St Thomas At A Glance:
Endless stunning views of offshore islands and the Caribbean Sea…emerald hilltops studded with ruby-red flamboyant trees and lush bougainvillea in a rainbow palette…majestic cruise ships and great duty-free shopping…beautiful white sand beaches and a turquoise sea with all water sports…wonderful restaurants and nightlife…world-class sailing and daytrips to nearby islands…an American Paradise goes calypso…A perfect destination for those seeking the quintessential Caribbean experience as well as the convenience of traveling within a U.S. territory.

St. Thomas offers a wide selection of private St. Thomas villas and we have carefully chosen only the finest St. Thomas villas to include in our portfolio. Here we find a charming one bedroom cottage, dozens of wonderfully spacious villas with private swimming pools for ideal family vacations and deluxe six bedroom properties all with truly stunning views. St. Thomas villa rentals are built to American standards and do not include full staff-additional maid service as well as cook/chef services may be arranged for additional charges. St. Thomas is a great destination that offers an impressive selection of villas for relaxed family vacations with many tempting diversions and activities.

St. Thomas is an American paradise in the Caribbean. Often under-rated, it provides a spectacular setting for a wide variety of vacation experiences. St. Thomas is sometimes dismissed as just a port for cruise ships with too much traffic-but only by those who do not know the island well. St. Thomas is one of the finest vacation destinations in the Caribbean.

The scenery is simply extraordinary. The island is surprisingly mountainous and from most vantage points are truly stunning views of the archipelago of nearby islands – like green gems floating in a turquoise sea. Visiting these alluring islands is effortless! Ferry boats connect St. Thomas with St. John, Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Island hopping has never been easier or more scenic.

The island capital of Charlotte Amalie is a seaport steeped in history. Once the home of infamous pirates like Bluebeard, Edward Teach and Blackbeard, it is a fascinating town with charming alleys and a rich history of restored colonial buildings and museums. Duty free emporiums overflow with luxury goods from all over the world. The stately parade of cruise ships entering and leaving the harbor each day is in itself quite a sight.

The beaches of St. Thomas are surely world-class. Magen’s Bay is the largest and most famous and consistently ranked on the list of the world’s best beaches. Every water sport imaginable is available to you here as is the luxury of doing absolutely nothing at all. You will discover stunning white sand beaches dotted with palm trees, frequently with mesmerizing views of offshore islands. Beachcombing on St. Thomas is an affair to remember.

St. Thomas villas feature great access to exceptional restaurants. Experience gourmet dining in a restored Colonial building with romantic views of the harbor after a magnificent sunset. Saunter over to the beach bar in your bikini for a delicious lunch of West Indian specialties you may never have even heard of before. On St. Thomas, one dines exceedingly well while enjoying some of the most beautiful views on earth.

In Summary, St. Thomas villas offer a variety of vacation experiences. From world-class shopping to gourmet dining, magnificent beaches, easy day trips to offshore islands, stunning scenery, an easy familiarity with a touch of the exotic, St. Thomas is an American Paradise.

St. Thomas Activities:
Boating, horseback riding, jet skiing, parasailing, scuba, sports fishing, swimming, sailing, snorkeling, tennis, windsurfing.

St. Thomas Airlines: Other major airlines fly into San Juan, Puerto Rico and offer convenient commuter airline service to St. Thomas.

American Airlines
American Eagle
Cape Air
Continental
Delta
LIAT
Northwest
United
U.S. Airways

Approximate flight times:
NY to St. Thomas: 3.5 hours
Miami to St. Thomas: 2.5 hrs.

St. Thomas Villas-Airport Transfers:
Visitors arrive at the Cyril E. King Airport at the western end of the island. Villas Caribe’s clients will be met on a complementary basis at the airport or at their car rental agency desk (generally at the airport) and escorted to the villa.

The majority of the villas are located within a 15-25 minute drive of the airport.

St. Thomas Area Code: 340

ATMS on St. Thomas:
The island offers around 50 ATMs at bank branches, transportation centers, shopping centers and other convenient spots throughout the island.

Baby-Equipment Rentals:
Car seats, cribs, high chairs, playpens, strollers, cots and bed rails are all available for rental for additional fees such as:

Portable Baby Crib with Mattress: $24/wk.
Be sure to bring your own mattress pad & linens.

