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St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
By Flori Hoxha
October 2007
 Although
my travels have taken me to destinations worldwide, this was my first trip to
St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. My first impression was the amazing weather, the heavy
development, North American vibe and a huge number of cruise ships. Despite an
initial rainy day, the journey from the airport to the Wyndham Sugar Bay resort,
where I stayed, was visually stunning. The resort is located hillside, so the
ride to the resort took us through local areas and very narrow roads, with cars
driving English style, on the left hand side of the road.
The resort faces the ocean and the views are
breathtaking. Hotel staff couldn't be friendlier, with warm greetings at all
times. Upon entering the grand, plantation style lobby, you'll find various
shops, restaurants and a late-night bar where you can play slot machines or sing
karaoke.
 The resort is fully inclusive and everything is a shuttle ride away.
The pool complex is quite a unique one with 99 steps taking you down (if you
want the exercise), or a short 3 minute shuttle ride for those who prefer to
laze about. The pool complex is linked with the beach - small, quiet and very
private. Only resort guests may access the beach. The beach is surrounded by
palm trees and rocks; the pool surrounded by small, woody gift shops - very
Caribbean style, with tourist information, small spa, fitness centre and
Caribbean bar-restaurant. The rooms are comfortably equipped with air
conditioning, fridge, coffeemakers, safe, phones, radio, cable, TV. All the
bathrooms are marble. Despite any room allocation, all feature balconies facing
the ocean - romantic and breathtaking.
 My favorite activity was a sailing trip to the British
Virgin Islands. The boat was courtesy of Premier Destination Services, very
luxurious and the best I ever experienced. The dock is only 5 minutes drive from
the hotel. Our sailing journey took us from St. Thomas, passing through St. John
(USVI), Tortola (BVI) and a snorkeling and lunch excursion in Jost Van Dyke
Island at the famous "Foxy Bar," where people from around the world come for
lunch or spend holidays Caribbean style on their boats. The locals are amazing,
very friendly and give you an impression of knowing everyone for ages. The bar
was simple but delicious, fresh food, various cocktails and beers. I tried what
is called President Beer, from the Dominican Republic, and strongly recommend it
for a cold, tasty and crispy refreshment.
 The sail back was even more amazing,
as after a stop to clear immigration in St. John, champagne flowed and we felt
like celebrities on this gorgeous, expensive sailboat, basking in the warm
weather of a Caribbean paradise. I couldn't ask for more...it was heaven for 8
hours and to be honest I didn't want to end.
There is something for everyone in St. Thomas -
honeymooners, singles, couples, families. It is a place where the word
"complaint" is not in their dictionary. If you ask me if I would return to the
island again, I would say - damn YES, I could LIVE there".
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