Sparkling Suggestions for Holiday Excursions
Ahoy! Looking for that perfect gift that sparkles this holiday season? Well, “Welcome Aboard,” because we have a few suggestions for you to consider. Memories last far longer than “stuff” anyways, so why not opt for a magnificent experience rather than searching for that perfect scarf, stuffed animal or beaded necklace? Here are some possibilities.
#1. Plan A Breakfast Outing To Watch The Sunrise –
Whether you’re based on St. Thomas or St. John, there are plenty of beautiful places to watch the sunrise. Arrange ahead of time with one of the numerous deli establishments on island to grab some breakfast to-go along with your choice of coffee, cocoa or tea and head to one of these locations. Yes, you’ll have to get up early, but the colors and dazzling light show will be worth it. (Plan on being in place shortly after 6:30 a.m. as sunrise on December 25th occurs at 6:48 a.m.) There’s nothing quite like the adventure of watching the stars fade away and glimpsing the rainbow of colors arch across the sky as the sun emerges to start another day.
On St. Thomas:
The top five locations for viewing sunrise are Drake’s Seat, Sapphire Beach, Lindquist Beach, John’s Narrows, and Mountain Top. If you’re looking for a high vantage point, go for Drake’s Seat or Mountain Top, but if east-facing beaches are more your vibe, head to Sapphire or Linquist. For nautical lovers, John’s Narrows, the body of water that separates St. Thomas from St. John, are best viewed from the eastern and southeastern parts of St. Thomas. Somewhere like Smith Bay gives you the sunrise and a great view of the ships entering the harbor. All of the above are great choices for a holiday adventure, though the hard part is getting up early!
On St. John:
This tiny island also has five great options for viewing the sunrise: Peace Hill, the Trunk Bay Overlook, Cinnamon Bay Beach, America Hill ruins, and Privateer Bay. Each has its own magic. Regardless of which location you choose, don’t forget your camera.
Located halfway between Hawksnest Beach and Trunk Bay, the grassy area just behind the Peace Hill Windmill Ruins offers a great panoramic view that can be spellbinding at dawn. There are a half dozen parking spaces at the bottom of the gentle sloping trail, which makes this location easily accessible.
A little further down the North Shore Road, you’ll encounter the Trunk Bay Overlook, one of the most photographed locations in the Caribbean. Park in the designated area and sit on the stone wall overlooking the sea to take in the view that stretches all the way to Mary Point and Whistling Cay. Again, breathtaking colors and view.
America Hill Ruins requires a bit of a workout as it sits above Cinnamon Bay and overlooks Maho Bay. The trailhead is located across the road from the parking lot to Cinnamon Bay. The 1.3 round-trip hike is rated “moderate” and is all uphill on the way in, but the views are worth it. An added bonus, if you didn’t have time to grab breakfast, you can stop by the Cinnamon Bay Campgrounds and have someone prepare a hot breakfast for you and your crew.
If hiking isn’t your thing, simply head to Cinnamon Bay Beach, the longest stretch of sand on St. John. The views are open to the east and you’ll get to see the sunrise while lounging quietly on your patch of sand.
For those who want some privacy, head to Privateer Bay, the farthest point on the eastern edge of St. John. This quiet gem of a location becomes even more magical at dawn. Some say watching the sun rise here is transformative.
#2. Visit The BVI’s
Day trips to the BVI are always a hit and while booking with a company like Stormy Pirates will give you flexibility as well as a more tailored experience, there are also opportunities to use the ferry system that connects the islands.
Virgin Gorda – This is the 3rd largest of the British Virgin Islands (after Tortola and Anegada), and it’s the 2nd most populous. The most famous attraction on the islands is The Baths, which consists of unique, natural rock formations including caves and grottos. Hike through The Baths National Park and you’ll come to Devil’s Bay. Other noted beaches include Spring Bay, known for its large boulders, and Savannah Bay, where the turtles gather. Gorda Peak is the island’s highest point at 1370 ft. and it’s located on the northwestern ridge. Make it to the top and you can climb a tower for even more breathtaking views. Hungry? Stop by Hog Heaven for a bite to eat. For an encore, add a bit of history by stopping by Copper Mine National Park (about a 20 minute taxi ride from the Baths or Spanish Town Marina) on the southeast side of the island, where you can explore the ruins of a 19th-century copper mine. Sounds like the perfect holiday adventure.
** The Virgin Islands Interisland Boat Service runs a ferry from Red Hook (St. Thomas) to Spanish Town every Thursday at 7 a.m. and the roundtrip fare is $150. All fares between the USVI and BVI do not include the USVI Port Fee ($10), BVI Environmental Fee ($10) and the BVI Departure Fee ($20).
Tortola – This is the BVI’s largest island with over 23,000 residents, and there’s plenty to explore. As for beaches, Cane Garden Bay ranks high, as do the area’s restaurants, nightlife and natural beauty. For those who like more secluded patches of sand with great snorkeling, try Smuggler’s Cove on the west end. Surfers prefer Josiah’s Bay, where you can secure rentals and lessons, while snorkelers like the quiet location of Brewer’s Bay on the northwest side of the island. If SCUBA diving is your passion, head to Rhone National Park, home to the historic shipwreck of the RMS Rhone. Then again, if shopping or history is more your lane, make your way to Road Town, the island’s capital. There are lots of stores at Tortola Pier Park, while history lovers can visit the Virgin Island Folk Museum and gardeners can take in the beauty of the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens. Time will fly by no matter what you choose.
