My b/f and I are going to St. Thomas and staying at The Ritz. He likes very fine restaraunts in the eve and casual tours during the days. Also, I think there is some type of group party in the eve we may do after dinner. I don't want to overpack but I don't want to miss anything either. What do I have to have and what can I do without? Thank you for any advice!

Not a stupid question at all! First things that I pack are the bathing suits - and I never have too many since I don't like sitting around in the same wet suit all day. Then follows the hat(s), the sun tan lotions, aloe, the necessary bug repellent and any first aid stuff that I might need, any anti-itch if the repellent lets me down. Then the fun part, the cooler (a small collapsable one) for trekking or even to take to the beach (it is a long walk back to the rooms from the Ritz beach and I imagine their bar prices are not inexpensive), my snorkle mask and snorkle. I put in one lightweight sweater and a pashima for cooler nites (depending on when we go) and for a/c'ed restaurants, my coverups - some can double as casual dresses, a few t-shirts and shorts (which can double as coverups too), my sneakers, couple of pairs of socks and a pair of "dressy" sandals (that means my newer Birkenstock as opposed to the ratty ones I wear)! A couple of resort casual outfits, skirts/tops or pants that I can mix and match and a couple of dresses and I am pretty much set. The necessaries are understood! Of course, it depends on your preferences but St. Thomas is causal and the dressiest the men get is collared shirts and long pants. Off season is even more casual than "in season." More importantly is what I put in the carry on since luggage can sometimes become "seperated" from its owner! I always put one bathing suit and a change of clothes just in case and keep it with me! Not sure about the Ritz but I have found that Carib resorts often like to have "low" lighting for romance or to keep the bills down so I do take one light bulb so that if I want to read at nite! It has come in handy many times! Some people prefer water shoes and I don't take fins but rent/borrow them there if I snorkle since they take up room and are not very lite. Take lots of film as it can get expensive there and the panaroma and underwater throw-aways are fun! Make sure you take HIS credit card - there is a lovely shoppe in the Ritz and a great jewerly store there and, of course, shopping in Charlotte Amalie. And do take the Lady Lyndsey trip to Jost for the day! It's wonderful! ocoupBac

Opps! Another thing that we take is thermal coffee cups/mugs so that early morning cup of coffee on the beach will be hot!

Hi Karen and Kerri! My boyfriend and I are also going to the Ritz soon -- we leave on Saturday and to stay for a week (Kerri, maybe we'll see you there?). Believe it or not, I was going to post the same exact message. I was thinking of taking some instant oatmeal or something along those lines to save some money on breakfast -- is that reasonable? I also think that you need your own balls for the tennis court (at least that's what I was told when I called the main reservation number to ask). Any other suggestions on what else to bring??? Karen, I guess that the closest grocery stores are in Red Hook, and one can buy things to put in your mentioned cooler there? Thanks, by the way, that was a great suggestion!

Mace.

Funny! No, I don't do much cooking on island so I leave the mace at home. Besides it is best used in cold weather dishes! Tho it is a very versitle spice. Not sure St. John Spice carrys it tho! LOL (for you non-cooks, it is indeed a spice!) <BR>Now I forgot the questions ... <BR>Yea, Marina Market is in Red Hook almost across from the ferry dock. You can taxi there - should be about $4 pp one way. Soda, water, snacks and whatever would probably be less expensive than at the Ritz. Think you would be better taking your own tennis balls - imagine they are not inexpensive there! Also, if you rent your own car, you can run into Grateful Deli in Sunrise Mall (by Duffy's right before the Marina Market) for good breakfasts and great sandwiches and "goodies." Or you can taxi. Be sure to check out the trips there especially the day trip to Jost ... it is wonderful! Whatever works for you is reasonable! Any other questions, ask away!

another opps! I mean the trips on the Lady Lyndsay at the Ritz!

Mace is not a spice. (At least not in the context I used it.) I meant a can of mace for protection as St. Thomas is, in my opinion, the least appealing of the Virgin Islands and the most crime ridden.

Thanks a lot, Karen! Seems that our friend Phil doesn't have much of a sense of humor. As a tangental comment, it really chaps my hide when people make a big deal out of safety issues -- of COURSE places like St. Thomas have the potential to be unsafe. So does Washington, DC, where I live. But if you exercise the proper precautions, then you're not likely to have problems. <BR> <BR>Anyhoo! I'm making my last shopping trip for the vacation today, so speak now if you have any last minute suggestions! Oh, I wanted to ask -- do you think that the Ritz would allow you to bring your own beverages to the pool/beach? And if they happen to have bicycles, is it doable to bike into Red Hook sometimes, or is it too hilly? <BR> <BR>That's all I can think of right now, perhaps more later... Kerri, I saw in another post you had somewhere that you and your boyfriend are leaving Friday. Have a good trip, and we'll see you there!

No bikes!! You'll see why! <BR>As far as "safety" issues, you won't wanna be in Charlotte Amalie at nite - but there is no reason to be there anyway! You can taxi right to any restaurants on Gov't Hill (Herve, 1829 or Marisol) of if you drive, parking can be tite but ride around or wait for a space there! The other areas you won't be in or around and it is quite obvious that those are places that tourists don't go! I am sure staff at the Ritz will be happy to fill in those details. <BR>Am sure they will recommend Tony Romano's and if you like good Italian food, you might give it a try in Smith Bay. It can be cold with the antiquated a/c's but if you sit under them rather than across the room, they aren't bad. I always take a sweater there! <BR>Another fav is Alexander's in FrenchTown (also indoor) but very good! A ride back thru CA. Nearby is Blue Moon Cafe on the way into Red Hook on the left. Don't let the ride in stop ya! It is really good. Also Cafe Wahoo by the ferry dock. <BR>Good restaurants on St, John also .. Alsoare (fusion menu), Cafe Wahoo - can be "warm" outside, Stone Terrace and Chateau Bordeaux. <BR>Have fun! And enjoy!!