The first human inhabitants of the Virgin Islands were the Arawak Indians. The Arawaks were descendants of coastal Indians from what is now Venezuela and Guyana who were forced out of that area by more aggressive tribes. The Indians moved up the Antillean chain island-by-island until they reached the Virgin Islands sometime around 300 AD, when the Arawaks settled peacefully in the Virgin Island, fishing and farming, until the fierce and cannibalistic Carib Indians moved into the area 100 years before the arrival of Columbus.
Christopher Columbus "discovered" the Virgin Islands on his second voyage to the Caribbean in 1493. Because the islands were sited around the time of the feast of St. Ursula, he named them "Once Mil Virgins" after the eleven thousand virgins that were martyred with St. Ursula. The Spanish crown granted him the titles of admiral of the Ocean Sea, Governor and Viceroy of the Indies, and Captain General. As such, he then held control over trade in the West Indies. He landed on St. Croix and provisioned for his trip on to Hispaniola and named it "Santa Cruz," but moved on quickly after he encountered the fierce residents. He also found the islands too barren for any of his purposes and moved on to explore Puerto Rico.
Over the next century, as it became clear that Spain couldn't defend the entire Caribbean, other European powers began to settle the islands. It was under the Spanish colonists in Hispaniola that slavery began in the Caribbean. The indigenous people, both Carib and Arawak, were forced to work in Spanish mines and on farms. Conditions for them were so bad that most died of malnutrition and disease and others escaped the Spanish for temporary asylum in Cuba. In less than two decades, more than one million Indians had died or fled from the island of Hispaniola.
By the time the Danes, British and French arrived in the Virgin Islands in the 17th century, the Indian populations had disappeared from there as well. By 1695 St. Croix was under the control of the French, but the colonists had moved on to what is today Haiti.
The island lay virtually dormant until 1733, when the Danish government bought it -- along with St. Thomas and St. John -- from the Danish West India Company. At that time settlers from St. Thomas and St. John moved to St. Croix to cultivate the island's gentler terrain. St. Croix developed a plantation economy, but St. Thomas's soil was ill suited to agriculture. There the harbor became internationally known because of its size and ease of entry; to this day, it is still hailed as one of the most beautiful seaports in the world.
In 1585, five years after the end of his famous circumnavigation, Sir Francis Drake was in the Caribbean, once again in search of gold laden Spanish ships. Legend has it that he had a lookout from the island of St. Thomas (Drakes seat, where the view continues well to the east, into what is now the British Virgin Islands); and, that he organized his privateering flotilla in Coral Bay, St. John.
St. Thomas was settled in 1672 by agents of the Danish West India and Guinea company, but Denmark did not officially take possession of the Virgin Islands until 1754. Until 1733, St. Croix was a French possession. Because of its excellent harbor and the Dane's willingness to trade with them, Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas was home to, or visited by many pirates, famous and infamous. The most legendary was Blackbeard, a.k.a. Edward Teach.
The Danish estates on St. Thomas and St. John were planted with sugar cane, tobacco, and cotton - all very work intensive crops that would not have made a profit were it not for the labor of plantation slaves.
Plantations depended on slave labor, of which there was a plentiful supply in the Danish West Indies in the late 1600s. Most were captured along Africa's Gold Coast, from the tribes of Asante, Ibo, Mandika, Amina, and Wolof. They brought with them African rhythms in music and language, herbal medicine, and such crafts as basketry and wood carving.
Slavery proliferated in the Virgin Islands until slaves out numbered Europeans on some islands by 5 to 1. The Danish government and the government-supported and subsidized Danish West India Company tried to encourage young Danes to emigrate to St. Thomas to labor on the plantations. Very few responded. Prisoners were then brought over to work as indentured servants with the stipulation that they would receive their freedom after six years, though few would survive that long. Apart from this, indentured servitude was exactly the same as slavery. They lived, ate and worked with the slaves and were subject to the same arbitrary punishments. Their social position was of the lowest order and they were looked down upon by both Africans and Europeans. The prisoners viewed emigration to the colonies as a death sentence. Their desperation and discontent resulted in mutinies and resistance. In response, the Danes began to place more emphasis on the importation of slave labor from Africa.
Out of fear of rebellion, the Danes instituted a barbaric slave code that outlined the torture of disobedient or rebellious slaves. In September of 1733, after a summer of drought, an insect plague, two hurricanes, and the adoption of a severe and inhumane slave code, the slaves on St. John rebelled and took control of the island for six months until French troops arrived from Martinique to put down the rebellion. Rather than being captured, which would have meant death by torture, many of the rebels committed suicide at Ram's Head. According to legend, 300 slaves jumped to their deaths from the cliffs. (for more detail on the St John Slave Rebellion of 1733, please visit our St John page)
Slavery was abolished in the Danish West Indies in 1848. On July 3, this year, we will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the emancipation of slaves in the Virgin Islands.
In 1917 the United States, out of fear of German expansion and a potential naval base here, bought the Virgin Islands from Denmark. Residents were granted U.S. citizenship in 1927, but the islands remained under the direct control of the U.S. government until 1968, when Virgin Islanders were first allowed to elect their own Governor (previously, governors had been appointed first by the navy, then by the interior department). In 1972, Virgin Islanders elected their first non voting delegate to congress.
Since the 1950's, the tourist industry in the Virgin Islands has been growing. St. Thomas combines the natural beauty of the islands with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most beautiful harbors in the world and the most visited port in the Caribbean. Numerous attractions can be found in and around the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Blackbeard's Castle, Crown House, Seven Arches Museum, and Government Hill offer many days worth of exploring for visitors catching a rest from the town's world-class duty-free shopping and dining. Charlotte Amalie is also the base for several regattas, yacht chartering services, and fishing guides.
Elegant dining, exciting nightlife, and world-class duty-free shopping are abundant in Charlotte Amalie. The city's reputation as the shopping mecca of the Caribbean draws visitors from all over the region and around the world.
Most recently, the struggle to preserve the predominantly black Caribbean-influenced culture is heating up in the Virgin Islands. Native Virgin Islanders say they want access to more than just the beach when big money brings in big development. The ongoing conflict between progress and preservation here is no mere philosophical exercise, and attempts at resolutions display yet another aspect of the islands' unique blend of character.
Weather
The Caribbean high season is traditionally winter; from December 15 to April 14; when northern weather is at its worst and travelers are seeking a sunny respite from snow and ice. During this season you're guaranteed the most entertainment at the resorts, more crowds at the popular tourist venues, a need for restaurant reservations and more crowded beaches. However, the "high season", as it is called, is also one of the best times to visit because of the weather is slightly cooler and less humid than during the summer months. It's also the most fashionable, the most expensive, and the most popular time to visit -- and most of the villas will book up quickly, so plan to reserve your villa early if you decide to travel to St. Thomas during the high season. You must make reservations at least three or six months in advance for the very best places (sometimes a year or more in advance for the most exclusive homes). Some homes are rented for weeks or months at a time, so be prepared to be flexible.
