Back to the Basics – The 3 R’s of the VI

Ahoy! Let’s get back to basics this spring and focus on the three “R”s of the Virgin Islands – Rest, Relax and Rejuvenate. Welcome aboard and follow along as we give some pointers on where to find the best places to indulge in restorative practices on these beautiful islands. 

REST: To cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength 

Is there a better place than the Virgin Islands to find rest? I think not. With dozens of beautiful beaches to choose from, anyone can find an ideal spot in the sand to plop down on their beach chair, snooze in the sun and soak in the panorama of beautiful colors in the landscape. The mesmerizing expanse of aqua waters and cerulean skies alone are enough to ease away stress. Add to that soft breezes, the scent of jasmine wafting in the air and a refreshing dip in warm waters and you have the perfect formula to loosen all those tight muscles.

Rest is crucial to good health. Without it, the body can’t repair itself, manage stress or replenish energy, so taking the time to “do nothing” is vital for our immune systems, muscle recovery and mental well-being. Here are a few hints to find your perfect resting spot by the water:

• If you’re looking for a large beach where you might find your perfect resting spot, try Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay or Hawksnest Bay on St. John. While Cinnamon and Trunk have a variety of services, Hawksnest only has restrooms. All, though, are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. On St. Thomas, head to the north side where you’ll find Magens Bay. Nearly a mile long, Magens Bay features a horse-shoe shaped cove with white sand and calm, clear water. It’s also great for swimming and stand-up paddle boarding. On-site amenities include showers, restrooms, changing rooms, and several nearby cafes. (Both Trunk bay and Magens have minimal entrance fees; the others are free.) 
• For more secluded beaches, try Salomon Bay, Gibney Beach or Denis Bay on St. John. Each of these locations requires a bit of a walk or hike to access, but all are worth the trouble of lugging your own supplies with you. Bring your snorkel gear, too, as you’re sure to see lots of colorful fish. Then, if you have a sturdy vehicle, you might also want to head to Lameshur Bay. The road to get there is often muddy and filled with potholes, but this end of the island is typically much less crowded than the North Shore beaches. On St. Thomas, Lindquist Beach is your go-to spot because it’s not only pristine and beautiful, but also easy to access. For a spot truly off the beaten path, find a dependable vehicle to navigate the rough, dirty terrain that will take you towards Neltjeberg or Dorthea Beach. Both are stunningly beautiful and located next to each other, though separated by a 20-minute hike. 

• How about a cobblestone beach? Don those hiking boots and follow the trail that leads to Rams Head on St. John. Along the way, you’ll come to Blue Cobblestone Beach where the rhythm of water tumbling over the rocks will lull you to sleep. If you’re a good swimmer, bring your snorkeling gear along and wade carefully into the water (the rocks can be slippery!) where you can explore the myriad of sea life, including turtles, sharks and schools of blue tang. There’s rarely more than a handful of people at this isolated and unique beach.
• For those who find snorkeling restful and meditative, make sure to visit Maho Bay, Honeymoon Bay and Francis Bay on St. John. All have calm water and plenty of active aquatic areas to explore. On St. Thomas, try Coki Beach, known for its clear water and interesting reef formations. Although this beach can get very busy if a cruise ship is in town, the abundant marine life, easy water access and nearby food and drink vendors make it a very pleasant and relaxing stop.

RELAX: To make or become less tense or anxious; to become calm, comfortable and not worried or anxious

What’s the best way to become less tense and more calm? By having fun, of course! Laughter, in particular, can stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation,both of which can reduce physical symptoms of stress. Did you know that a good, hearty laugh can keep your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes afterwards? Thankfully, the Virgin Islands has a full menu of activities that can add a bit of laughter, enjoyment and adventure to your day. Everyone is different when it comes to “fun,” so here are a few options to consider:

