Virgin Island Tent City – Maho Bay Eco Camp Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link: http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/cabinweb/maho/maho.htmlTo get to Maho Bay you have to get to St. John, U.S.V.I. To get to St. John you have to take
ferry from Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook on St. Thomas. Getting to St. Thomas is easy, linked to world with an international airport.
Once past ferry dock at Cruz Bay you enter a realm of serene nature and relaxation—a time gone by, slow, quiet, way Carib used to be.
Surrounded by United States Virgin Islands Natiional Park, Maho Bay Camps is reached by unique canvas-topped, ten passenger iguana-green and open air Land Rover jitneys that grind over paved and graveled roads to get to Maho Bay Camps.
Maho Bay Camps is wrapped tightly above Maho Bay, sprawling ladder-like up steep hillside, and it is one of world's first eco-lodges devised to bring natural elemnts right into your sleeping environ. Built in1976 with only 18 tent cottages built on 16 foot wooden platforms, using hand construction techinques to protect environment.
The tent city rests beneath a tangled Caribbean forest that provides privacy. Translucent fabric on wood frames, screened windows and open air terraces take advantage of cooling Virgin Islands trade winds. Many units have beautiful hillside views of turquoise Caribbean waters, nearby islands and spectacular sunsets.
Each tent has a separate sleeping area with comfortable twin beds. An extra mattress is behind sleeping-couch in living area. Bed linens, blankets, towels, cooking and eating utensils are all provided, including propane stive and ice cooler. Every tent-cottage has its own private deck, electric outlets, lights and fans. Barbecue areas and fresh water are available along walkways.
Conveniently located bathhouses are equipped with modern, low-flush toilets and pull-chain showers connected to a recycling system which irrigates surrounding vegetation. If you rent Harmony Estates at top end of Maho Bay Camps, you have luxury of toilet and solar shower with tub built into your ecolodge for even more privacy.
Maho Bay is built for an outdoor experience, with a year-around tropical climate. Hike down rambling staircase to secluded white sand beach , or stop off at popular water sports center (with expert instruction) to arrange kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving.
The watersports center opens a little too late for me, a person that likes to sea kayak as sun arises and paints scenery my favorite Caribbean colors. Be sure to ask about sailing adventures with private tour operators, one of whom was once a temporary employee of Camps, then a full time resident, and then finally a yachting entrepreneur who could never go back to old life.
Massage, yoga, National Park presentations, weddings, live music and other activities are also available. Glassblowing demonstrations turn Camp's beer and soda bottles and other recylables into their Trash to Treasure Art Center.
The immediate area around Maho Bay Camps has beautiful hiking trails, including walks to historic plantation ruins. The town of Cruz Bay offers active night life within half an hour via local taxi service.
Every paradise has drawbacks of course. Maho Bay Camps would be a tough struggle for those in wheelchairs. Swim before sand flies come out at dusk, and everything else will fall in place.
DINING OUTDOORS
The outdoor restaurant on one of two large pavilions, serves breakfast and dinner every day with a variety of healthy meals, including at least one vegetarian entrée. The dining area has one of Virgin Islands' most unforgettable views, especially at sunset. Most of food fare is continental Americain with a little bit of Carib thrown in. Menus are primarily a la carte. The Maho Bay store is stocked with frozen foods, some produce, canned goods, breads, dairy, juices, soft drinks, beer, wine, and various sundries and boutique items , sunscreen, insect repellent, and recycled products. The gift shop features high quality crafts made by local artists as well as works in glass and aluminum made from recycled material created at their workshops. The free "help-yourself" center where departing guests leave books, sunscreen, staples, and other items is a convenient recycling center for newcomers.
