Tag Archives: St. Thomas

USVI St Thomas
Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. Thomas’ Big Views

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The best way to see St. Thomas is from the top. The mountain ridge that forms the island’s spine offers a number of scenic spots that beg for a photo op, and entice observers to linger and take in the big picture. At several, you can even sit and enjoy a cool libation while drinking in the views. Here are five overlooks that shouldn’t be missed.

Drake’s Seat

The Drake’s Seat overlook is named for the famous English privateer Sir Francis Drake, who once used this hilltop vantage point to keep watch over his fleet, and scan the horizon for passing Spanish galleons. This panoramic view faces north and takes in Hans Lollik Island, Thatch Cay and the British Virgin Islands of Jost van Dyke and Tortola. There is no shop or bar here, just a parking area off Hull Bay Road, and a couple of benches. But the views are definitely worth a stop. 

Drakes Seat St Thomas

The elevated vantage point at Drake’s Seat takes in views of Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands, where pirate ships once lurked awaiting passing ships. Photo: Debbie Snow

Mountain Top

The highest point on the island is also one of the most popular. Mountain Top was St. Thomas’ first major tourist attraction since back in the day, and lays claim to being the birthplace of the Banana Daiquiri. This hilltop observatory perches 1,500 feet above the Caribbean, and provides sweeping views of Magens Bay, St. Thomas and 20 surrounding islands. In addition to t-shirts, hats and all manner of souvenirs, the on-site gift shop sells nautical antiques and ship models.

Mafolie Hotel

An often-overlooked vantage point on the way to the top of the island is the Mafolie Hotel, which has one of the best decks for taking in views of the downtown waterfront some 800 feet below. This hotel, along with the restaurant and bar, has been an island favorite since 1952, and continues to be one of the best spots to dine with a view of the harbor lights at night. It’s also a great place to take in a sunset with a Mafolie Painkiller or Mafolie Passion, two of their signature drinks.

Mafolie Hotel St Thomas

The outdoor deck at the Mafolie Hotel is a favorite with locals and tourists alike, and one of the best places on the island to enjoy dinner served with harbor views. Photo: Debbie Snow

Paradise Point

The quickest and easiest way to get from the waterfront to a hilltop view is by boarding the aerial tram at Havensight to Paradise Point. The Skyride gondolas carry passengers up 700 feet to the top of Flag Hill, where there’s a bar, restaurant, gift shop and nature trail. This is another good spot to watch the boat traffic below, or take in a sunset. There are good views of Charlotte Amalie, and on clear days you can see all the way to St. Croix, Vieques and Culebra.

Paradise Point St Thomas

Gondola cars carry passengers from the cruise ship docks on the Charlotte Amalie waterfront up to an overlook deck and restaurant at Paradise Point. Photo: Chrissy Rhodes/Paradise Point

Beacon Point

This elevated oasis is easy to find, as it is perched at the eastern end of the scenic route known as Skyline Drive. The observation platform looks down on Charlotte Amalie and across the water to neighboring Water Island and Hassel Island. Fruit daiquiris are the house specialty, and the deck is a great place to linger with one of these signature concoctions while watching the comings and goings of boats in the harbor below.

Valentine's Day In The Caribbean On Beach
Anguilla, Bahamas-New Providence, Barbados, Caribbean, Dominica, Grenada, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Martin/St. Maarten, U.S. Virgin Islands

10 Romantic Caribbean Escapes

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Don’t settle for the same old flowers and candy routine this Valentine’s Day. Treat yourself and that special someone to a romantic interlude in the Caribbean. These premiere properties are offering special packages that are sure to fan the flame.

Suite Love

Rekindle romance in a Love Nest Suite at Sandals on Barbados. These private enclaves of intimacy provide all the elements, from four-poster beds to balcony soak tubs with ocean views. Personal butler service brings indulgences right to the room, but should you wish to venture out, all the amenities of Sandals Barbados await. For Valentine’s week, the resort will offer special couple’s nights presentations such as a chocolate themed buffet. 

Barbados Sandals Resort

A swim-up suite at Sandals Barbados includes a private veranda with a soak tub that blends indoor and outdoor spaces, while still providing the ultimate in privacy. Photo: Sandals

Wine and Dine

If the way to the heart really is the stomach, there’s love aplenty at Nassau’s Graycliff Hotel. This historic and casually elegant five-star property serves up a three-night Romance Package that begins with a chilled bottle of champagne and a sampler of Graycliff chocolates. Later, you’ll be indulged with a four-course chef’s tasting menu and wine. Another night is highlighted by a Caipirinha and dinner at the Churrascaria Humidor. There is also a culinary lesson with an executive chef, a chocolate and spirits tasting and a day at the Blue Lagoon Beach.