Collapsible Vinyl Playpen: $20/wk. or $4.00 per day

High Chair: $20/wk. or $4.00 per day

Air bed (twin): $35/wk. or $5.00 per day

Please note that all of the above equipment is subject to a flat delivery/assembly and pick-up /return charge of $35.00.

Banks in St. Thomas:
Banks on St. Thomas are open from 9 AM –3 PM Mon.-Thursday and from 9 AM-5 PM on Fridays. A handful of banks have Saturday hours (9 AM-12:00 noon). First Bank & Chase Manhattan Banks have ATM machines.

Beaches:
St. Thomas is known for its spectacular beaches and all of its 44 beaches are open to the public. Visitors may, therefore, use any of the major hotel’s beaches from the Marriott to the Ritz Carlton. You may walk through any hotel lobby or via any access and all that you’ll be asked to pay for are drinks, lunch, any water sports you want to enjoy and any nominal fees for chaise rentals. Please note that nude sunbathing is not permitted.

Hull Bay:
Located on the north shore, this beach receives more of the rougher Atlantic surf and is, therefore, mostly just popular with surfers.

Magen’s Bay Beach:
Consistently ranked in the top 10 beaches by National Geographic, Magen’s Bay is an absolutely stunning ribbon of white sand. It offers a heart shaped shoreline that is lined with lush green palm trees and crystal clear waters that make it ideal for snorkeling at the one rocky end.

Magen’s Bay is a wonderful place to spend the entire day and offers showers, changing rooms, beach chair and float rentals as well as a concession stand and bar. A small entrance fee is charges ($3 for adults/. 25 for children under 12) and the beach is open daily from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM.

**Be sure to stop off at Udder Delight on your way to or from Magen’s Bay Beach…A dairy that serves fabulous milk shakes with exotic fruit flavors or a splash of Cruzan Rum.

Morning Star Beach:
Located close to Charlotte Amalie, it is a pretty curve of beach that is just adjacent to the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Reef Resort. Popular with wave runners and windsurfers.

Sapphire Beach:
Offering a great view of nearby St. John, Sapphire offers excellent snorkeling at the reef to the right or east.
Dive shop and water sports gear rental available.

Secret Harbor:
Located on the East End, this pretty beach offers superb snorkeling (and night snorkeling, too!).

Boating in St. Thomas:
The waters around the U.S. Virgin Islands are so crystal clear that many visitors elect to explore the islands islets and cays by boat. With well more than 100 vessels to choose from is the charter boat mecca of the USVI’s. The countless coves and bays invite a variety of vessels from day and evening sails, to speedboat rental to charter yacht rentals. Party day cruises on catamarans and sailboats are available as well.

Budgeting/Costs to Rent a Villa on St. Thomas:
In addition to the weekly rental rate for a villa on St. Thomas, the additional costs involved include but are not limited to the following:

Air Transportation
Car Rentals
Groceries & beverages
Tip for the maid (if included in the villa rental)-hotel type tipping is recommended.
Cancellations for St. Thomas Villa Rentals:
Cancellation penalties do apply to confirmed bookings/reservations. Upon confirmation with our company, a written cancellation policy will be issued along with the written invoice for the booking.

St. Thomas Villa cancellation policies:
Cancellations made more than 45 days prior to arrival date are subject to a 20% penalty on the gross weekly rental rate of the villa & $100 administrative fee. Cancellations made within 45 days prior to arrival are subject to a 100% penalty on the gross weekly rental rate of the villa-no refunds. Should your cancelled dates be rebooked to another guest, then only a 20% penalty on the gross weekly rental rate of the villa & $100 administrative fee applies.

**Please note that the Sand Dollar villa has a different cancellation policy in deference to the President of the United States. **Cancellation insurance is strongly advised to cover the cost of cancellation due to any unforeseen circumstances

St. Thomas Capital: Charlotte Amalie

Carnival: April 25 – 27

St. Thomas Villas-Car Rentals:
We highly recommend that clients rent a vehicle for their stay on St. Thomas, as there is no reliable cab service between the villas and around the island. We recommend clients use one of the major car rental companies such as Budget (800.626.4516) or Hertz or National. A mid size car rental for a week’s rental runs approximately $320.00.

Conditions of hire:
All clients must be over 21 years of age but less than 75 years old and must have held a valid driver’s license for at least two years. Children’s car seats are available for rental upon request and are mandatory.

