Planning Your Stay

What to Bring
It is best to pack light, as there is no porter service. Plan to hand-carry essentials with you in case your luggage is delayed in transit. In addition to your clothing (dress is very casual), beach gear (including a beach towel), and toiletries, the following items are highly important to bring:

• Hiking shoes or a sturdy pair of sneakers (the wooden walkways can get slippery)
• A flashlight (for getting around at night)
• Insect repellent (If you have any allergies to insect bites, bring the necessary antibiotics, antihistamines, or sting kits.)
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat (the Caribbean sun is very strong)
• Musical instruments
• Film (it is expensive to purchase on the island)
• Earphones (required if you are bringing a radio)

Money
Credit cards are accepted at Maho Bay, though some places on the island do not accept them. There is no ATM at Maho Bay. Plan to bring either cash or traveler's checks. There is an ATM at the Chase Bank in Cruz Bay, on St. John (a 30-minute ride from Maho Bay).

Laundry
There is a laundromat located at Maho Bay.

Community Bathhouses
Bathhouses are located throughout the grounds. While there is no hot water, it is warm enough outside to make the air temperature showers refreshing. Maho Bay's only water supply comes from rain and the purchase of desalinated water and everyone is asked to contribute to water conservation. For hot showers, some guests bring a plastic portable shower bag; it is kept outdoors and uses solar heat to warm the water.

The Maho Bay Store
The store carries a variety of foods, breads, dairy products, vegetables, canned foods, juices, sodas, beers, wines, and additional items. No hard alcohol is sold.

Massage
A variety of bodywork services will be provided by qualified Omega therapists and will be available during your stay. If you wish to make an appointment, you may do so upon your arrival. A schedule will be posted on the bulletin board near the buffet tables. The approximate cost is $75 per session.

Meals
Meals are prepared by Maho Bay staff, based on menus from Omega's Rhinebeck, New York campus, and are primarily vegetarian, although there may be some chicken and fish entrees.

Breakfast is served from 8:00 a.m - 9:30 a.m.
Lunch from noon - 1:00 p.m.
Dinner from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Exploring
Maho Bay is situated on a hillside with three beautiful bays below and has rental equipment available for snorkeling, sailing, wind surfing, and sunfish sailing. Arrangements can also be made for scuba diving and additional activities. Most of St. John belongs to the Virgin Islands National Park and the Park Service also schedules daily events. You can hike or shuttle to most places on the island, or rent a car or jeep ($60-$70 per day). There is an on-site activities desk at Maho Bay with information about boat trips, hikes, and other events and activities.