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By Elsa Hall of Peters Bay St. John, St. John Virgin Islands
Submitted on July 1, 2009
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I have stayed at Maho Bay and since we are neighbors, we all know each other like family. Since we are in the same business, I like to go to Maho as a retreat from Botanical Villas Campground and it is beautiful there. It is like home away from home.
They have certainly been kind to us and we wish the best always!
Elsa Hall
President, Botanical VIllas, Inc.
botanicalvillas.com
By Joanna Griffith of Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Submitted on July 1, 2009
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I first came to Maho when I was 14, many years ago. It was before the time of the present Maho By Camps. It was then called, I believe, "Lil Maho", but was on the same property. It was run by an elderly couple and consisted of a main house and several duplex cabins.
We were lucky enough to have the Harry Ellis Dixon's as our neighbors. Harry was the first violinist for The Boston Pops and, at my mother's "encouragement", played "Danny Boy" for my Dad Dan one evening as we sat on our respective porches overlooking what has to be one of the most beautiful scenes in all the world. We kids had our first experiences with snorkeling, with sea urchins, and with banana flambe served at dinner in the wonderful main house. Our other neighbor, a Boston Psychiatrist, liked to sunbathe in the nude just around the rocks on the right side of the beach. My brothers and I were, of course, entranced by that. Our Mother and Father were not! It was pure magic.
I couldn't wait to go back, but life got in the way until June of 2000 when my husband and I brought our own kids to Saint John as a celebration of our son's college graduation. We didn't stay at Maho that time, but went over to visit it and I fell in love all over again. Since then my immediate family plus special friends have stayed at the Maho camps as often as we could manage. Each stay was as magical as my first, and each caused in us all a real yearning to get back again whenever possible.
Our last trip was in April of 2008. We just couldn't get there this year. However, as a part of a 40th Wedding Anniversary book that our kids created for us this month, they managed to come up with some old pictures from my first trip- juxtaposed with those of our trips together. Just thinking about that brings happy tears to my eyes and more yearning to get back.
This amazing place has become our bonding spot. Its beauty and simplicity allow us as both individuals and as a family to experience the real joys of living. No email, no constant phones ringing, no job stresses-just the best of us each and together. The idea that it may be no longer exist is beyond sad.
So- to anyone reading this- GO while you can and take your family!! I promise that you have no regrets except for the fact that you may never be able to experience this wonderful place again.
Jo
By Jennifer Taylor & David Paczkowski of Westbrook, Maine, USA
Submitted on June 30, 2009
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My husband and I just returned from a week long visit 6/21/ - 6/28 and stayed in A8 tent cottage. We had the most wonderful time! We loved that you are immersed in nature and the snorkeling was fantastic. We did not rent a jeep and I found the hiking to be difficult as I have trouble with heat (it didn't bother my husband). We went to several different beaches, but you don't have to go far to see amazing underwater creatures! The camp itself was excellent. Too much is made of the bugs and stairs. Of course there are bugs (we loved our resident lizards helping us out at night!) and the stairs are no big deal if you are in decent shape. To me, it is worth any minor issues to see a place where we do not dominate the landscape and instead become part of it. I am sorry to hear about the place losing its lease. I hope this does not come to pass, we would love to come back again and again!
By Joe of Marietta, Georgia
Submitted on June 30, 2009
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Just returned from another wonderful yearly trip to Maho.
1st two trips were in early December, this last one in mid June. The ocean was noticeably warmer and calmer in June. But more mosquitos.
1st two trips we stayed in Harmony, and this last visit we opted to save some cash and stay in a tent. We were glad we did. Our two Harmony suites never had hot water showers anyway. I was a bit apprehensive about my wife liking the tent but she loved it. And it was a much better location than Harmony, IMO. Closer to the restaurant, beach, etc.
We will do two more yearly trips I suppose, then it's sayonara Maho Bay :(
We will always have the memories.
By Pamela Koeppel of New York City, New York
Submitted on June 29, 2009
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Hi:
I stayed at Maho Bay when I was sixteen years old. Forty years have gone by but I'd say it was one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. My love for St. John remains forever.
By Emily Jackson of Cincinnati, Ohio
Submitted on June 24, 2009
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My husband and I are planning our 1st trip to Maho this October. My original intention was to not rent a car. I am just wondering how difficult anyone else who has tried this has found getting around the island. We would like to do some hikes and other bay's for swimming. Any thoughts are appreciated. Can't wait!
By Lynn Muelbl of West Allis, WI
Submitted on June 24, 2009
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Return for the second consecutive year May 20-27 with my children ages 19 and 21. Since our return last June we couldn't wait to get back!
Last year we stayed in a tent (C10~great view and great location). This year we tried Harmony...lucked out in 5A...It was nice to have more room and a private shower...however...5A needs some work. Staff was great...Zach and Allie were great...they recognized us from the year before...my kids had a great time in town with Zach one nite.
I just read Stanley's letter about the lease being up in 2 years. Oh no! We just discovered Maho and can't imagine it not being there. We are already talking about next year and bring more family members to experience this heavenly place.
The view, the pristine water and protected land make Maho magical. It's worth every mosquito and "acid spider" bite. Yea, 427 stairs down from 5A to the beach were strenuous but I'd do it again in a heart beat.
This year we sent our food, sunscreen and toiletries ahead via US Mail. Smart idea. We did some cooking, still difficult at Harmony, slightly easier than in a tent. Did the bulk of our grocery shopping in Cruz Bay and while in town ate at Uncle Joe's barbeque (a favorite).
This year we identified more sea life than last year. Octopus, squid, green and hawksbill turtles, flounder, brittle stars...all at Francis or Big Maho.
Brought our passports and went out on Stormy Petrel with Colin and Gavin for an awesome day out to the Baths at Virgin Gorda and snorkeling at the Indians. Highly recommend it.
We noticed Mr. Hamilton offering more taxi rides into town this year instead of just Mr. Frett. Caution...Mr. Hamilton charged us $2.00 more per person.
Maho Camps and Harmony Suites are challenging but worth it. I wouldn't want it any other way. Luxury for us is the water, the land and all of the life forms that share this paradise with us.
By Betty Thompson of Ft. Mill, South Carolina
Submitted on June 24, 2009
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1980 was the year of the best trip of our lives! Our daughter was 8 years old then and we were in our thirties! It still lives in our hearts and my daughter wants to take her two children there when they are old enough.
Needless to say - I am very sad to hear that Maho is closing.
In the old days - we packed all our food and supplies and took them with us as luggage. Spam is not my favorite food but we had plenty of it and loved it. Spagetti, mac and cheese and all the easy things that I could make. There wasn't a restraurant then so we cooked ourselves.
I have been back to St. John and visited Maho but we have not stayed there again - we were waiting to take the grand kids!
We have been on 13 cruises and many hotel vacations - but this vacation at Maho lives forever - my daughter has shown the pictures of Maho to so many people and then they have gone!
We certainly hope that Maho can be saved!
Betty Thompson
By Kate Holmgreen of Greenville, SC
Submitted on June 24, 2009
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Got the news today that the lease will expire in '11. Now I can only hope for a miracle! Maho is the best St. John experience by far- affordable, convivial, and simply beautiful. It breaks my heart to think about losing our family paradise. It's always like coming home to visit Maho.
By Sue of Denville , Nj
Submitted on June 22, 2009
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I didn't stay in any of these---but---A9-12 at Maho...Beautiful....Gorgeous.....anyone who has stayed in those help me out.
You know what? YOU CAN NOT GO WRONG ANYWHERE IN MAHO! :-) It's all LOVE. :-) S
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