News of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

All Chesney almost all the time

Kenny Chesney fans will be getting their own radio station later this month.  XM Radio plans to debut ”No Shoes Radio” on its satellite channel 18 on July 26. 

The programming will include “never before heard recordings, an uncut, exclusive concert broadcast from the current Poets and Pirates Tour, plus random drop-ins from fans, friends, and plenty of music to bring to life the attitude that permeates Kenny Chesney’s world.”  In a news release, the singer said, “This is a way to keep the vibe alive, long after our tour is gone."

I've not been able to get my XM receiver to work on St. John but if you are a subscriber to the service, you can listen online.  "No Shoes Radio" will be offered through XM Radio's Internet site, http://xmro.xmradio.com/

Chesney wants to sell another home

But this one’s not on St. John.  It's in California. 

The LA Times reports the singer has listed his home in Malibu and is asking almost $8 million.  “The property includes an outdoor Italian oven and barbecue and a vineyard -- all the better to keep the large temperature-controlled wine cellar filled,” the Times reported. “Lush gardens and lawns surround the mosaic-tiled infinity pool, and there are two guest houses.”

Stoneridge, the singer’s $14 million property on St. John, is also for sale.  The singer listed it just a few days before closing on the Malibu manse in February which he now wants to sell.

The Times added, “While on the island, Chesney is known to hang out at Woody's Seafood Saloon, a rollicking Cruz Bay bar that features an outside pickup window for drink orders on the go. (Frommer's calls Woody's a "dive," but perhaps the aesthetics of the establishment are simply elusive to some.).

SI Models take it off at Caneel

If you like what Marisa Miller is wearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated's 2008 Swimsuit issue, you'll love where she's wearing it -- Caneel Bay. 

The model, along with two gal pals, Oluchi Onweagba and Melissa Baker, spent almost two weeks last October posing and playing at the Resort for the magazine project. Fashion photographer Raphael Mazzucco did the recording.

"When not frolicking photogenically on the sands, the troupe retreated to Cottage #7, the original quarters of Laurance Rockefeller for more modeling and a splendid night's street," according to a news release from Caneel's manager, Rosewood Resorts.

The Sports Illustrated Web site is full of photos of the women and the island.  Each model is featured in several videos, shot on St. John. Randall Grant, a senior designer at SI.com, contributed almost a dozen "touristy" shots of the island and the resort.

Meanwhile, Caneel is trying to capitalize on the publicity by offering a "Suited for Sunshine" vacation package at the resort.  The bundle includes a beachfront guest room, meals, champagne, a sunset cruise, water color lessons, massage for two and 25% off on the purchase of a swimsuit at the Caneel Bay Gift Shop.  Package price is $4,720.

Hooters does the Virgin islands

So, it looks like that visit by the Hooters yacht to the Westin Resort in March this year really may have been for business.  Read our coverage.

The company has now reportedly leased 5,000 square feet for a restaurant on St. Thomas at Buccaneer Mall.  This means it will be conveniently located near where large cruise ships dock.

(Cruise the Caribbean ... discover a Hooters.  What a country!)

The Virgin Islands Daily News reported the new Hooters is expected to open in December.  Hours will be 9 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.  Read the Daily News article.

Looking for Return of Tage?.  Click here.

Report: Chesney selling land at half-price

The Inquiring Iguana (hereinafter possibly to be known as i-Iguana - ' cause I just bought an Apple MacBook and now everything will have an "i' in front of it) hears that Kenny Chesney's got done a deal to sell his mountaintop land in upper Peter Bay. 

The three-acre lot is reportedly where the singer and Renee Zelwegger were married. It's said to have been on the market almost a year and a half. 

The original asking price was $11 million.  The i-Iguana hears from a former villa-owner who understands the deal was done for about half ... $6.5 million. Ouch!

Kenny Chesney alert!

If history is any guide. Kenny Chesney may be on island soon.

His Flip Flop Summer Tour wraps up this weekend in Atlanta.  TicketsNow.com has seats in the 3rd row, center offered at $950.00.

But when Chesney does his last encore, watch out. Traditionally, that's the time when he charters a plane and takes the band to St. John to kick back. So, you might expect Kenny sightings at Woody's or even in the alley in back, where Anderson Cooper interviewed him for 60 Minutes. (See the video.)