Temperatures may only be a few degrees warmer than at other times of the year, and many islands now schedule their carnivals, music festivals, and other events during the off-season. Late August, September, October, and early November are least crowded. However, this is also the hurricane season. This doesn't mean you'll experience the direct hit of a hurricane, you may experience more rain and wind from other nearby storm systems. Though, we admit, VillaVantage.com team members have been making annual "off season" trips to the VI for more than 40 years, and we've never been hit by a hurricane or had a vacation ruined by a related weather system. As such, we vote "yes" for off-season VI travel. The deals are good and the islands are quiet - a combination we enjoy!
The water is clearer for snorkeling and smoother for sailing in the Virgin Islands in May, June, and July.
The Caribbean climate is fairly constant. The average year-round temperatures for the region are 78°F-88°F. The temperature extremes are 65°F low, 95°F high; but, as everyone knows, it's the humidity, not the heat, that makes you suffer, especially when the two go hand in hand.
The rainy season consists mostly of brief showers interspersed with sunshine. You can watch the clouds come over, feel the rain, and have the sun to dry you off, all while remaining on your lounge chair. A spell of overcast days is unusual, as everyone will tell you.
The Virgin Islands (both BVI and USVI) usually get a brief shower at least once a day, typically in very early morning hours while most people are still sleeping. Rain showers usually last only a few minutes at a time and can be a welcome respite to a hot, sunny day. Watching weather forecasts in anticipation of your trip is probably more frustrating than useful. Weather reports tend to show rain for every day of the week. This causes most travelers to panic with thoughts of a washed out vacation. You need to realize that the rain being forecasted is the 5 minute passing shower variety and you BVI vacation is very likely to be filled with warm, sunny days.
During the months of September and October, you should pay attention to weather reports in case of hurricane advisories. Hurricanes are usually predicted well in advance. Due to the chance that a hurricane could ruin your vacation during hurricane season, we recommend purchasing travel insurance if you will be traveling to the USVI during this time of year. If a hurricane strikes during your villa vacation, you will usually not be allowed to stay in your villa and are likely to be on your own in terms of determining where to take shelter or how to evacuate the island. For this reason, we recommend that you take the time to research shelter options in advance of your arrival if you plan to travel during hurricane season.
St. Thomas's Cyril E. King Airport (STT) (St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. PHONE: 340/774-5100, www.viport.com) sits at the western end of the island.
Flying time is approximately 2½ hours from Miami, 4½ hours from New York, and 8½ hours from Los Angeles.
Carriers
One advantage to visiting the USVI is the abundance of nonstop and connecting flights to St. Thomas and St. Croix that can have you at the beach in three to four hours from easternmost United States departures. Small island-hopper planes and a seaplane connect St. Thomas and St. Croix, and a ferry takes you from St. Thomas to St. John.
American Airlines (PHONE: 340/776-2560 in St. Thomas; 340/778-2000 in St. Croix) is the territory's major carrier, with flights from Miami and New York. American Eagle has frequent flights throughout the day from San Juan.
Cape Air (PHONE: 340/774-2204 or 800/352-0714, flycapeair.com) flies from San Juan to both St. Thomas and St. Croix. It has code-sharing arrangements with all major airlines, so your luggage can transfer seamlessly.
Caribbean Sun Airlines (PHONE: 866-864-6272, www.flycsa.com) flies from San Juan to both St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Continental Airlines (PHONE: 800/231-0856) flies from Newark.
Delta Airlines (PHONE: 340/777-4177) flies from Atlanta.
Seaborne Airlines (PHONE: 340/773-6442, www.seaborneairlines.com) flies between St. Thomas, St. Croix, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
United Air Lines (PHONE: 340/774-9190) flies from Chicago and Washington, D.C.
US Airways (PHONE: 800/622-1015) flies from New York-La Guardia, Philadelphia and Charlotte, NC.
Local Customs
It is considered impolite to take photographs of the local people without asking their permission beforehand. Every conversation should begin with the greeting “good day” or “good morning” or “good afternoon” or “good night” (as opposed to good evening, which isn’t typically used) and a friendly smile. Conversations are slow and relaxed. Light cotton dresses and light jackets and ties for formal wear and typical tropical wear is worn during the day.
Transportation
Transfers Between the Airport & Town
By Ferry
Visitors to St. John fly into St. Thomas and take a taxi to either Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook, where they catch a ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John. The ferry from Charlotte Amalie makes the 45-minute trip several times a day and costs $7 a person. From Red Hook the ferry leaves on the hour; the 20-minute trip costs $3 a person.
By Ferry
Ferries are a great way to travel around the islands; there's service between St. Thomas and St. John and their neighbors, the BVI. There's something special about spending a day on St. John and then joining your fellow passengers -- a mix of tourists, local families, and construction workers on their way home -- for a peaceful, sundown ride back to St. Thomas. Sometimes one of the St. John ferry services offers a special weekend trip to Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Such junkets depart from the waterfront in St. Thomas on a Friday evening and return to the same locale on Sunday afternoon.
Ferry Fares & Schedules
Ferries to Cruz Bay, St. John, leave St. Thomas from either the Charlotte Amalie waterfront west of the U.S. Coast Guard dock or from Red Hook. From Charlotte Amalie ferries depart at 9, 11, 1, 3, 4, and 5:30. To Charlotte Amalie from Cruz Bay, they leave at 7:15, 9:15, 11:15, 1:15, 2:15, and 3:45. The one-way fare for the 45-minute ride is $7 for adults, $3 for children. From Red Hook, ferries to Cruz Bay leave at 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM. Starting at 8 AM, they leave hourly until midnight. Returning from Cruz Bay, they leave hourly starting at 6 AM until 11 PM. The 15- to 20-minute ferry ride is $3 one-way for adults, $1 for children under 12.
Car ferries, called barges, run about every half-hour between Red Hook, St. Thomas, and Cruz Bay, St. John. The ride costs $35 (round-trip). Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure.
Reefer (PHONE: 340/776-8500 Ext. 6814) is the name of both of the brightly colored 26-passenger skiffs that run between the Charlotte Amalie waterfront and Marriott Frenchman's Reef hotel daily every hour from 9 to 4, returning from the Reef from 9:30 until 4:30. It's a good way to beat the traffic (and is about the same price as a taxi) to Morning Star Beach, which adjoins the Reef. And you get a great view of the harbor as you bob along in the shadow of the giant cruise ships anchored in the harbor. The captain of the Reefer may also be persuaded to drop you at Yacht Haven, but check first. The fare is $5 one-way, and the trip takes about 15 minutes.
There's daily service between either Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook, on St. Thomas, and West End or Road Town, Tortola, BVI, by either Smith's Ferry or Native Son, and to Virgin Gorda, BVI, by Smith's Ferry. The times and days the ferries run change, so it's best to call for schedules once you're in the islands. The fare is $22 one-way or $40 round-trip, and the trip from Charlotte Amalie takes 45 minutes to an hour to West End, up to 1½ hours to Road Town; from Red Hook the trip is only half an hour. The twice-weekly 2¼-hour trip from Charlotte Amalie to Virgin Gorda costs $28 one-way and $50 round-trip. Three days a week (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) a ferry operates between Red Hook, Cruz Bay, and Jost Van Dyke in the BVI; the trip takes 45 minutes and costs $40 per person round-trip.
