Maho Bay Eco-Resort on St. John USVI
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the accommodations like?
The accommodations at Maho Bay are in tent cottages, up off the ground, with wooden floors, canvas walls and roof, screens for windows, twin beds, lights and 110-volt outlets. The cottages are small, thoughtfully designed with a sleeping area with two twin beds, a kitchen area, and small deck. The kitchen area is basic with a chest that you can fill with ice for storage, jugs for water and a simple propane stove. As an eco-resort, they save on water use with washhouses close by with toilets and showers and potable water spigots. Raised wooden walkways and stairs take you everywhere, up and down the side of the mountain. Little Maho Bay is at the foot of several staircases, right there. Price is based on two people per tent cottage.
It is basic, but that is exactly what we like about Maho Bay. You can feel in and of the place, knowing that you are living simply and blending in with the eco-system. Past participants have said it is like Robinson Crusoe with a little house up in the trees.You get a deep sense of the place, walking on the walkways, on the beaches, swimming in the water.
What will the day’s schedule be like?
All meals are included in the price, breakfast, a box lunch and dinner. Breakfast and dinner are in a dining pavilion with a spectacular view.
We will lead programs at breakfast and right after breakfast, and yoga in the late afternoon, leaving you with the days open to spend as you wish, with the group or alone, resting or in gentle or vigorous walking and swimming and snorkeling.
You will get to experience ‘island time’ where there is no hurry.
What else is there at Maho Bay?
There is a small store on site with some basic food and other supplies, such as sunscreen and ice and simple gifts. There is glass blowing in a shack in the evening where you can watch glass blowers use re-cycled glass to create beautiful pieces that they sell in a store near the dining area. There are half and full day sailing and snorkeling trips right from Maho Bay, for an additional cost.
How do I get there?
St John has many boat moorings, but no airport. To get there, you fly to St Thomas USVI, take a taxi across St Thomas to the ferry, take the short ferry ride (you can see St John from St Thomas) and then a taxi to Maho Bay. There are multiple airlines that fly to St Thomas. Use your favorite travel booking site to get the best price – Travelocity, CheapFlights and more. In my experience, after you track down a good flight price, it is sometimes worth it to go to the airline site itself to book it.
We will send very specific details on the taxis and ferries when you sign up.
Is there a group flight?
No but we are happy to connect you with others who are leaving from your airport, so that you can possibly book the same flight or get flights that land close together in time.
Join us in this adventure, we would love to have you!
All photos on this page were taken by Janne or Innerlight retreat participants on St John and are copyrighted.
Do I need to know how to do yoga?
Some familiarity with yoga is helpful but not required. The classes are for all levels, with the intention of deepening your experience of the moment. We will be in a tropical paradise, not in boot camp.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. The beach at Little Maho is sandy with a very gradual slope. You can choose to go in as far as you are comfortable. You can also bring fins and swimming aids. You will need to use your discretion; there is no lifeguard, swimming is at your own risk.
Do I need to be able to climb stairs?
Yes. Maho Bay is built on the side of a small mountain rising from the sea. There are many, many steps. Some are short flights of steps and some are longer. The most stairs are the series of flights to the beach - 161 steps. There is a beach cafe on the way up those steps, offering simple snacks with table and chairs, and you can take your time going back up the steps but the stairs offer the only access to the beach.
Is there Snorkeling?
St John has some of the best snorkeling in the world. A wide array of tropical fish can be seen by swimming off the beach at Maho Bay — parrot fish, angel fish, blue tang, spotted eagle rays, octopus, and turtles. Snorkeling at Maho Bay is slipping into the sea, swimming to the nearby rocks and immediately seeing fish which look like they came out of someone's vivid imagination.The very first fish photo that I snapped at Maho Bay last year was a trunk fish.
There are four spectacular beaches at Maho Bay within walking distance that are excellent for snorkeling:
Little Maho is at the foot of the stairs.
Big Maho is over the hill on Goat Trail or a swim around Maho Point from Little Maho.
Francis Bay is a swim around the rock from Little Maho or a hike up the hill and down.
Waterlemon Cay at Leinster Bay is a 1-1/4 mile hike from Maho Bay.
The snorkeling is all easily accessible, just put on your mask and head for the rocks or coral (remember not to touch the coral.)
There are other beaches a short taxi-shuttle ride away via Frett’s from Maho Bay. These include Hawksnest, Cinnamon Bay, Caneel Bay, Trunk Bay, Solomon Bay, and Honeymoon Bay. They are all free, with the exception of Trunk Bay, which is manned by the National Parks Service, and Cinnamon Bay. The cost of Frett’s taxi ride is $8 one-way at its longest.
St John the island has more than 40 beaches, all different, all great snorkeling, almost all accessible from shore.
Trunk Fish at Maho Bay
Blue Tang
Octopus at Maho Point
How much would it cost to upgrade to a single tent cottage?
The price for the retreat is based on two people per tent cottage. It is possible to upgrade to a single tent cottage, with no tent mate, for an additional $450.
More about Maho Bay Retreat 2013:
Is it possible to have more than two people in a tent cottage?
The Maho Bay site says it is possible to have up to 4 people in a tent cottage but the tent cottage has two very comfortable twin beds; the extra couch/cushion beds are not comfortable, unless you are a child. There is an additional child rate available.
