we are planning a trip to st thomas this coming may. we were wondering if anyone has any information about the best western emerald beach resort. we've seen the photographs and been reading up on the hotel. seems pretty nice and light on the pocket. can anyone give me some information on how the beach is there. also we've heard it's near the airport, and there's a possibility of hearing planes go by (which defeats the purpose of a relaxing vacation). also some info on the blazing villas. any help is greatly appreciated. thank you

Last July I stayed at Sapphire and loved it. The beach is beautiful - a bit rocky at places but that makes for great snorkeling and there are some sandy spots for swimming. I now live here and have seen the beach at Rennaisance and it is pretty as well. At the Sapphire the rooms are closer to the beach. You are also closer to Red Hook if you wanted to go to a "town" at night. Although at the Renaissance you are close to Coki Point (great beach for snorkeling and swimming). Either one is a good choice.

The Emerald Resort looks very nice - you would definitely hear the airplanes. I have also heard that the water there is not the greatest for swimming. I have never gone swimming at that beach.

My husband and I celebrated our 25th anniversary in December at the Renaissance. We had a wonderful time and the beach was great! When we first checked in though, our room was way up on the hillsige without a view of the water;beautiful grounds, but that's not what we wanted. With a quick phone call to the front desk, we were upgraded for $15 more a night, we were right on the beach!. The staff were very nice and the food great. It was a short walk to Coral World, but otherwise had to take a taxi everywhere else. It was not safe to leave the property at night and we did not rent a car. Taxi rates had just gone up, so getting around was somewhat expensive. Have a great time when you go! Heidi