Native Son
Native Son Inc. P.O. Box 6057 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00803 P.340-774-8685 Alt.284-495-4617 F.340-777-9966 Jackie Wynter www.nativesonbvi.com
Smith's Ferry
Smith’s Ferry Services/Island Magic 3400 Veteran’s Drive, Suite 2 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.340-775-7292 F.340-774-5532 Marjorie Smith www.smithsferry.com
Varlack Ventures Inc. P.O. Box 1300, Cruz Bay St. John USVI 00830 P.340-776-6412 F.340-693-8276 Delrise Varlack www.varlack-ventures.com
There's also daily service between Cruz Bay, St. John, and West End, Tortola, aboard an Inter-Island Boat Service (PHONE: 340/776-6597) ferry. The half-hour one-way trip is $21. You'll need to present proof of citizenship upon entering the BVI; a passport is best, but a birth certificate with a raised seal in addition to a government-issued photo I.D. will suffice.
By Taxi
Few hotels on St. Thomas have airport shuttles, but taxi vans at the airport are plentiful. Fees (set by the VI Taxi Commission) per person for two or more people sharing a cab are: $10 to the Ritz-Carlton, $6.50 to Marriott Frenchman's Reef, and $5 to Bluebeard's Castle. Expect to be charged 50¢ per bag and to pay a higher fee if you're riding alone. During rush hour the trip to East End resorts can take up to 40 minutes, but a half hour is typical. Driving time from the airport to Charlotte Amalie is 15 minutes. Between midnight and 6 AM, there's an extra charge of $1.50 per trip for out-of-town fares, and a minimum of $3 per trip for in-town fares.
USVI taxis don't have meters, but you needn't worry about fare gouging if you check a list of standard rates to popular destinations (required by law to be carried by each driver and often posted in hotel and airport lobbies and printed in free tourist periodicals, such as St. Thomas-St. John This Week and St. Croix This Week) and settle on the fare before you start out. Fares are per person, not per destination, but drivers taking multiple fares (which often happens, especially from the airport) will charge you a lower rate than if you're in the cab alone.
Taxis of all shapes and sizes are available at various ferry, shopping, resort, and airport areas, and they also respond to phone calls. There are taxi stands in Charlotte Amalie across from Emancipation Garden (in front of Little Switzerland, behind the post office) and along the waterfront. But you probably won't have to look for a stand, as taxis are plentiful and routinely cruise the streets. Walking down Main Street, you'll be asked "Back to ship?" often enough to make you never want to carry another shopping bag.
East End Taxi (PHONE: 340/775-6974)
Islander Taxi (PHONE: 340/774-4077)
VI Taxi Association (PHONE: 340/774-4550)
By Air
Seaborne Airlines flies between St. Thomas and St. Croix.
HELICOPTER Air Center Helicopters, Inc. Cyril E. King Airport Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00801 P.340-775-7335 P.800-619-0013 F.340-774-7133 Jens Jensen www.aircenterhelicopters.com
By Bus
On St. Thomas, the island's 20 deluxe mainland-size buses make public transportation a very comfortable -- though slow -- way to get from east and west to Charlotte Amalie and back (service to the north is limited). Buses run about every 30 minutes from stops that are clearly marked with "Vitran" signs. Fares are $1 between outlying areas and town and 75¢ in town.
By Car
Even at a sedate speed of 20 mph, driving can be an adventure -- for example, you may find yourself in a Jeep slogging behind a slow tourist-packed safari bus at a steep hairpin turn. Give a little beep at blind turns. Note that the general speed limit on these islands is only 25 to 35 mph, which will seem fast enough for you on most roads. If you don't think you'll need to lock up your valuables, a Jeep or open-air Suzuki with four-wheel drive will make it easier to navigate potholed dirt side roads and to get up slick hills when it rains. All main roads are paved.
Car Rentals
Rates begin at $40 a day and $225 a week, not including vehicle license fees and other surcharges. At the height of the winter season it may be tough to find a car, and occasionally all rental companies run out of cars at once; reserve well in advance to ensure you get the vehicle of your choice.
Avis (PHONE: 340/774-1468) is at the Marriott Frenchman's Reef, Havensight Mall (adjacent to the cruise ship dock), Seaborn Airlines terminal on the Charlotte Amalie waterfront, and the Cyril E. King Airport.
Budget (PHONE: 340/776-5774) has branches at the Cyril E. King Airport, the Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina and at the Havensight Mall, adjacent to the main cruise ship dock.
Cowpet Rent-a-Car (PHONE: 340/775-7376) is located on the east end of the island.
Dependable Car Rental (PHONE: 340/774-2253 or 800/522-3076) offers pickups and drop-offs at the airport and to and from major hotels.
Discount (PHONE: 340/776-4858) has a location at Bluebeard's Castle hotel.
Hertz (PHONE: 340/774-1879) has a counter at the Cyril E. King Airport.
Tri Island Car Rental (PHONE: 340/775-1200) is located on the east end of the island, opposite the Red Hook ferry dock.
Requirements
Any U. S. driver's license is good for 90 days on the USVI, as are valid driver's licenses from other countries; the minimum age for drivers is 18, although many agencies won't rent to anyone under the age of 25.
Road Conditions
In St. Thomas, traffic can get pretty bad, especially in Charlotte Amalie at rush hour (7 to 9 and 4:30 to 6). Cars often line up bumper to bumper along the waterfront. If you need to get from an East End resort to the airport during these times, find the alternate route (starting from the East End, Route 38 to 42 to 40 to 33) that goes up the mountain and then drops you back onto Veterans Highway. If you plan to explore by car, be sure to pick up the latest edition of "Road Map St. Thomas-St. John" that includes the route numbers and the names of the roads that are used by locals. It's available anywhere you find maps and guidebooks.
Rules of the Road
Driving is on the left side of the road, British-style (although your steering wheel will be on the left side of the car, American-style). The law requires everyone in a car to wear seat belts: many of the roads are narrow, and the islands are dotted with hills, so there's ample reason to put safety first.
LIMOUSINE
Executive One Limousine Service Estate Tutu 146-79 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.340-690-7282 Alt.340-473-7623 Alt.800-470-3103 F.340-714-5415 Angel Christian
Honey Bee Limo Service P.O. Box 10851 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00801 P.340-777-4025 Alt.340-513-3298 F.340-777-4025 Beaulah J. Callwood
James Limousine Service P.O. Box 224605, Christiansted St, Croix USVI 00822-4605 P.340-778-8663 F.340-778-8661 Gerard L. James
Mom’s Limousine Service P.O. Box 1446, Frederiksted St. Croix USVI 00840 P.340-772-3669 F.340-772-3669 Felicita Joseph
Typical Villa Arrangements
Let’s talk about St. Thomas' Villa Scene!
