DK28892

Hi - We've never been to USVI before and are planning a 1 week honeymoon vacation at the Ritz in St Thomas in end September/1st week of October. Am worried about the Hurricane season and weather (does it rain too much then?). Any tips regarding good hotels to stay, romantic places to visit, good restaurants will be appreciated. I like some night life and good restaurants and people watching but not places that are too touristy with screaming kids and bottom-bargain vacationers. What about staying at the Westin in St John? Or should we keep St Thomas as our base and day hop via Ferry to St John and BVI?

RoamsAround

the official Atlantic/Caribbean Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30 with the most active period for major storms usually being from early September through mid-October (times can vary). This does not mean there will be a major storm threatening the island during your stay but rather statistically the most storms occur during that time period. The Caribbean encompasses a large area and the odds of a particular storm striking a particular is;land during a particular time period are small. To understand this better you should know at that time of year areas of disturbed weather known as "tropical disturbances" roll off of Africa toward the west about evey 10 days to two weeks. Depending on wind currents and air and water temperatures these weather patterns can go harmlessly toward the north Atlantic or they can continue twoard the Caribbean. As they travel they can peter out or intensify into Tropical Waves (usually lots of clouds some rainshowers), Tropical Depressions (more clouds, more intensive rain, some winds), Tropical Storms (heavy rains & sustained winds) or Hurricanes (major winds, very heavy rains & storm surges). The paths they take across the Atlantic can vary greatly as does their speed. Disturbed weather from any of these might last a day or two over any given island.

Now for the good news, no Tropical Disturbances/Waves/Storms are in the area of your particular island you are apt to have very nice weather indeed, however, you can expoect to see some very brief and widely scattered showers sometime during your trip.

At that time of year St. Thomas won't be overrun with tourists and you'll encounter very few families with children (as they will be back in school). St. John will be even less crowded.

As far as hotels go, the Ritz is one of the best, if not the best, on St. Thomas. The Westin on St. John is nice but no where near as nice as the Ritz. Also, because it's geared more toward familes then the Ritz you might find more children at that hotel (but again there won't be many at that time of year). If you want to stay on St. John consider going to Caneel Bay (not sure if they will be open at that time of year).

virginia

i would choose the ritz over westin any day. much nicer resort.
st. thomas has lots to do. many restaurants, tours, activities, and great duty free shopping.
st. john is quiet and very laid back. lots of quiet beaches to discover. caneel is supposed to be wonderful, but pricey. it is not luxurious - more shabby chic.
if you stay on st. thomas you must have dinner at havana blue at the marriott resort. it is one of the most romantic places i've ever eaten - beautiful dining room and excellent food. here's a daytime shot-
http://www.stthomasblog.com/wp-conte.../h-inside2.jpg
and night shot-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/72343096@N00/147762094/
another yummy meal was at tony romano's italian on the road into coki beach. also i recommend dinner at blue moon cafe just down the street from ritz at secret harbour resort. have a drink at duffy's love shack in the parking lot in red hook
red hook is the small town near ritz where you catch the ferry to st. john.(15 min drive then 20 min ferry ride)

obviously there is no way to predict hurricanes that far out so perhaps you should purchase travel insurance (note: not all have hurricane in their policies - a travel agent can tell you which companies do have it). most likely it will rain for 5-30 mins on a given day if at all.
here's a look at the last 13 years of weather:

http://www.wunderground.com/history/...Virgin+Islands

shirleyk

OMG we love the Ritz on St. Thomas. Plan on a day sail on the Lady Linsey over to St. John and snorkel over there off the boat. Then go up on the beach (I think it's Honeymoon Beach, but not sure) and walk the beach. Enjoy.

Jimmie

The Ritz is lovely and has great service (many places in USVI do not have great service). Lots to do on St. Thomas, and has been mentioned you can make daysails to St. John and the BVI.

If you do consider St. John for a honeymoon, I would strongly consider Caneel Bay over the Westin.

And do get trip insurance for that time of year.

TnTWalter

We did a Ritz in Grand Cayman. It was very nice but full of kids and too big for our taste. I remember sitting in the hot tub and having kids talking to us nonstop [no idea where parents were]. I love kids, but I left mine at HOME.

Why did you pick St Thomas? I have stayed there [not at the Ritz] but wondered what the draw is for you so we don't steer you wrong.