Nassau Graycliff Chocolatier

Signature chocolate creations from Graycliff Chocolatier. This historic Nassau hotel combines five-star service with a casually elegant atmosphere. Photo: Graycliff

Stay Together, Play Together

Sugar Beach’s Sweet As Sugar package starts off with champagne and a long-stemmed rose at a luxury villa. But this isn’t your usual boudoir-centric getaway. Over the course of four days you and your special someone will bond over an introductory dive in the crystal waters of St. Lucia’s national marine reserve, hike up Gros Piton, and experience the Sulphur Seduction tour, which includes a visit to an active volcano and a soak in therapeutic mineral springs. There’s also relaxation in the mix, including a sunset cruise, breakfast in bed and a romantic candlelit dinner served beachside or in a garden setting. 

St. Lucia Sugar Beach Viceroy

A hillside villa at St. Lucia’s Sugar Beach takes in expansive views of the Caribbean Sea. Native fruit trees grow on the landscaped grounds. Photo: Sugar Beach

Spice It Up

Escape to Grenada, the island of spices, where your private luxury suite opens to spectacular Grand Anse Beach. You don’t actually have to be newlyweds to enjoy the Spice Up Your Honeymoon package at Spice Island Beach Resort, which welcomes you with tropical flowers, fresh fruit, chocolate truffles, and champagne on ice. Dine on your private patio or take in spectacular ocean views and the sounds of a steel band at Oliver’s. Relax with a couple’s massage at Janissa’s Spa and leave with a basket of spice scented body oils. Cap off a memorable day at the beach with a sunset sail along the island’s scenic Caribbean coast. 

Grenada Spice Island Resort

Spice Island Beach Resort is Grenada’s premier all-inclusive property. The resort occupies a prime location on Grand Anse Beach. Photo: Dehoog/Spice Island

Let Love Linger

Why settle for a day of romance when you can stretch a Valentine’s Day treat to a full week of togetherness. An ideal way to keep that special feeling going is with the Sea of Love package at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa on Anguilla, where luxury accommodations are set against a dazzling crescent of white sand on Rendezvous Bay. Couples can begin the day with al fresco offerings at Café Med or enjoy in-room breakfasts. There’s golf and beach time, but food often takes center stage, as the package includes select meals at three additional signature restaurants, plus cooking classes, private beachside dining and a chef’s table experience. Also in the mix are massages and spa packages, and a day’s use of a rental car to explore the island. 

Anguilla Cuisinart

Beachfront rooms and suites at Anguilla’s CuisinArt resort provide sweeping views of Rendezvous Bay. Fine dining is a hallmark of this upscale property. Photo: Joe Rahm/CuisinArt

If you love Piña Coladas…..

The song may be kitsch, but the setting is not. Puerto Rico’s Caribe Hilton actually is the birthplace of the Piña Colada, but there are many more reasons to visit this landmark property. Occupying a prime beachfront location on Condado Lagoon, and just a short distance away from the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, the Caribe Hilton is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The property has kept up with the times, and offers a full range of modern luxuries. Couples who book a three-night Valentine’s package will enjoy special perks and pricing. 

Puerto Rico San Juan Caribe Hilton

The pool at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan. For more than 60 years, this resort has been a favorite with vacationers to the island. Photo: Don Riddle/Caribe Hilton

Natural Attraction

Reconnect with nature and each other at the Caribbean’s premier eco- resort. The Tropical Romance package at Dominica’s Rosalie Bay is a five- night immersion in the island’s natural beauty, and a relaxing indulgence for body and mind. Enjoy healthful, savory cuisines based on locally sourced foods, wander a surf-washed black sand beach and enjoy a private five- course dinner served on the banks of a scenic river. The package also includes a couple’s massage, a day trip to Dominica’s famous Champagne Reef, and a relaxing soak in the hot sulphur springs. Rooms are lavished with fresh flowers daily, and gifted with natural island-related aphrodisiacs at evening turndown.

Dominica Rosalie Bay

A view from the porch at Rosalie Bay. Sitting next to a nature preserve, this upscale eco retreat overlooks a black sand beach and the surf-washed Atlantic. Photo: Rosalie Bay

Love on the Rocks

Perched on a rocky seaside bluff at the entrance to Charlotte Amalie’s harbor, Frenchman’s Reef provides a romantic setting where couples can watch the ships come and go from a private balcony, and take in the lights of St. Thomas at night. The resort’s Ultimate Romance Package is ideal for a Valentine’s getaway, and includes requisite perks such as champagne, couple’s spa treatments and special dining credits. An added attraction of stays at Frenchman’s is immediate access to the quiet sands of Morningstar Beach.

