STAYING AT GALLOWS POINT RESORT IN ST. JOHN USVI DURING COVID
Traveling and vacationing during 2020 is definitely different than it’s ever been before. As Andrew and I prepared for our trip to the US Virgin Islands we wanted to make sure we were following all the proper precautions and research as much as we possibly could before traveling.
The updated travel restrictions to the US Virgin Islands can be found here and new travel portal here where travelers must fill out their information within 5 days of travel. As of October 2020, all travelers entering the US Virgin Islands, no matter where they are coming from, must take a COVID-19 test and receive negative test results within 5 days of travel and upload results and answer questionnaire in Travel Portal. This is going to help protect the individuals on the islands and ensure everyone’s safety.
Disclaimer: This article is in partnership with Gallows Point, but as always, all opinions and thoughts are my own. This post also features some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your love and support!
While in public spaces where we weren’t able to social distance, we wore our masks and it was still a fabulous vacation. Upon arriving at Gallows Point, we were greeted by the sweetest people and they made our entire experience exceptional.
WHAT ARE THE GALLOWS POINT RESORT COVID PRECAUTIONS?
Gallows Point Resort is closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization’s statements regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and following guidelines from these agencies and the local health departments. The wellbeing of their guests and associates is of paramount importance.
The new procedures Gallows Point Resort are taking include:
Enhanced Team Member safety and well-being with personal protective equipment and enhanced training and protocols
Hand Hygiene: Proper and frequent hand washing is vital to help combat the spread of viruses. In our daily meetings, our teams are reminded that cleanliness starts with this simple act. It’s important for their health and that of our guests.
Real Time Information: Our management team is on standby 24/7 to support the hotel and coordinate with local and regional authorities.
Guest Rooms: We use cleaning and disinfecting protocols to clean rooms after guests depart and before the next guest arrives, with particular attention paid to high-touch items.
Reduced paper amenities (like pads and guest directories) in rooms
Public Spaces: We have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in public spaces, with a focus on the counter at the front desk, handrails, door handles, public bathrooms, fitness center, and room keys.
Back of House: In the spaces where our teams work “behind the scenes,” we are increasing the frequency of cleaning and focusing on high-touch areas like employee entrances, bathrooms, laundry rooms and staff offices.
Read more about Gallows Point’s commitment to cleanliness here.
Andrew and I were able to meet with two of the house keeping staff, Jean Joseph and Vena Montina Pompee, to see how they prepare the rooms for the next guests. Upon check in, we were even able to choose to have our room cleaned every other day to ensure less individuals in our room while staying at the resort. Additionally, we were able to meet with Davidson, the assistant manager who demonstrated how their IonoMAX machine worked to purify the rooms between guests. The IonoMAX machine helps to create pure, clean environments for healthy living. Read more about the IonoMAX here. It was extremely comforting to see all the measures listed on Gallows Point Resort’s website being put into action.
WHAT DO THE ROOMS AT GALLOWS RESORT POINT LOOK LIKE?
We had an ocean view lower suite which you can read all about here. It was fabulous and we truly felt like we were staying in our own little home away from home. Each suite has central A/C, coffee & condiments, fully-equipped kitchen: refrigerator, stove, microwave, toaster, blender, coffee maker and dishwasher, wireless Internet, pull-out queen sleeper sofa in living room, and more you can check out here. We loved making a cup of coffee in the mornings and then heading out to the porch to watch the sunrise and listen to the ocean. Another thing Andrew and I couldn’t get enough of was the sunroom connected to our bedroom and shower. It was such a nice little space to relax and when it rained, it was the perfect spot to sit and watch it come down.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT AMENITIES OFFERED AT GALLOWS POINT RESORT?
OCEAN 362 RESTAURANT
The Ocean 362 restaurant is at Gallows Point Resort and has an amazing view of the sunset over the ocean! I mean, absolutely breathtaking. They even have a rooftop view as well, just ask for a table on the roof when you call to make reservations. Be sure to ask about their specials and if you’re a blue cheese fan, get the blue cheesecake appetizer. It was heavenly! Andrew and I ordered it every time we ate at Ocean 362!
