Questions and Answers

Most questions on shopping and restaurants and condo rules and regulations can be answered in the rather extensive notebook that we have in our unit.  However, there are always other questions for first time visitors.  Hopefully the questions and answers below will be of help to all.

How is the snorkeling and swimming at the beach at your property? Is the water warm and crystal clear?   The water is definitely warm and crystal clear. There is a swimming area with a sandy bottom inside the reef marked off with buoys and reef fish may be found between the buoys and the reef.  There is also a narrow passage that takes you out beyond the reef where you will see more reef fish and fan corals but there is a medium strength current that passes by. We drive south of the pier on the west end where there is no current to see basket sponges and dead mans finger sponges.  There is no current inside our reef.  We are centrally located and also go to Cane Bay for snorkeling to the east of the old pier on the north shore.
 

Do you have spices, vinegar and oil and coffee filters?    Yes, but we are dependent on guests to replenish them and one can never be sure about the freshness of the olive oil.  However, there are several grocery stores in the area.

What bug repellent do you prefer?  Anything with DEET is fine, but I prefer Off.

Do you furnish shampoos and cream rinse?   Yes, and there is usually plenty that has been left by previous guests.  If you prefer your own brand you should bring your own.

Do furnish beach towels and hair dryers?  Yes.

 I was wondering are there any gyms/health clubs in the area?    I looked in the Innovative Phone Book and found the Beeston Hill Fitness Center in Christiansted, 840 778-5144 and I went to www.gotostcroix.com and found "340 Cross Fit",  340 513-8703,  www.340crossfit.vi,  I hope this is a help.

What does the "fully stocked bar" contain?   We stock the bar in the spring with vodka, gin, bourbon, Scotch, several flavors of rum and a note to guests to please replace what they use. There is a saying in the islands that the mixes usually cost more than the alcohol, although I am sure that it would depend on what you are buying.

Where are the best snorkeling spots?    click here to see suggestions sent in to the Trip Advisor St. Croix Forum

Do we need water shoes?   There are a few loose pieces of coral in the sand in front of the beach.  You would definitely need them if you wanted to walk around the points at the ends of the beach.

Where is the king bed located?  Downstairs, click here to see a diagram of the entire unit.          

Does the king bedroom have an attached patio?  No, it's the upstairs queen that has the attached patio.  The downstairs king bedroom is attached to the covered veranda.            

Is the washer/dryer inside the unit?   Yes, and quite large too.

Are the electrical outlets the same in St. Croix as they are here in the U.S.?  Yes

Barbara,  did you see the itinerary ? Is that going to be a problem with arrival time. .?  (Arriving 8:00 a.m. on same day someone is leaving)  I see that you are arriving at 8:00 a.m. and probably will arrive at Gentle Winds around 9:00-9:30.    We will need all the time until 4:00 to clean but  you can leave your suitcases and go down and collapse on the beach (remember sun screen and take advantage of the shade) and eat and drink at the snack shack.  There’s also a restroom and changing area by the recreation room by the pool.

Assuming our flights are on time (BIG ASSUMPTION!!!!!), we should be arriving at about 9 pm St Croix time.    Note: I'm trying to convince everyone in our party to try to get by on carryon luggage only!!!!     Everything is pretty casual here so you don’t need a lot of clothes.   Plus we have a large washer and dryer.   On the other hand, I’m pretty sure that Seaborne will deliver your bags to Gentle Winds if the bags are delayed.  I know that American will deliver and I believe that the two are affiliated now.

I have not yet decided whether to rent a car or not for our trip.  In any case, I think that with our late arrival that it would be easiest on our nerves (and far quicker) to rent a taxi to take us to Gentle Winds.  Then, "if" I decide to rent a car, I think I could deal with that on Sunday (or even Monday) under less stressful conditions.   What do you think of the decision to use a taxi Sat night???   I think that is an excellent suggestion.   When I arrive at night I take a taxi and then have call Centerline to deliver a car the next day.  Be sure and reserve your car well before arrival

I'm sure everyone is going to want to hit the beach and the ocean early on Sunday; snorkeling will be a must do option.  My wife and I have masks/snorkels but the other four don't.   I would bring my own gear so I know it fits, the others can try what we have and if it doesn't fit, they will have to rent or buy.  See below.

 I've seen in the reviews references to the fact that you have snorkeling equipment at the condo but I don't know how much and whether or not you think they would adequate.    What is your suggestion as to what we should do???   You won’t know if our equipment will fit until you get there.   We have lots of fins but masks don't last long and we don't have so many.  I checked with Cane Bay Dive Shop (2015) and they charge $15 for 24 hours and have packages available for sale for $100  in 2013.  Their phone number is 340 718-9913.

 I do think some of our party (me included) may want to also acquire vests.   We do have “noodles”  that you can use.  We have two or three.  They are very cheap to buy at Kmart.   There are lots of dive shops where you can rent or buy vests. 

 Also, are fins really required, at least for snorkeling of the beach at Gentle Winds???   My wife and I have them but we didn't want to pack them since they are so bulky.  Even if you just snorkel inside the reef at Gentle Winds you will be more comfortable with fins.  If you decide to go out through a narrow channel to the far side of the reef you would definitely need fins to get past the breakers or if you decide to visit other beaches.  There are lots of snorkeling tours and the masks and fins are always included.  It's also possible to rent the equipment from  a dive shop.  Web site addresses and phone numbers are on our web site and brochures are in our unit and at the airport.