• • Go Boating! With all that hot sun and water that stays pleasantly around 80 degrees, you can’t beat the calm comfort of floating, swimming or snorkeling in the Virgin Islands’ crystal clear seas.
  • Grab your favorite libation! Whether you choose to visit a fancy restaurant or a simple beach bar, the options for quenching your thirst are abundant. While beer, wine and cocktails are always at the ready, rum drinks reign supreme in the islands, so make sure you try a few of the staples like a Cruzan Confusion, Painkiller, Banana Daiquiri, Bushwacker or the ever-popular rum punch.
  • Visit Coral World Ocean Park! Need a reason to smile and shake off all those worrisome concerns?  Coral World Ocean Park has the best solutions, including swimming with dolphins or sea lions. (It’s impossible not to smile when you’re interacting with such cute critters) For those more adventurous, there’s the 45-minute Sea Trek that leads you on an underwater trail thanks to a specialized helmet that allows you to breathe underwater and promises to keep your hair dry. Truly, you’ll forget about any worries because the up-close encounters with fish and rays will leave you spellbound.
  • Visit Islands National Park on St. John and go hiking! Two-thirds of the island of St. John is national parkland, so lace up those hiking boots and start exploring. Stop by the Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center for advice and maps, then set off on one of the many trails on the island. Visit the ruins of former sugar mills or ancient petroglyphs, listen to the call of tropical birds, or simply experience the calm magic of dense forests. 

• Take in the scenic views by visiting Mountain Top on St. Thomas! Located 1200’ above Magens Bay, Mountain Top offers expansive views like no other place on the island. While there, grab one of their “world famous banana daiquiris” and shop at their duty-free gift shop. You might just be so happy and relaxed that you decide to stay for a second or third banana daiquiri.
• Take an island sightseeing tour! Ditch the car and leave the driving to someone else. On St. John, try Islandbuddy Tours St. John. (I’ve also contracted with one of the many certified taxi drivers on the island and he gave us an amazing day of sightseeing) On St. Thomas, try Godfrey Tours or The Best of St. Thomas Private Sightseeing Tour. Lots of options, so sit back and take in the sights without the hassles of dealing with traffic or those steep, curvy mountainous roads. 

• Go parasailing! If you’ve never experienced the delightful of weightlessness as you’re gliding above the sea, head to St. Thomas Parasailing. For $120, you’ll depart from Sapphire Beach Marina and soar high enough to get a bird’s-eye view of both St. John and St. Thomas.

• • Book a Night Kayak Tour With Ghost & Pirate Stories! Remember how you used to love to tell scary stories with your friends as a kid? Now there’s the perfect opportunity to recreate the fun and thrill of those younger years with St. Thomas Night Kayak Tours – and all the spooky details are handled by your guide. As you glide into the sunset surrounded by nature and tales that make you shiver with delight, you’re sure to smile – even if it’s a bit nervously.

• Book a sunset cruise! What could be more relaxing than gliding through the water as the brilliant sun sinks into the horizon. The colors, ambiance, and wind-in-your-hair feeling of this most pleasurable of activities is sure to erase any troubling thought or tense muscle that came with you on vacation. Add to that a glass of champagne and you’ve got a perfect way to end the day. Contact Stormy Pirates for more details.

• • Try a zipline adventure! “Let the fun begin,” is the slogan high in the rainforest of St. Peter Mountain where the ultimate adventure awaits at Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline St. Thomas. Voted “Best of the Virgin Islands,” this adrenaline-charged, exhilarating zipline tour is sure to get you laughing (and screaming) with delight. Professionally trained guides and safety protocols allow for a thrilling adventure with minimal risk.

• Rev it up on an ATV! Want to take in all those gorgeous views while off-roading in your own 4WD side-by-side ATV / UTV? Key N Go is unique to St. Thomas, and they guarantee a fun yet safe adventure exploring the island in a totally different way from the norm.

• Take a Skyride high above St. Thomas! Considered a “must-do” attraction by Travelers’ Choice, the St. Thomas Skyride transports you 700 feet above the harbor, providing breathtaking views of Historic Downtown Charlotte Amalie, those expansive aqua waters and glimpses of Puerto Rico and St. Croix on a clear day. When your ride is finished, toast your adventure at Paradise Point with the bistro’s signature drink – a Baileys Bushwacker.

Rejuvenate: to give new energy or vigor to; to revitalize

Spring is the perfect time to reevaluate your health practices and set better wellness standards. Nature, itself, reminds us that coming into full bloom requires sunshine, rest and good nutrition. Here are a few tips from VibranceHealth.com to add a boost to your own rejuvenation regiment: 

• Get Outside For Fresh Air

No problem on the islands, right? All that brilliant sunshine shouldn’t be wasted by spending too much time indoors. Go hiking, swimming, sunbathing, boating, etc. – the list is endless. Just remember to apply some reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin.

