Ritz-Carlton Club Guest Brochure
Things to Do in St Thomas
Local Activities
St. Thomas is known for many things - romance, adventure, relaxation, and duty-free shopping to name a few! Whatever your ideal vacation is, you are guaranteed to find it within just minutes of St. Thomas Residence Club.
Mahogany Run Golf Course
Designed by legendary course designers George and Tom Fazio, the Mahogany Run Golf Course is an 18-hole championship golf course. Located just 15 minutes from the St. Thomas Residence Club, Mahagony Run features the famous Davil's Triangle, breathtaking coastline ocean views, and natural contours of tropical hills and valleys. Mahogany Run is a public course open 7 days a week. For more information about Mahogany Run Golf Course, please visit www.mahoganyrungolf.com.
Coral World Ocean Park & Undersea Observatory
Experience the beauty and magic of life under and above the Caribbean Sea. Stay dry while gazing into the ocean from 15 feet under in our Undersea Observatory or take the plunge "moonwalking" through ocean gardens with Sea Trek. Get up close and personal with tiny seahorses, giant lobsters, scorpion fish, and other fascinating sea life in the Marine Gardens. You can even swim with playful sea lions, feed rainbow lorikeets and encounter turtles and sharks or feed the stingrays. For more information about Coral World Ocean Park, please visit www.coralworldvi.com.
St. Thomas Skyride to Paradise Point
Take in all of St. Thomas as the Skyride whisks you 700 ft. above the town of Charlotte Amalie. The skyride carries 24 passengers every seven minutes along its 8 tower ascent of Flag Hill. This remarkable view was voted "Best View 2009 & 2010" and is a must experience adventure for you and every member of your party. For more information about the St. Thomas Skyride to Paradise Point, please visit www.paradisepointtramway.com.
Blackbeard's Castle
Blackbeard's Castle, originally named Skytsborg Tower (sky tower), was built in 1679 by the Danes as a watchtower for the harbor of Charlotte Amalie. According to island lore, Blackbeard the Pirate later used the tower for his own treacherous purposes. For more information about Blackbeard's Castle, please visit www.blackbeardscastle.com.
St. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens
Nestled high in the volcanic peaks of St. Thomas sits St. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens. Rumor has it pirates used the land to bury their treasure, but in the 1800's it was part of the 150-acre Plantation St. Peter. Today, the Great House boasts classic West Indian architecture with lush botanical gardens and a nature trail, streaming waterfalls, tropical bird aviaries, fish ponds, more than 20 varieties of orchids and 150 species of Caribbean plants and fruits. The main house highlights classic open Caribbean architecture featuring native handcrafted stonework and displays of local artisans and artists. For more information about St. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens, please visit www.greathouse-mountaintop.com.
Historic Charlotte Amalie
Downtown Charlotte Amalie is full of history. The old Danish warehouses and buildings now house fabulous shops. Historical attractions in Charlotte Amalie include Fort Christian, Emancipation Park, Seven Arches Museum, 99 Steps, Blackbeard's Castle, Frederick Lutheran Church and more.
Island-Hopping
Make the most of your island vacation as The St. Thomas Residence Club is conveniently located near St. John and the British Virgin Islands, making it easy to visit multiple islands in one day. Luxury power yachts and bareback power boat charters are available. For more information about island-hopping, please visit www.yachtmagicmoments.com.
Local Shops
A.H. Riise Stores
A.H. Riise offers one of the Virgin Islands' most extensive selections of duty free goods. Enjoy the world's highest duty-free allowances on your purchases from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Choose from the world's finest names in perfumes, cosmetics, skin care, jewelry, watches, spirits, tobacco, china, crystal, figurines and Caribbean gifts. A.H. Riise is located in downtown Charlotte Amalie and in the Havensight Mall. For more information about A.H. Riise, please visit www.ahriise.com.
Havensight Mall
Shop till you drop as Havensight Mall has over 100 duty free stores. Shop for jewelry, cameras, watches, perfume, liquor, souvenirs and more. For more information about Havensight Mall, please visit www.havensightmall.com.