Ask some people what they think of St. Thomas and they’ll probably tell you that St Thomas is an overcrowded, ultra-touristy cruise ship port where the shopping is great and the traffic is jammed. Some people will even tell you that they’ve “been to St. Thomas” and found this to be the case. Well, these are normally the people who have “been to St. Thomas” only because they’ve used it as a jumping-off point for their final destination, another nearby island in the USVI or BVI chains. As such, they arrive at the St. Thomas International airport, drive through the busy downtown area and head out onto the most crowded road on the island, which takes them to the ferry dock. Tons of visitors make this trek, as the only other International airport in the BVI and USVI chains, servicing direct flights, is on the island of St. Croix, which is too far away to be used as a ferry hub. No wonder it’s crowded on this stretch! Luckily for those actually planning to stay on St. Thomas, there’s much more to the story, if they’re willing to make a left turn - any left turn.
You see, a left turn will point your vehicle to the base of the mountainous spine of the island; the point of demarcation between the traffic, shops, cruise ship passengers, K-Mart, downtown businesses and what’s found atop an on the other side of that mountain – the secret that we keep from those only arriving for the day – the quintessential Caribbean island you’ve been longing for, bursting with splendidly fragrant frangipani, eye-popping red bouganvilla, endless views of aqua blue water and countless emerald islands cropping out of the sea in the distance at every direction. Your rental car will struggle a bit, as this mountain is a force to be reckoned with; but, the curvaceous road that ascends to the top and the infamous island switchbacks (term used for hairpin turns used to get you and your car safely up a very steep incline) will give you a jaw-dropping view of all that’s available to you during your stay. Drivers beware: YOU need to keep your eyes on the road, so you’ll have to rely on your passengers to give you the blow-by-blow.
As the cruise ships and jewelry stores drift off into the distance behind and below you, you’ll come to the crest of the mountain and will soon realize that any breaths you are now taking (after holding your breath all the way up) need to be taken quickly, as the descent onto the other side is immediate. Keeping your eyes on the road now becomes even more difficult, as the truth about St. Thomas is revealed. You are now facing the North side of the island and the exotic and alluring Caribbean Sea. Off to your right you’ll see multiple islands, including the US island of St. John, the British islands of Jost van Dyke (“the last Virgin”) and the larger British island and sailing capital of the VI, Tortola, as well as several other uninhabited islands. Below you lies the famous heart-shaped Megan’s Bay, repeatedly voted one of the top ten beaches in the world. But you don’t really have to look out to the horizon on down to the sea to be impressed. A glance around to your immediate left and right will reveal the reason you’ve come to this site in the first place – homes – both private residences and rental villas – grand estates and simple mountainside retreats covered in flowers and fruit trees. They’re often hard to spot, as the mountain drops off sharply and you’ll often only have a view of the home’s roof or inconspicuous private driveway entrance, always thick with lush palm trees and fragrant tropical flowers. You’ll smile to yourself as you recall those uninformed travelers telling you about the crowds and traffic jams, as you only share this road with the scurrying iguanas and fallen mangos, and the occasional open-air jeep carrying others who share in your delight and wear that same smile of “those who know”. As you continue to descend the mountain, you’ll realize that this is the reward for the busting activity on the other side – a residential community fused with tropical splendor and cosmopolitan calypso.
If you continue to descend and curve around to your left, you’ll notice the thickening of the palm tress (a palm grove) and the twinkling sapphire blue sea just ahead (the road that dead ends at Megan’s Bay). We know you’re temped to just drive your car right up behind those seagrape trees that divide the beach and the parking area, but we’re here to talk villas, so hang a sharp right just before the beach and prepare to be amazed! You have just entered the majestic and discerning high-brow community of Estate Peterborg, a place we like to call “Villa Central”. This community is a combination of sumptuous residential estates and outstanding luxury villas. The community sits on a peninsula jetting out into the Caribbean Sea and pretty much in the center area of the island. As you drive into the community on the main road, Megan’s Bay sits on your left and many of the villas overlook her in all of her splendor. On your right will be a glorious view of the Caribbean Sea and “down island” views of the US and BVI island chains. In other words, every home will have an amazing water view and most are teetering cliff-side! Imagine the effect your infinity edged pool will have as the only thing separating your pool’s edge and the bay or sea is a cool Caribbean breeze. There are also a few villas here with their own enchanting “private” beaches (there are really no private beaches in the VI, but if your villa is fronted by a beach, residents assume you wish to have exclusive use and respect that). Remember the shots of the Clintons vacationing in the VI and lazing on that deliciously white, powdery “private” beach with amazingly glassy, calm water? This is where they did it – Estate Peterborg. That home is called “Sand Dollar”. There are many others like it on this peninsula, so don’t be too disappointed if it’s booked.
Within the Estate Peterborg community there are sub-communities that each define themselves with a name and sometimes an electronic gate at the base of the entry road. This gate is probably more for the purpose of further defining the level of exclusivity than for security, as this entire area is pretty safe. After all, it’s on a peninsula and there’s only one road going in and out. Anyone who is here had better have a reason for being here, as the residents run a tight ship and pay very close attention to any comings and goings. The main road is also a popular jogging route, so feel free to go for a run and you’ll probably pass a few others with the same idea in mind.
VillaVanatge.com’s VI representative lives in this community, so we’re happy to provide continuous updates of community interest and villa activity (there are some amazing new villas just being completed as we write this).
I hope we haven’t given you the impression that there are no other worthwhile communities with villas on the island of St. Thomas. Oh, quite contraire! We just wanted to get your attention with Peterborg and do a little name-dropping. Now that you’re salivating over St Thomas’ villa scene, let’s move on to the area known as “Skyline Drive”.
Remember when we were warning you not to take your eyes off of the road to enjoy that jaw-dropping view as you crested the mountain separating the North and South sides of the island? Here’s your chance to see it, all of it, every day and night! Skyline Drive is the road that runs along the crest of the mountain. Some of the islands’ most incredible villas rest along its sides and offer you dramatic views of either the (Northern view) coming and going of the cruise ships, yachts bobbing in the harbor, twinkling lights of downtown Charlotte Amalie and distant Northern islands or the Southern views of Megan’s Bay, Peterborg Peninsula and US and BVI island chains – or both. The location of Skyline Drive is another of its draws. You’ll be smack-dab in the middle of the island, atop it’s highest crest, with easy access to downtown shops and restaurants (including the Charlotte Amalie ferry to St. John and the BVI islands), southern beaches, the resort-rich East End where another ferry hub sits with ferries going to St John and the BVI chain, and the quiet and least-explored West End. If you’re into views, this is the crème de la crème – a 360 degree panorama to take your breath away. Skyling Drive gives new meaning to the phrase “sitting on top of the world”.