St. Thomas Frenchman's Reef

A view from the hillside terrace at Frenchman’s Reef take in the harbor of Charlotte Amalie and the island of St. Thomas. Photo: Corey Weiner/Frenchman’s Reef

Fragrant Memories

A dozen red roses set the tone when you arrive at Belmond La Samanna, where rooms open to fresh sea breezes and the sapphire blue waters of Long Bay. During the month of February, the resort’s Valentine’s Package provides perks such as a Tijon VIP gift bag, couple’s Swedish massage and a unique dinner experience at La Cave, the resort’s on-site atmospheric wine cellar. For a sensory reminder of their time together on St. Martin, couples are treated to a perfumery tour, where they can create their own handcrafted fragrance.

Belmond La Samanna St. Martin

Whites and warm wood accents complement the blues of the Caribbean at Belmond La Samanna. This St. Martin resort is known for good food and fine wines. Photo: La Samanna

Say I Still Do

Anguilla’s Cap Juluca is a stunningly beautiful setting where it would be hard not to fall in love—or fall in love again. To facilitate romances new and old, the resort is offering several Valentine’s themed specials during the month of February. The Romantic Rendezvous pampers couples in a luxury oceanfront room or suite, and adds in extras such as couple’s massages, daily libations and a special private beachside dinner under the stars. During Valentine’s week, couples can reaffirm their commitments with the I Still Do package, which begins with a beach or lawn ceremony, complete with photographer, bouquet and boutonniere. This is followed by champagne and cake, and the day ends with a private three-course dinner with wine on the beach.

Cap Juluca Anguilla

The distinctive Greco-Moorish architecture of Cap Juluca resort complements the white sands and blue waters of Anguilla’s Maunday’s Bay. Photo: Mark Welland/Cap Juluca

St Martin Belmond La Samana
Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, Barbados, Caribbean, Jamaica, Play, St. Lucia, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Romantic Adventures in the Caribbean

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The mere mention of the Caribbean conjures romantic visions of sparkling waters, beachside frolics and island sunsets. But some visions are more romantic than others, and few can compare to the memories made at these stunning resorts, which highlight the best and most romantic the Caribbean has to offer.

Swimming In Your Private Infinity Pool – Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

Anse Chastanet owner/architect Nick Troubetzkoy put everything he’s learned about design and hospitality into Jade Mountain Resort and the result is more than magical—it’s nearly surreal. The resort’s suites have only three walls, with the fourth open to sweeping views down the mountain and over the Caribbean to the Pitons across the bay. And each room has an infinity edge pool that’s completely private. Enough said.

St Lucia Jade Mountain Pool

The wow factor comes standard at St. Lucia’s Jade Mountain resort, where hillside suites open to big views of the twin Piton Peaks and the Caribbean Sea far below. Photo C.J. Walker/Jade Mountain

Marooned On A Deserted Island – Kamalame Cay, Bahamas

Perhaps the most persistent and widely shared romantic fantasy is being on a deserted island with your significant other, laying in the shade of a palm tree and, well, whatever else might happen in that sort of situation. Book into the Kamalame Cay Resort just off of Andros and their boatman will take you to a deserted islet for the day, set up a lunch and leave you to your own devices for as long as you care to stay.

Kamalame Cay Villa Andros Bahamas

Kamalame Cay Resort provides day trips to a deserted Bahamian island, where you can live out castaway fantasies before returning to the luxuries of a private villa. Photo: Danilo Scarpati/Kamalame Cay

Couples Massage – Caneel Bay, St. John

Having a skilled masseuse remove the knots and soothe frayed nerves is a wonderful feeling. Sharing that makes it twice as nice. There are fabulous spas all across the region where you can be rocked, reiki’d or rolfed, but for pure romantic potential the casual old-money surroundings of Caneel Bay are hard to beat. Book one of the resort’s massage cabanas, with their high-peaked wooden roofs and gaze out over the private beach and the Caribbean as the two of you are gently lubed, rubbed and restored.

St John Caneel Bay Massage

On the island of St. John, the open-air massage cabanas at Caneel Bay Resort combine the pleasures of a relaxing massage with soothing sea breezes and water views. Photo Michael Grimm/Caneel Bay

Sunday Brunch By The Sea – The Crane Barbados

If you’ve attended the jump up at Speightstown on Friday, you should be sufficiently recuperated to enjoy the Sunday brunch at L’Azure in the venerable resort, The Crane, which has reigned over the east coast of Barbados since 1887. On Sundays, couples flock to the tables on the terrace overlooking the beach to load up on the breakfast buffet and listen to sweet Gospel music. If this doesn’t inspire you, nothing will.