• Practice Meditation & relieve Stress

Sol Shine SUP, located in The Westin St John Resort Villas, offers a unique blend of holistic practices to strengthen body, mind and spirit. There are yoga classes for beginners as well as advanced practitioners. Classes are outdoors, so the incredible landscape becomes part of the practice. SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga) is also offered, which combines the tranquility of yoga with the fun of paddleboarding, and it also offers a full-body workout. 

For an even more complete wellness package, try Saje Sanctuary in Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas. Advertised as “Metaphysical Musings for the Modern Mystic,” this wellness center offers everything from Akashic Record Readings to Aura Photography, Breathwork, Sound Alchemy, and Reiki Energy Healing. Their goal is to provide the highest forms of energy to heal, awaken, and remember everyone’s connection to the Earth and each other.  

Looking for a more typical spa experience? Try Vitamin Sea Spa on St. John where you can indulge in a delightful Swedish Massage (full-body pampering to relieve tight muscles), a Lavender Dreams Massage (massage with added scent of lavender, coconut, and steamed bundles filled with salt crystals and lavender) or a Blitzed Out Massage (designed to eliminate inflammation with the benefits of essential oils). All sound heavenly. Couples massages and facials are additional services.

There’s also Mango Bliss Spa where “stress drifts away and rejuvenation begins.” Luxurious massages, facials, and body treatments are the norm with the intent of nurturing both body and mind. Go ahead and indulge! Afterall, who doesn’t want to feel blissful?

If luxury hotel spas are more your passion, don’t pass on two of St. Thomas’ best – the Heavenly Spa by Westin at Frenchman’s Reef and the Spa at The Ritz Carlton. Both are highly rated and offer upscale facilities, diverse treatment plans and nothing but top-of-the-line products.

• Detox & Cleanse

Juices, smoothies and vegan food are three of the best ways to not only cleanse and detoxify your system, but they also can add a charge of new energy to your health as well. Although vacations aren’t the ideal time to adhere to strict, new diets, these places are great stops while enjoying your stay on the islands to add some healthy choices to your menu.

On St. John –

• Ekaete Pink Corner – This little gem in Coral Bay gets rave reviews and offers not only local West Indian fare but also freshly made smoothies and local juices. Esther will greet you with a smile and even make you a Soursop Smoothie if you want something truly Caribbean. Lots of choices for those wanting vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free as well. The curry dishes are not to be missed.
• Colombos – No one should pass up a smoothie at Colombos, a St. John landmark in Estate Carolina for decades. For those looking for healthy breakfast entrees, their Acai Bowl and Avocado Toast always get high marks. Open 8 to 4 daily, except for Sunday when it is closed.
• Our Market Smoothies – Located next to the Post Office in Cruz Bay, this little enterprise serves up freshly made smoothies, fresh coconut juice, and a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menu options.

On St. Thomas –

• Barefoot Buddha Eatery – Located on Rt 30 in Estate Thomas, this healthy artisanal cafe is under new ownership with the team of Jack Gibbons, Amy Gurlea and Chef Cory Baker. Wholeheartedly committed to organic products, best ingredients and handcrafted drinks with health benefits, Barefoot Buddah serves up delicious wraps, soups, quiches, and high nutritional dishes like their Sweet Potato Reuben and Budhi Bowls. An added bonus – they use zero-waste products to support green living. 
• V Press – Head to V Press on Frenchman Bay Road if you’re looking for a nutritional powerhouse blend of locally cold pressed organic fruits, vegetables and herbs. Each 16 oz. bottle contains three pounds of raw produce with no sugar or water added. (Also available at Sam & Jack’s Deli on St. John) 
• Kween Vee Smoothies – Tucked into Emancipation Garden in Charlotte Amalie, Kween Vee Smoothies offers everything from your traditional banana-passion fruit- pineapple smoothie to more outrageous combinations like strawberry-banana-avocado-beet-kale smoothies. Customers insist they are addicted to all the combinations and few can visit just once. Feel free to grab some coconut water, popcorn, ice cream and pastries while you’re there. All of it looks delicious.

End Notes: Have we given you enough reasons to head to the Virgin Islands for a bit of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation? And all of us at Stormy Pirates Charters are willing to lend a hand in your efforts. In addition to arranging boat day excursions, we now also can arrange outings for kayaking, parasailing, snorkeling, etc.. Visit our website for more details. As always, we’d love to share our islands with you and we promise to put the gang plank down and escort you in style.