There are two restaurants on site. Roberts and the more casual Ainsley's, both on the beach. Red Hook with several restaurants and shops in close proximity to each other is a 5-10 minute drive away. St Thomas isn't a walking island (no sidewalks, hilly, blind corners, etc.) wherever you stay and everything is very spread out, which is why visitors are advised to rent a car. You can check out the regulated taxi rates by clicking on "St Thomas" at the top of this page and scrolling down to the transportation link. Taxi from Elysian to Red Hook will run $4-5 per person each way so you can see how the fares add up very quickly.

Driving here is very easy to get used to even though we drive on the left. The cars are standard American LH drive vehicles, the max speed limit is 35MPH and the normal driving speed is around 20-25MPH so no worries there. Good luck with all your planning and hope you enjoy a great visit!

I would NOT attempt to walk to red hook were there are numerous places places to eat. IT IS ABOUT 2.5 MILES. And the roads are not ons to walk on.

There are safari buses that run but not to the Elysian. Look at Sapphire Resort, Summer Bay, Crystal Cove, Pools and Pavilions if you want to get around on the cheap.

billd

thanks. So what is your opinion of the condo complex? Elysian Beach Resort. Or should we look at the other resorts billd listed?

Elysian and Cowpet Bay are well worth looking into - BUT - not if you want to walk to anything off property - 3 restaurants - except the RITZ is next door and very accessible .
You can't really walk anywhere from the billd suggestions --- but can take the local safari bus -- but only one way conveniently ! -- returning is not worthwhile as it is a LONG one way circular route --- and only available during daylight hours in any case.

Thanks! After reading more we will definitely rent a car. We are still looking at condos at the Elysian. What about Sapphire Condos? We need a 2 bedroom unit in a complex that definitely has a pool Any suggestions are welcome.

I've no stake at all in Sapphire, but you should take a look on www.vrbo.com,

And the search engine here on TA is pretty fine!

Thanks. When I look at the Sapphire I don't see any 2 bed/2 bath units. Am I looking at the wrong place????? Sorry.....

In Jan. we stayed at 3 Tracy Way in Cowpet Bay East. Beach Bar was right below the condo and Roberts is on the same beach. Condo was perfect, you can contact Glenn at VIP Rentals 580-850-1892. Can view the condo on the internet by putting in 3 Tracey Way. The beach at Elyisian and the pool are part of the deal. We loved it.

The Elysian is, in my opinion, the most beautifully landscaped resort on the island. We own a condo in STT and go to the beach at the Elysian nearly everyday, swapping out for Secret Harbor a few days. No walking on STT roads please, too dangerous due to narrow roads, twisting turns and not much of a shoulder if any. Renting a car is the way to go, much cheaper than a taxi if you plan to go out to eat evenings or even one or two shopping trips. Remember taxis are per person, per destination. I prefer Avis car rental right at the airport. I have never been disappointed with their service, car selection or price...but I have been with Discount and Budget. We've been traveling to STT several times a year for over 35 years, first hotels, then timeshares and now we have purchased our own 2 BR condo in a gated community which is heaven on earth.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Gutzy wrote:
Thanks. When I look at the Sapphire I don't see any 2 bed/2 bath units. Am I looking at the wrong place????? Sorry.....

There are only a few 2BR/2BA Sapphire units. I know the owners of this one and have met many of their guests, all of whom have been thrilled with the place:

www.vrbo.com/134380

One of the posters responding here has a 2BR/2BA at Crystal Cove-it's wonderful. We've rented from them. Crystal Cove is at one end of Sapphire Beach-they are two-story condos, have a pool, etc. This condo has laundry inside the condo. I can't wait to get back, why won't the economy pick up???? Anyway, don't plan to walk anywhere in Red Hook, you'll get run down ... you can take taxi-but expensive. I think Cowpet, which is kind of cloistered, has too many bugs... but I am a Sapphire groupie, anyway!

If you can find a place at Sapphire I highly recommend it, great beach, restaurants and the docks are right there to take you on some really wonderful excursions. Renting a car is one of the many things we enjoy about our yearly visits to the island. It's fun to drive there and you have the ability to really explore. This website is full of information about restaurants, beaches and places to see, a little research will provide you with a wealth of info to make your visit really special.. Have a great time!