Barbados Crane Restaurant

At The Crane beachfront resort in Barbados, Sunday brunch is served on the terrace, accompanied by gospel music and spectacular views of Crane Beach and the Atlantic. Photo: Ross Knight/The Crane

Sunset Cruise – Bolongo Bay, St. Thomas

There may be no more romantic place on earth than aboard a boat in the Caribbean. The warm salt water and the moist salty air create a combustible amorous atmosphere. Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas is the perfect picture of a Caribbean harbor, with a long waterfront and narrow streets winding up the hills that back the city. Board the 53-foot catamaran Heavenly Days at Bolongo Bay Resort in St. Thomas and sail through the sunset in Charlotte Amalie harbor. Glittering lights flicker along the waterfront, working their way up to the hilltops as the sun lavishes its last rays on the ridge above the city.

St Thomas Bolongo Bay Sailing

Bolongo Bay has long been one of St. Thomas’s premier beachfront getaways. Each evening, the resort’s sailing catamaran departs for sunset cruises of the Charlotte Amalie harbor. Photo: Bolongo Bay

Private Dinner On The Beach – Belmond La Samanna, St. Martin

Dining alone on a torch lit beach with the waves for a soundtrack is more than memorable. Champagne, a private chef and a cushioned chaise lounge a deux combine in a potent recipe for romance on the shores of Baie Longue in St. Martin. Far from the clamor of Marigot and Maho Beach, the Belmond La Samanna serves up something, which, if it’s not true love, is pretty close.

St Martin Belmond La Samana

The quiet waters of St. Martin’s Baie Longue provide a perfect backdrop for an intimate beachside dinner, complete with private chef provided by Belmond La Samanna resort. Photo: Joe Vaughn/Belmond La Samanna

Drinks On The Veranda Bar – The Cotton House, Mustique

There are two distinct Caribbeans, the glitzy new Caribbean of glam go- go multi-story resorts and the laid-back old Caribbean of plantation houses, deserted beaches and serenity. While it may be sexy to strap on some heels and kick it in a chic disco, find the true meaning of romance sitting next to your significant other on the veranda at the Cotton House in Mustique. This hip oasis in the Grenadines has hosted a procession of rock ’n’ roll and actual royalty; Mick Jagger has a villa nearby, as did the late HRH Princess Margaret. Relax on the veranda with your prince or princess and feel the buzz; it could be the magnificent view or perhaps it’s that Planter’s Punch.

Mustique Cotton House Verandah Restaurant

The setting is chill at Mustique’s Cotton House, which has long provided a low-key getaway for royalty, rock stars and celebrities seeking a respite from public life. Photo: The Cotton House

Sweet Dreams From A Hilltop – Strawberry Hill, Jamaica

It was one of Admiral Lord Nelson’s cousins who was first taken by the view from Strawberry Hill. Horace Walpole planted his flag here, building a home on the 3,100-foot rise overlooking Jamaica’s capital, Kingston. Chris Blackwell, the owner of Island Records, bought the property in the 1970s and Bob Marley was a frequent visitor. Book into one of the dozen cottages scattered across the property and then retire to the deck of the infinity pool. Order up some Myers Dark Rum to sip while the sun goes down and, as the shadows spread along the base of the mountain, the lights of Kingston blink on below.

Jamaica Strawberry Hill Night Vista

At Strawberry Hill resort, private cottages overlook the green hills of Jamaica. In the evening, the distant lights of Kingston come alive to enhance the view. Photo: Nikolas Koening/Strawberry Hill

St Thomas Magens Bay
Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

St Thomas: 10 Reasons to Go

 

The most visited of the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas continues to entice travelers to its green hills, resorts, beachside bars and stunning strands of sand.

 1  Birds Eye Views

Aptly named Skyline Drive ascends the mountainous spine of St. Thomas to provide magnificent views of island and ocean. There are numerous overlooks for photo ops, including Mountain Top, where the observation deck delivers sweeping vistas that take in Magens Bay, the island’s north shore and the green peaks of the British Virgins. A ride on the gondola to Paradise Point yields equally inspiring views of Charlotte Amalie, and come sunset, the place to be is the Mafolie Hotel and Restaurant to watch the evening twinkling lights of St. Thomas unfold below you.

St Thomas Charlotte Amalie Night

At night, the hillsides of St. Thomas come alive in a light show that is visible from miles at sea. Overlooks along Skyline Drive are favorite locations to admire the view. Photo: Aneese/iStock

2  Big Fish

From St. Thomas’ east end, big game fishermen set a course on an offshore shoal known as the North Drop to do battle with trophy- sized blue marlin. Offshore anglers can also reel in table fare such as tuna, wahoo and mahimahi, while closer to shore, the reefs hold snapper, snook and jack. Something is always biting.

3  On the Water

St. Thomas is a water sports paradise, with plenty of action beyond the beach. From paddleboard tours to yacht charters and snorkel trips, there’s something for all ages and tastes. Steady trade winds provide ideal conditions for sailors, windsurfers and kite boarders, while the clear waters draw scuba divers to reefs and shipwrecks teeming with life. Those who prefer to stay dry can also enjoy the sea with a visit to the underwater viewing chambers at Coral World, or a ride on the Nautilus submarine.