At the same time, a new Chesney CD will be released on Tuesday, Sept. 11.  It's his first new music in two years. And Amazon is offering a deal on it.  Own it for $9.99.  You can order it through the Gift Shop. The online store has two other Chesney CDs at that price, too.Compose Post

Architectural Digest "covers" St. John villa

A German couple's north shore villa is on the cover of this month's Architectural Digest magazine. 

Hawksview Estate, described on the property's Web site as a "villa that marries the best of old world charm and modern comfort" rents for $25,000 a week in high season, $18,000 off season. 

The five-bedroom property, located between Hawksnest and Trunk Bays, sits on five acres within the National Park.  It also has a media room and a gymnasium featuring Bowflex equipment, a Great Room with a 21-foot high ceiling, and an infinity pool offering views of St. Thomas and the BVI's.

If you owned this villa, would you rent it?  Comment here.

Notes and news

• A poster on another St. John forum said his Sirius Radio worked on island.  Can anybody confirm that?  How about, XM? (My XM did not, about three years ago.)
• The Mixology Warehouse essay contest hasn't started yet.  A new Web site to support Gary Moses'second try at giving his business away is under construction, according to its Webmaster.

Chesney sells Virgin Islands home

Do stocks beat St. John real estate?

A Pennsylvania couple has reportedly purchased Kenny Chesney's Estate Peter Bay home for $4.4 million, according to the Virgin Islands Daily News.

The newspaper said Chesney paid $3.3 million for the Peter Bay house in 2003. That would indicate an annual appreciation of 7.5%. That's well below what some people have believed island real estate has been returning. But in my own experience, it's what we've seen.  By comparison, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has risen at an annual rate of 8% since June, 2003.

The V.I. Multiple Listing Service currently reports 136 homes for sale, 60 condos and 294 land parcels.  That represents a 36% rise in residential listings and about a 20% gain for land and condo offerings, compared to a year ago.

Chesney's trust has three other island properties including undeveloped land high on a hill overlooking Peter Bay.  It was reported for sale about a year ago.

Beach Bar in the news

S_Sypniewski reports on a forum at Virgin-Islands-On-Line that the new issue of Caribbean Travel & Life has an article about the Beach Bar. 

I can't find it online at http://www.caribbeantravelmag.com/index.jsp but there is lots of other interesting information there. Including drink recipes, and a number of St. John stories.

The Inquiring Iguana hears ...

• "Daddy" using his cell phone to call his stateside child during dinner at an upscale island restaurant.  "Do you want to talk with Mommy?" the guy said, as he passed the cell - while the other two people at the table mutely stared into space, and others in the waterfront eatery tried to figure out this guy got to St. John when he should have stopped at Miami.
• St. John described as "development-wary" in a Virgin Islands Daily News article  reporting on plans for a new condo development in Coral Bay.
• 10 Tables has closed, with no announcement yet of plans to reopen. Stay tuned.

Hooters does St. John

Guess what just pulled into Great Cruz Bay, off the Westin beach? 

Hooter Patrol IV, a new 97-foot yacht which, its Web site suggests, is a corporate boat.

Even before you could see the name, you noticed the Hooters-orange rubber dinghy trailing the white yacht.

Mrs. Inquiring Iguana quickly rushed to the Blue Tang binoculars and reported, "The girls went below deck." Three guys were on the top deck, kind of piloting.  Two others, wearing orange shirts (!), were in the back.

Then a group motored into the Westin.  Mrs. I.I. said, "There they go, shopping, handbags in hand. Five chickie-wickies." The girls got out of the boat themselves, didn't wait for anyone to help them, she added.

Wait there's more.  She then espied five other girls getting into another dinghy. So far, that's 10 females and five guys. 

Mrs. I.I. said, "Maybe it's an employee incentive thing."  

Chesney tells "60 Minutes" he sells fun

During the past week, there have been Kenny Chesney sightings on island at Woody's and Rhumb Lines.  Although he was here during Valentine's Day, there were no reports he was accompanied by a girlfriend.  On Sunday night, the country megastar was also seen across the nation on CBS.