Ah, now you’re confused. Peterborg? Skyline? Is there more? Ohhhh – yes! There’s the East End! East End! East End! You’ll hear that phrase over and over from those who travel to St. Thomas to spend time in a resort. The East End if where the resort action happens and is a hub of activity. The roads out the East End are lined with toney resorts sporting grand entrances and lined with exotic palms, fancy signs and, you guessed it, lots of people. Well, not the maddening kind of crowd you might expect to find downtown or on it’s main arteries, but somewhat more than you’ll find in some other, more quiet areas (such as those previously mentioned). But, it’s for good reason. This is where “it” happens on St Thomas. Restaurants, bars, resort action, marinas, shops, markets – it’s all here. Even if you stay elsewhere on St Thomas, you’ll find yourself coming to the East End quite a bit. Duffy’s Love Shack is here, as is the Ritz Carlton, Wyndham Sugar Bay, Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina, Elysium Beach Resort, Secret Harbor Beach Resort, the new “Food Center” market (a good place to provision your villa – feels like a good stateside supermarket), Cost-U-Less, lots of the best restaurants and pubs. We could go on and on – and have probably forgotten something or someone who will write to us and say “you forgot us!”. It takes about 15 minutes to get from Peterborg or Skyling to the East End, if you take a route on the southern side of the island. The northern routes will take longer, as those are the ones your uninformed friends have been warning you about. The East End puts you face to face with St. John. It’s just across the channel, a 15 minute ferry ride away. The East End has some sublime villas to fulfill all of your Caribbean villa fantasies! They’re not simply sitting amidst all of this activity. Rather, they’re tucked off on roads accessing the farthest reaching points on the East End, offering guests “in your face” views of St. John – so close that you might find yourself waving hello to someone staying in a villa on that island (well, not THAT close, but darned near!) If you’re planning to island hop during the days on your villa vacation, this is a great spot. If you’re planning to go out at night quite a bit and want to be near the nightlife, this is best. Yes, we said Skyline Drive was closest to downtown, but downtown isn’t the best spot for nightlife – East End is. If you want easy access to the resort beach-bars and marinas for watersports, this is it.
Okay, let’s continue on around to the Southeastern side of the island, most commonly reffered to the villa traveler as “Flag Hill”. This historically important location has long been the defining community of St Thomas’ “who’s who”. The close proximity to the downtown government and legislative center and the panoramic views of the bustling harbor, filled with yachts and cruise ships, makes this location extremely desirable place to reside for the “powers that be” on the island, including an ambassador or two. You’ll have a bird’s eye view of Charlotte Amalie, not from above; rather, from across the harbor. If you outstretch your left arm as though you are hugging someone, Charlotte Amalie is your chest and Flag Hill is your wrist.
If you are intrigued by the view of an old-world Caribbean harbor, with its white buildings and red roofs, but don’t necessarily want to plant yourself in the midst of its activity, this location is for you. The nighttime view is a spectacular show, with the harbor and town lit up with twinkling lights that reach up into the otherwise dark mountainsides. The villas in this location are favored by visiting dignitaries and guests of the highest ranking government officials on this island, as well as high-powered corporate moguls looking to mix a little business with their paradisaical pleasures. As such, these villas pull out all of the stops. Some of them are former private estates, carefully transformed for rental and management by the most exclusive agents. If you rent a villa in this community, you may find yourself living next door the Governor of the VI, or the Attorney General.
A note of caution, this area has heavier traffic than any of the other villa-rich communities because of it rests off of a major artery coming into Charlotte Amalie. Rush hour traffic can be at a stand-still. Depending on the exact location of your villa choice, you may be far enough East to be beyond the Charlotte Amalie traffic if you are heading out to the East End. If you aren’t sure, email us and we’ll have our VI representative give us specific feedback on you’re your Flag Hill villa’s location and the associated traffic situation. Without traffic, it will take you about 15 minutes to reach the East End from this location.
If we continue beyond Flag Hill and past Charlotte Amalie (downtown), we’ll be heading west towards the more secluded and naturally set West End of St. Thomas. This is a peek at what the island may have been like before tourism and the associated real estate boom. This is a quiet and interesting locale where luxury villas offer a “get away from it all” experience on a “have it all” island. The beaches on this side of the island are a nature lover’s paradise, offering a more rugged coastline and interesting landscape. At the very far West End sits “Mermaid’s Chair”, the sandbar that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean Sea and which connects the island of St Thomas to a tiny island called “Little St Thomas”, which is a small islet to the west owned by The Nature Conservancy. Little St. Thomas has many natural rock pools where you can laze in the sun as the ocean ebbs and flows. There’s noting else like it on St Thomas and because of its secluded location, and lack of fanfare about it in guidebooks and travel brochures, you’ll probably have it to yourself. The precious villas on this side of the island are in high demand and there aren’t an abundance of them, so book early. Developers have yet to really discover this part of St. Thomas and those who have are still finding it less than cost effective to build here because of the lack of readily available power and water sources. This is what’s so special about this location. If you were thinking that you might want to rent a villa on a more secluded island, but were concerned about lack of activity options and potential boredom, West End is the solution. You’ll have the ideal seclusion you desire, while having thee luxury of being able to drive to town, resorts, East End, restaurants, nightlife, etc. The downside to this area, of course, is the distance to town and East End. It will take you about 20 minutes to reach town and could take another 15-20 to reach East End. For many, however, this is just what they are looking for in an island retreat!
If the villa you are considering doesn’t fall into the one of the neighborhoods we’ve mentioned, speak with your villa agent about the location to get a better sense. Neighborhoods and communities aren’t always officially termed and your agent should be able to tell you which one of the communities we’ve mentioned best represents the villa you are considering. Remember, there are communities within communities. So, the names are often confusing. If, after speaking your agent, you are still in doubt, email us and we’ll try to clarify and give you our feedback.
Luxury Villas
St Thomas is home to some of the most luxurious villas in the Caribbean and across the globe. The options for luxury and supreme pampering are plentiful. We believe the following villas to be some of the most luxurious villas in St. Thomas' villa rental portfolio:
Villa Name
Sleeps
Bedrms
Baths
Interior Sq Ft
Children
Pool
Beachfront
Waterfront or Waterview
Location
Bellagio Estate
24
10
9.5
5,638
Yes
Yes
No
Waterview
Lower John Dunkoe
Coral and Secret Gardens
20
9
10.5
10,500
Over 9 at SG
2
Yes
Waterfront
Picara Point, Estate Peterborg
Siren's Song
22
8
6.5
4,800
Yes
Yes
5 min walk
Waterfront
The Preserve, Botany Bay, West End
Sand Dollar Eatate
22
7
7.5
6,500
Yes
Yes
Yes
Waterview
Via Grenadines, Peterborg
Star Garden
10
5
5.5
3,230
Yes,over8
Yes
No
Waterview
Estate Peterborg, Sydney's Fancy
L'Esperance
12
5
7
6,075
Yes
Yes
No
Waterview
Flag Hill, south side
Blue Moon
10
5
5.5
8,505
Yes
Yes
No
Waterfront
Cabrita Point, East End
Ventana
10
4
4
4,500
Yes
Yes
No
Waterview
Flag Hill, south central
Infinity
8
4
4.5
4,350
Yes,over8
Yes
No
Waterview
Skyline Drive
Secret Gardens
4
2
3.5
3,000
Yes,over9
Yes
No
Waterfront
Picara Point, Peterborg, north side
Villa Agents/Property Managers
There are a number of local and off-island property managers and agents offering villas for rent on St. Thomas. Below are some of the most reputable and knowledgeable agents. VillaVantage.com has selected these Caribbean Villa Rental agents based on their industry reputations and our own Caribbean Villa Rental experience with them. They have not paid us to endorse them on this page, nor are we compensated in any way for mentioning them in this article:
McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas was founded in 1985 and is headed by Nancy Anderson. Nancy is one of the leading experts in Caribbean villa rentals management, Caribbean villa ownership, Caribbean real estate investments, Caribbean villas and the Caribbean vacation rental industry as a whole. The company is based in the Caribbean on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and is a main supplier of luxury Virgin Islands villas, Caribbean villas and Caribbean villa rentals to the public and to the international travel industry. Nancy's villas are carefully inspected and skillfuly managed. She is one of the most discerning villa rental agents in the business. If the villa is not up to Nancy's incredibly high standards, she won't offer it in her portfolio. You can't go wrong with one of her villas.
