an awesome huge breakfast buffet that comes with the room as does the free watersports.

Good luck! Let me know if you need anything here on stx.

Linda

Thanks Linda, We are hoping to be moved down there by then but you never know, the economy back here is holding any potential buyers of our business to let go of there money quickly, and the fact that they are afraid to work as hard as we do at it. but we have some promising lookers, I am not too keen on spending a week with 12 family members in close quarters and thought the Divi would at least give us all our own space when we wanted it, $960.00 pp for room and air for 7 nights I didn't think that was too bad. I will keep in touch and let you know when we are coming for sure, can't wait to meet you all down there. LeeAnn from Michigan