St. Thomas Cellular Phones:
When you are in any Sprint PCS Service Area or Cingular Nationwide Service Area, you are on the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network or Cingular Nationwide Network, respectively. While on these Networks, you can make calls to or receive calls from anywhere using your PCS or Cingular Phone. If you do not have a nationwide rate plan with one of these companies, you will incur roaming charges. We suggest contacting the Customer Service department of your service provider prior to traveling to the islands, to confirm your rate plan, or, if you do not have a nationwide plan, learn how to upgrade your rate plan temporarily.

If your service is with a company other than Sprint or Cingular, the cellular company in the U.S. must have a contractual agreement with or be a carrier for Sprint or Cingular Wireless - check with your U.S. or Canadian cell phone company before you travel - there will likely be roaming charges applicable. If your cellular provider does not have any agreement with Sprint or Cingular, then your cell phone will probably not work in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Alternatively, daily or weekly cellular phone rentals are available on St. Thomas from AMALIE BUSINESS CENTER, located at the Holiday Inn on the waterfront, at (340)-774-0688 or email info@amaliecar.com, or from GENESIS COMMUNICATIONS (340)-776-3811 or email genesis11@attglobal.net; Genesis will deliver for $10 and are located at Lockhart Mall in Sugar Estate (open Mondays - Thursdays 9-6 pm, Fridays 9-5 pm, closed Saturdays, and open Sundays 11-4 pm). Genesis also offers two-way radio rentals with a 2-mile range, prepaid calling cards, and is the local agent for Cingular Wireless. Cell phone rentals are $10 per day or $50 per week. The rate includes a phone cover, a charger, battery and belt clip. A $200 deposit is required for all cell phone rentals.

St. Thomas Villa Rentals Check-in/Check-out times:
Check-in time is generally after 3:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00-12:00 noon.

St. Thomas Villa Chef Service:
We have several excellent chefs who are available to our clients for just one special dinner or for all of their meal preparations during their villa stay. Sample menus are available and we generally will put the chef directly in touch with our clients so that they can discuss their dates, times, menus, dietary restrictions and grocery shopping with him or her. Each chef requires an advance deposit for both the grocery shopping and their cooking services. A chef’s pricing is based on the number of guests, type of meals requested etc. Please keep in mind that the U.S. Virgin Islands is a U.S. Territory, so the usual U.S. minimum wage applies and chefs will likely cost more than on most other West Indian Islands. Once you’ve arranged your chef, please let Villas Caribe know so we can be sure to provide them with access to your villa prior to your arrival so that they can pre-stock groceries etc.

Mr. Karrl Foster:
Phone: 340.777-6129 home and fax
Cell: 513.9668
E-mail: taozen@vitelcom.net
Karrl is, also, available as a personal trainer or yoga instructor to our villa guests.

Ms. Damaris James:
Phone: 340.774.0483
E-mail: chefdamaris@yahoo.com

Ms. Loraine Houston:
Phone: 340.779-1754
E-mail: sushimon@viacess.net

Mr. Alan Bryan:
Phone: 340.774.7136
Cell: 690-9834
E-mail: dsigour@uvi.ed

Mr. Jean-Pierre Monney:
Phone: 340.776.0085 home and fax
E-mail: cabbell@viacess.net

Harry-Carrie Catering:
Phone: 340.774.8116
Cell: 513-4167
E-mail: missyachtie@yahoo.com

St. Thomas Climate:
Warm & sunny with temperatures between 75 F and 90 F year round. During the winter, the nights are slightly cooler and so it might be a good idea to bring a cotton sweater.

St. Thomas Communications:
The St. Thomas villas all are equipped with telephones and guests will be advised of the particular phone number of the property prior to departure. Visitors will enjoy the ease with which they can communicate with home by direct dialing (please note that overseas phone bills will be deducted from the security deposit held for the villa).

St. Thomas Currency:
The U.S. Dollar is used throughout the territory as well as the neighboring British Virgin Islands. Major credit cards and traveler’s checks are widely accepted as well.

St. Thomas Customs & Duty-Free Allowances:

U.S. Citizens duty-free allowances:
Departing citizens whose stay is in excess of 48 hours may on their return take back, free of duty, articles totaling up to US $1,200 (based on the retail value of the items in the country of purchase). A family of four, then, would be able to bring home $4,800 in duty-free items. Additionally, you may bring home up to 4 liters of liquor per adult or 5 liters if the 5th bottle is either Cruzan Rum, Chococo or Southern Comfort, all of which are made in the U.S.V.I. and are duty-free.

