The Art of Ease: St. John’s Blissful Bays & Boutique Sustainable Stays
Serenity meets sky at Calichi at Picture Point, a sustainable luxury villa offering some of the highest panoramic views on St. John—an island known for its lush landscapes, turquoise waters, and laid-back charm within the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Visual Diary of The Journey
Moments from the Trip
Getting There: From STT to St. John
Accommodations: Calichi at Picture Point
If St. John is your final destination, the best route is flying into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on neighboring St. Thomas. It’s the main international airport serving the U.S. Virgin Islands and located on the second-largest of the big three islands (St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix).
Once you land, rental car options are available at the airport. We checked in with out reservation number near baggage claim and had just a short 3-minute walk (if that) to pick up our vehicle across the street. Depending on the rental company, you might need to walk a bit farther—but don’t worry, airport staff are around to help and point you in the right direction. Pro tip: If you’re not traveling solo, it’s helpful to have one person stay with the luggage while the other secures the car—especially since the gravel terrain outside the terminal can make rolling bags a bit tricky.
From there, you’ll drive to the Red Hook Ferry Terminal, where you can purchase tickets to ferry both yourself and your vehicle over to Cruz Bay on St. John. The drive to the ferry took us about 30 minutes, but give yourself a little buffer—just in case there’s traffic or a line when you get there. That said, the views along the way made the time fly by. The ferry ride takes about 20–30 minutes, followed by a scenic 25-minute drive to Calichi at Picture Point. Fun Fact: Most ferries offer great views, but only some sell drinks and snacks. The one we hopped on served up one of the best Painkillers we had the entire trip. Totally unexpected win.
Perched high above the Caribbean blues, Calichi at Picture Point was our sustainable sanctuary for the 5-day getaway—a place where luxury meets eco-conscious living. With sweeping views of Coral Bay that made every sunrise feel sacred and every sunset cinematic, this wasn’t just a stay—it was a soul reset. From this elevated oasis, my bestie and I, joined by my mom, explored St. John at our own pace, soaking in the island’s rhythm, beauty, and magic.
The villa itself is a modern dream, complete with a private balcony, an infinity pool and hot tub exclusive to guests of the six villas, an outdoor dining area, and even a putting green. Calichi proves that sustainability and luxury can coexist seamlessly. The property is thoughtfully designed to minimize its environmental impact while maximizing comfort and style.
Calichi’s eco-conscious efforts include:
- Solar energy to reduce reliance on costly and often interrupted island power grids—a growing concern as climate change intensifies weather patterns.
- Greywater recycling, where water from showers is reused for flushing toilets and irrigating the landscape.
- Rainwater collection and filtration to supply the villas with fresh water.
- Eco-friendly cleaning products are used throughout the property to support a healthier environment.
Each day at Calichi felt like waking up in the clouds. It’s a place where you can truly take in the island’s natural beauty and warm spirit from a bird’s-eye view—an unforgettable home base for an unforgettable birthday adventure.
Beyond the luxurious digs, the real magic of this trip came from the people we met—on both St. John and St. Thomas. Island vibes and pace of life always seem to slow things down in the best way, and it’s most evident in the kindness of those who live there.
Here’s one moment that made all the difference:
We underestimated how long it would take to secure the rental car, catch the ferry, and navigate the pitch-black roads to Calichi. By the time we arrived, we were starving—like the Grinch descending from Mount Crumpit, we rolled down from Calichi in search of food. Johnny Lime was closing up for the night, but they still welcomed us in and fed us. We tried a little bit of everything—cocktails, jerk chicken, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes—and it ended up being some of the best food we had all trip.
From there, a food walking tour introduced us to the bold flavors of the Caribbean, scenic drives revealed jaw-dropping views, and local businesses consistently exceeded expectations—both in taste and experience. And though I live in the land of TexMex, a boat adventure led us to some pretty unforgettable tacos at Lime Out (details below).
The beauty of this place? It’s all accessible—no passport required for U.S. citizens. Just an open heart, a curious spirit, and a craving for connection.
Island Bites + Things To Do
Beaches + Excursions:
- Trunk Bay – Located within Virgin Islands National Park, this wide, picturesque beach is lauded as one of the best in the world for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for a full day of lounging, swimming, and soaking up the sun. (Coral Bay, Honeymoon Beach, Cinnamon Bay each offer their own unique charm.)
- Salt Pond Bay – This stunning, protected cove on St. John’s south shore is where clear blue waters meet soft white sand and sea turtles glide through the shallows. Ideal for snorkeling, sunbathing, and hiking, there are trails leading to panoramic coastal views and hidden gems like Drunk Bay and Ram Head. As part of the Virgin Islands National Park, the crescent-shaped beach also benefits from conservation efforts that help ensure it remains pristine. It’s a short, rocky walk from roadside parking (off Route 107), so wear good shoes and pack light. You’ll find only basic amenities like vault restrooms and picnic tables, but a whole lot of peace.
- Flavors of St. Thomas Walking Tour -This immersive experience offers an array of local cuisine and rich island history. From sampling a variety of traditional dishes to crafting your own Painkiller—a rum-based cocktail—in its place of origin, the tour is a flavorful journey through the heart of St. Thomas.
Food:
- Island Sweet Stuff – This incredible woman-owned business crafted a custom orange and gold buttercream vanilla birthday cake—paired with orange strawberries! It was a decadent, delicious masterpiece that tasted as stunning as it looked.
- Johnny Lime – This spot was a lifesaver—and a flavor bomb. Though they were closing for the night, they still welcomed us in and served up some of the best food of our trip. Think smoked meats, bold flavors, and sides that hit every note. The cocktails? Fresh, handcrafted, and unforgettable.
- Lime Out – A floating taco bar only accessible by boat—and absolutely worth the trip. You’ll enjoy tacos and drinks while lounging on lily pads in the water. It’s fun, fresh, and one of the most unique dining experiences on the island.
- Moe’s Fresh Market – Our go-to grocery stop. Moe’s offers a great mix of local and international options, perfect for stocking up when you want to cook or snack at your villa. (Located on St. Thomas near the Ferry terminal.)
- Colombo’s Coffee & Smoothie – Go. Just go. Whether it’s for coffee, smoothies, or a quick breakfast bite, Colombo’s delivers deliciousness with island charm.
Shopping:
- Palm Passage – A St. Thomas open-air mall where you’ll find local artisans, handmade goods, and unique souvenirs. It’s a great place to support small businesses and discover one-of-a-kind pieces.