4  Hop over to St. John

While St. Thomas has plenty to keep visitors occupied, it’s equally easy to take a day trip to sister island St. John. Ferries leave Red Hook on the hour for the 20-minute ride over to Cruz Bay, where quiet beaches and the laid back village of Cruz Bay await.

Sailing USVI

A combination of steady trade winds and sheltered waters make St. Thomas an ideal cruising ground. A number of companies offer sailboats for charter. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock

5  Satellite Islands

A short ferry ride whisks you from the bustle of the Charlotte Amalie waterfront to the quiet of Water Island, where there are no taxis or high-rises. A short walk though the woods brings you to Honeymoon Beach, were you can spend the day snorkeling, sunning or chilling at a laid-back beach bar. Nearby Hassel island will delight nature lovers and history buffs, who can book a kayak tour or hiking excursion to this island preserve, which is now managed by the National Park Service. The island holds the remains of a former British garrison, a coaling station and one of the first steam powered marine railways in the western hemisphere.

St Thomas Rooftops

Charlotte Amalie’s legacy of Danish architecture includes red roofs and whitewashed walls. Many homes are fitted with rainwater catchments to harvest tropical showers. Photo: Ramunas Bruzas/iStock

6  Carnival

The annual island-wide celebration brings plenty of steel drums, drinking and partying in the streets, but St. Thomas’ version of this Caribbean celebration also offers up a range of activities that kids, families and the neophytes can enjoy. It’s a combination of an amusement park, calypso show, food fair, parade and fireworks.

7  A Glimpse of the Past

Colonial Danish architecture is prevalent on the island, as the Danes ruled the island from 1666 to 1917 with a few short interruptions, and developed St. Thomas as a center of maritime trade. Charlotte Amalie is filled with historic structures that once warehoused sugar, cotton, indigo and tobacco. Government and private buildings from that era also remain intact. Highlights in town worthy of exploration are Government House, Fort Christian and Haagensen House.

St Thomas Architecture

Located in Charlotte Amalie, the historic building that now houses the Legislature of US Virgin Islands was constructed in 1828 as a barracks for Danish policemen. Photo: Steve Heap/iStock

8  Dining and Nightlife

The island’s culinary scene blends the traditional with the eclectic and innovative, offering everything from beach bar favorites and Caribbean staples to international fare and fusion cuisines. For a bit of history and innovative cuisine head to the Old Stone Farmhouse up at Mahogany Run. Here you’ll dine in a 19th century stone walled structure once part of a sprawling sugar plantation. For local fare, stop off downtown at Gladys’ Café for lunch, and load up on bottles of her famous hot sauce.

9  Magnificent Mile

It’s hard to resist a day of retail adventures in downtown Charlotte Amalie, where one can wander in and out of the eclectic shops and boutiques that line Main Street, aka Dronningens Gade. Offerings range from handmade sandals and one of a kind pieces by local artists to big-name brands like Cartier and Rolex. Duty- free and tax-free pricing sweetens the deals on watches, diamonds and emeralds.

St Thomas Shopping

Charlotte Amalie’s downtown shopping district centers around Dronningens Gade and a network of pedestrian alleys that connect this main street to the waterfront. Photo: Roby Vannucci/iStock

10  Beaches

From umbrella-embellished beaches to small coves hidden down dirt roads, there are 44 beaches to choose from on St. Thomas. Some are reached through a resort, while others are easily found by car, where you can park close to the sand. The most photographed—and with good reason—is Magens Bay Beach; a small admission is requested as you enter to maintain the beach in its pristine manner.

 

 

 

 

 

USVI St Thomas
Caribbean, Plan, U.S. Virgin Islands

Caribbean Snapshots: Red Hook, St. Thomas

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Located on the eastern end of St. Thomas, miles from the cruise ship chaos of Charlotte Amalie, the settlement of Red Hook is a quieter take on this Caribbean port. The protected harbor is a favorite stopover for sailors, and also the jumping off point for ferryboat service to the island of St. John and the British Virgins.

Clustered around the ferry landing are a smattering of island-style bars and eateries. During the day, the comings and goings of ferry passengers set the tone, but come evening, the waterfront scene heats up as cruisers come ashore from anchored boats to join in nightly celebrations that often move from one waterfront tavern to the next.

St Thomas Sapphire Beach
Caribbean, Play, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Best Snorkel Resorts in St. Thomas

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Clear tropical waters beg for exploration with mask and snorkel. Sure, you could sign up for a boat trip, but at these favorite St. Thomas beach resorts, immersing yourself in a world of Technicolor reefs and tropical fish is as easy as wading in.