Mongoose Junction (St. John)
One of St. John's favorite attractions after its National Park and beaches, Mongoose Junction is St John's premier collection of fashionable shops and restaurants. Find something for all ages as you explore this shoppers' paradise filled with upscale boutiques and locally crafted jewelry and casual Island style eateries and fine dining restaurants. For more information about Mongoose Junction, please visit www.mongoosejunctionstjohn.com.
Local Dining
Havana Blue Restaurant
Havana Blue is where Latin America meets the Pacific Rim. Taste culinary artistry with coconut chipotle ceviche, lobster tacos, ancho espresso fillet, miso glazed sea bass, green chile plantain snapper, Cuban chocolate cake, key lime crème brûlée. For more information about the Havana Blue Restaurant, please visit www.havanabluerestaurant.com.
Old Stone Farmhouse
Located in a 200 year old restored field house in St. Thomas' Mahogany Run area, The Old Stone Farmhouse is bursting with history and excitement. The building's distinctive character is shown with native stone walls, original hardwood floors, brick arches, and a charming covered courtyard. The restaurant features "Chef Inspired" fine dining in an intimate and elegant atmosphere. The cuisine is ingredient driven and will change frequently based on availability. For more information about the Old Stone Farmhouse, please visit www.oldstonefarmhouse.com.
The Cellar
The Cellar is the food and wine pairing destination of the Caribbean. Delight your palate with pleasures such as daily fresh seafood features, beef wellington and truffle macaroni & cheese. The wine bar features an extensive wine list of over 150 bottles and myriad wines by the glass from all over the world. The serene interior features a copper tin ceiling, a relaxing waterfall and a dramatically lit bar. For more information about The Cellar, please visit www.thecellarvi.com.
Mim's Seaside Bistro
Mim's Seaside Bistro has delighted guests with a blue ribbon menu and romantic seaside ambience for 17 years. Dine under the stars or on the festively-lit covered patio. And discover why the chef is a Tommy Star winner as you treat yourself to an amazing meal. House specials are coconut curry lobster and baked stuffed lobster. Other dishes include hand-cut steaks, king crab legs, chicken, fish, and creative pasta dishes. For more information about Mim's Seaside Bistro, please visit www.mimsseasidebistro.com.
W!kked
Looking for island fun and excitement? Head over to W!kked, a hip bar and seaside shack with a high-energy atmosphere. Dine on "W!kked" wings, "W!kked" tacos, and "W!kked" cocktails. W!kked is a 2009 Fodor's Choice and a 2009 "Best of the V.I." restaurant. For more information about W!kked, please visit www.wikkedrestaurant.com.
Travel Info
What You Need to Know. Before You Go.
Distance to Points of Interest
The St. Thomas Residence Club and Ritz-Carlton Hotel is:
» 20 minutes from Charlotte Amalie
» 30 minutes from Cyril E. King International Airport
» 15 minutes from St. John's by ferry (which leaves from nearby Red Hook)
Passport Requirements
Passports for U.S. Citizens are not required for the U.S. Virgin Islands, but you must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship upon leaving (such as a birth certificate and photo ID). Passports are required for trips to the British Virgin Islands should you choose to visit while in the Caribbean.
Taxi Service
Taxis are readily available at the airport, cruise ship dock, St. Thomas Residence Club, and at popular attractions and beaches. Taxis charge per person and by destination. There are no metered taxis. Taxi rates are set by the VI Taxicab Division.
Driving
Rental cars are available at St. Thomas. If this is your transportation of choice, be prepared for driving on the left side, steering wheels on the left, steep roads, and average speed limits of 35 mph.
Phones & Cell Phones
The Virgin Island area code is 340. AT&T, Sprint, and Cingular all have local cell phone service.
Language
English is the primary language spoken and the basis for many of the West Indian dialects.
Currency & Credit Cards
The U.S. Virgin Islands uses the U.S. dollar. Major credit cards are accepted in most locations.