ST. JOHN - Virgin Islands - page 119

MODERATE
Estate Concordia Studios Vacationing families, even honeymooners, flock to
this environmentally sensitive 50-acre development, which has been widely praised
for its integration with the local ecosystem. Its elevated structures were designed to
coexist with the stunning southern edge of St. John. The secluded property is nestled
on a low cliff above a salt pond, surrounded by hundreds of pristine National Park
acres. It's best for those with rental vehicles. Each building was designed to protect
mature trees and is connected to its neighbors with boardwalks. The nine studios are
contained in five postmodern cottages. Each unit has a kitchen, a shower-only bath-
room, a balcony, and a ceiling fan; some have an extra bedroom. For information on
the on-site Concordia Eco-Tents, see “Campgrounds,” below.
20-27 Estate Concordia, Coral Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I. 00830. www.maho.org. & 800/392-9004 or
212/472-9453 in the U.S. and Canada, or 340/715-0501. Fax [phone] units. Winter $160-$250
double; off season $115-$160 double. MC, V. Amenities: Internet cafe ($10 per hr.); pool (outdoor).
In room: Ceiling fan, kitchen, no phone.
Garden by the Sea Bed & Breakfast This cozy little choice is like the
quintessential Caribbean home, in a setting of coconut and banana trees, with nest-
ing birds, iguanas, and peacocks. Overlooking the ocean, near a bird-filled salt pond,
this B&B lies a 10-minute walk south of the little port of Cruz Bay. It has easy access
to the north-shore beaches and lies between Frank and Turner bays. From the gar-
dens of the house, a short path along Audubon Pond leads to Frank Bay Beach. Be
sure to reserve a room ahead, as it offers only three bedrooms. Artifacts from around
the world have been used to furnish the units. Each bedroom features elephant
bamboo canopy beds, Japanese fountains, hardwood floors, and well-kept bathrooms.
Don't expect phones or TVs, as this is a getaway, not a communications center.
The 1970s house is designed in a Caribbean gingerbread style with cathedral
beamed ceilings.
P.O. Box 37, Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I. 00831 www.gardenbythesea.com. & 340/779-4731. 3 units.
Winter $250-$275 double; off season $160-$200 double. No credit cards. Closed Sept. In room: A/C,
ceiling fan, hair dryer, no phone, Wi-Fi (free).
Harmony Studios Tree frogs and hummingbirds greet you as you arrive here,
as this complex was designed to combine both ecological technology and comfort; it's
one of the few resorts in the Caribbean to operate exclusively on sun and wind power.
Built on a hillside above the Maho Bay Camp, this is a small-scale cluster of 12
luxury studios in six two-story houses with views sweeping down to the sea. Most of
the building materials are derived from recycled materials, including reconstituted
plastic and glass containers, newsprint, old tires, and scrap lumber. The studios con-
tain ceiling fans, tiled shower-only bathrooms, kitchenettes, dining areas, and outdoor
terraces. The managers and staff are committed to offering educational experiences,
as well as the services of a small-scale resort. Guests can walk a short distance
downhill to use the restaurant, grocery store, and watersports facilities at the Maho
Bay Camp.
P.O. Box 310, Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I. 00831. www.maho.org. & 800/392-9004 in the U.S. and
Canada, or 340/776-6240. Fax [phone] units. Winter $225-$250 studio for 2; off season
$130-$155 studio for 2. Extra person $25. MC, V. Amenities: Extensive watersports equipment/rentals.
In room: Ceiling fan, kitchenette, no phone.

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