For more than 15 years, Villas Caribe has featured over 1,100 of the finest Caribbean villas, Caribbean villa resorts, and Caribbean villa rentals, throughout over 25 destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico. Their Caribbean villa consultants have earned praise in the following publications: Conde Nast Traveler, Travel and Leisure, Islands Magazine, Caribbean Travel and Life, Passport Magazine, Gulliver (the Italian luxury travel magazine) and they have even arranged a photo shoot for Bridal Guide Magazine. Villas Caribe’s exclusive portfolio of Caribbean villa rentals and villa resorts defines and exemplifies the inherent luxury of a Caribbean villa rental experience. Villas Caribe is based in Atlanta, GA and is owned and operated by Janis Gibson.
For over 19 years, Island Hideaways has represented hundreds of luxurious villas and private islands throughout the Caribbean. Many of their Caribbean villa rentals are located in tranquil settings and are replete with world-class amenities, staff members and chefs. Their Caribbean villa rentals and private island villa rentals are offered on Barbados, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Mustique, St Croix, St John, St Thomas, St Lucia, St martin, Tortola, Virgin Gorda and several private Caribbean islands, such as Necker Island.
Wimco is a reservations and marketing company specializing in private vacation villas and distinctive small hotels in select Caribbean and European destinations. Wimco has been servicing clients with an eye for the finer things in life for the past 20 years. It's hallmark is product knowledge, with a team of well-traveled agents who have visited each of the properties that Wimco represents. Wimco constantly works with local management companies to ensure the highest quality vacation accommodations and on-site service to vacationing clients. Wimco is based in Newport, RI.
A trusted leader in the luxury Caribbean villa rental industry, CaribbeanDays has offered its guests the finest Caribbean villa rentals for more than 25 years. They represent over 1,000 luxury Caribbean villa rentals on twenty islands throughout the Caribbean. CaribbeanDays provides the highest level of personal assistance in order to ensure that all their Caribbean villa rentals exceed expectations. They are based in New Jersey.
CaribbeanWay is an elite travel wholesaler offering luxury villa rentals and concierge services for discerning travelers. Their expanding portfolio currently includes over 900 properties across 23 Caribbean islands as well as in a variety of destinations throughout Mexico, the Hawaiian Islands, and Central America. They also offer an offshoot agency specializing in St Thomas properties - www.luxurystthomasvillas.com : Luxury St Thomas Villas .com was established in order to meet the global booming demand for St Thomas vacation villas in the USVI. CaribbeanWay and Luxury St Thomas Villas are based in Canada.
Private Chefs/Catering/Provisioning
The practice of hiring someone to provision (stock with groceries) your villa is common with Caribbean villa rentals where the villas are not staffed. Since most of the villas on St Thomas are not staffed, villa provisioning is typical and you'll find several choices for this service. Likewise, the practice of hiring a private chef or caterer to be common on St Thomas. We believe every Caribbean luxury villa traveler should have at least one private chef experience to become familiar with the feeling of complete relaxation while in your caribbean villa. Hiring a private chef or caterer will afford you ultimate pampering.
Below are some of the most well recommended St Thomas villa provisioners, St Thomas private chefs and St Thomas caterers.
In 1980 Mahogany Run Golf Course, a George & Tom Fazio design, opened for play. Golf Digest proclaimed it more of an engineering marvel than an architectural one as the course had to be carved and blasted into an area of land just less than 110 acres. With only 77,000 square feet of greens and tight winding fairways, this is target golf with beautiful ocean views culminating in the course’s Signature holes known as The Devil’s Triangle.
In 1994, Contran Resorts purchased the course. Despite several hurricanes, including Hurricane Marilyn in 1995, the new ownership was able to complete construction on a 300,000-gallon-per-day reverse-osmosis water desalination plant. For the first time, groundskeepers were able to keep the course fully irrigated year-round using the desalination plant and a new Toro Osmac irrigation system.
In June 2004, Mahogany Run was acquired by The Ginn Company, a Celebration, Florida-based firm that specializes in real estate development and sales, hospitality management and golf course construction and maintenance.
Open seven days a week, Mahogany Run is the only golf course on the island of St. Thomas, in the beautiful US Virgin Islands. The public course is located approximately 20 minutes from the cruise ship docks in the town of Charlotte Amalie and only 15 minutes from the ferry dock at Red Hook.
Mahogany Run has been under the direction of General Manager Kristine Macken since 1994.
Mahogany Run is world famous for The Devil’s Triangle – the 13th, 14th and 15th holes. Golfers who play all three without a penalty stroke are awarded a special “I Survived The Devil’s Triangle” certificate from the Club’s Pro Shop.
The 327-yard 13th is a dogleg-left par-4 that slopes precipitously towards a tiny shelf-like green carved out of a hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Golf Digest described the hole as “one of the most beautiful settings for a putting green in the game of golf.” Playing the hole in regulation requires an accurate 200-yard tee shot followed by a wedge into the windswept 25-foot-wide green.
Number 14, one of the world’s most dramatic par-3s, is a 173-yard, cliff-side hole with the Atlantic Ocean in place of the fairway. The golfer often must play the ball out over the ocean, battling swirling winds to find the green. In the distance, the islands of Hans Lollick, with its picturesque white-sand beach, and Jost Van Dyke and Tortola, both British Virgin Islands, tease even the most seasoned golfers into taking their eyes off the ball. It is one of the most breathtaking views a golfer will ever witness from a tee box.
Those who manage par on the 13th and 14th, still must face the 15th, a hole that brings many seasoned golfers to their knees. A 560-yard par-5, the 15th is the number one handicap hole on the course. Accuracy off the tee is vital. After a monster drive, long hitters often try to smash a second shot over a pond that guards the front of the hole, only to find trouble with the out-of-bounds behind the dramatically sloped green.
Only a fortunate few make it through The Devil's Triangle unscathed by a penalty stroke!
Because of its natural beauty, Mahogany Run attracts non-golfers who like to tour the course by golf car and enjoy the scenery. Golf car rentals for non-golfers are subject to availability. Please contact the Pro Shop prior to your visit or view the Course Rules page for more information.
Physical Address Mahogany Run Golf Course #1 Mahogany Run Road St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands 00802
Mailing Address Mahogany Run Golf Course P.O. Box 7517 St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands 00801
Other Forms of Contact 340.777.6250 (phone) 800.253.7103 (toll-free) 340.777.6095 (fax)
Rates Mahogany Run Golf Course has a fluctuating rate schedule based on the tourism season. Please contact the course directly for a rate quote, or make a reservation on-line for the date and time desired within the next 60 day period.
