Battery Hill is in an excellent location possessing some absoutely magnificent views of the Caribbean. The comfort, style, and island breezes will make stress disapear. Battery Hill is comprised of eight 2-bedroom luxury condominiums (and one 1-bedroom studio) with dramatic views of enchanting Cruz Bay, Pillsbury Sound and the turquoise sea. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/St_John/batteryhill/hotel/771/21/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:28:48 EST Completely set apart from the rest of the villas, the honeymoon studio is designed for those too busy to cook. The cottage has a large bedroom with queen size bed and cathedral ceiling, plus a private luxury bath. Located alone at the end of Battery Hill's private pool, this may be just the place you have been searching for to spend your honeymoon, or perhaps a second honeymoon. Skillfully tiered on a knoll just a seven minute walk from Cruz Bay village, these exquisitely appointed and fully equipped homes feature air conditioning, quality furnishings, entertainment centers, cable TV, tasteful artwork and complete kitchens. All units have private decks overlooking the pool, Cruz Bay and surrounding islands, and are designed for comfort and Caribbean living. Enjoy walks to three dozen dining spots, shops, the ferry and some of the many beautiful St. John beaches. A Bit About Our Island... Area: 19 sq miles Population: 5,000 (estimate) Population density: 265 per sq mile Town Seat: Cruz Bay Geography: The island is situated 50 km (30 miles) east of Puerto Rico. It is covered with lush tropical vegetation and fringed by iridescent shores. Language: English is the official language. Spanish and Creole are also widely spoken. Religion: Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Moravian, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist, Methodist and Jehovah's Witness. Electricity: 120 volts AC, 60Hz (same as on the US mainland) Communications: Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 1. Area Code: 340. Outgoing international code: 011. Fax: Services are available. Telex: Facilities are available. Post: Airmail to Europe takes up to a week. Post office hours: 7:30 - 4:30 Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 12:00 Saturday. Press: Tradewinds (bi-weekly) and St. Thomas Times (monthly). History: The islands were first inhabited by Carib and Arawak Indians but, in common with the rest of the Caribbean, they endured various waves of European invasions and settlement from 1490s onwards, finally becoming part of the Danish West Indies. The American government purchased the islands in 1917 and they are now an unincorporated territory of the U.S. From the evidence of gubernatorial elections, the political complexion of the islands was distinctly Republican from 1970 until 1982 when the Governorship passed to the Democrats and has since remained there. Government: Although U.S. Virgin Islands residents are U.S. citizens, they cannot vote in presidential elections; one elected delegate represents the islands in the U.S. House of Representatives. The 1954 Organic Act created an elected 15-member Senate for the islands. Since 1970, executive authority has been vested in an elected governor who serves a 4-year term. Temperature: Sunny days with year round temperatures from 76 to 92 degrees. With average temperatures ranging from 77 degrees in winter to 82 degrees in summer, St. John is an ideal destination any time of year. Warmer days are cooled by pleasant trade winds. Currency: United States currency is used. As on the U.S. mainland, tipping of 15% to 20% is customary for service well done. Time Zone: St. John is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (except during Daylight Savings Time). U.S. citizens are not required to have passports when traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, but they must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship upon leaving. Some form of identification (driver's license, passport or birth certificate with a picture ID) should be carried. Citizens of any country other than the U.S. should follow U.S. travel regulations. Travelers to the British Virgin Islands absolutely require passports, so it is highly recommended you bring one even if you are a US citizen. Dress down. St. John has a very casual approach to dressing, although swimwear and abbreviated attire is not acceptable in Cruz Bay. Travel Light. We recommend that you bring several swimsuits; several pairs of shorts, sandals and athletic shoes. Other than that, just think casual. There are no restaurants in Cruz Bay where a jacket and tie are required or expected. Driving. Cars on the island are just like on the US mainland, but driving is on the LEFT side of the road. AMENITIES: ACTIVITIES: Beaches... Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world can be found on St. John. Soft sand leads you into the warm, clear turquiose waters, while extensive coral reefs provide wonderful snorkling opportunities. Islands Magazine said, "...add it up and this stretch of beach of St. John offers the best string of beaches in the Caribbean." SCUBA Diving... Whether you are an avid scuba diver or a beginner, St. John has exactly what you are looking for. You will find everything from 1/2 day introductory dives to complete three-day certification packages. Low Key Watersports, located in Wharfside Village, is St. John's only PADI five star IDC training facility (and it's only a 5 minute walk from your doorstep!). They also offer Naui and SSI certifications. If you begin your classes at home, you can complete the open water phase of your training in the beautiful Caribbean! Dive sites are plentiful and are as shallow as 15 feet or as challenging as the spectacular "Rhone" wreck dive. Night diving is also popular and available for groups of three or more. Summer is a great time for diving in the Virgin Islands. Our seas are calmer which makes dives at a distance more easily accessible. Winter or summer, you'll find our numerous sites swarming with colorful fish and exotic creatures. Speed and Sail Boat Rental... If skimming over the water rather than swimming under it is more to your liking, you can rent anything from dinghies to luxurious yachts. Take a quick trip around the bay, or escape to a remote island in a cabin cruiser. Our guests have been very pleased with the inflatable dingy rentals offered by Noah's Little Arks right on Cruz Bay Beach. These rentals offer access to beaches not easily accessible by land. For a more complete list of water sport and boat rentals on St. John, click here. Day Cruise... If you do not want to be the captain of your own boat for a day, you can still enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. Once you get on board, just sit back and relax -- someone else will do all the work! There are several day cruises that you can choose from--choose a day trip to the Baths at Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, or simply sail away to have lunch on a deserted island! Our Villa Manager will be happy to provide information and arrange bookings. Please let her know. Shopping on St. John... When most people think of shopping, they think of Charlotte Amalie, and in fact, St. Thomas is just a 20 minute ferry ride away. We think it only fair to note, however, that St. John provides a wide variety of shopping, all within easy walking distance of Battery Hill. From goldsmiths, to emeralds, to t-shirts and other local island goods, excellent shopping is nearby. Car Rental... Exploring the island of St. John in the comfort of a rental car is a must. One of the more popular means of getting around the islands is by way of an open-air Jeep. You will not miss one spectacular view or area of interest and you can tour at your own pace. Your confirmation letter will include car rental rates. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Dining... St. John has about three dozen dining spots ranging from very affordable delicatessens, backyard West Indian fare, outdoor rib delights and pizza, to some of the best fine dining in the Caribbean offering French, Italian, Asian and American food. Prices are very reasonable when compared to most other Caribbean islands. All dining on St. John calls for "casual attire". Smart casual, of course! Again, a short ferry ride to St. Thomas affords you many additional choices. Type: Condo No. of Rooms: 9 Beach Location: Near Beach (Walking Distance) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/St_John/batteryhill/hotel/771/21/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:28:48 EST