Honeymooning, Like a Virgin...

Honeymooning, Like a Virgin...

Description:

As a post-nup paradise, the US Virgin Islands make a big splash. With everything from tourist-packed mega-malls to protected pristine beaches, you won't have to give up modern conveniences and four-star amenities to enjoy the idyllic islands--unless you want to. This four-guide offers the perfect marriage of outdoorsy, lush St. John and bustling, glitzy St. Thomas, taking you from land to sea to sky... and into the stars with your sweetie.You'll be based at pristine and remote Caneel Bay Resort in St. John; you'll truly be off the beaten path, so be sure to pre-book unlimited ferry service between the resort and St. Thomas. While St. John creates a perfectly lush and tranquil honeymoon setting, it lacks the tourist facilities of St. Thomas. Be sure the enjoy a hearty breakfast or brunch at one of Caneel Bay Resort's before heading out for your morning beach romping, as restaurants are far and few between.

Author: Lauren Q
Lauren Quinn is a travel-addicted freelance writer and former NileGuide editorial intern. When she's... view profile

Day Note:

Your four days of honeymoon bliss begin at the Caneel Bay Resort, tucked away on pristine St. John. Enjoy a hearty brunch at one of the resort's restaurants before spend the rest of the morning lazing on the white sands of Trunk Bay, a quintessentially remote St. John beach--until the cruise ships arrive. When the tourists begin pouring in the afternoon, head to St. Peter Greathouse Estate & Gardens to stroll around the lush, romantic gardens. Hop on that...read more

  • Caneel Bay Resort

    Caneel Bay Resort - St. Thomas
    • Contact:

    • +1 340 776 6111
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • P.O. Box 720
    • A couple of miles outside of Cruz Bay
    • Caneel Bay,VI00831
    • Map

    check rates
    from $450
    • user rating

    Description:

    Pristine and perfect with lush grounds, seven beautiful beaches and knock out views of St. Thomas across the sea, Caneel Bay Resort sets the stage for a comfortable vacation. The posh, yet simple, rooms are decorated in tropical-style furniture, and the upscale 170-acre property offers impeccable service as well as a variety of activities and water sports. Guests spend their days playing tennis, relaxing at the beach, browsing in the ritzy gift shop, and enjoying fine dining at any one of the hotel's four restaurants.

  • St. Peter Greathouse Estate & Gardens

    St. Peter Greathouse Estate & Gardens - St. Thomas
    • Contact:

    • +1 340 774 4999
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 6A St. Peter Mountain Road, Route 40

    Description:

    Perched a thousand feet above Magens Bay, this 11-acre estate offers visitors a self-guided stroll past its 200 plus varieties of trees and plants, an orchid garden, waterfalls, bird sanctuary, and fish ponds. An observation deck provides views of Magens Bay, Peter Island, Jost Van Dyke, Hans Lollik, and a number of smaller islands. In addition to the huge greathouse, there is a mini-museum of antiques and furnishings as well as local art. Built in the 1800s, the attraction was originally part of the 150-acre Estate St. Peter.

  • Oceana Restaurant and Wine Bar

    Oceana Restaurant and Wine Bar - St. Thomas
    • Contact:

    • 1340 774 4262
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • Villa Olga in Frenchtown
    • Follow the main road back, passing Craig and Sally's. At the end of the road you will see Oceana.

    Description:

    This restaurant is located in a beautifully restored villa at the water's edge. The menu features fresh seafood and meats expertly prepared. The reasonably priced tapas table has twenty delicious items to choose from.

Day Note:

You'll spend most of your second day romping around one of St. John's most stunning attractions, Cinnamon Bay. Snorkel around the azure waters and stroll hand-in-hand along the gleaming white sands before heading into St. John, where you'll spend the rest of the day dining, drinking and gazing out from one of the island's best vantage points.

Casual Rhumblines will make for a relaxing alfresco lunch. Brave the crowds and soak in a truly stunning sunset at Mountain...read more

  • Mountain Top

    Mountain Top - St. Thomas
    • Contact:

    • +1 340 774 2400
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • Route 33
    • (St. Peter Mountain)

    Description:

    Even if you're not in the market for a tee shirt, a St. Thomas souvenir or a banana daiquiri, a stop at this touristy attraction is worth it just for the view. At 1,500 feet above sea level, visitors can see up and down the island chain. The area, once known as Signal Hill, served as a strategic communications point for the United States government during the 1940s. Tour buses galore visit this spot, so time your visit when only a few cruise ships are in the harbor. There is no admission charge.

  • Epernay Wine Bar and Bistro

    • Contact:

    • 340 774 5348
    • Location:

    • Route 3016
    • Right in the center of Frenchtown

    Description:

    The island's premier wine and champagne bar also conjures up a delicious and nicely-presented menu of contemporary cuisine. Start with something like the Epernay Platter, a plate of Smoked Salmon, Brie and Pate served with Crostinis, Capers and Onions. Dinner tends towards a Rib Eye Steak with Fried Shallots, Grilled Chicken and Sesame Crusted Tuna with Sticky Rice and Roasted Vegetables. Sophisticated residents and visitors gather at the bar to sample a vast selection of international wines by the glass or bottle.

