St. Thomas Is the Perfect Long Weekend Getaway
This US Virgin Islands destination ticks all the right boxes when it comes to a Caribbean escape—including no US passport required
Those in the travel industry will tell you that the art of smooth travel begins with nonstop flights whenever possible. Flying nonstop eliminates any stress about missing a connection. And, if you avoid international travel that entails pesky long passport control lines, you can maximize your vacation time all the more. Less travel time and more beach time is a winning combination, after all.
Enter the tropical paradise of St. Thomas, with nonstop flights from many major US airports. In as little as a few hours, you’ll step off the plane and be surrounded by turquoise water. And you won’t have to endure long passport lines; St. Thomas is one of the three the US Virgin Islands (along with St. Croix and St. John), where no passports are required for US citizens, of course.
Where to stay
The AAA Four Diamond Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef, just outside the capital of Charlotte Amalie, sits perfectly poised on a high ridge over the Caribbean. The scenic ride from the Cyril E. King Airport with your prebooked RED Hospitality car will melt away any residual post-flight stress you may have carried into the country.
Emerging from a recent $425 million renovation, the 392-room vacation haven features Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed and includes 28 suites. Guests also can enjoy oceanfront pickleball courts, a FAMILY Kid’s Club, and a Heavenly Spa.
There’s also a private beach steps away at the boutique sister property Buoy Haus, where paddleboards and kayaks come complimentary for guests.
Buoy Haus is a terrific choice for those wishing for an adult-only experience. Alternatively, Another great option in the area is the beachfront family-friendly property Limetree Beach Resort by Club Wyndham, tucked away from the crowds and offering plenty to do right on-site, from tennis and pickleball to swimming and lazing on the beach.
What to see and do
For a day outing, head to Charlotte Amalie with enticing small storefronts. Stop at Cardow, the island’s oldest jewelry store for a delightful surprise: a Rum Tour tucked in the rear of the building that includes a mixology class or tasting. Also be sure to stop by The Creative Native, showcasing the moving photography of owner and gifted artist Ama Dennis.
For some of the best Caribbean views, take a gondola ride 700 feet above the harbor to Paradise Point. Pair the panoramic views with a Bushwacker, a concoction of rum, coffee and chocolate liquors, coconut syrup and milk (or Irish Cream), which is the official drink of St. Thomas. Or for some of the island’s best brews, pay a visit to Taphus Beer House, where you can choose from more than 200 beers. Another must-try: The Roti Stop for Caribbean-style rotis that’s akin to a burrito with a curry filling and bursting with island flavors.
Of course, you can’t go to St. Thomas without getting out on the crystal-blue waters. From Westin’s dock, take a night kayak tour with LED lights casting a magical glow as you spot nocturnal sea life, from tarpon fish to sea turtles to sting rays. Or your adventure courtesy of Dockside Watersports to best capture the overarching beauty of the island and neighboring St. John. Expect to see dazzling cliffs, pristine beaches, sprawling mansions and, in St. John, dense national forest. Enjoy snorkeling and aquatic adventures at famous sites—such as Trunk Bay, Brewers Bay Beach or Maho Bay—which teems with sea turtles.
Journey through Christmas Cove, a serene inlet in St. Thomas, and refuel on your excursion with pizzas at the floating restaurant Pizza Pi. Swim over to the venue’s floats to hang out and eat, or have pizza delivered straight to your boat.
The quiet, secluded cove with translucent water belies the fact that you’re a stone’s throw from your hotel room. In fact, the entire island’s pitch-perfect blend of natural beauty and diverse amenities makes it feel as if you’re a world away on this island getaway.