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We will be in St. Thomas for the day and would like to find a nice beach not too far from Charlotte Amalie to spend a few hours. Can anyone suggest someplace very nearby where we can use a beach and that also has a restaurant and facilities? We really aren't interested in Magen's Bay.
How is Frenchman's Reef or the Marriott, are they strict about keeping out non-quests, or would we be able to use a lounge chair there and some shade? I've stayed at some resorts that welcome non-quests and others that literally stand guard and keep them out. What type of atmosphere prevails at those resorts? If it matters, we blend in nicely with the resort guests and will be buying drinks/lunch. Thanks.
All beaches in the USVI are public, so they can't keep you out. They can, and do, charge non-guests for chairs, umbrellas, etc. Marriott charges $10 for a chair, the highest on the island as far as I know (most are $5). Getting a free chair is easy later in the day (when all you cruise people leave--HA) but early in the day, you probably won't get a freebee.
The beach at Marriott (Morning Star) is great if you like more boisterous water. Most days it is the waviest water among the popular beaches--exactly the opposite of Magen's Bay. If it is what you want it is great. The beach is long, sandy, easy in and out, good restaurant, etc.
Hey thanks, I love waves, and yes, I understand the attitude WRT cruisers, but I've more than paid my dues at many Marriotts, Hyatts, Ritz Carltons and Hiltons around the world on land based vacations! 😉
Question, does that $10 get you a towel or pool usage, or is that just to sit on the chair? If so you're right, it is steep.
Just a chair
Hello Nina,
Marriott doesn't promote pool use to non-guest; its not actively guarded but folks do walk around and keep an eye out. You can visit/eat/drink at the bar and the restaurant and use the beach.
--Islander
