Are you looking for a place to spend your honeymoon in the Caribbean? People tend to look at the Bahamas or Bermuda but there’s a lot more than that. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a more adventurous holiday, here we’ll tell you why you should consider the United States Virgin Islands as your next dream destination.
The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) is an overseas territory of the United States located in the Caribbean Sea, nearly 70 miles east of Puerto Rico, and 1100 miles southeast of Miami. They’re part of the Virgin Islands archipelago, which also includes the British Virgin Islands.
With nearly 50,000 inhabitants and only 32 square miles, St. Thomas is the main island. It’s home to 50% of the country’s population and it offers a unique mix of Caribbean scenery and European touches. Over time, it’s received Danish, British, and American influences making it a very interesting and diverse destination.
St. Thomas is famous for its amazing beaches, resorts, watersports, and extensive shopping, but also for its rich history and culture. Additionally, it’s a perfect base from which you can explore the surrounding islands.
How to get to St Thomas
Being an American territory, St. Thomas is very well connected to many US cities such as Chicago, New York, Miami, or Los Angeles, just to name a few. A round trip ticket from New York or Chicago with one stop will set you back $300, while if you fly from Fort Lauderdale you can find direct flights for $150.
From Europe, flights are longer and they involve at least 1 stop. If you’re traveling from a major European city such as Paris or London, you can expect to pay at least $800 for a return flight.
St. Thomas is also a popular destination among cruises in the Caribbean and it’s famous for its amazing ports.
The island has two cruise ports (Havensight and Crown Bay) located on the south next to Charlotte Amalie and can accommodate a huge number of visitors that flock every day looking for beautiful beaches and an excellent shopping scene.
Travel Tips & Things to know
The US Virgin Islands are formed by three main islands: St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas.
- St. John is located only four miles east of St. Thomas and is both the smallest and greenest island. Nearly two-thirds of the area is part of the Virgin Islands National Park.
- St. Croix is located nearly 40 miles north from St Thomas and is the largest of the US Virgin Islands. Some of the main attractions are Christiansted, a historic 18th-century town with forts and neoclassical buildings, top beaches, pristine rainforest, and great scuba diving spots.
- St. Thomas is by far the most popular island. It’s a famous cruise destination so it receives thousands of tourists every year that arrive looking to enjoy stunning beaches and watersports, visit the viewpoints, and make the most of the extensive shopping area.
It’s worth noting that being a US territory, to visit the Virgin Islands travelers must meet the requirements to enter the United States. If you’re coming from the US, a passport isn’t required, however, you’ll need it if you go to the British Virgin Islands.
The official currency is the US dollar so you don’t need to worry about exchanging money.
When to Visit Saint Thomas
Located only 70 miles east from Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands enjoy subtropical warm weather all year round. However, there are stormy periods and months with chances of hurricanes that should be avoided.
High season runs from December to April, when prices and crowds are at their highest with dozens of cruises arriving every day. Considering that the hurricane season goes from August to November, the best months to visit the Virgin Islands are May, June, and July, when you’ll find fewer crowds, cheaper rates, and good weather.
Things to Do While Honeymooning in St Thomas
Located in the north of the island, with its white sand and turquoise waters, Magens Bay is considered by many as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Apart from sunbathing and swimming, you can also rent a kayak or boat, hike the trailhead or go to Drake’s Seat lookout for an amazing view of the bay.
If you’re a beach lover but want something more romantic and quieter than Magens Bay, head to Coki or Sapphire on the east.
Another must-see in St. Thomas is the 99 Steps in Charlotte Amalie. This staircase, that actually has 103 steps and was originally built by the Danish, takes you through small streets and ends at the top of a lookout where you can find excellent views.
Charlotte Amalie is the capital city of St. Thomas and it shouldn’t be missed. It’s very famous for its duty-free shopping but it also has a special charm with its mixture of Danish colonial architecture and modern touches. Walk around the historic district with its 17th-century buildings, go check out the harbor and don’t miss the St. Thomas Synagogue, the second oldest synagogue on American soil.
If Drake’s Seat isn’t high enough, you can visit Mountain Top. Standing tall at 1,500-feet above sea level, Mountain Top is the highest point on the island and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Virgin Islands.
St. Thomas is very well connected with other islands. Water Island is only 20-30 minutes away from Charlotte Amalie and is home to Honeymoon Beach, one of the most amazing beaches in the country. Trips to the neighboring islands of St. John and the British Virgin Islands are also popular.
For those looking for an adventurous honeymoon, you can take an eco-tour and visit the mangrove lagoon, try ziplining, or visit Coral World Ocean Park to see the stunning sea life and swim with sea lions.
Did you know…?
The United States bought the Virgin Islands (previously called the Danish West Indies) from Denmark in 1917 for $25 million, nearly $500 million in current prices.
St. Thomas Honeymoon Resorts & Hotels
St Thomas has a wide variety of resorts and hotels. Some of the top choices considering location and value for money are:
Emerald Beach Resort
Located on Lindbergh Bay steps away from the airport, Emerald Beach Resort features a beachfront bar, a beachfront restaurant that serves American and Caribbean food, one Italian restaurant, a fitness room, an outdoor pool, and a beautiful garden. Rooms start at $200 per night and come with a TV, a refrigerator, and a private balcony with views to the sea as this resort is 100% beachfront.
The Mafolie Hotel
This 3-star hotel features a restaurant, a bar, and an outdoor pool. Rooms come with a TV, private balcony, microwave, refrigerator, and buffet breakfast.
At 866 feet above sea level, The Mafolie Hotel is located on top of a hill offering amazing views of the island. Additionally, it’s only minutes away from the famous Drake’s Seat and Magens Bay, two of the main attractions in St Thomas. A night in this hotel is $190 for a standard room and $250 for a suite.
Olga’s Fancy
Located in Charlotte Amalie, only 13 minutes away from Charlotte Amalie Harbor, this hotel has an outdoor pool, a garden, and a sun terrace that offers great views of the mountain, the bay, and Water Island.
All rooms come with a TV, air conditioning, WiFi, and a private bathroom and start at $99 per night.
St. Thomas and the Virgin Islands have a lot to offer. From incredible beaches, crystal clear waters, snorkeling and diving spots, historical towns and sites, marvelous views, and great excursion options, they’ve got you covered for an unforgettable honeymoon. Regardless of whether you stay in St. Thomas or decide to explore neighboring islands, all the places are incredible so you can’t go wrong!