The U.S. Virgin Islands is a place for adventurers. Whether it’s hiking in a national park, the endless diving opportunities including the chance to explore five unique types of sites—pier, reef, shore, wall, and wreck—in one destination, or kayaking in a bioluminescent bay, the islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas are perfect for appreciating and exploring natural beauty. Best of all, with no passports required for U.S. citizens, the destination is an easy Caribbean escape with many nonstop flights from major U.S. cities.
Be Immersed in Island Culture at Local Festivals and Events
St. Croix’s annual Crucian Christmas Carnival is right around the corner. With events occurring throughout December and into January, highlights include the food fair with plenty of delectable local tastes, and the vibrant adults’ and children’s parades. The Carnival is an exotic way for your clients to ring in the holiday season with Mocko Jumbies, Carnival dancers, Calypso music and iconic dishes like kallaloo and conch.
WTJX’s annual Taste of Two Islands food festival offers a glimpse into the unique local cuisine of the territory. The event features restaurants and caterers from both St. John and St. Thomas, and will take place at Antilles School on St. Thomas on Nov. 13.
New Ways to Explore the Territory’s Beauty and History
Arawak Expeditions on St. John now offers a daily full-day kayak trip through the Coral Reef National Monument at Hurricane Hole. The excursion allows visitors to snorkel through mangroves and view underwater scenes filled with lobsters, starfish, and colorful sea anemone.
The family-friendly Bluebeard’s Castle Resort recently opened its Castle Museum. The guided tour allows guests to view the historical artifacts located in the 350-year-old castle turret containing items such as coins and pistols once used by pirates and soldiers. The turret was once used as a watchtower by the Danish in 1665, and it now provides breathtaking views of the Charlotte Amalie harbor.
Enhanced Accommodation Offerings
Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, the iconic 478-room resort on St. Thomas, has launched Choose Your View, a new website that allows you to show your clients the views from the various guestrooms available at the resort before you book them. This visually-appealing, easy-to-navigate site is a useful new resource for you as it features short videos with different view options, along with an interactive map for the location of the room on property.
St. Croix’s Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina is undergoing extensive changes to revamp the property. The hotel’s new management will oversee the property as it undergoes a renovation to the fitness center and conference center. The changes are expected to be complete by early 2015.
The family-owned and operated Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary and has plenty planned for the rest of 2014. The resort will have full moon beach parties, room night giveaways, and a special 3-course menu at the on-property Lobster Grille.
To learn more about how to create a Caribbean adventure in the U.S. Virgin Islands beyond your client’s wildest dreams, go to visitusvi.com.
