ST. JOHN - Virgin Islands - page 121

Concordia Eco-Tents On the southern tip of St. John, overlooking Salt Pond Bay
and Ram Head Point, these solar- and wind-powered tent-cottages combine sustain-
able technology with some of the most spectacular views on the island. The light
framing, fabric walls, and large screened-in windows lend a tree-house atmosphere to
guests' experiences. Set on the windward side of the island, the tent-cottages enjoy
natural ventilation from the cooling trade winds. Inside, each has two twin beds with
rather thin mattresses in each bedroom, one or two twin mattresses on a loft platform,
and a queen-size futon in the living room area. (Each unit can sleep up to six people
comfortably.) In addition, each Eco-Tent has a small solar-powered private shower,
rather meager towels, and a composting toilet. The secluded hillside location, sur-
rounded by hundreds of acres of pristine national park land, requires guests to
arrange for a rental vehicle.
20-27 Estate Concordia, Coral Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I. 00830. www.maho.org. & 800/392-9004 in the
U.S., or 212/472-9453. Fax [phone] units (4 are wheelchair accessible). Winter $155-$185 tent
for 2; off season $105 tent for 2. Extra person $15. MC, V. Amenities: Pool (outdoor). In room: No phone.
Maho Bay Camps Right on Maho Bay, this is an intriguing concept in ecol-
ogy vacationing, where you camp close to nature, but with considerable comfort. It's
set on a hillside above the beach surrounded by the Virgin Islands National Park. To
preserve the existing ground cover, all 114 tent-cottages are on platforms, above a
thickly wooded slope. Utility lines and pipes are hidden under wooden boardwalks
and stairs. Each tent-cottage, covered with canvas and screens, has two twin beds
with thin mattresses, a couch, electric lamps and outlets, a dining table, chairs, a
propane stove, an ice chest (cooler), linens, thin towels, and cooking and eating
utensils. Guests share communal bathhouses. Maho Bay Camps is more intimate
and slightly more luxurious than its nearest competitor, Cinnamon Bay.
P.O. Box 310, Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I. 00830. www.maho.org. & 800/392-9004 in the U.S., or 340/
715-0501. Fax [phone] or 212/861-6210. 114 units, none with bathroom. Winter $135 tent-cottage
for 2 (minimum stay of 7 nights); off season $80 tent-cottage for 2. Extra person winter $15, off season
$12. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; extensive watersports equipment/rentals.

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WHERE TO EAT
St. John has some posh dining, particularly at the luxury resorts like Caneel Bay, but
it also has West Indian restaurants with plenty of local color and flavor. Many of the
restaurants command high prices, but you can lunch almost anywhere at reasonable
rates. Dinner is often quite an event on St. John, as it's about the only form of night-
life the island has.
Expensive
Asolare FRENCH/ASIAN This is the most beautiful and elegant restaurant
on St. John, with the hippest and best-looking staff. Asolare is in the Estate Lind-
holm Bed & Breakfast (p. 117) and sits on top of a hill overlooking Cruz Bay and
some of the British Virgin Islands. Asolare translates to “the leisurely passing of time
without purpose” in Greek, and that's what many diners prefer to do here. The chef
roams the world for inspiration and cooks with flavor and flair, using some of the best
and freshest ingredients available on the island. To begin, you might try the grilled
Asian barbecued shrimp, or the squid-and-shrimp medley. For a main course, you
will be tempted by the ginger lamb or the peppercorn-dusted filet of beef. Two truly

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