- How do I get to and from St. John and Concordia Eco Resort?
You need to book a flight to St. Thomas (STT), American Virgin Islands (AVI). Concordia encourages participants to book a flight that arrives before 5:00PM to St. Thomas because of ferry connections to St. John. Also, booking early will usually get you the best rate.
On Sunday, the final day of the retreat, you should book your departure from the St. Thomas airport no earlier than 11:00 AM.
When you arrive at the Cyril E. King Airport (STT) you will be on the west end of the island of St. Thomas. Once you have collected your luggage, exit the building and you will find the taxis/vans waiting to take you to the Ferry Terminal at Redhook, on the east end of the island (about a 20 to 30 minute ride). Taxi fares are set and there is a charge per bag for luggage ($15 per person and $4 per bag in 2017). It is customary to tip. The ferries to St. John run about once every hour. (The Ferry was $7 per person and $4 a bag in 2017). You will need cash for both the van and the Ferry.
You will arrive on St. John at the Cruz Bay dock. Upon arriving on St. John you will need to travel to the far (and quiet) end of the island to reach Concordia Eco-Resort. It will take approximately 30-40 minutes to cross the Island. You can take an open-air taxi (jitney) which is much cheaper than hiring a private taxi.
- Do I need a passport?
A Passport is not required for St. Thomas or St. John as they are part of the American Virgin Islands although you are encouraged to carry one. You will need a passport if you plan to visit the British Virgin Islands. If you do not have a passport, you need a birth certificate and an I.D. with a photo, and/or any other requirements by Homeland Security.
- What should I pack?
Pack light, summer-weight clothing, including comfortable clothes for yoga. Even in January and February when St. John’s coldest temperatures are in the high 60’s, a light pullover for early morning is the warmest clothing you will need. Remember that you will be in the tropics.
Other essential items you will want to bring
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Swimsuit and sunglasses
- Hat for sun protection
- Backpack and water bottle
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Good walking shoes and sandals
- Do I need to bring sheets and towels OR a Yoga mat?
No. You do not need sheets or blankets or towels or a yoga mat. You might want to bring a beach towel, although you can purchase one at the Concordia store as a souvenir.
- Do they rent snorkeling equipment at Concordia?
Yes. You can rent snorkeling equipment by the day or by the week at Concordia.
- What do I do about cooking and eating?
There are 2-burner propane stoves and a small fridge in each of the units. The Concordia shop carries a few breakfast items and snacks, including ice cream, wine and beer. However, we will offer ‘shopping trips’ on various days so you can purchase food items at local grocery stores and markets. Most people eat breakfast in their units and then have some fixings for lunch. In addition:
- There is a nice restaurant/cafe out-of-doors on site at Concordia which is open most days, has a great brunch on Sundays, a good bar, and various options for lunch and dinner.
- We will plan dinners out 2 or 3 nights for anyone who is interested to enjoy local cuisine and local music
- For a couple of dinners last year we had fun pot-lucks at Concordia
- Are there ATMs available?
There are ATMs on St. Thomas and St. John but not at Concordia. The store does take credit cards but you will still want some cash.
- What about electronics? Is there Internet Connectivity and will my cell phone work at Concordia?
You can charge any electronic items at the Office of Concordia (they are very nice about it). The tent units have lights and fans and solar-heated hot water for showers but no electric plugs for devices (so don’t worry about a hair dryer!)
There is no cell reception at Concordia itself but there is coverage in Coral Bay and Cruz Bay. There are phones on premises and phone cards are very inexpensive.
There is internet connectivity available at the Office/restaurant area.
- Do I need to rent a car?
No. It is not necessary. We will have vehicles (open-air jitneys) for transporting you on day and evening trips and excursions. If you do chose to rent a car there are places in Cruz Bay to rent vehicles.
- Is there anything else I should know about Concordia or the experience that I didn’t know to ask?
Besides the beauty, the tropical breezes, the island flora and fauna and the delightful company, YES. People often do comment on the number of steps and stairs to go from your unit to the office or pool or yoga pavilion—so you learn to appreciate the extra cardio workout and the exercise of your calves and think it as part of practicing your mindfulness!