marie-

I have never elected to stay at the Ritz. But, I have read that the service/accomodations at the STT Ritz doesn't match what you might find at mainland based Ritz's.

What are you looking for in a resort for your Caribbean vacation? What sort of resorts are you used to? Most of the very finicky people that I know elect to go to places like PSV Resort http://www.psvresort.com/ or Peter Islands Resort http://www.peterisland.com/. Or, they get a villa on STT or STJ. Have you considered a villa?

We definately want to stay on St. Thomas with a relaxing/low key and somewhat luxurious/pampering environment. We want access to a spa, pool, room service, and also want to be on a beach and have a room with a balcony that overlooks the water. I really don't know anything about villas, but definately do not want to cook or shop for groceries or have to drive for meals.

Ritz is probably your best option on STT. I love STT and never want to dissuade anyone from going....but when I hear people sy they want what you want, I would probably have recommended another island/resort for ultimate pamering on a beachfront setting.

Hello Marie,

The Ritz has the things you are looking for; beach front, spa, pool (the pool at the Ritz Resort is a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the beach and the pool at the new villa area is gorgeous as well and is close to the other beach). While I have also heard from people who frequent Ritz properties that the property here is not the same in terms of size ect., I have heard great things about the customer service and the resort in general. They recently received 2004 Four Diamond lodging recognition by AAA for the resort and one of their restaurants. Its a great choice for what you are looking for. Lady Lynsey is a nice catamaran; not sure if thats the private excursion you are speaking of? Unless you charter it privately it can hold a few dozen people, its a large cat.

--Islander

Thanks for all the info. We do hope to try some of the other islands on a different vacation.

I stayed at the Ritz back in 2001 and I will be returning to the hotel this summer. The St. Thomas property is very nice. My only real knock on the resort was that the beach in front of the hotel was rather small. Howevever, I understand that the Ritz encompassed more beachfront property during the recent expansion. The rooms are what you would expect from the Ritz, well appointed and large. Most of the rooms have beautiful views of the water. I would particularly recommend one of the suites, which feature two private balconies with chaise lounges overlooking the water. The level of service at the St. Thomas Ritz is probably a small notch below what you would experience in the States, but it is far superior to anything else in St. Thomas.

The pool at the Ritz is gorgeous. It's an infinity design that appears to flow right into the ocean. The food at the resort is quite good, but you'll pay handsomely for it (it's the Ritz, what do you expect). I think you'll have a great time at the Ritz. I certainly prefer this resort to the Ritz's other Carribean properties. In my opinion, only the Four Seasons in Nevis can match the St. Thomas Ritz if you are looking for a large Carribean luxury resort. I prefer St. Thomas, because there are ample things to do outside of the property.

Hello Mike,

The beach adjacent to the Ritz Resort property where their new expansion project is located is larger and the pool and grounds there are lovely. Its an easy walk along a path on the coast from the small beach to the larger.

--Islander