On St. John, in the US Virgin Islands, Maho Bay Camps, Harmony Studios, Estate Concordia Studios, and the Concordia Eco-tents, provide a unique vacation experience while promoting respect for the environment. Maho Bay Camps is probably the most highly praised ecotourism destination in the world with 114 eco-tents and cottages. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/St_John/mahobay/hotel/802/21/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Sat, 30 Aug 2008 11:45:55 EST Dear Traveler, If you've been looking for an unforgettable vacation in the US Virgin Islands, where tree frogs and hummingbirds feel just as comfortable as you do, in a pristine, natural setting, you have come to the right web site. Less than a three hour flight from Florida, or three and a half from NYC, in the Caribbean's gorgeous US Virgin Islands National Park, Maho has its own secluded, white sand beach, and plenty of water sports like sailing, scuba, wind surfing, and snorkeling for active guests. There's also lots of peace and quite for those who simply want to enjoy the natural surroundings in thousands of unspoiled acres. When Maho Bay Camps opened in 1976, the term ecotourism didn't even exist. Environmentally sensitive travelers usually had to "rough it" to be close to nature. My idea was to provide intimacy with the great outdoors, in the US Virgin Islands (where English is spoken), one of the world's most beautiful settings, with comfort and convenience, at low cost. Maho Bay Camps proved to be so popular that we now have three sister resorts: Harmony Studios, Estate Concordia Studios and the Concordia Eco-tents. All four are based on the same idea, creature comforts for all creatures. Each facility on St. John (the least populated of the US Virgin Islands) has its own comfort level, from basic to more luxurious. Each is built on the same philosophy; that environmental sensitivity, human comfort and responsible consumption are all compatible and can also enhance your vacation experience. Thanks to many new technologies, it is now possible for "green" travelers to enjoy intimacy with nature while staying in dwellings constructed almost entirely of recycled materials, powered by the sun and wind, and built with site-sensitive techniques that preserve and protect the fragile eco-system of the US Virgin Islands. Although Maho Bay Camps is probably the most highly praised ecotourism destination in the world, we had modest beginnings. In 1976, we built 18 tent-cottages on 16 foot square platforms in the Virgin Islands National Park using hand construction methods which left the natural environment virtually undisturbed. The platforms were connected by elevated walkways to avoid soil erosion which endangers the beach and fragile coral. This sensitive land use stimulated an explosion of favorable press which has encouraged our growth to 114 units. Now we are celebrating 25 years of an improved local environment as a result of this sensitive and sustainable development. We are encouraged by our growing popularity in a culture which is becoming more aware of the importance of preserving nature's precious gifts. The roomy tent-cottages are nearly hidden by lush foliage providing privacy. Translucent fabric on wood frames, screened windows and open air terraces take advantage of the cooling Virgin Islands trade winds. Many units have beautiful hillside views of the turquoise Caribbean waters, near by islands and spectacular sunsets. Each has a separate sleeping area with comfortable twin beds. An extra mattress is behind the sleeping-couch in the living area. Bed linens, blankets, towels, cooking and eating utensils are all provided, including propane stove and ice cooler. Every tent-cottage has its own private deck, electric outlets, lights and fans. Barbecue areas and fresh water are available along the walkways. Harmony After modest beginnings in 1976, before ecotourism was part of our vocabulary, we enjoyed great success and built Harmony Studios using the same sensitive construction techniques that respect the natural environment. The dwellings are connected by elevated walkways to minimize soil erosion which endangers the beach and fragile coral. Harmony Studios provide more creature comforts for its guests including large rooms and private bathrooms. Its close proximity to Maho Bay Camps (both inside the US Virgin Islands National Park) lets vacationers, honeymooners and families take advantage of the secluded beach, all water sports; kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving. The splendid pavilion, restaurant, store, gift shop, various cultural events and convenient transportation, are all available at the Maho Bay campground. Estate Concordia Studios The Eco-Tents and Estate Concordia Studios are on adjacent properties on St. John, USVI about 25 minutes from Maho Bay by rental car over well paved hillside roads. Breathtaking vistas of the incomparable Caribbean are commonplace from these comfortable dwellings. Located on the dramatic southeastern side of St. John, these high-tech structures provide our guests with comforts for the body and soul. These are some of the most spectacular surroundings for which the USVIs and St. John are well known. The "eco-tents" are similar to the tent cottages of Maho Bay Camps. They provide more creature comforts and conveniences with private toilets, showers, solar energy, and more elaborate kitchen facilities in each unit. Five or six adults can sleep on twin beds and a queen-size futon. The dining area and large screened windows allow nature lovers to be as close to St. John's flora and fauna as possible without actually sleeping outside. This side of St. John has some of the most beautiful scuba diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean which can be arranged through the Maho Bay's Water Sports Center. Many other water sports and leisure activities are also available at Maho. Restaurants, groceries, casual shopping, local entertainment, water sports and island tours are a pleasant 10 minute drive to Coral Bay or 40 minutes to Cruz Bay (where ferries connect to St. Thomas). AMENITIES: Conveniently located bathhouses are equipped with modern, low-flush toilets and pull-chain showers connected to a recycling system which irrigates the surrounding vegetation. The outdoor restaurant on one of the two large pavilions, serves breakfast and dinner every day with a variety of healthful meals, including at least one vegetarian entree. The dining area has one of the Virgin Islands' most unforgettable views, especially at sunset. 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 such as sunscreen, insect repellent, recycled paper products, etc. 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 our own workshops. Our free "help-yourself" center where departing guests leave books, sunscreen, staples and other items is a convenient recycling center for newcomers. Harmony Studios feature: Bedroom Studios (upper/lower) have two twin beds (roll aways are also available), kitchenettes with microwave, all kitchen appliances and cooking utensils, dining table and chairs, tiled private bathrooms, all linens, and a spacious 6' x 18' deck with furniture. Living Room Studios (upper/lower) have queen-size sofa-beds, two twin beds, kitchenettes with microwave, all kitchen appliances and cooking utensils, spacious dining areas, all linens, tiled private bathroom, and a large 6' x 20'deck with furniture. Concordia Studios offer: Full or Partial Ocean View Studio: A variety of styles ranging from cozy rooms with queen size futons and efficiency kitchens to large rooms with vaulted ceilings, wrap-around deck, queen size bed and full kitchen. These units can accommodate two guests (three in larger units, with rollaway bed). Full Ocean View Loft Duplex: These two-story units feature loft bedrooms, wrap-around decks, two bathrooms, full kitchens, two twin beds, and one full-size futon. They can comfortably accommodate six guests with two rollaway beds. ACTIVITIES: Our secluded white sand beach and year-round tropical climate offer a variety of popular water sports (with expert instruction available) including kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Massage, yoga, National Park presentations, weddings, live music and other activities are available. Glassblowing demonstrations are one of our most popular activities with mesmerized guests watching beautiful glasswork being made from crushed bottles in our 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. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Vacation Rental No. of Rooms: 114 Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/St_John/mahobay/hotel/802/21/ Sat, 30 Aug 2008 11:45:55 EST