Sapphire Beach Resort

This condominium resort is located directly on one of the island’s best white-sand beaches, with a coral reef that’s just a short swim from shore. Here, clear waters showcase an underwater landscape filled with tropical fish, stingrays and conch. More adventurous snorkelers can continue out to explore the rocky shoals surrounding Pretty Klip point, or search the bay’s sea grass beds for turtles. The on-site water sports center can provide snorkel equipment and advice, or arrange boat excursions to more distant snorkeling sites.

St Thomas Sapphire Beach Resort

Guests at the Sapphire Beach Resort enjoy easy access to one of the best snorkeling beaches in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock

The resort’s home-style accommodations include private balconies, and full kitchens with large living areas. All units have air conditioning, safes, cable TV, ceiling fans and phones. Sapphire Beach Resort is just outside the town of Red Hook, which is the jumping off point for ferry service to St. John and the British Virgin Islands.

Secret Harbour Beach Resort

The west-facing beach at Secret Harbour provides a cove sheltered from trade wind swells. As a result, the calm waters just off the palm-shrouded beach are ideal for youngsters and those new to snorkeling, as well as activities such as standup paddle boarding. For more fish life, guests can fin out to the rocks beyond the right-hand end of the beach, where parrotfish glide through a submerged boulder field.

St Thomas Secret Harbour Resort

The protected cove at Secret Harbour Beach Resort is an ideal place for children and novices to hone their snorkeling skills. Secret Harbour

The property blends the comforts of spacious condominium accommodations with a full range of resort amenities that includes a water sports center, spa, tennis and fitness centers, full-time concierge service and two on-site restaurants. Each studio, one or two-bedroom unit incorporates ocean-view patios or balconies, indoor/outdoor dining and a fully equipped kitchen.

Dreams Sugar Bay

One of St. Thomas’ favorite resorts is now part of the Dreams family of all- inclusive properties. Here, a collection of luxury rooms and suites are perched on a bluff overlooking the emerald and sapphire shallows of Water Bay. Guests can see snorkeling reefs from balconies, and it’s a short walk down to the private beach, where snorkelers are greeted by gregarious tropical fish such as yellowtail snapper. A short swim towards the right side of the bay leads to rock piles that host a collection of corals and sea fans where parrotfish, blue tangs and trumpet fish lurk.

St Thomas Dreams Sugar Beach

Guests at Dreams Sugar Beach enjoy fantastic water views. A private beach provides snorkelers with easy access to a lively coral reef. Photo: Dreams

Dreams is a family-friendly property offering a wide range of activities for all age ranges, seven on-site restaurants, nightly entertainment and numerous additional all-inclusive amenities.

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

With beachside hammocks strung between palm trees, all just steps from your room, you might be tempted to remain ashore and just chill. But the waters of Bolongo Bay are certainly worth viewing through mask and snorkel, and one need not swim far from shore to start seeing fish. The entire bay is sheltered from north and east swells, and the right of the Bay is especially calm, and features a collection of boulders that attracts a variety of marine life.

St. Thomas Bolongo Bay

Bolongo Bay overlooks a calm bay that is ideal for a wide range of water sports. The best snorkeling is just a short swim from the beach. Photo: Bolongo Bay

This family-owned resort was the island’s original all-inclusive property, and it has remained a favorite for four decades. In addition to snorkeling, guests have access to standup paddleboards, kayaks and other water sports equipment, along with daily snorkel and dive excursions to area sites. The resort includes three pools, three on-site restaurants, a lively beach bar and some of the island’s best live entertainment.

 

USVI St Thomas Magens Bay
Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

50 Shades of Blue: St. Thomas Beaches

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Best known for shopping, dining and nightlife, this US Virgin Island sometimes gets passed up as a beach destination. But with 40 stretches of sand, quiet coves and harbors dotting the island coastlines, even the most passionate beach goer will be satisfied. And, after a day on the sun-drenched shores there’s still plenty of time for an afternoon of shopping before happy hour. Magens Bay Beach from above is the one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in the Caribbean. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock

USVI Snorkeling
Caribbean, Play, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Into the Blue: the Best Snorkel Sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands

 

The clear, enticing waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands beg for exploration with mask and snorkel. And thanks to geography, which has graced the islands with numerous protected bays and coral-encrusted ledges, there are a wide range of sites where snorkelers can discover fish and colorful corals with a short swim from shore, or by setting sail to more remote coves and islets. There are literally hundreds of locations around the islands worthy of going overboard, and from that list we’ve chosen some favorites that offer the best combination of underwater scenery, beachside comforts and ease of access.

St Thomas

For shore-based snorkeler’s, Coki Point provides the island’s best combination of easy access, abundant fish life and interesting reefs. As a result, the beach area can get crowded, both by cruise ship groups and locals. There’s no surge or sharp rocks to negotiate as you wade into the calm waters, and you will soon be surrounded by swarming topical fish as you stand on the soft sand bottom. For some, this is enough, but those wanting to see more can head into deeper water, and towards the east end of the beach to discover hard-bottom reef structures with live coral and an even greater variety of sea life. Continue eastward around the small rock bluff and you’ll end up near the underwater observatory at Coral World.

