Dear Wild Palm Guest,
You’ll find many of the answers to your questions in these FAQ’s! Once you read them, if you still have questions, email us at stay@wildpalmstjohn.com or give us a ring! Melanie Stephens (cell: 970-531-0696) and Mike Dytkiewicz (cell: 970-531-9677).
What is glamping?
The word “glamping” combines the words “glamour” and “camping.” Glamping comes in so many forms, from domes like ours to treehouses! Glamping experiences often offer one-of-a kind stays in amazing locations (like St. John)!
Is sleeping in domes on St John safe?
Our domes have locking doors with entry codes that are changed as soon as a guest leaves. We also have safes (the size of a small laptop) inside your dome. Also, because our domes are made of polycarbonate plastic, they are more secure than a canvas tent (which can be cut with a knife).
However, we are located on a public road, and we do not have 24 hour on-site security. Please leave your valuables and excess cash at home and be sure to use our in-dome safes while on our property.
Where do I use the toilet and shower?
Each dome has a private toilet and outdoor tropical shower. Water is a valuable resource on St John. Our showers have water-saving shower heads and shut offs. Please help us conserve water as a Wild Palm guest! Also, please note that, as of now, we do NOT offer hot water showers. (However, you are welcome to bring your own portable solar Camp Shower.)
How do I get to St. John?
- Red Hook: From the St Thomas airport, you can catch a group van outside in front of baggage claim (no reservation needed). It takes about a half hour to get across the island, and the ferry ride is about 20 minutes.
- Downtown Charlotte Amalie: take a taxi from the airport. (NOTE: Runs limited hours-check operation and availability!) Appx: 45 min. ferry ride.
Ferry prices vary (appx: $8) each way (cash or credit card). There is also a bag fee of $2.50/bag. Airport van fees to Red Hook run about $35, and bags may be extra. (Cash only.)
All times/costs are approximate.
For more info visit: https://www.viport.com/schedules-ferrycargoschedules
OR …
Do I need a car? Do I need a 4WD car?
You’ll need a car to get to Wild Palm from Cruz Bay. You don’t need a 4WD car to get to our property, however we highly advise it, as it will give you the best access to the overall island.
We recommend reserving your rental car ahead of time. You can rent your car on St John and pick it up once you arrive on the ferry (depending on the time of day you are arriving). Some travelers rent a car on St Thomas, and bring it over on the car ferry, which leaves from Red Hook.
Maps and directions to Wild Palm St John
ADDRESS: 2 Glucksberg
You can get to Wild Palm from downtown Cruz Bay two different ways. Centerline Road -Hwy 10 goes from downtown through the center of the island. HWY 104 goes along the island’s south shore. These two roads make one big loop, and in the middle they turn into Gifft Hill Road. Our house is off of Gifft Hill Road. The following directions are given from downtown Cruz Bay taking Centerline Road.)
From Downtown Cruz Bay. Take Centerline Road-Hwy 10 out of town (east). Go appx 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Hwy 104, which turns into Gifft Hill Road (Tony’s Restaurant is on the right). Go appx 1 mile, past Gifft Hill School. Once you see the Gifft Hill School upper campus soccer field on the left, we are the next property on the right hand side of the road.
Look for the “Wild Palm” sign at the entrance to the property!
Food Shopping
If you rent a car on St. Thomas, it may be helpful to stop at one of the larger stores on St Thomas to do some of your grocery shopping. Pricesmart, on the way from the airport to the Red Hook ferry, is our “go-to” for bulk items. We will often shop for basics at Pricesmart, and then fill in with fresh items (like local organic greens from Josephina’s Farm) on St John. However, please keep in mind that you will be limited in terms of your refrigerator and food storage at Wild Palm St John (you have one shelf of refrigerator space at the property, and one medium size Yeti cooler for your dome).
Your Arrival: Checking In
A few days prior to your arrival, you will receive an arrival kit with all of the information you need including a map to your dome on the property, and your lockbox code. IMPORTANT: Please make a note of this code! We do not offer 24-hour lock box code retrieval, so please be sure to put your code somewhere safe throughout your stay.
Your Departure: Checking Out
Before your departure, you will receive departure instructions via email. If you have any questions, please let us know!
Late Check In/Check Out
You are welcome to check in any time on your arrival time/date. Your lockbox code is your key for entry, so please put the code somewhere safe so you can access your dome when you arrive (sorry – but we do not offer a 24 hour code retrieval service). In some cases, we may offer late check out for an additional fee. Late check out instructions will be available in your rental packet.
Trash
There is no trash collection on the property. Please take your trash to the dumpsters alongside the roads. We provide large black and small white bags at Wild Palm.
Recycling/composting
We offer both recycling and composting on the property. However, plastic is a major issue on the island. We appreciate if you will limit both your plastic/plastic disposal and limit any packaging when coming to Wild Palm.
Please see your Welcome Packet for more information.
What about critters and animals?