Loose precious gems (diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires) are completely duty-free no matter what the cost (as long as the stone is loose and not in a setting). Additionally, there is a duty-free allowance of 5 cartons of cigarettes and 100 cigars.

St. Thomas Villas-Day Trips:
St. Thomas is in close proximity to several neighboring islands such as St. John (a $3.00 & 20 minute ferry ride), the British Virgin Islands (Tortola & Virgin Gorda), St. Croix and Puerto Rico. Additionally, there are numerous day sails and boat charters available for island hopping.

St. Thomas-Deep-Sea Fishing:
Vast arrays of big game fish live in the oceans surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands. Indeed, fishing from St. Thomas is synonymous with blue marlin angling-especially from June through October. Four 1,000 pound blue marlins, including three world records have been caught on the famous North Drop, which is located approximately 20 miles north of St. Thomas.

Several different companies on the island offer guided St. Thomas fishing excursions with a focus on the big game fish like marlin, sailfish, dolphinfish/mahimahi and wahoo. Both half day and full day excursions are available.

St. Thomas Departure Tax:
None

St. Thomas Villa Deposits:
A 50% deposit is required to confirm a reservation.
The final deposit is due at least 60-75 days prior to arrival.

Dress:
The islands are fairly relaxed and informal when it comes to dress code standards. For upscale restaurants, lightweight slacks with a tropical shirt (with sleeves) are perfect for evenings out while for ladies “casual elegance” is the key.

It is not, however, acceptable to go barefoot, shirtless or dressed too provocatively in public areas other than the beach.

Documents for Arrival onto St. Thomas:
Every person entering St. Thomas should be in possession of a valid passport and a valid return ticket. A visitor who is a citizen of the United States of America or Canada traveling direct from these countries may be admitted without a passport for a period not exceeding three (3) months. However, that person will be required to produce proof of nationality, by means of an original birth certificate or citizenship papers, and photo identification.

Driving in St. Thomas:
Driving is on the left, British style. A valid foreign or U.S. driver’s license is valid for 90 days.

Electricity:
110 volts/50 cycles-same as in the U.S. No adapters necessary for visitors from North America but European visitors will require one.

St. Thomas General Information-Government & Standard Of Living:
St. Thomas (and all of the U.S. Virgin Islands) was purchased from Denmark in 1917 for $25 million and remains an unincorporated territory of the United States. Although Virgin Islanders do not have a vote in the U.S. national elections, they vote for their own governor, lieutenant governor and the members of the legislature. Additionally, they elect their representatives in Washington who lobby on their behalf.

St. Thomas Golf:
St. Thomas is an exceptional golfing destination, offering a world-class course at Mahogany Run, named one of the top 18 golf courses in the Caribbean by Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful courses in the Caribbean, rising and dropping like a roller coaster on its journey to the sea where cliffs and crashing wavers are the ultimate hazards.

Mahogany Golf Club:
Course length: 18 holes.
Phone: 340.777.6006 and 800. 253.7103
A Tom Fazio designed par-70, 18-hole golf course that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean with a view of the neighboring British Virgin Islands beyond. Most spectacular is the Devil’s Triangle- a trio of holes so challenging that golfers who play through them without a penalty shot earn a prize in the pro shop. The course features lush rolling hills, tropical valleys and greens. Indeed, the course recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation, which included a brand new irrigation system.

Be sure to call for tee times but availability is excellent. Informal scratch tournaments held throughout the year provide visitors an opportunity to pit their skills against local players with hometown course knowledge. Three-day special packages are available and groups are welcome as well.

Green Fees:
$115 per person for 18 holes and $80 for 9 holes. After 2:00 PM, the fee drops to $90.
Rental clubs available (Callaway brand) for $35 for 18 holes or $20 for 9 holes. Shoe rental available as well.

Grocery Shopping:
Visitors will find the supermarkets in St. Thomas are well stocked and very similar to what they experience at home.

Hiking in St. Thomas:
A variety of hiking opportunities exist on St. Thomas…Visitors will enjoy a ground-level view of all of the tropical flora and fauna.

St. Thomas History:
The history of the Virgin Islands started with Christopher Columbus’ second voyage in 1493. He sighted St. Croix first which he named Santa Cruz and claimed it for Spain. He then proceeded to sail further north where he found the other islands and christened them “Las Islas Virgenes” or the Virgin Islands.