A report by Anderson Cooper for "60 Minutes" had been in production at least four months.  A section of the 9-minute piece showed Chesney at one of his homes on St. John where he explained he's most comfortable in local restaurants and bars.

"Back here with propane tanks, ice makers, brooms," he said. "For some reason or another, I feel so relaxed back here, and I know. It's odd. And I love it, man. I mean it's almost like, it's therapy for me to come back here and just sit."

Here's a link to the "60 Minutes" video.

Huge yacht off Frank Bay

The relentless attraction of St. John for the rich and famous brought what is believed to have been the world's 4th largest yacht to the island this week. The ship, believed to belong to Oracle chairman Larry Ellison was anchored off the island's north shore, roughly around Frank Bay. 

Traveling from Red Hook to Cruz Bay Thursday, a Ranger for the National Park Service identified the ship as Rising Sun.  Here's a picture taken during the ferry crossing.  (Click it for a larger graphic.)

According to Wikipedia, Rising Sun is a five-stories tall and has 82 rooms including a gymnasium, a media room, and a private cinema.  There is also a basketball court on the main deck, which can be used a helicopter landing pad.

The ship was anchored off St. John Thursday night and departed toward the BVI's Friday morning.

Brangelina at Caneel, 2.0

The New York Post's Page Six adds spice to the story:

"Spies at Caneel ... tell the New York Post that Brad and Angie have been living large with their kids and nannies in a five-bedroom, $8,000-a-night beach front villa. (One report says it used to be Laurance Rockefeller's home.)

"They showed up with 97 pieces of luggage ... have been seen having candlelit dinners on their veranda.

"Rumor has it - real estate alert!!! - Brangelina is considering investing in a number of properties in the area owned by Donald Trump."

Trump?  Trump!  Who's ever heard of Trump on St. John?  Anyone??

Another source says Brad and Angelina had dinner in Cruz Bay at Zozo's.

Gotta admire their taste.

Rich and famous shopping

Virgin Voices reports Bougainvillea Shops at Mongoose Junction and the Westin on St. John have seen their share of celebrity shoppers.  Reportedly browsing the jewelry displays and apparel racks, Rod Stewart, Kelly Preston, and Denziel Washington.  The stores are owned by Susan Stair, a long time island resident.

Chesney was scheduled for '60 Minutes ' tonight

A message on the official Kenny Chesney Web site says the Chesney/Anderson Cooper interview has been postponed.  Tonight's "60 Minutes" is devoted to Ed Bradley, and includes a reprise of some of the correspondent's best work for the CBS News show.

Chesney and “60 Minutes” reported on island

A guest at Blue Tang reported she saw a commotion downtown last week.  Somebody signing autographs as lots of people crowded around.  She thought it was Jimmy Buffet, but other reports suggest it was Kenny Chesney.  But Kenny was not alone. 

Along with him was CNN’s Anderson Cooper, with a video crew from CBS’ “60 Minutes,” for which the news correspondent contributes pieces. Last month, there was a report a CBS crew was also at a Chesney concert.

“I have subsequently heard that Anderson and Kenny were at one of our local schools, and that Kenny gave a surprise concert, and that the kids were thrilled,” she said in a post on Anthony Finta’s USVI On-Line.  Another post said one of the songs Chesney played was Bob Marley tune, leading the child to tell her Mom, “somebody famous played at school today.”

Sounds like CBS is prepping a piece on the country singer, probably for airing the night before the Country Music Awards.  Chesney’s nominated in four categories.

BTW, latest rumor … Chesney is “the other man” in the Sara Evans divorce story.  A spokesperson for the singer said, "The allegations that Kenny had an affair with Sara are impossible and totally untrue.

Storm tracker in VI's

Jim Cantore, storm tracker for the Weather Channel, has been on St. Thomas but not because there is a hurricane on its way.  He was there to sign autographs and help open a friend's new business franchise.  EZ Ice, owned by Jim Larson, installed a 200-squiare foot automatic "ice house" in Lindbergh Bay, according to the Virgin Islands Daily News. 

Cantore told the News that after a major natural, disaster," a bag of ice quickly turns to gold." The self-service machine operates 24/7, Larson said, and can dispense 1,000 pounds of ice a day.

Pfffffft! It's over

Maybe St. John could get a new marketing slogan:  What happens here, doesn't necessarily happen here. 