Yes! Here in the tropics, you may encounter ants, mosquitoes, scorpions, tarantulas, iguanas, mongoose, deer, goats, donkeys, and more. Our fresh breezes help keep the bugs away, as do our citronella tiki torches. You will also have the option of using mosquito netting around in the community area. A few tips:
- Bring your own eco-friendly bug spray (we also sell it our on-site honor bar).
- Keep your eyes out for other critters, and check your shoes before putting them on.
- For those of you who have visited the tropics, you know how much our island critters LOVE the smallest of morsels left on a countertop or dropped on the floor. We provide coolers to keep your food outside, and kindly request that guests not take food inside their domes unless it’s absolutely necessary (hard rain, etc.). That way, the dome is bug-free for the next guest.
- Don’t feed the wildlife.
Is there WiFi?
WI-FI PASSWORD: MMSTJ2024
Wild Palm has internet service, however, as with everything the island (internet, electricity, ferries), it is not always reliable. Many issues we have resolve themselves in time, however, if you do have a problem that lasts more than a few hours, please let us know so that we can contact a technician to visit the property.
Recycling/composting
We offer both recycling and composting on the property. However, plastic is a major issue on the island. We appreciate if you will limit both your plastic/plastic disposal and limit any packaging when coming to Wild Palm.
Please see your Welcome Packet for more information.
Do you provide beach towels, chairs, etc.
We provide beach and pool towels. We make 2 beach chairs available for each dome.
Is there potable water and ice?
We provide 1 gallon of drinking water for each dome upon arrival. After that, please plan to purchase your own drinking water from the local grocery store or from Love City Ice Cruz Bay.
Prices: A gallon of water costs approximately $2.00 ($1.00 if you are refilling your container) and 10 pounds of ice costs approximately $2.50. (A medium size Yeti cooler is provided for each dome. It takes 2 bags of ice, and lasts about 2 days.)
What about cooking and food storage?
Wild Palm has a bbq area and provides coolers for food storage. You will need your own ice. We provide an assortment of reusable plates, bowls, silverware and cups for your use.
Security
Our neighborhood feels really safe, but we do not have a security service overseeing the property, etc. We recommended closing up the dome when you leave for the day, locking all doors, and using the provided in-dome safe for any valuables.
Sustainability
As you may already know, island living is a very different way of life, as resources are scarce, and everything we do requires an eye towards sustainability.
The only source of water at our home is rainwater. For that reason, we ask that you consider your use of water for everyday things like showering and teeth brushing. For example, we take “sailor showers” – turning the water off while soaping up and keeping showers short. We also brush our teeth using water only to start and rinse, turning the water off while we are actually brushing. Small things like this can really help us conserve our water.
To help cut down on the use of plastic bags, we have provided reusable grocery bags for your convenience.
Electricity and A/C
As you may already know, island living is a very different way of life, as resources are scarce, and everything we do requires an eye towards sustainability.
The cost of electricity on St John is among the highest in the world! Please turn off your lights, and do not leave fans running.
Our domes have several windows for airflow. We also provide each dome with a fan. We do not currently offer A/C, but check back with us , as we plan to in the future.
Cleaning
The home is cleaned prior to your arrival and after you leave. If you want to do a quick-clean in the house on your own, please use only water to clean all surfaces.
We have reusable HandiWipes in the bath area for you to wipe down sinks,
Laundry
There are two laundry mats on the island that are available for public use.
What if I have a problem while on island?
If you have an emergency, call 911 (from land line) or St. John Rescue (from cell): 340-776-9110. Our address is 2 Glucksberg.
After calling for emergency help, please call us: 970.531.0696/970.531.9677.
Are pets allowed?
We LOVE dogs! Of course, service dogs with required paperwork are accommodated. If you have another pet you’d like to bring, we’ll consider it on a case by case basis. Give us a call!
Is there an age limit to rent the domes?
Yes, you must be 23 years of age to rent a dome. Our current dome size can accommodate a maximum of two people. (We have larger domes coming that will accommodate more!)
How steep and rugged is your property?
The property sits on a moderate slope, with trails that weave through rocks and trees. The lower domes require walking up and down a hill, and may not be appropriate for those who are not in generally good condition. If this is the case, the upper dome will be your best option, although this dome still requires the ability to walk approximately 50 feet up and down hill. If you have any questions about whether or not our property is a good fit for you, please contact us directly to discuss!
Post-Beach Protocol
You can rinse the sand off of your masks/snorkels, feet, etc. at the rinsing station near the pool. You can hang towels and wet clothing on the handrail on your private deck.
What do we need to do when we leave for the day?
Please make sure all windows are closed. Even if it looks sunny, it could rain at a moment’s notice here! Please also make sure your safe is closed and locked, and your front door is locked.
What do we need to do to check out?
Please make sure all windows are closed and turn off all lights and fans. Your door will lock automatically when you close it.
Smoking
Our property is a non-smoking property.
Eco-Products (Soaps, etc.)
We provide biodegradable soap in the shower.
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THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN FOR VISITING US!
We truly hope you that Wild Palm St John and the island itself have given you some wonderful memories, and that you will come back and see us!
And, of course – we appreciate your reviews and comments!