Day Note:

Start your third day at little-visited St. Croix's best beaches and snorkeling waters, Jack and Isaacs Bays. One of the few restaurants on St. Croix, Indies will wow you will sumptuous local flavors. For the rest of the day, head back to St. Thomas. No trip to the US Virgin Islands is complete without a little shopping. You can join the masses at one of the duty-free mega-malls, or head to Tillett Gardens, home to local artists galleries among other entertainment...read more

  • Tillett Gardens

    • Contact:

    • +1 340 775 1929
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 4126 Anna's Retreat, Route 38 (Smith Bay Road)
    • Across from Tutu Fire Station
    • Map

    Description:

    This small compound, tucked away right in the heart of the busy Tutu shopping area, is home to a handful of artists, the highly-acclaimed local theater group, Pistarkle Theater, a restaurant, and an ongoing series of concerts and art fairs, including the popular Arts Alive festival. Established in 1959 by the late Jim Tillett, the area developed into an art center when Tillett began making and merchandising his silk-screened island maps and prints. Similar items are still available at Tillett Art Gallery.

  • Agave Terrace (Point Pleasant Resort)

    Agave Terrace (Point Pleasant Resort) - St. Thomas
    • Contact:

    • +1 340 775 4142
    • Location:

    • 6600 Estate Smith Rd
    • Point Pleasant Resort
    • Map

    Description:

    This lovely cliffside restaurant epitomizes tropical dining. The friendly but elegant atmosphere is outdone only by the excellent cuisine. Agave Terrace is known for its seafood specialties. Try the local lobster or the catch of the day prepared with your choice of sauce and style. The restaurant has a menu just for children, who are welcome here. It has won six gold medals, including the Best Overall award, from Chaine des Rotisseurs and an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. A steel drum band usually plays on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

  • Pistarkle Theater

    • Contact:

    • 340 775 7877
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • Tillett Gardens
    • (across from Tutu Park Mall)
    • Map

    Description:

    The island's premier little theater group puts on quite good performances throughout the year. Most of the actors live here, but most have at least some theater experience elsewhere. The director is often imported from the United States mainland to give the play a bit more polish. Look for plays like Bus Stop and California Suite on stage. Advance reservations are advised, but you may pick up your tickets at the box office.

Day Note:

Your fourth and final honeymoon day will deliver over-the-top romance. Spend the early part of the day swooning at remote and aptly named Honeymoon Beach on St. John. Have an ideal alfresco lunch at St. Thomas' Blue Moon Cafe before hitting the skies. Air Center Helicopters is your outfitter for dazzling bird's eye views of the islands. Get back in time for your sunset champagne cruise with Heavenly Days. Your final dinner will be at uber-romantic Old Stone...read more

  • Blue Moon Cafe

    Blue Moon Cafe - St. Thomas
    • Contact:

    • +1 340 779 2262
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 6280 Estate Nazareth
    • Secret Harbor Beach Resort
    • Map

    Description:

    This alfresco beachside eatery is a favorite for casual lunches with sand on your feet and more elegant dinners served under soft lighting and ceiling fans. Palm trees surround the restaurant and boats bob in the harbor. By day, the cuisine includes imaginative salads, sandwiches and items such as a quesadilla with chicken, mango, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, and scallions. In the evening, the menu runs to dishes like red snapper with pecans, bananas in a coconut rum sauce and parmesan-crusted chicken with penne pasta, artichokes, tomatoes and garlic.

  • Air Center Helicopters

    Air Center Helicopters - St. Thomas
    • Contact:

    • 340 775-7335
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • Crown Bay Cruise Ship Dock

    Description:

    Get a bird's eye view of reefs, rocks, the islands and the sea with a helicopter tour from this St. Thomas company. The 25-minute Odyssey trip takes you from a grassy spot near the Crown Bay Cruise Ship Dock over Charlotte Amalie, along the north coast of St. John, over Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, and back to St. Thomas via Magens Bay.

  • Heavenly Days

    Heavenly Days - St. Thomas
    • Contact:

    • +1 340 775 1800 / +1 800 524 4746
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • 7150 Bolongo, Route 30 (Bovoni Road)
    • Bolongo Bay Beach Club and Villas, Bolongo Bay

    Description:

    Set sail aboard Heavenly Days, a 53-foot catamaran, for Honeymoon Beach in St. John. This type of sailboat is stable, which means the ride is more comfortable than a conventional sailboat. The trip includes several hours of sun, swimming and snorkeling at one of the island's prettiest beaches, located at the posh Caneel Bay Resort in Virgin Islands National Park. The rate includes snorkeling gear, a buffet lunch and an open bar.

  • Old Stone Farm House (The)

    Old Stone Farm House (The) - St. Thomas
    • Contact:

    • +1 340 777 6277
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • Route 42 (Mahogany Run Road)
    • (Near the Mahogany Run Golf Course)
    • Map

    • user rating

    Description:

    The Old Stone Farm House serves delicious food in what was once the factory of a centuries-old sugar plantation. With exposed stone walls, candlelight and lovely table linens, the restaurant sets the stage for a gracious evening. The menu runs toward the contemporary side with dishes like pan seared salmon with arugula, pistachios, mint and a yellow split pea puree. It is served with basil pomme frites, or French fries to those who prefer English. Do not skip the chocolate covered Grand Marnier cheesecake.

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