St THOMAS
Area: US Virgin Islands
Country: United States Virgin Islands


Location:
In the NE Caribbean, 35 miles E of Puerto Rico. St Thomas's international airport is 3 miles W of the centre of Charlotte Amalie, the capital.

Telephone code from UK:
1 340 340

Position:
One of the more westerly of the US Virgin Islands. Separated from neighbouring island of St John by a 10-mile-wide channel.

Description:
The most developed of the US Virgin Islands, St Thomas is a favourite with those who enjoy a bustling atmosphere and duty-free shopping. The capital, Charlotte Amalie, is both a free port and one of the busiest cruise-ship ports in the world, which means that it can be overrun with tourists swarming the duty-free shops that line the harbourfront. The town manages to retain something of its Old World charm (an echo of 250 years of almost continuous Danish control), with several fine though rather weathered examples of Danish colonial architecture, namely former manors and administrative buildings and pastel-hued houses and shops which line the winding, narrow, cobbled streets. With a population of less than 12,500, the town is small enough to be seen on foot. Behind the capital rise high, scrub-covered volcanic hills, punctuated with the occasional citrus or mango grove. Shopping aside, St Thomas is also famous for its palm-fringed beaches of pale sand, lapped by shallow turquoise waters. As attractive as they may be, however, these beaches are rarely secluded or tranquil.

Suitability:
Mostly American visitors; some Europeans. Not for people seeking authentic Caribbean flavour, as the islanders have an essentially urban attitude and the atmosphere, particularly in the big hotels, is distinctly American. St Thomas's high cost of living will put it out of the reach of most budget travellers. Its scenic beaches, along with water sports and sailing, make it a good choice for romantics, active types and families alike.

Accommodation:
A large number of enormous American chain hotels dominate the island. Several 3- and 4-star hotels. Some guesthouses and small hotels, though these tend to be away from the beaches. Apartments and villas are available throughout the island.

Shopping:
One of the island's specialities. As a free port, Charlotte Amalie has a host of boutiques offering fine jewellery, glassware, china, cosmetics, handicrafts and electrical goods. Most are along the harbourfront or in the surrounding alleys; others are in town, in the Havensight Mall near the cruise-ship dock and at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook. Check whether cruise ships are in dock if you want to avoid the crowds. Watch out for extra charges if you pay by credit card and compare prices; duty free is not necessarily cheaper. Rum and handicrafts are popular local buys.

Beach:
An abundance of sheltered sandy beaches and coves with clear blue waters, many backed by vegetation and palms. Most major hotels are located on their own bays and provide sun loungers and parasols, but this is often the only development. An exception is the popular mile-long arc at Magens Bay (said to be one of the Caribbean's top 10 beaches), with a full-service bar, eateries, a boutique, showers and a dressing room; snorkelling and small sailboats are available for rental. Coki Beach is known for its scuba and snorkelling sites. Quieter spots are found mainly along the W shores, though Bluebeard's Beach and Hull Bay (on the E and N coasts respectively) also offer more low-key options. As there are no private beaches, visitors from yachts are allowed to moor and come ashore wherever they like. Many beaches are accessible only by boat. Topless sunbathing (and wearing revealing clothes off the beach) is considered highly offensive.

Entertainments:
Daytime: more than just shopping. Wide range of water sports, often available from or close to hotels. Exploring island and its beaches. 18-hole golf course. Parasailing. Boat trips. Fishing. Historical buildings include two small local museums (Seven Arches and 17th-century Fort Christian) and 17th-century fort known as Blackbeard's Castle. Coral World (large marine park and underwater observatory) is one of the biggest attractions. Panoramic views of St Thomas and 20 other island from 1,542-foot MountainTop, one of the highest spots on the island. St Peter Greathouse and Botanical Gardens (19th-century plantation, gardens and observation deck). Submarine and harbour cruise. Nightlife: limited. A handful of bars in the capital. Most hotels have some form of entertainment. Friday and Saturday are the big nights for local events. Many bars have happy hours, and all serve a range of cocktails. An American-style pub/disco in Charlotte Amalie is the liveliest place in town, along with the Hard Rock Cafe.

Eating:
Relatively expensive, with similar menus and few real upmarket restaurants, other than in the large hotels. A scattering of fast-food outlets and lots of hotel restaurants (mostly open-air) which frequently offer barbecues and buffets. The American influence means Caesar salad is on every menu, iced water is available free and tipping is almost obligatory. Caribbean dishes include curried shrimp, lobster and blackened fish (much tastier than it sounds). Mexican and Italian menus and some Asian dishes. Rum cocktails and Carib beer are the drinks of choice.

Public-transport:
Very limited bus service, but taxis (sometimes shared) are abundant and reasonably priced. Cars are available to hire, with driving on the left. Ferries to St John and to the British Virgin Islands (passport required), but check _ and recheck _ schedules. Because different companies operate the ferry service, it is a good idea to buy a single ticket so you can return on the most convenient boat, regardless of the operator.

Local-excursions:
The taxi association organises day tours, including island tours and visits to Magens Bay. Kayaking and snorkelling in mangrove lagoons (half day). Sailing trips (full day); fishing from chartered vessels. Boat trips (day or longer) to St John and British Virgin Islands (passport required).