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 This is the best place on the islands. Visited: February 2008 |
| Posted by garbanzo |
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I love this place because you aren't stuck in a room with a TV. You are outside enjoying the fabulous Caribbean.
It's not for everyone. If you hate camping, or have serious problems with stairs and communal bathrooms - stay away.
If you love nature, this is the place for you. |
| 6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 Maho Bay offers terrific camping...plus! Visited: November 2005 |
| Posted by ssnamurray |
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I stayed with my husband and two kids (ages six and nine) for a week in November 2005. We found the tent to be a little tight, but we didn't hang out there much anyhow. It was a terrific design, with roll-down sides for the rainy periods.
We sprayed ourselves with insect repellant only when leaving for dinner and the evening. Clean linens were available daily (if we were willing to haul the dirties up for exchange that often).
We had tent A29, which was really nice. It was fairly private and was close to the beach. Shoot for A16 or 17 if you can get it - those had the best view and a resident iguana.
Bathrooms were a hike, but the beach was very close. The beach at Little Maho was fabulous, with terrific snorkeling both sides. Also, you could snorkelswim over to Big Maho, or walk there over a short path called the Goat Trail. We saw plenty right from the campground beach - all the usual fishes, plus a (juvenile) nurse shark! The walking was tough - very hilly - but lots can be seen in a short distance. Walk to Francis Bay, or take a cab over to Leinster Bay for turtles, starfish, rays, etc.
The restaurant was pricy, but the food was excellent. They had glassblowing demonstrations most nights, and the kids wanted to go every night. There was also a movie night once or twice a week up in the restaurant area, and daysails could be chartered from Maho's activity desk. They had trips to town and lots of other activities. My kids had a grand time with the Treasure Hunt - ask for it at the activities desk.
You can rent snorkel gear at the scuba shop (they even have prescription masks for rent!). You could also get beach floats, sail boards and other things.
We found the staff to be almost uniformly terrific - some of the teenagers were a little clueless, but there was usually an experienced staffer nearby to make corrections where needed.
It was a sight better than regular camping - sleep off the ground, protection from weather, etc. - but it was still essentially camping. If you want a hotel, book one; if you want a quiet, no-frills stay, Maho is the best choice in the area without question. |
| 27 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| A rustic, but charming retreat that is good for laid-back travelers. Visited: April 2003 |
| Posted by portia |
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We (my husband, our teenage daughterand I) stayed at Maho Camp for a week in early April. We shared one tent, which was a little cramped, and I would recommend no more than two people per tent unless you have very little ones.
The views were breathtaking! The store was well-equipped, and had reasonable prices (considering St. John was an island and everything was expensive).
The kitchen staff and activities staff were exceptionally nice and helpful. The main desk staff (checking in/out) was not as customer-friendly. Also, the facilities were not clean as a whistle, but they were not icky, and the setting was like Swiss Family Robinson.
While we were visiting, there was full-time permanent kitchen staff and the food was very yummy, and very reasonably priced. We rented a car and did not find the driving treacherous, as long as the driver was sober! If you are more than one or two people, and plan to go anywhere, it is worth the rental because the taxi charges are per person per trip.
We had a really great time and cannot wait to visit again. We spent a lot of time trying to figure out a way we could stay a long, long time! |
| 10 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| A rustic accommodation in a great location. Visited: January 2003 |
| Posted by frsapg |
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We (Dad, Mom and son) spent the last week of January in a tent cottage. We had a problem with the wood floor which was planked, not sealed, allowing humidity and insects to get into the room. Lizards may be your friend - as we were instructed - because they eat the bugs, but we would have preferred not to share the room with them!
Food in the Pavilion was very good and reasonably priced; the staff was very friendly; the conservation theme very convincing; and the location was just great! At $110 a night, the accommodations were not exactly a bargain, but St. John was an expensive island!
We had rented a car, but then cancelled the reservation: the hilly roads were treacherous and driving on the left with American cars is not for the average driver.
This place is highly recommended, if you like camping! |
| 6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| We had a wonderful week - it's a great eco-place. Visited: January 2003 |
| Posted by sitewheretostay |
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Our one week here was wonderful. The staff was friendly, the camps were in a beautiful location, and the crowd was laid back.
The staff paid attention to details and were genuinely helpful.
There was no air conditioning, no hot water, but it was no problem -the food was very good. I'll be back. |
| 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 A beautiful location, but the bugs and service were bad. Visited: December 2002 |
| Posted by kmukae |
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The accommodations were so unique and the views from the pavilions were incredible. However, bring strong bug spray because the mosquito's can be quite bad. I blistered from the bites and we had to leave three days early. I was disappointed to leave, but more disappointed that they charged two additional days to the bill for having to cancel mid-stay. This was poor customer service in my opinion, as my blistering bug bites actually required medical attention. If not for this I would have given the place 4 stars. |
| 5 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. |
| It is great if you love the outdoors. Visited: July 2002 |
| Posted by jlightning1 |
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Wow, this was what I call a vacation! I was not sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. It was heaven, and the food was okay contrary to other reviews.