Renee Zellweger and Kenny Chesney's marriage was annulled this week in Los Angeles Superior Court.  Each of the formerly-happy, beach-wed couple waived their rights to motion for a new trial and appeal, People magazine reported.  She filed for the dissolution in Sept. four months after their wedding on island.

TV love from Chesney on ABC

The Washington Post's TV Tip for Wednesday night ... ' Kenny Chesney: Somewhere in the Sun. The briefly married country singer returns to the Caribbean island where he eloped with Renee Zellweger, to show his more relaxed side."  Show Notes.

This show really was "past tense" for Kenny, though.  Just a week or so ago, he released a new album which has nary a mention of the VI's or St. John, and certainly no promos for the Quiet Mon.  "The Road and the Radio" finds Kenny in a Mexico-state of mind ("Beer in Mexico," "Tequila Loves Me") and at least three songs concentrating on the word "freedom" as in, "no wife."

The TV show will give St John a promotional push (even though the island wasn't named and his favorite bar, Woody's, was pictured but unidentified)...  it sounds to me like Kenny has moved on south of the border.

Chesney-Zellwegger flop after four months

The marriage of the year on St. John has collapsed after four months. 

Rumors abound online about the cause of the breakup between Kenny Chesney, one of the island's part-time bartenders and Renee Zellwegger, the Oscar-winning actress.  The UK's Daily Mail reported Sunday, "Zellweger split from her husband of just four months because she wanted to start a family and he did not. A source close to Renee said last night: "Her biological clock is ticking loudly. She is desperate to have children. Renee's understanding was that Kenny wanted a family too. It was Kenny who got cold feet." 

Chesney sightings

Visitors report seeing Kenny Chesney on island in the last week, at Caneel and downtown. 

Sources tell the Inquiring Iguana the visit was connected to the country singer's planned pre-Thanksgiving ABC-TV special, featuring tunes from Chesney's latest album.

Comments on Chesney

Kenny Chesney's regret that his fans are "following me in droves" to St. John spurred chatter from readers this week. 

An unsympathetic posting sarcastically paraphrased the superstar, "Oh, boo hoo, I'm so sad that I've ruined a good thing."  Another pointed out that Chesney, who owns two houses on the island and is reported considering building a third,"encouraged high-profile pictures of his wedding and the locale ... (and is) now lamenting his loss of privacy?" 

There were two comments in support.  One said, "People should just leave him alone.  A person needs time alone to regroup and slow down."  The other said, "Give him some peace and quiet.  Now he has to go into hiding in the place he calls 'home'."

Chesney regrets island's popularity

Kenny Chesney is beginning to sound like everybody else who discovers St. John and wishes everybody else would kind of forget about it. 

"They're following me in droves," to the island, he told a reporter for Caribbean Travel & Life.  "It's double edged.  "I want them to buy into the lifestyle, but there used to be a time I could dance on the bar and howl at the moon.  There are too many cameras now." 

When he really wants to relax, Chesney heads for the water and his 60-foot Sea Ray and point to spots like Ivan's Stress-Free Bar on Jost Van Dyke. "Thank God, I got a boat and there's a lot of little islands."

Kenny and Renee say thanks

A week after the island’s biggest wedding in years, the St. John Times published a simple display ad.  “I’m pleased that the St. John community chose discretion  amid last week’s media chaos,” the announcement on page five read.

“Your actions kept this event private and for that we would like to express our deepest gratitude.  You all contribute to the remarkable atmosphere on St. John.”  The notice was signed, “K & R." 

The publisher of the Times confirmed the message was placed by Kenny Chesney and Renee Zelwegger, saying they appreciated the lack of news coverage of the event.

TV time for St. John

Looks like the island is going to see some video crews this summer and get some more national exposure in November.  Thanks to Kenny Chesney.  Again. Billboard Magazine reports the entertainer of the year will appear in his first network special on ABC-TV the day before Thanksgiving, Nov. 23.  The one-hour "Kenny Chesney: Somewhere in the Sun" will include tracks from his concerts as we;; as "moments shot both on the road and at his home in the Caribbean."  Several unnamed celebrity friends, and even Mrs. C., are expected to make cameos in the show.

