WELCOME HOME, ST. JOHN

Commissioner of Tourism (USVI) Pamela C. Richards has announced that St. John was recently selected as one of America’s cleanest beach destinations by Organic Style magazine. The magazine selected the top eight beach destinations in the United States for their pristine shores and fresh clean air. The list appears in the June 2004 issue of Organic Style.

“Protected by the Virgin Islands National Park, St. John truly is one of the most beautiful places in the United States,” Commissioner Richards stated. “While all beaches are public, they remain virtually untouched, as does most of the island. The lack of development on most of St. John allows lush green foliage to line the dramatic mountainside that sets the stage for breathtaking white-sand beaches.”

St. John, though only 19 square miles in size, is home to more than 14,600 acres of protected sparkling beaches, private lagoons, nature trails, lush foliage and underwater landscapes. Once known for its sugar cane and farming industries, St. John today is recognized for its pristine beaches and conservation-minded residents who dedicate themselves to preserving the island’s natural and cultural resources. Diminutive in size but not in natural splendor, the island offers a glimpse of what life is like unfettered by commercial development and the trappings of a more modern lifestyle. Since philanthropist Laurance Rockefeller deeded two-thirds of the island-plus 5,000 offshore acres-to the federal government as national park land more than 40 years ago, St. John has retained a tranquil, unspoiled beauty that leaves visitors vowing to return for a longer stay.

While the Organic Style article features Trunk Bay, Hawksnest Bay and Leinster Bay, there are more than 40 pristine beaches on St. John where visitors can spread their beach towels and enjoy an uninterrupted day in the sun. St. John’s gently curving coastline lends itself to numerous serene and private bays and cays. Vacationers enjoy snorkeling along the protected coastlines, where an occasional turtle and stingray can be found among spectacular, colorful coral.

With a circulation of nearly 615,000, Organic Style magazine is geared toward women dedicated to exploring the art of living in balance. Each issue features articles on natural health, beauty, organic food, ecologically smart travel choices, gardens, decorating and much more.

For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, call 800-372-USVI (8784), visit www.usvitourism.vi or contact the nearest USVI Department of Tourism regional office in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Washington, D.C. or Toronto.