Description: We wanted to visit the US VI and stay someplace with a beach and a restaurant. Minimal requirements but with amenities close by. We didn't want to rent a vehicle and budgeted for taxi transportation. The airport was basically closed when we arrived. I was a little disappointed that the Rum Hut was closed, but knew I really was not in need of one, being past exhaustion. Because of the heavy holiday travel, we arrived a day late, spending an unplanned day and a half in Atlanta.
The ride from airport to the resort officially started our visit to the east end of the island. Holiday lights around town and the different beaches made for a pleasant ride through the hilly, windy roads. Even though we arrived after the office was closed, there were provisions made with Security to escort us to our Beachfront Studio Suite. They made sure all we had to do was walk to our room, acting as guide and valet. Our first impressions of the suite were the cleanliness, the layout and the private stone walled terrace, complete with our own miniature Palm tree.
The kitchen, eating and sleeping area was open-concept, with the bathroom, closets and changing area in the back, for privacy. The Queen size bed was firm and comfortable. Neither of us woke with backaches. Extra pillows and blankets were provided, as well as over-sized beach towels.
The first morning view of the harbor was spectacular. We had a ground floor suite but with the walled patio, we really had only the view of the trees, and the water when we were in our lounge chairs.
Most of our meals were on site, at the Blue Moon Cafe. We took the recommendation of our breakfast server to make dinner reservations early as the Cafe was a popular night spot. The breakfasts were plentiful and reasonably priced. The evening dining was exquisite with wonderful steak and seafood fare. Prices were moderate to high, but it was the holidays and it was a treat.
A short $3 cab ride to Red Hook brought us to a superbly reasonably priced grocery store, a short walk across from the taxi stand. Although there were no New Year's fireworks, the recommended going next door to the Marriott, which was an adventurous walk in the limited light or an easy $3 cab ride. The housekeeping was above par as the suite was cleaned daily, along with the patio swept. There was a taxi stand on site but the main stand was at Red Hook, a quick phone call and a 10 minute wait away. The lobby also had two on line computers and a helpful assistant as it was a new service.
There was a scuba diving center on-site and although we didn't dive, it was a treat watching night time snorkelers, with their luminous masks. My partner assured me that if we returned to St. Thomas, this is where we would stay again.
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