From NYC to St. Thomas ☀️✈️
Day 1 was mostly about getting there, but honestly, the journey itself felt like an initiation.
I flew from NYC to St. Thomas (STT), feeling tired, excited, and emotionally ready for this trip to begin. I did not know then that the real adventure would start the moment I left the airport.
The wild taxi ride to Red Hook 🚕😬
The taxi ride from STT airport to Red Hook ferry terminal deserves its own paragraph.
It took about 40 to 50 minutes, and the roads were steep, narrow, winding, and dramatic in a way that makes you grip the seat a little tighter. If you are new to island driving, this can feel genuinely scary. Sharp curves, elevation changes, and ocean views that are stunning but also slightly distracting.
That said, the roads are well-maintained, and once I settled in, it felt less chaotic and more thrilling.
Important ferry info if you are doing this route:
- Ferries from Red Hook to St. John leave roughly every hour
- The last ferry is around 11 pm
I picked up some groceries from Moe’s fresh market and withdrew some cash right opposite Red Hook.
Ferry chaos, luggage fees, and a small panic 🛥️
I had booked my ferry online, thinking I was all set.
Turns out, you still have to pay $6 per bag for luggage (does not include bagpacks or other small items), which I did not know. Even though I was almost first in line to board, I had to step aside, scramble to get a baggage ticket because the websites were not loading, and hope I did not miss the ferry.
Stress levels were high for a minute, but I made it just in time.
St. John arrival with rain and a double rainbow 🌈🌧️
As the ferry approached St. John, it started raining lightly.
And then, a double rainbow appeared.
I have photos, and yes, it felt symbolic. After everything this year has thrown at me, being welcomed like that felt gentle, like the island was saying, you can exhale now.
Jeep pickup and an unexpected win 🚙✨
Once I arrived in Cruz Bay, I called the jeep rental folks, and they picked me up in their shuttle. Easy, friendly, and zero stress.
On the way, they even pointed out a few places around the area, which was such a nice touch. The biggest win though?
I could park at their spot for free.
Parking on the island can cost up to $25 an hour, so this felt like a travel victory.
Driving to Coral Bay
Driving in St. John is an experience. You drive on the left side of the road, and the roads are steep, twisty, and full of tight curves that loop through the hills.
It can feel intimidating, but ten years of driving in India absolutely came in clutch here. Instead of fear, I felt oddly prepared.
The drive from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay was stunning. Green hills, open water, and that quiet realization that I was finally far away from everything that had been weighing on me.
Coral Bay Is everything 💙
Let me say this clearly.
Coral Bay is AMAZING.
It is calm, slower, and deeply peaceful. My stay has the best views I have ever experienced, and while I am not sharing the name, the photos will do the talking.
This trip is a reset for me. After a long, mentally draining period in my life, being here feels like choosing myself. It is also a conscious effort to challenge the belief that I do not deserve nice things.
Being here is me unlearning that.
Christmas eve boats, fried chicken, and sleep 🎄🚤🍗
As if Day 1 had not already delivered enough, there was a boat lights show near Johnny Lime for Christmas Eve. Boats glowing against the dark water, soft music, and that unmistakable island magic. The town folk put a lot of love and effort into decorating their boats and Santa made an appearance to greet us all.
I grabbed a full plate of fried chicken with two sides: rice with beans and potato salad, and a key lime pie, drove back through the quiet winding roads, and went straight to sleep.
Tired, full, calm, and content.
Anushka's Bookish Shenanigans 