GALLOWS POINT GIFT & GOURMET
Gallows Point Gift & Gourmet has pretty much everything you could possibly want while on the property! Pop over for a light breakfast and grab freshly baked items and a coffee! Andrew and I had a vanilla latte and iced chai latte and they were both great! Gallows Point Resort Gift & Gourmet is a small grocery store as well that also provides in-room provisioning – juices, wine, beer, welcome baskets, snacks and breakfast items, so you can relax and enjoy even more your paradise home. After Andrew proposed he had them make up an adorable basket with wine, crackers, brie, and gouda! It was so special to come back to our room as a newly engaged couple and have a basket of delicious food and wine waiting for us as well as a sweet handwritten card! We gathered everything up and went to enjoy it by the pool as the sun set over the ocean.
IS THERE PRIVATE BEACH ACCESS AT GALLOWS POINT RESORT?
Something really special about Gallows Point Resort is the private beach access. The first day we got in, Andrew and I headed down to the water to snorkel! You can rent your snorkel gear needs with the concierge at the Gift & Gourmet Shop. We saw beautiful tropical fish and crabs all along the rocks. It was very convenient being able to be just steps to the ocean from your suite.
DOES GALLOWS POINT RESORT HAVE A POOL & HOT TUB?
Andrew and I loved spending time by the pool and ended up there for most evenings to watch the sunset! There were numerous lounge chairs with umbrellas and actual tables to sit and read or eat a snack at. It was so easy to access the pool because of it’s central location on the resort property and with it being right above the ocean you had an absolutely stunning view. The pool had a sanitizer station right when you walk in, which was really nice and then they had the chairs spaced out to ensure social distancing. Something we utilized a lot at the pool was the outdoor shower to wash the sand off our bodies and feet before getting in the pool or going back to the room.
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE CLOSE TO GALLOWS POINT RESORT?
Wharfside Village
Wharfside Village is about a 3-5 minute walk down the hill from Gallows Point and well worth the walk. There are numerous dining opportunities as well as shopping right on the beach!
Some of our favorite places to go there are:
Beach Bar - is as its’ name says, right off the beach. Andrew and I walked to beach bar a couple of times to enjoy a light lunch and piña coladas with a view of the ocean and the relaxing sound of the waves.
St. John Spice Company - This is a shop my family and I have been going to for years. It’s your go to for anything and everything spices, jams, rubs, coffee, tea, you name it.
Mongoose Junction
Mongoose Junction is an amazing dining and shopping experience walking distance from Gallows Point Resort. Some of our favorite places to go there are:
Big Planet - for St. John t-shirts and tons of cute clothing!
Friends of the National Park Store - for unique gifts for a sustainable environment that will both inspire and educate. Andrew and I purchased lots of beautiful post cards, books, and even a cute t-shirt.
St. John Scoops - If you’re in the mood for some ice cream, this is the place to go! Pretty much every flavor we tried we loved!
Caravan Gallery - is a beautiful family owned boutique with affordable and fine jewelry, gifts in all price ranges, and authentic artifacts from around the world. My family and I have been going here for years! My mom bought me my first bracelet there when I was 6, so it was really special to go back and buy bracelets with Andrew.
The Tap Room - is St. John Brewers' brewery and brewpub and I highly recommend it. Andrew and I had two flights to try numerous drinks and holy moly. I didn’t think I would like every single one and I 100% did. We also grabbed some pizza to go along with our flights and it was delicious too. Once we filled up on drinks and food we headed downstairs to the St. John Brewers' Brewtique to purchase souvenir pint glasses and t-shirts.
Honeymoon Beach
Honeymoon Beach was absolutely incredible and the best part is you can walk from Gallows Point Resort to this secluded beach away from town. All you have to do is walk to the Virgin Islands National Park Visitors center and head to the Lind Point trailhead right behind the building. There are some stairs you’re going to head up and then you’ll be on the trail headed to the beach. I definitely think this is a beginner trail and wasn’t an intense hike by any means. The scenic hike is about 1 mile each way and takes about 20-30 minutes. You eventually pop out of the forest and end up on the beautiful Honeymoon Beach.
Honeymoon Beach offers an awesome day pass which includes: kayaking, lounge chairs, floats, lockers, snorkel gear, and access to changing rooms and bathrooms for $49! It was well worth it and the staff was extremely helpful and kind.
Overall, Gallows Point Resort was not just an amazing resort but a complete experience. We will never forget our special memories made on St. John and our incredible time at Gallows Point Resort.
The next time you’re looking at taking a Caribbean vacation, look no further and book your stay at Gallows Point Resort!
If you have any questions about the resort feel free to comment them below.
XOXO