St. Thomas Virgin Islands
On a 9 day cruise during the Christmas holidays, we stopped at St. Thomas US Virgin Islands. This was going tropical without being in a foreign country since the island of St. Thomas is a United States territory. We walked through the beautiful town of Charlotte Amalie, first stopping at the National Historic Landmark St Thomas Synagogue. During the 17th century jewish descendents who fled Spain ended up settling here. The synagogue is considered the oldest under the American Flag and only one of five that still have sand covered floors. The reason for the sand was to hide the sounds of forbidden prayers. Since my father was also a descendent of the Jews who fled Spain, the synagogue had special meaning for our family. Open daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, their gift shop sells souvenirs with the osiris eye which protects from evil. We then continued to a popular tourist beach called Magens Bay. This was a very nice beach, water was clean and warm, perfect for kids since it was shallow. They also have a great burger, but it was crowded with tourists we recognized, mostly from all the ships in port. Entrance fees are $5, ages 12 & under are free. |
|
Returning to the other side of the island, we did some shopping, but note that these shops are probably owned by the cruise companies. On our way out of the port, we cruised by a very nice resort on an isolated beach and discovered it is Marriott's Frenchman's Cove.
Six months later, we traveled to St. Thomas and stayed for two weeks at Marriott's Frenchman's Cove Vacation Club. When we tried reserving directly through Marriott, the dates were sold out, but we were fortunate to find reservations available through VRBO.com. Next to the Vacation Club is the Marriott hotel and cottages on the beach called the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, however it currently remains closed due to hurricane damage. Frenchman's Cove is located on a secluded beach with stunning views.
During the two weeks we were there, we didn't need a rental car, because the Marriott offers a water taxi into town. This made it convenient because part of our party wanted to go into town for shopping while we wanted to relax on the beach. We took a taxi to the nearest supermarket and the market was quite expensive so I would recommend stopping at a larger supermarket on the way from the airport and stocking up on groceries. Alternatively, you can ship dry goods to the hotel a few days in advance in a flat rate box from any U.S. post office.
During the two weeks we were there, we didn't need a rental car, because the Marriott offers a water taxi into town. This made it convenient because part of our party wanted to go into town for shopping while we wanted to relax on the beach. We took a taxi to the nearest supermarket and the market was quite expensive so I would recommend stopping at a larger supermarket on the way from the airport and stocking up on groceries. Alternatively, you can ship dry goods to the hotel a few days in advance in a flat rate box from any U.S. post office.
Despite being sold out, the beach at the Marriott was never crowded. There was always chaise lounges available to relax on the beach the whole day in peace. Sometimes we had visitors take over, such as iguanas, but they were friendly. Activities at this resort included dive-in movies, social events, competitions and organized games. Dinner is available at the Sunset Cove Poolside Bar and Grill, but for my mother's birthday we walked over past the hotel to have dinner on the beach at Havana Blue for sunset oceanfront dining. After dinner we all took a stroll on the empty beach back to our resort. We enjoyed the pool games, participated in the social activities on the beach and water activities in the ocean.
During our stay, we took a tour from town to Magens Bay, a ferry to Tortola on the British Virgin Islands and we also took a ferry to St. John to see the Virgin Islands National Park. Near the resort, you will find Bluebeard's Castle, Coral World Ocean Park, Havensight Shopping Mall and a tramway to Paradise Point. The ferry to St. John is located 8 miles away at Red Hook. Depending on the weather, it's available every hour going and coming back.
During our stay, we took a tour from town to Magens Bay, a ferry to Tortola on the British Virgin Islands and we also took a ferry to St. John to see the Virgin Islands National Park. Near the resort, you will find Bluebeard's Castle, Coral World Ocean Park, Havensight Shopping Mall and a tramway to Paradise Point. The ferry to St. John is located 8 miles away at Red Hook. Depending on the weather, it's available every hour going and coming back.
The Charlotte Amalie Community
Walking through town and meeting the locals was the highlight of our trip. We enjoyed talking about their lives and daily routines, how they deal with tourists vs. the crowds from the ships. From our conversations we learned that the shops are mostly owned by the cruise ships so we tried to shop from locals directly away from the main street. They also advised us not to be out late at night for our safety! |
Virgin Islands National Park on St. John
We hailed a taxi to Red Hook to catch a ferry to St. John. The Virgin Islands Ferry took about 20 minutes to reach Cruz Bay on St. John. Our taxi driver arranged for a tour guide to wait for us to arrive. Our tour guide took us to see the Virgin Islands National Park, which protects about 70% of the beaches here. The beaches are empty and pristine. There is also a campground at Cinnamon Bay where visitors can rent eco-tents or beachfront cottages with a refrigerator for less than the cost of a hotel room and they also supply the linens. Our last stop was the Annaberg Historic District managed by the National Park Service. The plantation from the 1720's was St. Johns largest sugar producer. The ruins include slave quarters, a windmill tower and factory. The National Park Service also offers about 20 hiking trails. If you're interested in hiking around the island, you may want to pick up at trail guide from the visitor center. |
|
|
Tortola British VI & St. Thomas US VI
We took a 30 minute ferry to Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Our first stop was the Crafts Alive Village with colorful cottages selling handmade crafts. I purchased a set of beautiful hand made angel Christmas ornaments from Joan Wilson's Gifts. A taxi driver talked us into driving around the island where we visited several beaches and admired the beautiful street murals painted in Fahie HIll next to Shark's Bay. We stopped for lunch at Nicole's Beach Bar and snorkeled at Brewer's Bay which is known to have one of the best reefs in the area for snorkeling. We were there in August and the entire area was empty and perfectly undisturbed. We took the ferry back and went quickly through U.S. Customs at the marine terminal in Charlotte Amalie. On our way back to our hotel, we walked through the shopping area of Charlotte Amalie and stopped at the Virgin Islands Legislature Building which was originally built in 1828 as barracks for the Danish Police. Between 1917 and 1930 it served as U.S. Marine Corps barracks. We were able to see the legislature in session and meet a senator. |
Trunk Bay
The following year for Thanksgiving, we arrived in St. Thomas again on a cruise and took the 20 minute ferry to St. John from Red Hook to Cruz Bay. Our goal on this trip was to do some snorkeling at Trunk Bay in the Virgin Islands National Park. Trunk Bay is often rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world with clear, warm water, perfect for photographing. With an underwater snorkeling trail about 700 feet long, Trunk Bay's coral reef is well preserved. The best snorkeling is on the left side as you face the water where there is more protection from the waves. The day use fee for Trunk Bay is $5 per person and snorkel gear rentals are available on site. If you're interested in staying on the island, the nearest hotels are Caneel Bay Resort, Gallow's Point, Grand Bay Resort and the Westin St. John. |
|