SSypniewski

Last October I vacationed at Caneel Bay. My husband and I loved the resort, but being that it was very expensive, this year we would like to do something a little less pricey. My husband was not to keen on the no tv idea again so I have to (unfortunately) keep that in mind. Don't get me wrong I loved the no TV idea but towards the end of our stay there was nothing left for my husband to read! We would like to try the more "livelier" side of the USVIs while also stay on a nice beach as well. We would like to stay on St. Thomas (for a change up more nighlife, etc.) I heard that the Ritz is nice, but not too sure about their beach, and I also heard about Sapphire. We would like to be on a nice beach (I know you can't compare to Scotts Beach at Caneel but...) Any suggestions/recommendations? I was also thinking about doing a 3/4 night stay on St. Thomas and then maybe a 4 night stay at on of the nearby BVIs? Can you do a ferry ride or would you need to use a small plane? Would this be too much of a hassle? Besides, Little Dix, is there another resort that is nice on Virgin Gorda or Tortola? thanks in advance - Susan

Dianebridle

To Susan,

Did you see my reply concerning this on a previous post that you made. If not, I will try to redo it.

Diane

SSypniewski

To Dianebridle,
I have not seen your prior response! -Susan

Patty

The Ritz beach is small and a bit rocky in some areas as you wade in. Compared to most USVI/BVI beaches, it's not that great. I haven't stayed at Sapphire. It's easy to ferry between St. Thomas and the BVI. We've always done that, fly into STT and take a ferry. We tried to take a seaplane over once but our flight was cancelled due to bad weather. Have you considered Peter Island?

EmilyC

I wouldn't look at Sapphire. Although the beach is great for snorkeling, it gets very busy, particularly with cruise passengers. Sort of the opposite of the quiet beaches at Caneel.
We've stayed at the Ritz and the beach there is small but decent for snorkeling. I don't think that the Ritz is less pricey, though. As far as nitelife, you still have to go in to Red Hook.
If you liked Caneel, you might like Sandals Antigua. We stayed here a few years ago and found it to be very nice. Just a thought....good luck!

SSypniewski

I appreciate the helpful suggestions and info. I know that St. Thomas is a lot more touristy and basically the complete opposite of St. John but I wanted to still experience the USVIs. In regards to St. Thomas would anyone else suggest a nice place to stay with a nice beach and amenities? I did notice that the ferry schedule from St. Thomas to the BVIs is limited, is that true?

DeborahB

I would suggest looking at Crystal Cove which is not a resort but condos. It is on Sapphire Beach and you share amenities. Owned by Antilles Mgmt. We stayed there last year and really enjoyed it. Actually our suite was too large for 2 people. We had 2 full bathrooms and a full kitchen. Red Hook is a 5 minute ride away. Excellent views of St. John.
Sapphire Beach has excellent snorkeling. If your standing on the beach to your left we saw many turtles. To your right and directly in front of Sapphire lobby is excellent reef.
The crowds there did not bother us. Word is really out now about the USVI and we find the crowds at Sapphire or no more so than any other beach on STT.

Dianebridle

To Susan,

I have stayed at the Ritz, but prefer Marriott's Morning Star. While the Ritz is lovely with excellent room accommodations, the beach is mediocre compared to those at Caneel, and the snorkeling is so-so. It is far removed from Charlotte Amalie, Maegen's Beach and the other attractions that I wanted to visit. Consequently, taxi fares were expensive, particularly in comparison to those in St. John. The terrain is hilly and it was more of a hike than a casual stroll to the beach.
When I was there, (November 2002), food selections in the restaurants were limited and pricey.

Morning Star is far more intimate, surrounded by lovely gardens, and all rooms are just steps away from the beach. I have always (3 times) stayed in a second floor gardenview room, and have loved it. I found my rooms always to be beautiful (definitely nicer than Caneel's), with a private balcony, and equipted with a TV.

A gourmet restaurant, Tavern On The Beach is located directly on the beach. Meals there, which I found to be very good, come acommpanied by dinner music, and the sound of waves lapping the shoreline. Also there is a very fine deli where great sandwiches, desserts, snacks and drinks can be purchased at reasonable prices.

The Beach is very lovely, but snorkeling is limited, by the wave action which does not make for the best swimming, yet is still fun and enjoyabe.
On the beach is a very nice pool with fountains, where tropical drinks are served both there and on the beach.

Guests may also use the facilities at the adjacent Frenchman's Reef, accessable by shuttle or a to-die-for scenic walk, ocean side to the cliff upon which it sits, where it can be reached by both an outdoor elavator or stairs.