Chesney dinner puts restaurant on the map

The restaurant where Renee and Kenny had a wedding-eve dinner for friends and family has become a hot spot.  Smack in the heart of Cruz Bay, across from Joe's and next to the Post Office, the relatively new Rhumb Lines has been mentioned in Star and People magazines, according to the Virgin Islands Daily News.  Thai fusion was the theme of the dinner and included pupu platters and samosas.  Jerome O'Connell, who owns Rhumb Lines, told the paper many customers have asked him about the event, and he is happy to tell them. Play your cards right, and he'll even point out the table the happy couple shared.

More about Buffett and Chesney

Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffett did sing at least one song together at this week's concert for Philip Morris executives at the Westin Resort, St. John.  One person who watched the show from the beach, outside Buffett's custom-made tent (lighting grids, huge amplifiers, generators) said, "I heard Kenny.  And I saw his hat."  Another report said Eric Clapoton was in the audience. And the boat people at the shoreline were having a great time ... lots of skinny dipping and topless dancing on deck,  sources tell the Inquiring Iguana.

Another star sighting

Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell kicked back on St. John this week, at the Westin Resort. Locals say he's another reason there were security guards at the hotel Monday and Tuesday. The St. John Source reported Powell was seen in shorts and a T-shirt on a chaise lounge after he, too, appeared at the conference of Phillip Morris sales executives. (Jimmy Buffett's concert last night.) Powell said he was appearing "in a personal capacity". He was due to return to DC Wednesday.

Tuning up at the Westin

Lunch-time, we heard a band apparently setting up.  A voice, that could have been Kenny Chesney, was singing a few bars.  Coulda also been a back up guy.

Chesney is confirmed on island.

St. John music fest: Buffett, Chesney, Clapton?

Phillip Morris is here, Jimmy Buffett soon come (?)

The Phillip Morris Executive Forum opened tonight at the Westin Resort at Great Cruz Bay amid reports that Jimmy Buffet would perform in concert during the meetings. The same source posted on USVI-On-Line.com, "Another certain star that lives in St. John is arriving a day or two ahead of the show. Wonder is, will he sing with him?"

Kenny Chesney, too?

More news ... the Blue Guitar, Eric Clapton's yacht, is reported anchored in the Charlotte Amalie harbor on St. Thomas.

The concert could be titled, "Three guitars, no waiting."

The opening Phillip Morris event, dinner on the beach at the Palm Terrace restaurant, is underway as I write this. It features music by a Cubano-jazz group. (Lots of conga drumming. And yelling.) Now they're playing "Besame Mucho."  Soft dinner music.  I like that.

The beach is bathed in red lighting, underneath a nearly full moon (three days past). Clearly pleasure precedes business at this conference.

Buffett played here last year for the PM group. The island was in a tizzy, with folks trying any number of ways to get access. Word is he played under an outdoor tent on the beach, within earshot of the Great Cruz Bay "gold coast" neighborhood. Check back for frequent updates.

More on Kenny Chesney

Local newspapers on St. John are taking some pride in the fact they have been reluctant to chronicle the sightings of Kenny Chesney, the singer.  But People magazine has not been, publishing a colorful story about Chesney in its Jan. 17 issue, calling him an "island cowboy."  Chesney is sometimes seen on island at the Beach Bar and Woody's. (But, we didn't tell you.  We respect his privacy, too.)

Kenny Chesney's island homes

USA TODAY profiles St. John/Peter Bay resident Kenny Chesney, reporting the singer has two homes in the islands. (Interestingly, the piece mentions only the Caribbean, never St. John.  Same anonymity in a Washington Post pan of the new album this morning.  Suggests Chesney's baked in the sun too long and lost his drive.   Must be the islands, 'mon :).

His new album released this week, with lyrics like, "I've watched boats sail in and out of Cinnamon Bay" and a mention of the Quiet Mon Pub,on the second floor above La Tapa. 

The new CD's title is "Be As You Are".  You can audition tracks here.

Country Music Television is also playing an hour-long show this week featuring Chesney. "Fans will be treated to intimate, acoustic performances of his new songs, video footage of his favorite island getaway and reflections on what the islands mean to him," the cable channel's program puff says.   Here's the broadcast schedule.