Welcome
Now that your visit to Spyglass Hill is almost upon you, we want to welcome you to our home on St John and share with you some house information. We are glad you are coming! We know you will have a wonderful time on St. John, and we hope that you will enjoy our house and its beautiful views!
Note (2021): COVID is still impacting travel to the islands. Please make sure that you are familiar and in compliance with the requirements for arrival.
Note (2018): St John, and especially Coral Bay, was devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The island is strong, the people are strong, and recovery is progressing, but it will be a long road for many. We ask for your patience, understanding, and support as you enjoy this tropical paradise.
For first time island visitors (or returning guests who so desire) it is best for our house manager, Jeremy Schachner, to meet you in Cruz Bay at the ferry to provide an orientation to the island and house. You should send Jeremy your flight information, contact info, and arrival plans at this time to redskypropertymgt@gmail.com or text to 504-339-9982. (Remember, your cell service may not work at all in the islands so plan ahead.)
Getting to the house: See our Directions Page. BUT Pease do not plan on using a GPS or smartphone navigation.
Things To Do
We have several guide books at the house describing the island options for things you might do while here. Also check what other renters have written in the house log to see what suggestions they might have.
Our family loves to spend time pouring over guides, maps and recommendations each night, deciding our following day’s itinerary.
We have a good variety of family games that you might enjoy as well, including Catan, Boggle, Cards and many others.
Jeremy (a dive master and boat captain) can also make recommendations, reservations, and introductions for any and all island activities, so don't hesitate to ask!
Internet, Wifi and Phone
The house has internet and wi-fi, the password is available on arrival. We found this year (2021) that it was sufficient for at least three people to work and school remotely with remote meetings (however, as with all utilities on the island, it can be a little wonky and not super fast.)
The house landline phone number is 340-776-6963.
More Important Information
WATER CONSERVATION
Our only water supply is rainwater caught on the roof, so conservation is a must. Before your arrival the cisterns will be checked to ensure adequate water for your stay, provided conservation is observed. Please be mindful and take short showers. We tend to turn the water on and off for showers, tooth brushing, and dish washing. If the water does run out, it can be days before a delivery can be made.
CARBON CONSERVATION
St. John is an amazing island where the effects of climate change, from reef loss to hurricanes, are obvious and destructive. During your stay, we hope you will help us reduce our carbon footprint by turning off fans and lights when not needed. Consider offsetting your plane trip too! (see https://www.goldstandard.org/)
SAFETY AND COMFORT
Please lock all the doors and close the gates to the decks when you leave the house, otherwise donkeys and goats can make a mess of it in record time!
In the tropics, we suggest that you be vigilant about closing doors. The bugs can occasionally get bad, especially after rains. Sand is also an attractant for the 'no-see-ums' that can get through the screens, and just a little in the sheets or on your feet will bring them in. For your own comfort, leave snorkel gear and sandy shoes outside, and rinse off in the outdoor shower before going inside. Cleaning up counters and dishes quickly can also cut down on ants.
TRASH
There is no trash pickup service on the islands. Bring your trash to one of the roadside dumpsters around the island (Jeremy can mark them on your map for you). To help keep bugs and other pests out it is best to do this as often as possible, or every time you leave the house. Unfortunately, there is no recycling on the island.
Please contact Paul (pjahnige@aya.yale.edu) with any questions before you go, and on the island, please contact Jeremy with any concerns and needs at 504-339-9982 or redskypropertymgt@gmail.com.
We know you will have a wonderful visit!