Skip to main content

St. Thomas: Escape to the Caribbean without Ever Leaving the US

Most American travelers are surprised to learn that some of the best Caribbean islands are actually in the United States. So what are you waiting for? Leave your passport at home and hop one of the dozens of direct daily flights to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Here’s a brief primer on where to eat, play, and sleep on the island of St. Thomas. And yes, men, it’s All-American.

Play

St. Thomas Flyboarding
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The twin islands of St. John and St. Thomas arguably boast more “Best Beaches in the Caribbean” than any other islands in the region. There’s a reason why Magens Bay is routinely ranked among the best beaches in the western hemisphere. A mile of pillowy soft white sand wraps around the most electric blue ocean water you’ve ever seen. It’s no surprise it’s often crowded with throngs of cruise ship passengers most days of the week. But, check the port itineraries and plan to go before 9 a.m., and you may well have it all to yourself.

Recommended Videos

If you’re looking for something more adrenalin-fueled, St. Thomas Flyboarding offers one-hour lessons in this truly unique “sport.” For around $250 (USD), the STF crew will strap you into a state-of-the-art flyboard. Once connected to the jetwash of a high-powered Jet Ski, you’ll be propelled into the air (and water) on a ride that’s akin to flying like Iron Man.

Eat & Drink

Havana restaurant food
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Chain hotel restaurants don’t often top the destination dining list for most travelers. But Havana Blue at Marriott Frenchman’s Reef is unique. The chic, modern, South Beach-esque dining room is awash in electric blues and vibrant oranges reminiscent of a cool beachfront bonfire. We’re loathe to call it “fusion cuisine,” but the menu neatly walks the line between Latin American and Asian influences. It’s the sort of place where a Peruvian pisco sour served alongside spicy crab rolls makes perfect sense.

For a funky, no-frills dining experience, Duffy’s Love Shack in Red Hook caters to tourists and locals in little more than a glorified parking lot. Their cheap signature cocktails are served in kitschy, pirate- and island-themed glasses with names like Lime in Dee Coconut and The Cry Baby. While they pride themselves on being a bar first and a restaurant second, the bar food — in particular, the conch fritters — is among the best on the island. If you want to put your finger directly on the pulse of St. Thomas, this is the place to do it.

Stay

Marriott Frenchman's Reef, St. Thomas
Marriott Frenchman’s Reef, St. Thomas Image used with permission by copyright holder

Even by over-the-top tropical resort standards, Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort offers a dramatic, jaw-dropping location. Situated on a bluff with panoramic views of Charlotte Amalie (capital of the USVI) and St. Thomas’ southern coastline, it’s a surprisingly stunning hotel (particularly for a Marriott). The dual infinity pools provide the highest and best sunset views of any property on the island. It’s an ideal destination for couples who are just married and those who are looking to.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Personalized experiences beat loyalty points for most travelers, says survey
Today's travelers no longer seek transactional loyalty
Arizona Biltmore

A recent survey commissioned by Mews and conducted by Talker Research suggested a new era in personalized travel. The study polled 2,000 Americans ages 18+ who have traveled in the last 12 months, and found that nearly 68% of travelers now say they'll stay loyal to hotels that deliver standout, personalized experiences, leaving traditional, points-based rewards behind. The survey's findings suggest that today's luxury travelers embrace personalization, preferring tailored experiences over an outdated points-based reward system. This study highlights the changing needs of travelers who no longer seek transactional loyalty. Instead, today's travelers want genuine recognition.

The poll of 2,000 American travelers found that only 24% of Americans say hotel rewards are the most valuable (behind grocery store rewards, credit card points, gas rewards, and airline miles). Additionally, 82% of current hotel loyalty members cited frustrations with traditional programs, including points expiring too quickly (28%), blackout dates (24%), and difficulty earning meaningful rewards (23%). These challenges drive travelers, especially younger and affluent segments, to seek alternatives.

Read more
From alpine golf to nighttime kayaking: Unforgettable things to do in Lake Tahoe
Things to do in Lake Tahoe that locals actually love
A view of Lake Tahoe from U.S. Highway 50.

Lake Tahoe, straddling the California-Nevada border, is one of those rare destinations that truly has it all. With turquoise waters, pine-covered mountains, powdery ski slopes, and sunny beaches, it’s basically a choose-your-own-adventure in nature’s playground. Whether you’re in it for summer swims, airy fall hikes, fresh winter powder, or spring wildflowers, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up Lake Tahoe’s great outdoors.

From peaceful kayaking mornings to adrenaline-pumping downhill runs, the range of things to do in Lake Tahoe is almost overwhelming (in the best way). That’s why I reached out to locals, outdoor experts, and frequent Tahoe-goers to round up the most epic activities for every season – plus a few personal favorites I couldn’t leave out.

Read more
Arajet celebrates July 4th with flight deals to 28 sunny destinations
Buenos Aires Argentina

Arajet, a Dominican-based airline, is offering promotional fares as low as $78 one-way this 4th of July weekend. The sale lasts through July 6, and includes round-trip deals to Latin American getaways like Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Bogotá, Columbia; El Salvador, and more. In total, customers can choose from 28 Latin American getaways.

Arajet helps travelers discover Latin America

Read more