U.S.V.I

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

All the U.S. Virgin Islands boast white-sand beaches, coral reefs and lush tropical foliage, but each also has its own distinct vibe. St. Thomas, the most cosmopolitan, pulses with energy, offering world-class dining, exciting nightlife, duty-free shopping and golfing. St. Croix, the largest, exudes a tranquil tropical vibe with its rich diversity evident in its arts, crafts, music and festivals. St. John, the smallest island, boasts an unspoiled natural beauty not found anywhere else in the Caribbean.

GETTING THERE & AROUND

Two major airports serve the U.S.V.I.: Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix. Major U.S. airlines offer non-stop and connecting flights; many connect through San Juan, Puerto Rico. Inter-island carriers fly from San Juan to St. Thomas and St. Croix and between islands. Visitors to St. John can fly into St. Thomas and then take an inter-island ferry to their destination. A cruise to the U.S.V.I. is an excellent way to get a taste of the islands. To explore each island, visitors have a variety of options: car rental, taxi, bus, water taxi, bicycle, scooter or walking.

LODGING

Carambola Beach Resort

The resort’s villa-style rooms offer ocean or island views just steps from a secluded beach. Intrepid hikers can trek to the gorgeous Carambola Tide Pools, while golfers play through lush hills at nearby Carambola Golf Club.

Estate Davis Bay, St. Croix 00850, USVI, tel 340 778 3800 marriott.com

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

The redesigned Ritz-Carlton boasts elegant luxury and resort amenities including a free-form infinity pool, family-friendly pools, a catamaran for sunset cruises, four restaurants, and Great Bay and mountain views.

6900 Great Bay, St. Thomas 00802, USVI, tel 340 775 3333 ritzcarlton.com

Westin St. John Resort Villas

Enjoy the comforts of home within a 47-acre slice of natural beauty. Choose a studio or a one-, two- or three-bedroom villa. Guests have access to a picturesque cove with a white-sand beach, a quarter-acre pool, on-site restaurants and activity programs.

300B Chocolate Hole, Great Cruz Bay, St. John 00830, USVI, tel 340 693 8000 marriott.com

Going Up:

Skyride to Paradise Point

PHOTO: © PITSCH22 | DREAMSTIME.COM

DINING

Cast Iron Pot

Chef Burton Peterson interprets classic Crucian dishes, preserving tradition while adding modern flair. Try the savory stewed chicken, salt fish grundy, red peas soup or mahi-mahi in Creole sauce. Save room for the coconut bread pudding!

10A La Grande Princesse, Christiansted, St. Croix 00820, USVI, tel 340 692 2477

Extra Virgin Bistro

From growing its own herbs to buying from local fishermen, the bistro is dedicated to locally sourced products. The menu changes nightly; whether it includes cioppino, duck confit or smoked beef short rib, the wine list offers a perfect pairing.

6D Cruz Bay, St. John 00830, USVI, tel 340 715 1864 extravirginbistro.com

Mim’s Seaside Bistro

Mim’s pairs a delicious menu with romantic seaside ambience; dine under the stars or on the festively lit covered patio. House specials are coconut curry lobster and baked stuffed lobster, but Mim's also serves great steak, chicken and pasta.

Bldg.15 Watergate Villas, Bolongo Bay, St. Thomas 00802, USVI, tel 340 775 2081 mimsseaside.com

ATTRACTIONS

St. George Village Botanical Gardens

The gardens at this former sugar cane plantation boast 1,000 species. Stroll the grounds to appreciate not just the beauty but also the historical importance of plants as a source of food, medicine, fiber, dyes and building material in the Caribbean.

127 George Road, Frederiksted, St. Croix 00840, USVI, tel 340 692 2874 sgvbg.org

Skyride to Paradise Point

Get a breathtaking view as you soar 700 feet above Charlotte Amalie. At the top, enjoy a cold drink (try a Baileys Bushwacker), food and amazing photo ops. Tickets are valid for multiple rides all day. Entrance is walking distance from the cruise port.

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, tel 340 774 9809 paradisepointvi.com

Virgin Islands National Park

The 7,000-acre park preserves about two-thirds of St. John’s land, comprising breathtaking hills, valleys and beaches. Hike to historic plantation sites, visit ancient petroglyphs carved by the Taino Indians, and snorkel coral reefs to discover hidden marine life.

Visitor Center: Cruz Bay, St. John 00830, USVI, tel 340 776 6201 ext. 238 nps.gov/viis