I paricularly enjoyed eating breakfast at the Reef's Windows restaurant, where cruise ships round the cliff so close, they seem almost touchable. Lunch, poolside, also has a spectacular view.

Water taxi service to the main shopping area of Charlotte Amalie is available making for a beautiful ride.

I believe Marriott has a Sand Dollar Special and also an AAA rate.

Hope this helps. If you have any questions, let me know.

Diane

andy

I second Morningstar Beach ( part of Marriott's Frenchman's Reef hotel) --get a room with a beach view..

Have also stayed at Ritz Carlton, and LOVED the resort...it's rooms are located up in the hills with a long walk to the beach ( unless your room happens to be on the lower slopes -room wise.............Beach is small but nice...

SSypniewski

I am still deciding where to stay on St. Thomas, however I am also thinking that instead of staying on one of the BVIs, it would probably be easier to go from St. Thomas to St. John. Maybe we would stay on St. John for a few days, at a villa. Does anyone recommend a nice villa, that is easy to get to, good views, and easy access to nearby beaches?

Dianebridle

Should you decide to rent a four wheel John to access St. John beaches, I would like to recommend "St. John Beach Guide" by Gerald Singer.It has outstanding pictures of many of the beaches along with info on location snorkeling, facilities, and directions. It is the best I have ever seen.

The only villa of which I am aquainted is in Cruz Bay up the hill from The Gallows. It appeared to be new, spacious, with a terrific view of St. Thomas. The couple that invited me there loved it and indicated that it was reasonable. Unfortunately, I do not remember the name, but perhaps the villa rental agencies could help you.

Cathryn

I have stayed at the Ritz, Sapphire, Morningstar and the Rennaisance on St. Thomas - non of the beaches are very spectacular. If there is an upscale resort on a fantastic beach in St. Thomas, I haven't found it.

Having said that - you are going to get fabulous beaches in the BVI. My recommendation would be to fly into St. Thomas, take the ferry to BVI relax, relax, relax and then move over to the Morningstar for action. It does have a nice pool, tremendous views and is very close to all that's going on. Sapphire, the Ritz and the Rennaisance are a good drive from town.

Pick your BVI resort and then ask them about transportation over.

SSypniewski

To Cathryn, what resort in the BVIs would you recommend then? I know people rave about Little Dix but I was hoping for something with a little more activity?

Cathryn

Unfortunately we haven't stayed on the BVI's. We now have a timeshare at the Westin on St. John - great for our kids, but not a great beach itself. We venture out to other beaches a good bit. We have taken day trips to Jost (gotta go to Foxy's), The Baths and Tortola but haven't stayed there. I think it would be very low key after dark.

Peter Island is doing a lot of advertising lately.

Just remember - whatever you choose it will be lovely! If I can help in any other way let me know!

SSypniewski

Another question I have (I still would like to do the St. Thomas thing), do villas all have a certain night/day minimum even in the low season. All I tend to see (while I research) is either 5 or 7 night minimums. Besides Gallows Point is there any other villas in St. John and even the BVIs that offer a 3 or 4 night stay? Thanks!

Cathryn

I have found in other places (Europe) it is definitely worth asking if you can rent for less than the one week minimum in low season.

I take that to mean you are going in the fall again?

Cathryn

I have found in other places (Europe) it is definitely worth asking if you can rent for less than the one week minimum in season.

I take that to mean you are going in the fall again?

SSypniewski

Actually now I am thinking about doing the St. Thomas and another island (again maybe still the BVIs) but I think a resort then a villa. I think the villa idea is nice but I also like the fact that you don't have to make your own bed when you're in a resort! Does anyone have more info regarding the ferry service between St. Thomas and the BVIs? Is it very limited (only certain days of the week?) Is it easier to get to Tortola or Virgin Gorda? Thanks again!

cdt

Ferries between St. Thomas and Tortola are frequent. They may leave from Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook; they arrive at West End or Road Town.

Ferries between Tortola and Virgin Gorda also are frequent, but there are only 2 days a week (last I knew) that a ferry goes from St. Thomas to Gorda and back. Other days you would need to change ferries in Road Town, which can be a problem - esp. if you arrived at West End!

In my view, Tortola is more scenic and easier to reach, but Gorda has better beaches.

andy

if you want to do 2 islands , try St Thomas and then Barbados..

On Barbados , the SANDY LANE is the premier resort- with a full spa and a multimilliondollar renovation..
You will love it there.. VERY elegant....http://www.sandylane.com/