During the past few months, the United States Virgin Islands has welcomed many new accommodations, attractions and restaurants, all providing visitors with plenty to occupy their vacation time. Several of the destination's most popular hotels have recently undergone extensive refurbishment and now offer world-class amenities. Guests on St. Thomas now have more options than ever before when vacationing on our sunny island.
Although much has changed in the USVI, the islands' incomparable beauty remains as breathtaking as ever. Visitors will find the USVI's white-sand beaches, clear-blue waters, rolling hillsides and tropical foliage provide an ideal backdrop for their vacations.
Since many travelers may be unaware of the USVI's exciting new accommodations, attractions and activities, we invite you to keep the following information in mind as you plan stories for the coming months. Updates about the tourism industry on St. Thomas will be of great benefit to travelers as they consider all of their vacation options. The following are a few of the many recent developments on St. Thomas:
St. Thomas' Windward Passage Hotel recently acquired the Holiday Inn franchise flag and completed a $2 million renovation. The hotel, located in downtown Charlotte Amalie, has maintained the same ownership and management, but now operates under the auspices of the national chain name. Windward Passage is scheduled for completion in February 1999 from a $2 million renovation. To learn more about this hotel, call (340) 774-5200 or (800) 524- 7389.
Bluebeard's Beach Club (formerly known as the Limetree Resort) on St. Thomas closed recently in order to complete a $2.5 million renovation project. The resort will close for approximately six months to renovate and refurbish the lobby, the sales center and five of its seven buildings. The other two buildings were renovated last year. Each of the guest units will be redesigned and equipped with appliances. Balconies will also be added to each unit. The projected reopening date is late December 1999 or early January 2000. For more information, call (340) 774-1600 or (800) 524-6599.
History lovers will want to explore St. Thomas' past with Charlotte Amalie Walks and Yesterday St. Thomas. The two walking tours of downtown Charlotte Amalie introduce visitors to Ft. Christian, Government House, the Synagogue of B'racha V'shalom Uv'gimilut Hasadim and other historic sites. The tours are not only available in English, but also in Spanish, German and Japanese. To learn more about Charlotte Amalie Walks, call (340) 777-8708. For additional information on Yesterday St. Thomas, call (340) 775-2118.
Vacationers hoping to learn more about the history of St. Thomas should visit the newly restored Haagensen House. Built in 1824, this historic townhouse features artifacts, antiques and mahogany furniture hand-crafted in the 1800s. Located on Government Hill in Charlotte Amalie, the home is surrounded by carefully manicured gardens. For more information, call (340) 774-9605.
Coral World Marine Park & Underwater Observatory, a popular attraction on St. Thomas, reopened its doors in August 1998. After nearly three years of significant reconstruction and renovation, the 4.5-acre park and observatory again welcomes visitors to explore the wonders of the island's underwater paradise. Coral World opens its predator tank this month. Located on St. Thomas' northeast shore at Coki Point, the park consists of an underwater observatory tower, a tropical nature trail, a marine gardens aquarium and an 80,000-gallon coral reef tank. For more information, call (340) 775-1555.
Water Island Adventures, a new tour operator on the USVI's fourth major island, offers a comprehensive tour of the island during a unique mountain biking excursion. The Water Island ferry picks up participants from St. Thomas' downtown, Havensight or Crown Bay areas, giving them a glimpse of the historic Charlotte Amalie waterfront, Frenchtown and Hassel Island on the way to this newest Virgin Island. Once on Water Island, participants will bike from the highest point of the 500-acre island to a flat dirt road, visiting the following sites: a World War II fort; the old Sugar Bird Hotel (the reported inspiration for Herman Wouk's book Don't Stop the Carnival); WWII bunkers at Carolina Point; an archeological site of a 17th-century plantation; and a refreshing swim at beautiful Honeymoon Beach. The tour lasts approximately three to three and a half hours (including ferry time). Between 10 and 16 people are required for each tour. To learn more about these adventures, call (340) 714-2186 or (340) 775-5770.
Vacationers can now explore areas of St. Thomas rarely seen from safari buses or rental cars. Half Moon Stables offers horse and pony tours along secluded trails winding through the lush green hills and pebble-covered beaches of the island's east end. More information is available by calling (340) 777-6088.
