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St. Thomas Journals

Bluebeard's Castle, USVI

An October 2003 trip to St. Thomas by pkdoyney

Sunset from balcony Photo - St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands More Photos
Quote: Our first visit to St. Thomas was prompted by our son moving there in May 2003 to live and work. We spent a week with him for his birthday and we took advantage of seeing the island with a local. Great place to relax. Downtown closes when the cruise ships leave, so resort restaurants and activities are important. St. Thomas is a great vacation spot but Bluebeard's would not be my first choice to stay on a return visit. It's undergoing renovations so amenities are scarce but the location is great (close to downtown). Their pool was closed so we were shuttled to their sister resort (Bluebeard's Beach Club) which was also under renovation but the pool and swim up bar were great there. The beach was a stone's throw from the pool but it was a bit rocky and dropped off very fast.
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Bluebeard's Castle, USVI Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Sunset from balcony Photo - St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Quote:
Must do's: Horizon Day Sail from Sapphire Beach, shopping in Charlotte Amalie, and swimming at Maegan's Bay, going to Paradise Point on the Gondola, buying jewelry (great prices).

Quick Tips:

Taxis are the way to go. Don't rent a car, roads are narrow and steep. Bluebeard's is a walk into town but taxis are inexpensive and available at the hotel entrance.

Best Way To Get Around:

Taxis and walking. Taxis are EVERYWHERE, so driving a car and trying to find parking is too much of a hassle. Fares are per person and drivers are very accommodating (will give you their card and will be there for you for your return).

Banana Tree Grille Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Birthday celebration Photo - Banana Tree Grille, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Quote:
We chose the Banana Tree for my son's 23rd birthday celebration, and they had our table decorated for our arrival (party hats, horns, and sparkles on the table), so that was a nice suprise. Service was exceptional. Dinner was great. The salmon melted in your mouth, as did the steak. Nice dinner presentation as well. View of the harbor and cruise ships were a nice surprise.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 18, 2003

Banana Tree Grille
At the eastern end of Norre Gade and off Route 314
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 00803
+1 340 776 4050

Hard Rock Café Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Hard Rock Cafe"

Quote:
Hard Rock Cafe is consistent with their food and drinks. Whether it's in Boston, San Antonio, or St. Thomas, you know you will get good food for a fair price. Nachos were great to munch on while watching football on Sunday afternoon (after shopping first). Great location. Air-conditioned.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 18, 2003

Hard Rock Café
Route 30 (Veterans Drive) International Plaza
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 00802

Café Amici Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Cafe Amici"

Cafe Amici Photo - Café Amici, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Quote:
Cafe Amici is located in the "diamond district" in the A.H.Riise Mall. Sunday brunch is delicious. Only opened for lunch and the salads are wonderfully fresh. The grilled pizzas are scrumptious, especially the barbecue chicken. Service is great in this wonderful atmosphere. Drinks can be made to take with you. Try the Bushwacker! Nice place for lunch and a break before the shopping begins for the afternoon.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on November 18, 2003

Café Amici
Off Main Street
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 00802
+1 340 776 5670

Room with a View Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Quote:
Located at Bluebeard's. Newly renovated features like red walls, candles, and rich woods envelop you as you enter. Quiet atmosphere for romantic dining. The lamb was delicious, as was the steak. The escargot was mouth-watering and the desserts were yummy (can't remember what they were, since the wine was flowing). So many menu choices to choose from that you will definitely enjoy the experience.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 18, 2003

Room with a View
Bluebeard's Castle Hotel
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
(340) 774-2377

New Horizons Daysails Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Horizon Sloop"

Fish Photo - New Horizons Daysails, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Quote:
The Horizon day sail sets off at 9am and returns at 4pm. Breakfast is included and served to you (muffins, breakfast breads, etc) along with mimosa or hibiscus drinks. Lunch is also included--a delicious Italian buffet.

Snorkeling around St. John's in the morning (equipment and lessons provided) or just swimming with a "noodle" is a delight. After lunch, more water time at a private beach area. Open bar and party time (or sleep time) throughout the day. Definitely worth the price!

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on November 18, 2003

New Horizons Daysails
Route 38 (Smith Bay Road)
Smith Bay, St. Thomas 00802
+1 340 775 1171; +1

Paradise Point Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Sunset at Paradise Point"

Paradise Point Photo - Paradise Point, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Quote:
On Wednesdays the gondola to Paradise Point is free ($12/person at other times), so we went on Wednesday during the late afternoon. If you are afraid of heights, don't go on the gondola but drive up to the top instead. But if you can, ride the gondola. It's definitely worth it. Unfortunately for us there were lots of clouds that evening so the sunset was disappointing, but the view of the harbor was breathtaking. Lights sparkling below, breathing fresh air, listening to the night sounds (when the band was on break). . .aah, the Caribbean!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 18, 2003

Paradise Point
Old Tramway Bldg, 9617 Estate Thomas
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI 00802
340-774-9809

Bluebeard's Beach Club Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Beach Club Photo - Bluebeard's Beach Club, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Quote:
The Beach Club has a wonderful pool with a swim-up bar along with the beach a few feet from the pool. Plenty of lounge chairs. During the weekly beach/pool party (which includes BBQ lunch and open bar), the iguanas visit and are friendly enough to be hand fed bread. The location is wonderful and serene. Sitting under the palm trees reading, enjoying a cocktail by the bar, or playing volleyball in the pool -- it's a great time.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 19, 2003

Bluebeard's Beach Club
100 Frenchman's Bay
St. Thomas, USVI 00802

About the Writer

pkdoyney

pkdoyney
Warwick, Rhode Island

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