ST. JOHN - Virgin Islands - page 120

Serendip Vacation Condos This coveted island hideaway attracts a loyal clien-
tele, many of whom return every year. Its drawback is that it is not on the beach, and
most visitors need a car to get around. This property is set on sloping land on a hillside
above Cruz Bay. Its angular lines and concrete verandas are shielded by masses of
shrubbery. Serendip is a no-frills place, attracting independent types when compared
to the other recommended, more luxurious properties in this price category. The units
have simple Caribbean-style furniture and contain concrete latticework, a ceiling fan,
and a terrace or balcony. A gas-heated barbecue grill on the grounds is available for
use. Prices here are especially attractive for vacationers in small groups, plus the
studio apartments have sleeper couches.
P.O. Box 273, Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I. 00831. www.serendipstjohn.com. & 888/800-6445 in the U.S.
and Canada, or 340/776-6646. 10 apts. Winter $225 studio, $295 1-bedroom apt; off season $135 stu-
dio, $170 1-bedroom apt. Extra person $25; $15 children ages 3-10; children 2 and under stay free in
parent's apt. MC, V. Amenities: Pool (outdoor). In room: A/C, TV, kitchen, Wi-Fi (free).
INEXPENSIVE
The Inn at Tamarind Court This is a laid-back, homey sort of place, with a very
casual atmosphere and a friendly staff. Right outside Cruz Bay but still within walking
distance of the ferryboat dock, this modest place consists of a small hotel and an even
simpler West Indian inn. The inn is pretty basic and won't please you if you're too
demanding, but it's one of the few low-cost options on St. John. Bedrooms are small,
evoking those in a little country motel. Most have twin beds. Shower-only bathrooms
in the inn are shared among the single rooms; units in the hotel have small private
bathrooms. The social life here revolves around its courtyard bar and the in-house
restaurant under the same name. From the hotel, you can walk to shuttles that take
you to the beaches.
South Shore Rd. (P.O. Box 350), Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I. 00831. www.tamarindcourt.com. & 800/
221-1637 in the U.S., or 340/776-6378. Fax [phone] units, 14 with bathroom. Winter $75 single
without bathroom, $148 double with bathroom, $240 apt for 4 with bathroom; off season $60-$65
single without bathroom, $110-$120 double with bathroom, $170-$190 apt for 4 with bathroom. Rates
include continental breakfast. AE, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar. In room: A/C, ceiling fan, TV,
fridge, no phone.
CAMPGROUNDS
Cinnamon Bay Campground This National Park Service campground
is the most complete in the Caribbean. The site is directly on the beach, surrounded
by thousands of acres of tropical vegetation. Life is simple here: You have a choice of
a tent, a cottage, or a bare site. At the bare campsites, you get just the site, with no
fancy extras. Each canvas tent is 10×14 feet and has a floor as well as a number of
extras, including all cooking equipment; your linens are even changed weekly. Each
cottage is 15×15 feet, consisting of a room with two concrete walls and two screen
walls. Each cottage contains cooking facilities and four twin beds with thin mat-
tresses; one cot can be added. Lavatories and cool-water showers are in separate
buildings nearby. In winter, guests can camp for a maximum of 2 weeks; the rest of
the year camping is limited to 30 days.
P.O. Box 720, Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I. 00831. www.cinnamonbay.com. & 340/776-6330. Fax
340/776-6458. 126 units, none with bathroom. Winter $120-$155 cottage for 2, $88 tent site, $30 bare
site; off season $77-$100 cottage for 2, $64 tent site, $30 bare site. Extra person $19. AE, MC, V. Closed
Sept. Amenities: Restaurant; extensive watersports equipment/rentals. In room: No phone.

4

120