Lynda Lohr points out that, after Coral Bay (in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands) got national attention by The New York Times as one of the top recommended spots to go in 2016, Vogue Magazine “jumped on the bandwagon,” featuring the island in its “5 Hottest Winter Escapes” article on alternatives to popular winter vacation spots.

It said that instead of going to St. Barths, head to St. John and, in particular, to Coral Bay. “St. Barth’s has long been the It destination for East Coasters in the winter because of its relatively close proximity and posh hotels. If you aren’t looking to see and be seen while on vacation this time around, but still want stunning beaches and sunshine, try St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” the magazine advised.

Vogue suggested “spending plenty of time in Coral Bay on the eastern side of the island, which is more laid-back and less commercial. A few days here and you’ll forget what snow even feels like. Well, almost . . .”

That said, according to the magazine, you’ll have to leave Coral Bay to sleep. It recommends “the romantic Caneel Bay resort, which it called an old-school property that’s “the” place to stay on St. John.

You won’t have to leave the Coral Bay area to eat, however. Skinny Legs Restaurant and Bar got kudos for its “mouthwatering burgers,” Shipwreck Landing for its curry nut-crusted grouper, and Vie’s Snack Shack for its rice and beans.

As for what to do, Vogue suggests heading to Miss Lucy’s restaurant’s regular full moon parties to listen to live music by local bands and watch the full moon over Coral Bay.

“During the day, book a boating excursion to sail and snorkel around the crystalline waters of Coral Bay. Kekoa, Palm Tree Charters and Lion In Da Sun all lead excellent excursions. If you are a hiker, take a drive to the Cinnamon Bay trail, where you’ll come across ruins of a sugarcane factory, wildlife and Danish burial crypts,” Vogue wrote.

Coral Bay Community Council President Sharon Coldren suggested that with all this attention, Coral Bay needs to put together a brochure telling day tourists where to go and what to see. [. . .]

For full article, see http://stthomassource.com/content/news/local-news/2016/01/22/coral-bay-makes-vogue-s-list

[See photo above and more information about Coral Bay at http://coralbaystjohn.com/.]