Sir Francis Drake, an English navigator and infamous plunderer of Spanish galleons, sailed through the sea passageway separating the British and American Virgin Islands and which is today known as the Sir Francis Drake Channel. The famed Englishman reportedly watched the Spanish Armada sail by as his ships in the sanctuary of Magen's Bay.

During the late 1600’s, St. Thomas was known as a pirate’s den. The proximity of the island to the major trade routes, numerous safe passages and availability of supplies made conditions for piracy ideal here. It is thought that pirates made port in the Virgin Islands to repair and supply their vessels and squander their booty on rum and flesh.

Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, is said to have sipped rum laced with gunpowder from his stronghold at Blackbeard’s Tower. It is rumored that he carried six pistols and wore burning matches in his hair.

In the 1660’s, various European powers (Holland, France, England, Spain, Denmark & the Knights of Malta) all wanted to possess the Virgin Islands but in 1671 it was Denmark that clearly ruled St. Thomas. Denmark established the first permanent settlement there and by 1718 they expanded to St. John. A fort was constructed in Coral Bay on ST. John, one of the safest harbors in the Caribbean. In 1733, Denmark purchased St. Croix from France and united the three Virgin Islands of today.

Throughout the 8th century, the islands prospered with sugar plantations and St. Thomas became a major emporium until 1848 when Denmark abolished slavery.

The United States bought the islands in 1917, as part of a military defense strategy for $25 million but it was not until 1927 that the residents were granted U.S. citizenship.

Horseback Riding in St. Thomas:
Several companies on the island offer guided tours that lead visitors through spectacular scenery as well as riding through the surf on deserted beaches.

Half Moon Stables:
Offers hour-long guided rides along secluded trails that run through lush, green hills to a pebble-covered beach on the East End. Horses and ponies are available as well as Western and English saddles.

St. Thomas Villas-Internet Access:
If you’re bringing your laptop and would like to be connected locally, please go to www.viacess.net. Click on the personal link and sign up with your credit card number and tell them the phone number of your villa (we will provide it to you). The rate is $19.96 per month for unlimited access with a one-month minimum.

Language: The official language is English spoken although islands residents often speak it with a Creole or West Indian lilt.

Local Hazards:
Black Sea Urchins

No-see-ums or sand flies which normally dwell in the earth or sand but do come out in the late afternoons or after heavy rains. Insect repellent will keep them off of you.

Location: St. Thomas is located 1,500 southeast of New York City

Marriage & Weddings in St. Thomas:
St. Thomas is one of the world’s most romantic settings…The U.S. Virgin Islands require no marriage blood tests and American couples need only fill out a two page form, pay a $50 license fee and observe an eight day posting period. The posting/waiting period, however, may be done through a local wedding planner thus eliminating an on-island waiting period. More and more couples are coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands for their entire wedding experience. Applications for a marriage license are done through the Clerk of the Territorial Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands (for a copy of the application call 340.774.6680 ext. 6607).

We are, also, happy to provide our clients with the names and phone numbers of personal wedding consultants and planners who have access to a staggering variety of ceremony and reception locales including historic Blackbeard’s Castle, Estate St. Peter Greathouse Botanical Garden and spectacular Magen’s Bay Beach.

Nightlife in St. Thomas:
Nightlife is extensive and varied providing a variety of entertainment options for every taste from dancing, live music, shows and special events. During the winter months, some of the larger resort hotels offer special Caribbean dinners and shows. The East End is usually a lively spot at night-be sure to check out Duffy’s Love Shack, Sapphire Beach Resort or Latitude 18.

Population: 60,000

St. Thomas Villa-Pre-stocking:
While the villas on St. Thomas generally do not include staffs (cooks), for visitors that will be arriving late in the day or evening, we recommend that they have the villa pre-stocked with some arrival beverages and snacks. Pre-stocking service alone (without cooking) costs $25/per hour with a two-hour minimum. Additionally, special “Welcome to Paradise” arrival baskets are available that include cool drinks, munchies and more.

Rental Overview
St. Thomas villas and St. Thomas villa rentals by Villas Caribe offer endless stunning views of offshore islands and the Caribbean Sea. Located in the USVI, St. Thomas villas can be found on emerald hilltops studded with ruby-red flamboyant trees and lush bougainvillea in a rainbow palette. St. Thomas villas and St. Thomas villa rentals on the beach include the following luxury villa rentals: Sea Star, Casa Bougainvillea, One Beach Road, and Sand Dollar. St. Thomas villas and St. Thomas rental villas frequently offer views of majestic cruise ships and feature great duty-free shopping, provide excellent nightlife activities, and offer guests the ability to choose between many of the islands fine restaurants. While in at your luxury villa rental in St. Thomas, it is imperative that you visit the famous Magen's Bay Beach—a short drive from the majority of villas in our collection. St. Thomas holiday rentals offer a perfect destination for those seeking the quintessential Caribbean experience as well as the convenience of traveling within a U.S. territory.