I was unsure about the weather in July, but it was just fine. What a great trip! The Kids and I had a blast. Bring your own snorkle gear and very little else. You will remember this one for the rest of your life.
There was a bit of running up and down stairs, so you may not want to bring very young children. There were real tears when it was time to go back to the real world. |
| 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Amazing view and value. Visited: April 2002 |
| Posted by jondog1225 |
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Maho Bay Camps is set on Maho Bay in the Virgin Islands. The camp has one of the most beautiful Caribbean sunsets in the entire world.
The tent cottages are open air and are a perfect way to catch all those tropical breezes. We were far out on the point towards little Maho Bay, so we were treated to one of the best views in the whole camp. It also cost us less to stay here for 10 days than it costs to stay at other places for 2 days. Amazing place, at an amazing value. |
| 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| I would have rated it five stars, were it not for the food. Visited: April 2002 |
| Posted by kklausing |
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This was paradise! The staff was wonderful, the location was serene, the snorkeling was awesome and safe for the most inexperienced (as long as you don't touch a thing). We swam with the hawksbill turtle, marveled at the fans and sponges, and saw many species of fish. The land crabs at the bottom of the goat trail were too cute!
And all of this and more were just steps away from our tent! The facilities were clean and efficient. The beds were comfortable, and the activities were great!
The only drawback was the food. It was expensive and horrible! We were served gloppy glop for the price of 15.95! It was too bad. The Pavilion was gorgeous! But they made up for their kitchen disasters by having a terrific camp store. They offered a great variety of wine and beer and everything you needed to create your own meals.
I strongly recommend Maho Bay Camps. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was like life in a treehouse, moment by moment! Visited: April 2002 |
| Posted by LoriRuhlman |
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My family and I felt like we were living in a treehouse. For seven days and nights, we felt the tropical air on our skin, and we slept to the sounds of the native birds and the ocean.
Walking barefoot up 92 wooden steps to go to the bathroom was no chore, because every step held a view of the teal water or of a huge iguana in the trees. I realized mid-week that I was living every single moment "in-the-moment". Why would anyone choose to stay in a fancy hotel or condo with closed windows and air conditioning? At Maho Bay, in the tent-cabins, every moment was part of our vacation.
Don't rent a car. Instead, take the open-air taxis and go with the island flow. Or better yet, hike and walk to many activities. There were roads and trails that took us from Maho to other bays.
Our teenagers hiked places and snorkeled all the way home with a group of friends they made at camp. We thought the open-air restaurnt food was fine, and generous. To cut down on cost, we sometimes split an entree between two people (there was enough). Next time, we will bring more food and try cooking more in the tent. We brought dry food and did breakfast and lunch in our tent.
Everyone we met at Maho Bay was like-minded and fun. We made friends every time we went for a shower, to dinner or to the beach. When we left after seven days, and stayed in a hotel in San Juan, we felt so homesick for the sounds of the earth and the feel of the wind.
We all loved it here (and we are ages 46, 47, 18 and 15). We saw families with kids of all ages. Although we like camping, we never really camp more than two or three days at a time - but this was different.
We had real floors and could stand up and move around. There were real beds, which were quite comfortable. For the four of us, we had two of the tent-cabins (one for kids and one for parents) which made it very comfortable and fun, but twice as expensive. They set us up so the tents were together. You could certainly do it with just one, as others did, but it would be crowded.
Maho Bay was a model of how we all could and should live, with conservation in mind, and without all the "things" that tie us down. We are all still homesick for Maho Bay and are thinking about when we can return. |
| 9 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Hidden surprises, interesting, but bring some food. Visited: July 2001 |
| Posted by georgi_graphics |
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Our family of 4 (a 7-year old, and 14 ˝-year old) had a short stay during off-season—only 2 nights. We dined at the on-premise dining room different times for breakfast, coffee and for dinner. One evening we ordered a pocket stuffed with chicken, veggies and topped with Carribbean salsa. It had a scoop of sweet potato mixed with something yummy and some greens. We purchased the salad bar with the meal. You can go back for 2nds on the salad bar, however, we found we were not hungry for more salad. The portion for the meal itself could have been larger, as men eat more.
In the evening you can hike down in the dark (with a flashlight). Run your hands through the water and see real luminescent light sparkles coming through the water; it’s very neat. Also at night, walk around and listen. You'll hear the hermit crabs milling around through the leaves, as they are nocturnal. You'll see some very large ones, some as large as a fist.