Coki Point St Thomas USVI

An aerial view of Coki Point on St. Thomas. The namesake beach is to the right in this photo, and the best snorkeling reefs are between the beach and the end of the point. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock

Other nearby options for shore-based snorkeling include Sapphire Beach, which tends to be less crowded, and Lindquist Beach at Smith Bay. Both offer beachside amenities and calm water, with the chance to see stingrays and turtles in grass beds, and stands of elkhorn coral farther out. A number of charter boats provide day trips to the less-accessible bays of the north shore, and to many of the smaller islands and rock piles near the east end. Charters leaving from the south shore often focus on Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge, where turtles are frequently sighted, but the boat ride across open water isn’t for everyone.

USVI tropical fish

A school of tropical fish patrols a coral reef on the south shore of St. Thomas. Most fish are inured to the presence of humans, allowing snorkelers to approach for a closer look. David Coleman/iStock

Another popular option for charters originating at the east end is uninhabited Great St. James Island, where snorkelers can explore the calm waters of Christmas Cove, or the nearby rock pinnacles known as The Stragglers. Itineraries often take in two or more snorkel sites in a half- or full-day charter, and operators may vary destinations according to sea conditions and passenger preference.

St. John

With more than half the island incorporated into a National Park, St. John has a number of pristine and undeveloped beaches and snorkeling coves to explore. The most popular are also the easiest to reach. First on this list is Trunk Bay, home to a much-publicized underwater trail that leads swimmers through a coral reef fitted with underwater signage. This site is very popular with novices and families, as the waters are calm, the beach provides topside amenities and the site is a reasonable taxi ride from the ferry terminal at Cruz Bay.

USVI St John Trunk Bay

Snorkelers survey the underwater scenery at St. John’s Trunk Bay. This is one of many scenic sites throughout the islands where clear waters provide ideal snorkeling conditions. Photo: USVI Dept. of Tourism

Another perennial favorite is Watermelon Cay, which is known for its abundance and variety of fish life. Getting to the prime snorkel area begins with a 10-minute walk along the beach from the parking lot at the Annenberg Ruins, then a short swim from shore out to the small island. Those with their own transportation and the willingness to scramble over a few rocks can roam farther afield to access other top shore sites such as Haulover Bay. This site is reached by a trail from the East End Road, and will require some care when negotiating the shallow, rocky entry point. The reward is some of the most dramatic underwater topography around the island, including high-relief stands of elkhorn coral and an extensive grove of sea fans.

St John USVI Leinster Bay

On the north shore of St. John, the sheltering headlands of Leinster Bay create an expanse of calm water that is home to some of the island’s best snorkeling reefs. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock

Many more snorkel sites around St. John are best reached by water. A favorite itinerary takes in several of the north shore sites in Trunk, Cinnamon and Maho Bays, while anyone up for a bit of paddling can join a kayak tour to Henley Cay, where a rich garden of hard and soft corals holds a colorful assortment of parrotfish, angelfish, tangs and wrasses. Another popular kayak/snorkel takes place in the bay known as Hurricane Hole, where instead of coral reefs, swimmers tour coastal mangrove forests rich in a wide range of sea life.

St. Croix

Of the three main islands in the U.S.Virgins, St. Croix offers the greatest number of fringing coral reefs. Not all of these reefs are easily accessible, however, and some are washed by waves and surge, and are not well suited to novice or casual snorkelers. One of the island’s best-known snorkeling destinations is Cane Bay. This popular beach is flanked by a coral reef that begins in shallow water and leads out to an underwater wall that drops from 40 feet to depths of nearly a mile. In addition to an abundance of sea fans, the reef boasts an interesting collection of brain coral. Getting to the best parts of this reef will require a swim of 100 yards or more, but there’s also plenty of fish life closer to shore. Few beaches in St. Croix offer public facilities, but Cane Bay does offer a dive shop and several beachside restaurants.

A similar site worth considering is the beach adjacent to the Palms at Pelican Cove. Here, the long reef that runs offshore of Christiansted harbor comes closest to shore, providing snorkelers with an easy swim in protected waters, and a chance to discover sea turtles finning among the corals or through sea grass meadows. A map of the prime snorkeling areas is posted on a signboard, and a pair of beachfront restaurants are available for refreshment.