Do you recommend using bottled water for drinking?  No, our water is just fine.  We have additional filters on both the kitchen sink and refrigerator.

I assume there are beach towels available for all?  Yes.  They can be hung to dry if necessary in the attached storage room or laid out on the patio chairs to dry in the sun.  We are requested not to lay them over the balconies.  Angela requests that we not try to dry them in the dryer as it causes it to fill with sand and stop working.

Are there supplies available for both dish washing/laundry?   Yes, unless they have run out.  We ask guests to replace what they use.

Is the coffee maker drip or percolator?  (We like extremely strong/dark coffee).  Drip but we also have a small espresso maker.  Coffee is expensive so you can bring your own.  We also have a coffee bean grinder.

What is the ice source?  Tap.  Our water is purified here on the premises with reverse osmosis and we have a filter for flavor as well.

Is there a road map for St Croix available in the condo?   There are lots of pocket maps at the airport and where you rent your car.   There is also a road map of the mid-island from the airport to Gentle Winds on our web site. 

Is there an outside grill?   Propane or charcoal?  Propane.  As of April 2024 it is brand new.  We have just replaced the old one that suffered from the salt air.

When you referred to restaurants along the north shore, I'm assuming you are referring to Cane Bay?    Any others (other than Christiansted)?  There is a list of recommended restaurants in our notebook in the condo listed by area.  North Shore, East Side, Central, Christiansted, Fredricksted.   There are restaurants between Gentle Winds and Cane Bay and also between Gentle Winds and Christiansted.

Is the taxi service on the island pretty responsive and reliable?  Yes, but more pricey than renting a car if you plan to go out often. 

Could you guess what the roundtrip fare might be from Gentle Winds to Christiansted?    The cost changes annually, but you can easily Google the answer for current pricrs.

 What are the hours for the food/drink shack on the beach?   Currently it is 12:00 to 5:00.  During the later part of the low season the hours and days can be reduced.  They are closed in Sept. and Oct. and open four days a week May through July unless there is a greater demand.

 Does one pay for food and/or drink as you get them or can one run a tab for the condo unit?   They take credit cards and I suppose you could pre-pay and then run a tab.  Nick is very accommodating.

Can you use credit/debit cards on the island?  Yes, but be sure to notify your card provider that you will be out of town.  Sometimes they will block cards that are just one state away if you don't notify them.  Always bring at least two just in case. 

Does the shack accept credit cards?  Yes.

Can you give me a couple examples of the typical cost for various food items as well as beer/wine/mixed drink items?  No, sorry.  Just assume it will be lots more than in the states.  Coffee especially is expensive and might be worth bringing your own.  Rum prices are not bad though.

 Could you give me a brief idea of how the initial provisioning would work?     You can order from the grocery stores and they will have your order ready for you to pick up on your way from the airport.  Pueblo is the closest at La Reine , Plaza Extra East at Sunny Isle is larger and about 10 minutes farther and Food Town by Five Corners is about 15 minutes further.

At end of July, are mosquitoes (or any other critters) pesky at that time?   We recommend wearing repellant at all times to avoid mosquito borne viruses such as Dengue or Chikungunya.  My favorite is Cutters Dry Spray.  It is 10% DEET and lasts two hours like all 10% DEETs, however the part that I like best is that it is non-greasy and non-fragrant.

I assume Christiansted is the closest place for a full service grocery store?   If you go to our web site you will see a link to a map of St. Croix.  Sunny Isles in the middle of the island is where we shop although there are also grocery stores on the way to Christiansted on the North Shore.  Pueblo is by McDonald's and across from the Chicken Shack in La Reine on the way to Gentle Winds.  

Which would you recommend?  The notebook in unit has details on the various stores and you will also find driving directions.

 We definitely want to have fresh local fish/shrimp for several of our dinners we fix - where would you recommend to go to buy fresh fish?  We have  a very extensive notebook in the unit with details that include directions to the market that always has fresh fish.  Lobster is sometimes by the side of the road. 

We want to rent a car. Our plane comes in around 8:30 at night. Is it wise to rent a car at the airport and try to find our way to your condo in the dark? Or, should we take a taxi, and try to get to a car rental in the morning? Just wanted to get your opinion! And, if you have a car rental agency that you recommend?  I used to  recommend taking a taxi if you come in at night but now that I am more comfortable driving on the left at night I just get a rental car. I recommend Centerline Car Rentals.  It wouldn't hurt to reserve in advance as they are sometimes fully booked, we always do.  Right now I am back to taking a taxi at night and having them pick me up the next day.  It saves a surcharge that is given at the airport.

Sorry to be a pain but I was wondering if there is a blow dryer in the condo.   There's one in every bathroom.

Do you furnish shampoo and conditioner?  Yes 

We will also want someone to make the beds and do a basic cleanup for us every day – I promised my wife !!!  LOL  do you arrange that?  Our manager will check with you when you arrive to see exactly what you would like and let you know what the charge would be.  I'm sure her rates will be more than fair.

I would like to have the freedom to leave up to 11 AM on our departure day as our flight does not leave St. Croix until 3:25 PM.  I hope that is okay?  If no one is coming in the same day, you can leave as late as you would like, just let our housekeeper know in advance.   If someone is coming the same day, you can still stay on the property, leaving your suitcases in the storeroom next door.  Even if you are not leaving until evening, we can store your suitcases for you and you can use the pool and change in the dressing rooms by the pool.

Would you recommend booking any day trips we might want to take, to Buck Island for instance, from home before we arrive? Or is it usually not an issue getting reservation?