New Cruz Bay bar: Motu
A cool, new open-air bar has opened on the porch in front of Low Key Watersports called Motu.
“Motu is a Polynesian word referring to small islands that broke off from their mother islands in the South Pacific eons ago, usually separated by a turquoise lagoon,” says co-owner Dawn Bergess. “I feel like I broke off and became my own little island, so this is my Motu.”
You may remember seeing Dawn pulling management duties at Woody’s. She says she never thought she’d have a chance to open her own St. John business, but the timing and location was too good to pass up.
“The couches and ambiance give it a different feel and we’re sticking with a little jazz and old school beach music.”
Dawn hopes Motu will also host private events like wedding parties.
Motu is open from Noon to 10 p.m. most nights.
Dawn, and business partner Jimmy Neighbors, below.
April 17th, 2012 01:05
Congrats Dawn and Jimmy!
Marko
April 17th, 2012 05:19
Motu is a great new place in Cruz bay and has a refreshing atmosphere where it is nice to relax and chill out. Way to go Dawn, nice job separating yourself from the traditional St. John bar scene
April 17th, 2012 05:44
After a couple of drinks at Motu, I can report this: WOW!
The ambience of the place is a world apart from the typical bar scene on St. John. While “relaxed” describes most bars on the island, “elegant” usually doesn’t. Motu is relaxed AND elegant. None of the typical island honky-tonk at Motu.
Dawn and Jimmy have created special, special atmosphere and certainly raised the bar on St. John.
April 17th, 2012 05:46
Congratulations….that’s really exciting. I’ll definately check out Motu. But, I’m going to miss Dawn at Woody’s. She was one of Woody’s best assets. Good Luck….
April 17th, 2012 05:56
What a great spot! Their signature cocktails are delicious and the staff is terrific. Dawn and Jimmy have big plans for the future…this place is going to be tremendously successful.
April 17th, 2012 06:40
Wow. I can surely picture myself on one of those couches! Very nice!
April 17th, 2012 07:12
I like old school beach music…if I were there, I’d be THERE.
April 17th, 2012 07:43
Congrats Dawn & Jimmy. The atmosphere looks amazing. I can’t wait to visit it the next time on island. Sounds like you are on the right track. Keep it up and see you soon!
April 17th, 2012 09:28
I miss The Kite
April 17th, 2012 09:42
Best wishes indeed! Great location for the guests of Grand Bay, hope to be checking Motu out next year. Looking forward to it.
April 17th, 2012 09:54
The colors are really cool! And, let’s hope the riff-raff stay down the street! Best of luck, Dawn & Jimmy. Hope to see you soon.
April 17th, 2012 10:03
I want to go there!!
April 17th, 2012 10:04
Can not wait to check in out end of June, congrats to Dawn and Jimmy.
April 17th, 2012 11:28
WOW
Wish i could live at Grand Bay and work at Motu.
April 17th, 2012 11:51
Congratulations – it looks beautiful – can’t wait to visit and enjoy some cocktails with you!
April 17th, 2012 12:07
Big ups for Motu, outstanding Rum Punch and Dawn is a Great hostess.
April 17th, 2012 15:35
Dawn makes the Best Vodka Mohitos with her infused simple syrups! Mmmm and the atmosphere is refreshing. My. Ew favorite bar in Cruz bay
April 17th, 2012 15:54
I think we have a new contestant in the next best drink contest…
April 17th, 2012 16:24
Absolutely beautiful! An island dream come true… Nice job, Jimmy & Dawn! We’ll be there soon to watch the sunsets
April 17th, 2012 17:50
Will definitely check it out when I’m there. Love the look of the place, the view and the colors. Wish Jimmy and Dawn all the best.
April 17th, 2012 17:56
Cucumber Mojitos. TDF. Very nicely done Dawn & Jimmy! Nothing but the best!!! <3
April 18th, 2012 09:13
Looks fantastic- can’t wait to try it out in July. Met Jimmy in February- really nice guy. Congrats to you both!
April 18th, 2012 10:02
Hey Jimmy, wishing you and Dawn all the luck and fun a person can have…. Hope to make down your way in the near future… Mucho Love,
Auntie Cindy
April 18th, 2012 11:07
how about a motu cam!!!!!
April 18th, 2012 16:06
It does look elegant, tres chic. I’ll be there, in July or August, I hope.
April 19th, 2012 08:04
Wow, it looks lovely !! I can hardly wait to check it out in January.
April 20th, 2012 16:08
The pic reminds me of one of the chic beach-side hotel bars you would find in Provo, T&C. Anyway, we will definitely be checking it out when we come down next month. Until then, the best of luck!
April 23rd, 2012 14:38
Hey Dawn! I was one of a group of 7 women that stayed at Grande Bay last week that loved your new bar. Wonderful drinks and great atmosphere! Love the view too!
Congrats to you!
August 28th, 2012 12:24
We’re enticed by Allison at Motu for a drink or 2 and Shark Week on the porch. Great view in front of Low Key Watersports. Allison had a great personality and we enjoyed meeting her and the views Motu gave us.
September 12th, 2012 13:30
In 10 weeks, this will be my new hangout… : ) Simply can not wait!
September 22nd, 2012 08:09
This bar is incredible. Just look at that view. We were there in June,bought into Grand Bay and will be back in October. We will probably be at Motu almost every evening. It is that awsome.