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Desperately trying to plan a sunny beach get-away w/husband & 12 year old. Taveling late February. Have minimal knowledge of any of the Islands, don't want to throw myself at the mercy of a Travel Agent who from past experiences may try to push something thats not really for us. Needs are simple....clean, safe accomodations with gorgeous beach and hopefully restaurants/shops within walking distance. I know I sound totally uneducated on this topic but do you need proof of citizenship, birth certificates as other Islands? Any guidance anyone can give is really welcome!!
With winter starting in our area as early as Halloween by February we desperately need to run away to someplace warm with beach.
Thanks for any info!!!!
We have a 12 yr old also and felt the same need after the past few winters. Obviously you have to narrow things down a bit depending on your needs, likes, dislikes, budget, etc. I went to tripadvisor.com and frommers.com to begin that process and once I became intriged by the USVIs, this site became an important resource. At first we were considering a cruise, but so many user reviews of cruises said "the best day of the entire trip was when we took an excursion off the ship at X island and did a daysail/snorkel tour/etc." so we said since we are not really the cruise type anyway, why not have the best day every day? And when you crunch the numbers, the cost effeciency of a cruise aint all its made out to be, esp when you add in all the extras. So we are leaving on Easter Sunday with our 12 year old for Estate Lindholm in SJ and Secret Harbour in ST. She is really jazzed about doing the whole snorkeling thing - I think her head will explode when she first sees the color of that water! Its something you never forget.
Jean
While you do not need a passport to visit USVI (birth certificate and picture ID suffice), having one really makes things easier with today's Homeland security issues. You will need one if visiting the British VI.
As far as location, accommodations, etc. it really depends on your interest and budget. Like JMG, we found financial comparison between cruise and renting a villa a push. I would look into airfares during your time frame, determine if you want to share a (hotel)room as a family or perhaps look for a suite or villa. Then you can research various costs and quickly determine what you are willing to pay out.
Don't limit yourself to finding a place 'close to everything' since driving is not a big issue and the islands are not large enough to make driving a chore.
If you stay on STT, plan on visiting STJ at least once via ferry for the day.
If you choose STX, chances are you will stay there the entire time but the island offers many wonderful sites and experiences of its own.
After you have narrowed your choices, come back to the board for more information.
Enjoy the adventure!!
Where you stay certainly depends on your budget but I recommend Sapphire Beach Resort. It is a beautiful beach, has a great swimming pool and the rooms have a kitchenette so you can save on eating every meal out. If you want something a bit cheaper I would go with Bolongo Beach Resort. More of a budget hotel but beach is great and restaurants are great. It is going to be difficult to stay at a resort on a beach and still be able to walk to shops. Just doesn't happen here. Not an island where walking is easy. Hilly and no shoulders on the roads.
Secret Harbor on St. Thomas, or Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina, would probably be perfect for what you are seeking. Close to Red Hook, great restaurants, wonderful beaches, close to the ferries to other islands, great shopping, beautiful views, loads of different activities (boating excursions, Coral World, etc.)...and perfect weather year 'round! Just MHO.
~Marty
