The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

Description:

• Fronted by white-sand beaches, the Ritz-Carlton stands on 30 acres of oceanfront at the island's southeastern tip, 4 miles from Charlotte Amalie. The hotel's architecture evokes a palazzo in Venice, as befitting of a Ritz property, and is set amid landscaped gardens, with bubbling fountains and hidden courtyards evoking the feel of a truly sprawling villa.

  Also befitting of the Ritz is the special, key-activated Club Lounge featuring 75 well-appointed units, each with views of the Caribbean and a private balcony. Some of the rooms also contain separate bathtubs and "rain-shower stalls." The resort features an extensive spa with 11 luxurious treatment rooms and more open-air cabanas. The recent renovation has seen improvements all around, and a most notable change has been in the quality of the dining and an improvement in the service.
  

  Of the restaurants, Bleuwater is highly recommended and has the best chef on the island; the Great Bay Lounge is a chic place for cocktails, tapas, and sushi. The Ritz Kids program is one of the best on the island, with such features as snorkeling and scuba diving. Finally, the property has its own scuba diving school and private yacht, readily available for guests.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010