This Caribbean U.S. territory offers white- sand beaches, reefs and turquoise waters. Each of the three main islands boasts its own unique character. St. Thomas and capital city Charlotte Amalie are known for luxury shopping, nightlife, festivals and a major cruise port. Virgin Islands National Park takes up most of St. John, a nature lover’s paradise; and St. Croix offers a multicultural history in the remains of forts, sugar and cattle estates, and the charming towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas connects directly to several East Coast U.S. cities as well as locations throughout the Caribbean. St. Croix is also served by Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. Travel between islands may be accomplished via passenger ferries and a car barge between St. Thomas and St. John. Although there are no rideshare services available, taxis and car rentals are plentiful, but remember to drive on the left!
LODGING
Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino
This all-inclusive, adults-only resort features newly renovated hillside suites and beach- front rooms, plus several dining options; two pools; a fitness center; and tennis, pickleball and shuffleboard. Take advantage of the on-site water sports center or enjoy the casino and game room.
5025 Turner Hole Road, Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
tel 340 773 9700
diviresorts.com
Gallows Point Resort
Located on its own lush 5-acre peninsula but just a five-minute walk from Cruz Bay, Gallows Point offers freshly refurbished one-bedroom oceanfront villas, concierge services, shuttle service to the ferry terminal, a fitness center and classes, free WiFi and parking. Enjoy fine dining at the on-site restaurant.
3 AAA Gallows Point Road, Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
tel 340 776 6424
gallowspointresort.com
Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove
This family-friendly property’s two- and three-bedroom villas offer all the comforts and conveniences of home along with access to an infinity pool with waterslide, fitness center, poolside dining and lots of activities for all ages. Free parking and WiFi and no resort fees add value.
7338 Estate Bakkeroe, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
tel 340 693 4800
marriott.com
DINING
13 Restaurant
Offering Southern cuisine with an island flair made from fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers, 13 serves brunch and dinner and a host of inventive craft cocktails.
5304 Yacht Haven Grande, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
tel 340 774 6800
13restaurant.com
Duggan’s Reef
This beachfront island institution, open since 1983, specializes in local seafood but offers beautifully presented diverse menu options. Choose a table on the porch to savor the sunset along with the food.
5A Teague Bay, Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
tel 340 773 9800
duggansreefstx.com
The Lime Inn
Enjoy the fun atmosphere here alongside quality dining on Caribbean fare with a Puerto Rican twist at this family-owned restaurant and bar. The four-course dinner tasting menu includes two small plates, a “large plate” entrée and a dessert. Wine pairings also available.
Kongens Gade, Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
tel 340 776 6425
thelimeinn.com
ATTRACTIONS
Main Street, Charlotte Amalie
Known for its duty-free shopping, St. Thomas’ capital concentrates the deals on Dronningens Gade — its Main Street — with retailers selling everything from fine jewelry, watches and perfumes to designer fashion and electronics. Visit quaint shops in 18th-century buildings or visit historical attractions and enjoy a vibrant nightlife.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
visitstthomas.com
St. George Village Botanical Gardens
Located among the ruins of an 18th-century sugar cane plantation, the garden is home to more than 1,500 varieties of plants, with collections including palms, ferns, orchids and rare plants. Exhibits identify plants of historical importance as sources of food, medicine, fibers, dyes and building materials.
127 George Road, Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
tel 340 692 2874
sgvbg.org
Virgin Islands National Park
This 5,500-acre park protects two-thirds of the island’s mass and is said to have some of the most unspoiled underwater and land habitats in the Caribbean. Hike the trails to experience diverse flora and fauna, snorkel its coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, explore the ruins of a sugar mill and plantation, view ancient petroglyphs, and choose from among numerous white-sand beaches.
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
tel 340 776 6201
nps.gov
Read This Next
Global City Guidebook: Tahiti
GCGB 2023
Aug 1, 2023All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 26, 2024Accor Unveils Its First Handwritten Collection Brand in the United States
San Francisco, a city renowned for its commercial hubs and cultural sites, will become the first destination in the United States for one of Accor's newest brands, Handwritten Collection. The city’s Hotel Stratford San Francisco, Handwritten Collection is a European-style boutique property located near Union Square on the famous Powell Street cable car line. The area will now have the Handwritten Collection name behind it. The property becomes Accor's third hotel in San Francisco, joining the Fairmont properties atop Nob Hill and at Ghirardelli Square.
Sponsored Content
Reconnecting the World: GBTA Convention 2023 Spotlights the Vital Role of Business Travel and In-Person Connection
In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention remains an indispensable platform for business travel industry professionals seeking to make the most of the power of face-to-face connections. Taking place August 13–15 in Dallas, the 2023 GBTA Convention provides the unique opportunity for professionals and companies to join visionaries, thought leaders and industry experts for meaningful networking, cutting-edge insights and inspiring innovation.
Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 26, 2024Bask in Nature’s Tranquility at The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo
When the two of us entered The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo, past the backlit boutique items and local artisan-painted wood carvings, the place wrapped us in a feeling of tranquility. Its stone walls, earth tones, woven wall hangings and furniture made of natural materials reminded us we are part of nature’s spectrum, the abundant windows showing native plants and trees outside.
Daily
Jul 26, 20244 Boutique Hotels with Exclusive Wedding Buyout Offerings
Couples looking for an over-the-top wedding, consider one of these properties around the world, offering total property buyouts to say your “I do’s.”
Sponsored Content
Welcome to Wyndham Monterrey Ambassador Centro
Wyndham Monterrey Ambassador Centro, operated by Aimbridge LATAM, opened its doors, welcoming guests to one of the most iconic and traditional properties in Monterrey, Nuevo León. Boasting 229 rooms and suites, the hotel, part of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, is ready for discerning travelers. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is the largest hotel franchise company in the world with approximately 9,100 hotels in more than 95 countries.
Airlines
Jul 26, 2024BermudAir Maximizes Choices for Travelers with New Options
BermudAir announced an expanded fare structure, allowing customers to choose from five fare types across economy and business class, up from the previous three options. Travelers can now select fares based on their preferences for lounge access, checked baggage, change fees, refunds and priority boarding.
Discover Hvar, Croatia’s, Best-Kept Secrets
Daily
Jul 25, 2024Daily
Jul 24, 2024SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites Introduces Custom Wine Itineraries
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites offers guests personalized journeys to Mendoza’s finest wineries from Susana Balbo’s family. Immerse yourself in bespoke wine itineraries recommended by Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker; her son and third-generation winemaker, José Lovaglio Balbo; and her daughter, hotelier and wine tourism marketer, Ana Lovaglio Balbo.
Sponsored Content
Share Miles with Family and Friends with United Airlines
As you look ahead to winter travel, United Airlines and its MileagePlus loyalty program introduced MileagePlus miles pooling, which allows members to contribute and combine miles into a joint account. Groups of up to five members can now share and redeem miles in one linked account. As the first and only major U.S. airline to offer this feature, United also allows any MileagePlus member, whether relatives or close friends, to be in a pool with other members.
eFlyer Reviews
Jul 24, 2024Althoff Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg Review
After a long drive from our previous destination, it was a relief to see Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg in our view. When we pulled into the hotel court, I felt like we were pulling up to a royal palace. Considering the hotel was originally built as a castle for Prince Elector Johann Wilhelm II of Duesseldorf and his wife, Maria-Luisa of the Medici family, my thought wasn’t that far off.
ShareThis