** Ferry Service runs from Red Hook to West End, Tortola daily at 10:30, 2:30, and 5:00 p.m..
** To look at ferry schedules and prices to the BVI, try www.bvitourism.com or www.vinow.com
Jost Van Dyke – This small island of approximately 300 people is a favorite for many tourists with its mountainous scenery and laid-back atmosphere. Beach bars are all the rage here with the Soggy Dollar Bar in White Bay (known for inventing and perfecting the Painkiller cocktail) being one of the most popular haunts, as well as the legendary Foxy’s Bar in Great Harbour. (This is THE place to be on New Year’s Eve!!!) Both locales are popular with boaters who tie up nearby and let their passengers swim in for food and drinks. For beach lovers, head out to uninhabited Sandy Cay, once owned by the Rockefeller Estate and known for its spectacular sandy beach (located off shore between JVD and Tortola) or Diamond Cay, a tiny islet offshore that’s connected to Jost Van Dyke at low tide by a sandbar. While there, check out Diamond Cay National Park where you can spy pelicans, terns and boobies. One last interesting phenomenon worth seeing is the Bubbly Pool on the northeast coast. But seriously, no matter where you go, don’t leave without tasting those awesome painkillers!
#3. Treat Yourself To A Luxury Resort
Spending a week at an upscale resort or hotel might not be feasible, so why not splurge on a two-night getaway? I once spent two nights on a yacht in the Bahamas and felt like I had been away for a week. A little pampering can go a long way to making a vacation or holiday excursion seem longer than a few days. These resorts always get rave reviews.
Lovango Resort & Beach Club – This beautiful reef-ringed private island that sits off of the island of St. John will transform any ordinary vacation into something extraordinary with its idyllic setting, hospitality, and sparkling amenities. Only 10 minutes by ferry from either St. John or St. Thomas, Lovango Resort offers unique, upscale accommodations that include villas, treehouses, and glamping tents. Whether you like a crystal clear infinity pool or shimmering aqua waters, this property has you covered. Every stay includes breakfast and multi-bedroom residences are available for families. Voted “World’s Best in 2024” for private islands by Travel + Leisure and described as a property that “oozes quiet luxury,” Lovango Resort is worth the extra dollars.
Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort – This Marriott resort is located on St. Thomas at Frenchman’s Reef, and it offers both the intimacy of a boutique hotel with the extra amenities of a large full-service resort as its sister property, The Westin Beach resort & Spa, is located next door. Amenities include an infinity pool, tide pool, spa, fitness center, and access to the hotel’s Flying Frenchman Catamaran. All guests also have access to the facilities at the sister property. Four dining options are available that range from casual to dressy.
Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina – This five-star resort in the BVI is on a private island where opulence and adventure merge. Whether you choose a guest room, spacious suite or a luxury villa with a gourmet kitchen, you won’t be disappointed as all accommodations are exquisitely furnished and those blue, tranquil waters are ever so close. Splurge on a Caribbean-themed beach party, feast under the stars, or dine at their signature restaurant, CARDAMOM & CO. Regardless, your taste buds won’t be disappointed. Hiking, snorkeling, diving and sailing adventures await those eager to spend more time outdoors, while indulgent spa packages may appeal to others.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay – Sprawled across 500 acres of pristine private beachfront, Little Dix offers refinement and seclusion. This great getaway on Virgin Gorda boasts a half-mile crescent beach, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a signature spa located high on a bluff overlooking the sea, and four restaurants and lounges. Rosewood’s reputation for first-class service and amenities make this a great choice for anyone wishing to add a festive touch to their holiday escape.
The Saint Resort – This adults-only resort, spa, restaurant, and day club sits on the waterfront in Cruz Bay, St. John. Newly established and getting high marks for service, this resort offers a bit of luxury on the tiny island of St. John, which is more known for its laid-back casualness. Described as a tranquil retreat with refined dining, it offers a private pool with bar service, a sauna, gardens, an elevated dining experience perched atop of the hotel, walking access to all the shops in Cruz Bay, and a bit of pampering for those who want more than the typical villa vacation. One interesting feature is that all rooms come with a record player and records are available for use at the front desk. Add to that yoga, meditation sessions, and evening entertainment for a complete package of fun.
#4. Book An Outdoor Adventure With Virgin Islands Ecotours – Interested in hiking? Snorkeling? Kayaking? Virgin Islands Ecotours is your go-to concierge. Whether you want to do all three activities or only one, this company has options to meet your needs, and they offer excursions on both St. John and St. Thomas. Everything from snorkeling with sea turtles to exploring Cas Cay on foot and by water to embarking on a night kayak adventure are on their menu of adventures. Let the experts do the heavy lifting and planning so you can simply show up and enjoy the scenery. You’ll leave with some sparkling memories of holiday fun.
#5. Book A Sunset Sail – What better way to end a day in the Virgin Islands than with a sunset sail? If you’re lucky, you might even get to see the green flash, a rare optical phenomenon where the upper edge of the sun briefly appears green as it slips below the horizon. Gentle breezes, splashes of color, and some champagne in hand – what could be more romantic? Here is a list of the Best Sunset Tours in the Virgin Islands, reserve your spot as slots fill up fast. Sometimes it’s the memories of how a day ends that linger the longest.
End Notes: Hopefully we’ve given you some food for thought about giving an experience vs a present this holiday season. The Virgin Islands, thankfully, is full of sparkling adventures so add as many of them to your trip as possible.
We here at Stormy Pirates want to wish you and your family not only a joyous holiday season but also a happy and healthy New Year. Reach out to us any time if we can help make your stay a bit brighter and more exciting. As always, we’ll put the gang plank down and escort you in style.