Jost want to do this one again!
Jost Van Dyke
I cannot locate much history on Jost Van Dyke, which I believe aids in the mysterious air that surrounds the island and that it still holds today. Good ole Dutch privateer…or pirate, some say… Joost Van Dyk (Dyke) was the earliest inhabitant of the islands in the seventeenth century and is believed to have established the first settlement within the territory. Many who visit and those who stay say they were drawn to the island. I would guess much like Joost was.
Me, I get it.
Jost has been “calling” for fifteen years. I cannot explain the draw or the fixation with the island, but my excitement quickly changed to immense awe of the island the second my feet hit the dock.
Kenny Chesney sings,
“I believe there's magic here in these sails
In the wake of these old pirate trails
That cut through the water and the atmosphere
I believe there is magic here.
It's in buried treasure under the sea
In the music that drifts out on the street
It's in the barflies drinking their beer.
I believe there's magic here.
This crazy rock has got a lot
Of romance and sex appeal
It's lazy days with Hemingway.
And I gotta say that it captures me still.”
I can understand that sweet sentiment better now. I genuinely don’t know what it was that did it for me. Was it the smell or the sounds? The way the salt air mixed with my skin and left that healing kiss behind? I am not sure, but one thing I can tell you is that the island is intoxicating. Something about that rock makes you feel like you’ll live free forever. It was simple to see why the painkiller was made there and why it fits the island. Spending lazy days under the sea grape trees and palms of the island with a cold one in your hand sure helps you forget what pushes you every day back home.
There is always something about a vacation, though. A time where you can go and, for most, not lose money per se. Nor time to start a countdown on how many days before you must return to work. But more so time spent soaking in another place, becoming steeped in another culture. I was told many times while there that the island would make you patient. I don’t think it’s because things are harder to obtain on the island, but more so you don’t mind waiting for the things that are taking a bit longer to get to you. The peace of that island is one I will never forget.
Looking back on the journey, a flight is a flight, but the ferry rides were something unique. Upon landing at St. Thomas (STT) airport, we quickly waved a cab to Red Hook, approximately forty-five minutes away. We used Native Son to get us from Red Hook to the West End of Tortola, and then we jumped the New Horizon ferry right on into Jost. The ride on each ferry was eye candy all the way. Getting through customs to each ferry was time-consuming but worth it.
I do have to say that spring break this year was one of the most phenomenal for this BarFly. We booked a one-bedroom Villa with White Bay Villas for seven days on Jost Van Dyke. Our beautiful crows’ nest was perfectly perched atop White Bay with one of the island’s most serene views. Our sweet spot was just steps away from the Soggy Dollar Bar, Ivan’s Stress Free Bar, and Alice’s. Whose Alice, you ask? Oh, Alice! My sweet girl of the Caribbean. Where do I begin? It’s like the Cheshire Cat himself was strategically perched in a tree and pointed the way to this cozy little restaurant. The blue doors of the restaurant opened so peacefully out onto the patio where my table awaited each evening so that I could watch the boats roll in and out of White Bay. I couldn’t help but get caught up in the atmosphere. The rolling waves that crashed against the beautiful white sands, the rustling of the palms, and the smooth sounds of old-time jazz and oldies playing made it feel like it was all done just for me. It was near heaven.
Our host and owner, John Klein, would entertain most evenings with stories and late-night swims alongside his adorable chocolate lab Teddy. At the same time, his impeccable staff made us, and the other guests, feel like celebrities. I cannot say enough about Kidd, Lena, and Mersole. We were literally in tears on our last night saying our farewells. I have heard of other places on the island offering pizza and pasta, but I would wager Chef Mersoles’ against any of them. You dream it, and he delivers. Hailing from Italy, this gentleman made the best meals, from fresh lobster to shrimp pasta in a simple marinara that had me looking for his supple garlic bread to clean the bowl. Kidd kept the drinks flowing like she had an endless well that she was pulling from. Her smile and laughter made the evening complete.
This trip was one for the books.
Until our return, I will daydream of the afternoons spent under the sea grape tree.
Island Time
Underneath the sea grape tree
on good ole Jost is where I’ll be.
Watching the waves roll to and fro
with the rustle of palm trees to soothe my soul
Wishing the sailors, both new and passed,
a safe journey on to the next pass
Though my eyes are closed,
Daydreaming, I may be,
with the remembrance of the natives saying
I couldn’t come back if I didn’t leave.
Helpful tips and must see hot spots.
Getting your provisions and groceries to your room on Jost can be done. We were given two recommendations: Bobby's Marketplace or Rite Way Foods, and both require you to order your items online at least five days before arrival. We were advised to let the grocer know that we were staying at White Bay Villas and to make sure the order would be on the 1 pm ferry from West End to Jost Van Dyke on the day of our arrival. White Bay Villas management handled the pickup of our order, took our items to our villa, and even placed them neatly in the cabinets and refrigerator.
https://www.bobbyssupermarket.com/
Ferry Transportation
Here is the best advice I can give you on the ferry rides. Pay attention to your airport arrival and the last ferry scheduled for Jost. You must ensure you allow enough time from the airport to Red Hook, which is approximately forty-five minutes away. We arrived at St. Thomas (STT) airport at 1:24 pm and took the 3:15 pm Native Son Ferry from Red Hook to Wet End, Tortola, then took the 6:00 pm New Horizon Ferry from West End Tortola to Jost Van Dyke. Upon returning to St. Thomas, we took the 7:00 am New Horizons ferry from Jost to the West End, Tortola, and then the 8:30 am Native Son ferry from West End, Tortola to Red Hook, St. Thomas leaving plenty of time to catch a cab back to the airport, get through customs, snack and board our return flight at 1:20 pm without any hassle.
https://www.nativesonferry.com/west-end-to-red-hook/
https://newhorizonferry.com/schedule/https://newhorizonferry.com/schedule/
Alice’s Restaurant
What more can be said for this lady? This is surely a creator’s paradise where a dream envisioned by an impeccable entrepreneur came to life with every bit of passion and detail one could ever imagine. The food and service are something you would look for in a Michelin five-star restaurant. No matter if your palate is craving a snack or an elegant meal, Alice has them all with a full bar to serve some of the island's most lavish drinks.
https://www.jostvandyke.com/alices-restaurant
Paradise Water Taxi
Hey Frankie! You know you have it all my friend. Captains who hail from the island with not only knowledge of the best hotspots but also the history of Jost and the surrounding islands. Travel the islands in style with this wonderful family-operated water taxi service.
https://www.paradisewatertaxi.com/
Paradise Jeep Rental
Here again is Frankie to the rescue. If hiking is not your thing, then a new Jeep it is.
Call and email to book 284-547-1040 (WhatsApp available) paradise_rentals@yahoo.com.
https://paradisejeeprentalsbvi.com/
Soggy Dollar Bar
Call ahead and have your painkiller waiting for you when you get to Jost!! Food, games, and beach access for an all-day fun-filled adventure at the home of the original Painkiller made with coconut, fresh nutmeg, and rum. You will be glad you stopped.
Extras:
Virgin Gorda (The BAths)
Norman Island to the Pirate Bight/Willy T.
Gertrude's, Ivan's, and Hendo's