Individual Tee Times Tee times may be made up to 48 hours in advance of the date of play by calling (800) 253-7103, ext. 1 or (340) 777-6006, ext. 1.
Tee times may be made for up to two months in advance of the date of play (for two or more golfers) by prepaying the green fees and cart fees for each of the golfers included in your reservation, along with a nonrefundable web surcharge fee of $5 per player.
Group Tee Times Group bookings are available by calling (800) 253-7103, ext. 2 or (340) 777-6006, ext. 1221.
Groups are booked under the following conditions:
There are 12 or more players on the same day.
The group organizer must sign a contract which outlines the terms and conditions of the booking.
Green fee, cart fee and gratuity must be prepaid 30 days in advance.
Late Play Golfers who want to complete a full round before “carts in” (approximately 15 minutes prior to sunset) should consult the following sunset chart:
January 1 – 5:54 p.m.
February 1 – 6:13 p.m.
March 1 – 6:25 p.m.
April 1 – 6:33 p.m.
May 1 – 6:40 p.m.
June 1 – 6:52 p.m.
July 1 – 6:59 p.m.
August 1 – 6:53 p.m.
September 1 – 6:33 p.m.
October 1 – 6:07 p.m.
November 1 – 5:46 p.m.
December 1 – 5:41 p.m.
Rental Clubs: Each golfer is required to have their own set of clubs. Mahogany Run has more than 80 sets of left- and right-handed rental clubs for both men and women. Clubs are available for $40 per set. If you are carrying two sets of clubs in one golf bag to save on luggage allocation, we will be happy to provide you with a spare bag during your round.
Golf Cars: Golf Cars are required because of the extreme elevation changes at Mahogany Run. Drivers must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. Only two people per car are allowed. Walking is never permitted. There are no exceptions.
Golf Car Riders: Non-playing riders are permitted based on car availability. The fee is $20 per 18 holes and $15 for nine holes.
Children and Junior Golfers: Infants and children under five years of age are prohibited from the golf course. On Saturday and Sunday, juniors are not allowed to play until noon. Parental supervision is required at all times.
Because of the extreme elevation changes, the policy against non-licensed drivers is strictly enforced. Any junior caught driving a golf car will forfeit their round along with the round of their parent or guardian. Refunds will not be given.
Dress Code Strictly Enforced
Men: Shirts must have a traditional collar. Though shorts are allowed, players in jeans, cut-offs/frayed shorts, gym shorts, tee shirts, tank tops or swim wear will be required to be dressed appropriately before teeing off.
Ladies: Ladies have three options: A collared shirt; a sleeveless shirt with a collar or a collarless shirt with sleeves. Shorts and skirts must be at mid-thigh or longer. No jeans, cut-offs/frayed shorts, gym shorts, swim wear or swim wear cover-ups.
Shoes: Golf shoes are highly recommended but sneakers are permitted as well.
Fishing/Watersports/Sea Excursions
Weddings
St. Thomas offers the perfect destination in which to host your wedding. The perfect combination of sparkling Caribbean sea, lush greenery and stunning Caribbean rental villas provides everything a couple can want in a tropical wedding destination.
When selecting the villa for your Caribbean destination wedding, you may want to look into villas offering accomodations in more than one building - this will provide you and your guests a little breathing room if they plan to also stay overnight in the same villa.
Many brides choose to host their guests in nearby hotels and have then shuttled over for the ceremony/reception, which is frequently held at the villa. Remember, you will need permission from your villa agent to host a wedding or reception at your villa. Hosting an event without permission can be cause for loss of damage deposit and immediate expulsion from the villa.
To make your dream wedding in the Caribbean on the island of St Thomas become a reality, visit www.usvitourism.vi and download an application for a wedding license from the Territorial Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands. (You may also call 340-774-6680 for a wedding on St. Thomas or St. John and 340-778-9750 for a wedding on St. Croix.) After the Court receives a completed and authorized application there is a required eight-day waiting period. If either party is divorced, he or she must have a certified copy of the divorce decree or a notarized affidavit stating when the divorce was granted. Additionally, please specify whether the marriage will be performed by a Judge in the Court or by a member of the clergy. The combined marriage application and license fee is $100. If the marriage is to be performed by a Judge, there is an additional $200 fee for the ceremony, and an appointment is required. Personal checks are not accepted.
Caribbean Bridal Consultants and Caribbean Wedding Planners on St Thomas, USVI
Bolongo Bay Beach Club 7150 Bolongo, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.800-524-4746 F.340-775-3208 Kate Bird
Caribbean Occasions 8168 Crown Bay Marina, Suite 310 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802-5819 P.340-774-4276 F.340-774-4276 Alt.877-418-7479 Pamela Parr www.caribbeanoccasions.com
Caribbean Style 6501 Red Hook Plaza, #201 PMB 96 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.800-593-1390 Alt.340-715-1117 Julianna www.cstylevi.com
DreamMakerinParadise 8168 Crown Bay Marina, Suite 310 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.340-777-4512 F.340-777-4512 Alt.340-998-1729 Kecia Questel www.dreammakerinparadise.com
Fantasia Weddings & Honeymoons 168 Crown Bay, Suite 310 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.800-326-8272 F.340-774-8009 Alt.340-777-6588 Debra Nardi www.fantasiaweddings.com
Forever Weddings P.O. Box 306299, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00803 P.888-456-0178 Alt.340-776-4132 Elizabeth Nelson www.foreverweddings.net
Island Romance 8168 Crown Bay Marina, Suite 310 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802-5819 P.800-326-8272 F.340-774-8009 Alt.340-777-6588 Debra Nardi www.islandromanceweddings.com
Marriott Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Beach Resorts P.O. Box 7100, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00801 P.800-FOR-LOVE F.340-715-6185 Wedding Coordinator www.marriottfrenchmansreef.com
Perfect Weddings P.O. Box 6876, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00804 P.888-458-5752 F.340-998-7725 Leslie Thomas-Dawson www.perfectweddingsofstthomas.com
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas 6900 Great Bay Estate, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.340-775-3333 Ext. 8618 F.340-775-4444 Wedding Coordinator www.ritzcarlton.com
Private Collection #12 Sub Base Plaza, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.877-775-1178 F.340-775-2178 Alt.340-775-1178 Lorna Webster www.blooming-things.com
Sadie’s Solutions for Weddings P.O. Box 693 St. Thomas USVI 00804 P.340-776-2974 Alt.340-513-4623 Lillian Sadie Moolcenaar
Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina 6720 Estate Smith Bay, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.800-524-2090 F.340-775-2403 Alt.340-775-6100 Angela Reid or Jeanette www.sapphirebeachresort.com
Secret Harbour Beach Resort 6280 Estate Nazareth, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802-1104 P.340-775-6550 F.340-775-1501 Pam Parr www.secretharbourvi.com
Sunsation Weddings P.O. Box 306474, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00803-6474 P.866-899-5169 F.340-715-5279 Carla www.sunsationweddings.com
The Westin Resort, St. John P.O. Box 8310, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00831 P.340-693-8000 Kristin Owen www.westinresortsstjohn.com