USVI Turtle

Green sea turtles are often seen in the coastal waters of the Virgin Islands, feeding on sea grass and sponges. Also common are hawksbill turtles. Both species nest on island beaches. Photo: iStock

Day guests are also welcome at the Buccaneer Resort, where for a modest fee, beach goers can spend the day at Mermaid Beach, and discover the reefs that lie just off the eastern end of the sand, and extend outward to Shoy Point. More adventurous types who don’t mind a 15-minute walk can head to the island’s east end, park at Point Udal and hike to Isaac’s Bay, where they will find an undeveloped beach and one of the best barrier reefs on the island. St Croix’s most famous snorkeling destination can only be reached by boat. The Buck Island Reef National Monument takes in the park’s namesake island and some 4,500 acres of surrounding reef. Within this protected zone, the Park Service maintains a guided snorkel trail that is fitted with underwater placards describing the flora and fauna of the park. Numerous tour operators offer three-hour to all-day trips to Buck Island. 

Buccaneer Beach St. Croix

Mermaid Beach at St. Croix’s Buccaneer resort provides a relaxing starting point for snorkeling explorations of the bay and a nearshore reef that runs eastward toward Shoy Point. Photo: The Buccaneer Hotel

St Thomas Charlotte Amalie
Caribbean, Plan, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Walk This Way: 99 Steps, St. Thomas USVI

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Charlotte Amalie is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean. But if you walk a few blocks beyond the waterfront taverns of Veterans Drive, and the duty-free offerings of Dronningens Gade, you can discover a city with a rich history, where cobblestone streets and colonial-era buildings serve as reminders of Danish rule and pirate occupations.

One of the more picturesque remnants of this era is the walkway known as 99 steps, which climbs the hillside from Kongens Gade toward the landmark tower of Blackbeard’s Castle. This thoroughfare, listed on old maps as Greater Tower Street, is one of the best surviving examples of the old town’s numerous stair-stepped streets known as frigangs that connected the waterfront to hillside dwellings.

The Danish-made bricks used to build these stairways date from the 1700s, and were originally used as ship’s ballast before being repurposed as a building material. Today, the stairway is primarily used by sightseers, often as part of a walking tour that takes in other historic landmarks such as Fort Christian, Emancipation Park and the St. Thomas Synagogue, which is the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Those who delight in details might note that, despite the name, the stairway actually includes a total of 103 steps. But who’s counting; just enjoy the view.

Cancun Mexico
Bahamas-New Providence, Cancun, Caribbean, Mexico, Plan, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Best Caribbean Islands for Singles

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For most Caribbean marketers, couples and families are the focus, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go there solo. Where you go depends on whether you want some quiet and solitude or because you’re single and looking. If you’re going to get away from office insanity and clear your head, go someplace with a lot of activities you can pursue solo; Aruba, Belize and Jamaica come to mind. On the other hand, if you’re looking to go have single fun with other likeminded travelers, here are the hot spots where you can meet and mingle.

New Providence/Nassau

In part because it’s so close to the U.S. mainland, Nassau attracts a lot of short-stay visitors and guys/girls road trip traffic, flying in on short notice with little more than a carry-on and an urge to play. Plenty of singles also come off the cruise ships almost every night. Downtown Nassau has an active club scene; you’ll want to check out Club Waterloo, a high-energy dance club that occupies a former lakeside mansion. A mile to the west, the sprawling Club Luna complex offers multiple bars, dance floors and an open “street party.” Across the bridge on Paradaise Island, the mega-resort Atlantis is home to the upscale Aura, while a far more local and informal vibe permeates the beachside digs at Nirvana, located on the island’s northwest coast overlooking Love Beach.

St. Thomas

Like Nassau, St. Thomas gets a lot of overnight cruise ship traffic, and plenty of singles party in Charlotte Amalie. Just ducking into one of the rum shops or bars along the waterfront strip is a good place to start. You never know who will be sitting on the bar stool next to you. If serendipity isn’t working, you can hit up Starz in the Havensight Mall next to the cruise docks for some DJ-driven dancing. If you’re looking for something a bit more low key to start or taper off the evening, try the wine and chamagne bar at Epernay in Frenchtown. Hop a taxi for a ride to Iggies at Bolongo Bay. This beachfront bar puts your toes right in the sand and is always a good time with occasional live music, weekly beach barbecues and karaoke. More than one evening here has ended in an impromptu midnight swim.

Cancun

It’s hot in Mexico, and Cancun is the king of Caribbean party towns. If you missed Spring Break, this is your makeup exam, because Cancun is pretty much Spring Break year-round. The downtown area does have some clubs, but most of the action is on the long arm of land that embraces the Nichupté Lagoon in front of the city. This place was custom-built by the Mexican government for partying, and it doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find young singles from all over the southern and western U.S. thronging clubs along the strip. If you have a desperate desire to dance in soapsuds, you’re in luck. Foaming is one of Cancun’s signatures. The big names are Coco Bongo and The City—which can host up to 5,000 revelers simultaneously—or you can head over to the original Señor Frogs.