The only restaurant in the only town on the island consisted of three tables on the second floor porch of a small townhouse. Accommodations were limited to either a luxurious resort or a spartan but beautiful campground. The island's single road was unpaved and traversable only by 4-wheel-drive jeeps. The rest of the island was undeveloped. That was the St. John I visited 50 years ago.

The Manor House, which is still in use today, was built in 1653 by the Knights of Malta. The sugar mill, constructed in 1733, now serves as a venue for weddings. Former slave quarters dating back 250 years provide lodging.