Our more discriminating St. Thomas villa clientele may prefer the following St. Thomas villas: One Beach Road, Sand Dollar, Infinity, L’ Esperance, Beausoleil, Blue Moon, Countess, and the Ritz Carlton Club Residences..

Villas on St. Thomas and St. Thomas villa rentals by Villas Caribe also offer extraordinary value: Allure, Overlook, Carefree, and the Anchorage Condos.

Please note that many of our St. Thomas villa rentals and St. Thomas USVI vacation rentals feature virtual tours exclusive to the Villas Caribe Caribbean and St. Thomas villa vacation and villa rental collection. We invite you to transport yourself to the sunny American territory of St. Thomas.

St. Thomas Restaurants:

Agave Terrace:
Phone: 340.775.4142.
Reservations recommended.
Located on a cliff overlooking St. John and islands beyond, the Agave Terrace is St. Thomas’ premier Caribbean seafood restaurant. Recommended by the NY Times and Conde Nast Traveler, boasts a gold medal winning kitchen and an extensive wine list.

Blue Moon Café:
Phone: 340.779-2262.
Located on the East End, Blue Moon Café offers a great selection in its casual, seaside setting.

Café Wahoo:
Phone: 340.775.6350
Reservations are recommended year round and open nightly.
Located at the East End, the chef/owner gets first pick from the fishermen who bring their catches across the dock of Red Hook’s Yacht Harbor. The restaurant features Euro-Caribbean recipes in a casual, open-air restaurant.

Craig & Sally’s:
Phone: 340.777.9949.
Reservations are recommended.
A traditional styled indoor, air-conditioned restaurant Craig & Sally’s has been a long time favorite for many years. A Frenchtown classic it offers an extensive wine list and an eclectic mix of Mediterranean, Asian and Caribbean styled dishes. Do be sure to try the eggplant cheesecake with pine nut-garlic breadcrumb crust as an appetizer. Sinful desserts.

Duffy’s Love Shack:
Phone: 340.779-2080.
No credit cards.
Located on the East End, Duffy’s is a funky little outdoor bar and grill billing itself as the “ultimate tropical drink shack”. Bartenders whip up such exotic concoctions as the Love Shack Volcano-a 60 ounce flaming extravagant.

Romano’s:
Phone: 340.775.0045.
Reservations are recommended.
Located on the East End, near Coral World Romano’s offers superb Northern Italian cuisine and well stocked wine racks.

The Inn at Blackbeard’s Castle:
Phone: 340.776.1234.
Located in historic Blackbeard’s Castle on Blackbeard’s Hill, overlooking Charlotte Amalie and the harbor, this restaurant offers an elegant and relaxed atmosphere as well as outstanding harbor views and a very romantic spot for watching the sunset. The restaurant offers contemporary cuisine showcasing native island delicacies in a multi-national style.

Old Stone Farmhouse:
Phone: 340.777.6277
A historic fieldstone building located within the Mahogany Run Tennis Village on the north side of the island, offers a beautiful setting and a sumptuous menu inspired from locales around the world. The restaurant, also, offers a complete sushi menu.

The Ritz Carlton:
Located at the upscale Ritz Carlton Resort on the East End of the island the restaurant offers an elegant dining room with a spectacular view of St. John and the moonrise. Superb French cuisine as well as fresh seafood, poultry, lamb, beef and an excellent wine selection.

St. Thomas Villa-Security Deposits:
The majority of the villas do require a security deposit to be paid along with payment for the actual villa. Damage deposits are full refundable to clients within 30-45 days of their departure, provided there is no breakage, damage, missing items as well as no additional cleaning of the villas left abnormally dirty as well as no long-distance calls charged to the villa telephone and not other charges incurred before, during or after the stay still outstanding.

St. Thomas Sights & Wonders:

Atlantis Submarine:
An air-conditioned submarine that actually submerges to the deep reef. It carries 48 passengers and is a major attraction providing a voyage to depths of 150 feet where a world of exotic marine life unfolds. Both day and night sub dives are offered and a great experience for all.