Wedding, Set, Go P.O. Box 7577, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.340-779-2141 F.340-775-6906 Alt.800-937-1346 Cheryl Toner www.viweddings.com
Weddings the Island Way P.O. Box 11694, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00801 P.340-777-6505 P.800-582-4784 P.800-755-5004 F.340-777-6550 Barbara Seiler www.weddingstheislandway.com
Weddings With a Flair P.O. Box 9878, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00801 P.340-775-7361 F.340-775-7361 Claver M. Fleming
Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa 6500 Smith Bay, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.340-777-7100 Ext. 2214 F.340-777-7200 Lorna Richardson www.wyndhamsugarbayresort.com
Florists
Blooming Things P.O. Box 2875 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00803 P.888-775-0373 F.340-775-0373 Alt.340-775-2178 Naomi Edwards www.blooming-things.net
Blossom Elegant P.O. Box 1000 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00801 P.340-775-2990 F.340-775-2990 Dorothy Renix and Lisle Evens
East End Flower Shop 6300 Est. Frydenhoj #29 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802-1141 P.340-779-2619 F.340-779-2619 Elaine Belshe www.eastendflowershop.net
Exotic Flowers #7 Snegle Gade (Back Street) Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.340-776-9477 F.340-776-9477 Michael Titre
Forever Flowers P.O. Box 4488 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00803 P.800-211-2471 Alt.340-776-3250 Alt.340-774-9370 F.340-774-3860 Geraldine Quetel www.flowerandwinecart.com
Liberated Artist and Floral Design 1-A-3 Commandant Gade Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.340-513-2672 Alt.340-777-1666 F.340-774-9966 Mario Dennis www.liberatedlotus.com
Roses Too, Inc. P.O. Box 304941 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00803-4941 P.340-776-2720 F.340-777-9380 Diane Bryan www.rosestoo.com
Silk Greenery (Fresh & Silk Flowers) #6 Fort Mylner Shopping Ctr. Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.340-775-4002 F.340-715-1543 Toni Jackson
Springette Flowers P.O. Box 3338 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00803 P.340-774-2011 F.340-774-1360 Alt.340-777-5320 Vadis Springette
Places of Worship on St Thomas, USVI
All Saints Cathedral Church P.O. Box 1148, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00804 P.340-774-0217 F.340-693-9749 Rev. Ashton J. Brooks
Apostolic Faith Mission P.O. Box 304283, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00803 P.340-774-2831 Wilfred Turnbull
Asamblea Cristina El Oasis P.O. Box 302116, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00803 P.340-715-2540 Richard L. Callwood
Bovoni Baptist Church P.O. Box 306299, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00803 P.340-775-0265 F.340-775-0265 Rev. Robert Nelson
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul P.O. Box 301767, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00803 P.340-774-0201 F.340-776-9586 Most Rev. George V. Murry, S.J. Bishop Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury, Rector www.vicatholic.org
Christ Church Methodist P.O. Box 1045, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00804 P.340-774-0797 F.340-774-4692 Rev. Selwyn L. Vanterpool
Church of God Alpha and Omega Constant 3278, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.340-775-1611 F.340-775-1615 Alt.340-776-2870 Pastor Aucario Amaro
City Seventh Day Adventist Church P.O. Box 886, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00801 P.340-776-8822 F.340-776-4297 Pastor J. Wilmouth Janes
Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church P.O. Box 58, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00804 P.340-776-1315 F.340-774-1715 Pastor Stephen Kienberger www.felc1666.org
Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas; Bracha V’Shalom Ug’milut Chasadim P.O. Box 266, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00804-0266 P.340-774-4312 F.340-774-3249 Ella Ogden www.onepaper.com/synagogue
Holy Family Catholic Church P.O. Box 502218, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00805 P.340-775-1650 F.340-775-1750 Rev. Dr. George Franklin
Jehovah’s Witnesses Annas Retreat P.O. Box 8531, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00801 P.340-775-2741 Ext. 3029 F.340-775-5296 Noel Lewis
Memorial Moravian Church P.O. Box 177, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00801 P.340-776-0066 F.340-714-4004 Bishop Kingsley Lewis
Nisky Moravian Church P.O. Box 302387 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00803 P.340-774-2809 F.340-774-9280 Rev. Errol L. Connor
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church P.O. Box 304983 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00803 P.340-774-0885 F.340-774-5896 Rev. Fr. Troy de Chabert-Schuster Deacon William Summer
Philadelphia Seventh Day Adventist P.O. Box 503235 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00805 P.340-775-3517 F.340-777-7585 Ammeran Williams
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church P.O. Box 7386 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00801 P.340-774-1223 F.340-779-7064 Rev. Ambrose Gumbs
St. Thomas Assembly of God P.O. Box 10770 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00801 P.340-776-7243 F.340-776-7243 Rev. George E. Philips www.stthomasassemblyofgod.org
St. Thomas Reformed Church P.O. Box 301769 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00803-1769 P.340-776-8255 F.340-777-9820 Rev. Jeffers H. Gargano
Wesley Methodist Church P.O. Box 10484 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00801 P.340-775-1293 Rev. Jefferson Niles
Weddings at Sea
Admiralty Yacht Vacations P.O. Box 306162, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00803 P.800-910-5228 F.340-774-8010 Alt.340-774-2172 www.Admirals.com
Bill Arnet P.O. Box 11335, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00801 P.340-775-9009 F.340-777-9183 Alt.340-998-2037 Bill Arnet www.viwedding.com
Bajor Yacht Charters 6263 Estate Nazareth Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.800-524-8292 F.340-779-2572 Alt.340-776-1954 Sandra Bajor www.bajoryachts.com
Crewed Charters 3801 Crown Bay, Suite 203 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.800-522-3077 F.340-776-3074 Alt.340-776-4811 Verra Ruan www.crewedcharters.com
Daysail “Fantasy” 6100 Leeward Way #28 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.340-775-5652 F.340-775-6256 Pamela & Brian Heath www.DaysailFantasy.com
Heavenly Days Catamaran Bolongo Bay Beach Club #7150 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.800-524-4746 F.340-775-3208 Kate Bird www.bolongobay.com
Island Yacht Charters, Inc. 6100 Red Hook Qtr. 18B, Suite 4 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.800-524-2019 F.340-714-4194 Alt.340-775-6666 Andrea King www.iyc.vi
Regency Yacht Vacations 6650 Estate Nazareth Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802-1120 P.800-524-7676 F.340-776-7631 Alt.340-776-5950 Kathleen Mullen www.regencyvacations.com
Stewart Yacht Charters 6501 Red Hook Plaza #201 PMB 96, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.800-432-6118 F.340-775-1358 Alt.340-775-1358 Ellen Stewart www.stewartyachtcharters.com
Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League 3801 Crown Bay, Suite 204 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.340-774-3944 F.340-776-4468 Alt.800-524-2061 Pamela Wilson www.vicl.org
Virgin Islands Power Yacht Charters 6300 Estate Frydenhoj, Suite 27 Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas USVI 00802 P.800-524-2015 F.340-847-9224 Alt.340-847-3293 Glenn Miller www.vipyachts.com
Event Planners
Please see our event planner listings above in the Weddings section.
Villa Destinations 