We recommend renting a jeep or 4-wheel drive to fully enjoy the island. We also recommend getting to the check-out desk early, as we waited 25 minutes for the person in front of us to process his paperwork. We were concerned about our plane and didn't anticipate such a long wait. Plan in advance to be prepared.
Bring things like some potatoes to cook, oatmeal, rice dishes, powdered milk, peanut butter, jelly, bread, etc. You can cook what you need, supplement meals at the nice dining room with the views and then leave your unused packages for someone else who may need them at the guest arrival center.
I would like to see Maho implement a program to allow their guests staying on premise a 20% discount for meals per person or per family for those paying with credit card and staying at the camps. There are many people that arrive off boats and that drive up the hill for dinner who pay the same prices for dinner as guests that are paying for accommodations at Maho. It would be more fair to the staying guest. It can easily be tracked of who is staying on premise as you set up an account when you first arrive and bill everything to you tent (room #). This is something that will make people want to stay there again, and again.
The beds were most comfortable, clean and bug free. We did not get any bug bites from the beds, which were very supportive and comfy. Hopefully, when we go back they'll be offering a discount for the Maho Bay guests that are also dining on premises! |
| 8 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Maho Bay is top-notch camping! Visited: April 2001 |
| Posted by scowart |
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For our first visit to St.John, we decided to do something a little different. After all, the point was to get away from the crowds and relax! And that we did! Yes, the staff was helpful, friendly and very laid back.
After talking to many locals and visitors, we came to realize that many come to Maho just to eat dinner. The food was good and reasonably priced (compared to other places on the island). The bathrooms were clean and never crowded. We were warned that prices at the camp's grocery store were high, but we found them to be quite reasonable...and a great selection of beer and wine to boot!
Families and kids were all around but we hardly ever heard a peep out of them. Both visitors and staff were very respectful of others and the island. The beach was great and so was the snorkeling!
Remember, this type of stay isn't for everone..but if you are looking for something a little different and if you can get the taxi schedule down...you've got it made! We're planning on going back in a few months! |
| 5 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
| We highly recommend it. Visited: November 1999 |
| Posted by tcsteid |
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We just returned from our fourth visit to Maho Bay Camps. As always, we loved the place.
The food was great. While some reviewers say it is pricy, if you consider what it takes to get to the camp, we disagree. If you plan on going, understand that it is a camp built on a mountain, so there are lots of steps to climb.
Recently, a bunch of roosters have taken up residence at Maho and begin crowing at 4:00 am every morning. The managament should remove the roosters.
Maho Bay Camps are a special place to my wife, our two kids and me. We highly recommend the place, and plan on returning at some future date.
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| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Friendly, wholesome, relaxing, beautiful, excellent food. Visited: November 1999 |
| Posted by ATraveler |
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I had a wonderful carefree and relaxing stay at Maho. The staff was friendly and caring, the food was excellent and the surroundings were natural and beautiful. I plan on returning! |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. |
| Great Place - Don't Eat There Visited: November 1999 |
| Posted by coyotebob |
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We have two complaints about Maho Camps - the food and the cleaning. The food is priced reasonably, but it's poor quality. Maho references on it's web page for volunteer opportunities to stay and work there for a reduced rate. The problem is the kitchen is run by volunteers. This means that the quality of the food (and the portion size) depends on who is cooking that night. Meals should be cooked by someone who cares, not just someone who's putting in hours. We had three meals (breakfast/supper) there and spent the rest of our trip not eating there. You can bring food or get food in town before you come back to Maho. I would not plan on eating there.
The cleaning thing wasn't quite as bad, but the shared restrooms/showers are cleaned only once a day. We were there in the off-season with only about 40% occupancy and the showers/bathrooms needed cleaned more often. As an example, the same washcloth was stuck on an overhead fan blade the entire time we were there. This is another example of how using volunteers for staff creates a destination where nobody realy cares.
The desk staff seemed to specialize in talking to their friends, rather than bothering to help the paying customeres.
Another caution is that you need to plan your out of camp activities around the taxi schedule to Maho Camps. There is only one taxi service that will go to Maho Camps, because of the road. You may end up coming into Cruz Bay and having to kill time - just watch your schedules. The taxi is reliable, but the added cost is that any time you leave Maho Camps it will cost you $10 a person.
The upside is that Maho Camps is a great place to stay. It's basically like staying in a screened-in porch. You can snorkel off the beach and with a little bit of swimming (2-300 yards) be on other beaches. When the staff pay attention to you they have great tips on sorkeling, restaurants, etc. The whole atmosphere is very laid back and if you are looking for an alternative to the huge hotels, you won't find better |
| 9 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
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| In September of 2007, Maho was sold to to an organization who wants to "protect" the property for future visitors and locals. They also have give the sellers the right to develop 66 acres with 22 homes and reserved 18 acres to sell to developers to cover debt. ... |
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