Headed out in November 2022 to St. Thomas for a quick island vacation. We wanted a little fancier location to stay, so we chose the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas. It was a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the island breezes. While not budget friendly, it checked off all my boxes that a caribbean vacation offers. Food was great, employees were welcoming and they had cool selfie stations, drop your phone in the holder, set the timer, and you get a great shot. Also, water slides and kids club are the best combo for everyone, kids busy and then sleepy! A win-win.
We didn’t really make plans for this trip except one snorkel/kayak tour, so renting a car helped us get around. They do drive on the left side there, so it will take a few drives to get comfortable with it. Easy way to be extra careful, look both ways and make sure clear on both sided before any turns, just in case.
We enjoyed snorkeling at the Ritz Carlton beach and we drove to two other beaches. Lindquist Beach was a winner! Clean, clear and beautiful. You do have to pay for parking/entrance, but they have showers and bathrooms that are kept clean, and it was pretty empty when we went. Highly recommend it. We did try to drive to Coki Beach one day, yikes, no room on the beach to even put a towel. a huge disappointment compared to Lindquist Beach. Seems like cruise ships park tourists here for the day. We got in the car, even after just paying $5 to park and left. Probably high maintence of us, but I want some breathing room on vacation.
Lindquist Beach, St.Thomas, USVI
Restaurants were plentiful on the island, we were in the area of Red Hook, so we went to a few places in that area.
Duffy’s Love Shack was a fun parking lot bar and restaurant. Great food and fun atmosphere. You can order some pretty wacky drinks there with a fun cup to take home. Agave was a great Mexican spot we had the day we arrived on the island. Fresh tasting food and nice cold spot for those hot days. We did do most meals at the Ritz just for convience, but I think it you get a condo, you would have plenty of places to choose from. My husband needs his coffee, similar to most of America, he went to Lattes in Paradise for his coffee/espresso needs.
Duffy’s Love Shack, Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI
The snorkel tour was probably my favorite thing we did. I purchased the tour on Viator before we left, St. Thomas Kayak and Sea Turtle Snorkel Excursion by St. Thomas Adventure Tours. The tour offered a turtle viewing guarantee, pretty gutsy, but they delivered. The tour guide also took pictures of us as we snorkeled and all sea life. Always do tours where they include photos, great memories and non-selfie pictures of your family.
We saw squid, a sting ray, 5 turtles, tropical fish, even a few jellyfish. (Swimmers beware!) I got a jellyfish sting on the arm, tingles for a few minutes, but better me than the kids, always. Oh well, mother nature, I’m in her fish tank, so I can’t complain. We did follow the snorkeling with kayaking, but it was a bit rough that day and the kids weren’t enjoying it, we cut it short, not the tour operators fault. The guide, Sven, did stop at some viewpoints on the way back and brought a sandwich lunch for our long day. Would do this tour again!
We left St. Thomas recharged and refreshed. Travel tip for St. Thomas, they have a carry on only security line on departure, so if you are heading there at a busy time, pack light and check out the carry on bags on my Travel Store to grab something light but roomy. No need to stand in a long security line!!!! Enjoy the breeze and coconut water!!!!