Blackbeard’s Castle:
This tower is considered by some to be the oldest historical structure in the Virgin Islands. Pirates reputedly once roamed here, it is now a popular restaurant and hotel. The views of Charlotte Amalie and the harbor and cruise ships are simply spectacular.

Bluebeard’s Castle:
One the abode of the 19th century pirate, it now is a major hotel.

Coral World Marine Park & Underwater Observatory:
Phone: 340.775.1555.
A marine complex that features a multi-level off-shore underwater observatory. Portholes provide close up views of Caribbean sea life. Outside are several outdoor pools where you can touch starfish, pet a baby shark and view endangered sea turtles.

Crown House:
A stately home that was built in the 18th century, it has served as the residence of two previous governors of these islands but now is a private residence.

Drake’s Seat:
Located above Magen’s Bay, Drake’s Seat is an excellent spot for panoramic and photographic vistas of the beautiful bay and surrounding islands. According to legend, Sir Francis Drake sat here and chartered the channels and passages of the Virgin Islands. It offers beautiful vistas of almost all of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

Estate St. Peter Greathouse & Botanical Gardens:
Walk among more than 500 verities of meticulously tended plants and trees and view over twenty other islands from three levels on this 3 acre former corporate retreat.

Fort Christian:
Constructed in 1672 by Dutch settlers, its one of the oldest structures in the islands. It once housed the entire St. Thomas colony and there is a museum in what used to be the dungeons where visitors will find early island memorabilia, old maps etc.

Government House:
Constructed in the mid 1860’s, it remains the center of official life in St. Thomas. Visitors are permitted on the first two floors.

Mountain Top:
For the best North side and down-island views from one of St. Thomas’ highest mountain peaks. Also, features shops, a restaurant and a viewing deck.

Ninety-Nine Steps:
One of the many staircases dating to the early 1700s under Danish rule…Blackbeard’s Castle at the top.

Paradise Point Tramway:
Take a gondola 700 feet up the hill to Paradise Point, an overlook with breathtaking views of Charlotte Amalie and the harbor. For hikers, a mile long natural trail leads to spectacular sights of St. Croix to the south-be sure to wear study shoes.

Seven Arches Museum:
A fully restored and furnished 18th century house overlooking Charlotte Amalie.

St. Thomas Snorkeling & Diving:
St. Thomas offers exceptional close in snorkeling directly off its spectacular white sand beaches. The best underwater adventures are found at Sapphire Beach and Secret Harbor.

Dive sites around St. Thomas feature wrecks such as the Cartanser Sr., a 35-foot deep, beautifully encrusted cargo ship as well as the General Rogers, a 65-foot deep Coast Guard cutter with gigantic resident barracuda.

Reef dives offer hidden caves and archways at Cow & Calf Rocks, coral-covered pinnacles at Frenchcap and tunnels where you can explore from the Caribbean to the Atlantic at Thatch Cay, Grass Cay and Congo Bay.

Staff:
The villas on St. Thomas generally only include limited maid service. Each property has the frequency of service listed in its detailed written description on our website at www.villascaribe.com. Please note, however, that additional maid service as well as cook/chef service may be arranged for additional fees.

Tipping of the staff:
It is appropriate to tip the villa’s housekeeper (if included) for excellent service and a job well done. We recommend $2-$4 per guest, per day.

St. Thomas Tennis:
The majority of the large hotels and resorts on the island have tennis courts that may be booked even if you are not a guest.

Time Zone:
St. Thomas falls in the Atlantic Time zone, which is one hour ahead of US Eastern time. The island does not observe daylight savings time.

Topography:
St. Thomas is only 13 miles long and less than 4 miles wide but is extremely hilly with a ridge of mountains that runs from east to west through the middle of the island and separates the Caribbean and Atlantic sides of the island. The coastline is scalloped by picturesque bays fringed with inviting beaches. The view of nearby islands creates a stunningly beautiful seascape.

Tourist Board Contact Information:
USA/New York Office: 212.332.2222.
USA/Los Angeles Office: 213.739.0138.

TV & VCR Rentals:
All of the villas on the island are equipped with cable/Satellite TV and VCRs-so rentals are not necessary.

Water:
St. Thomas villa’s cistern water is filtered before it comes out of the faucets and is safe to drink but for those who have delicate stomachs it would be wise to drink bottled water.