ST. THOMAS - Virgin Islands - page 67

FAMILY-FRIENDLY hotels
Best Western Emerald Beach Resort
(p. 62)In spite of its major drawback
(it's located across from the airport),
this is a safe, family-friendly place for
those with kids. Children age 11 and
under stay free in their parent's room,
and the resort opens onto one of the
best beaches on the island. The price is
right, too.
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort (p. 65)
On a half-moon-shaped, white-sand
beach, this resort attracts families with
its hospitality and children's programs.
Many of its rooms have extra beds for
children. Plenty of activities—such as
sand-castle building, water volleyball,
and bag hopping—keep the kids busy.
Island Beachcomber Hotel (p. 63)
For the family on a budget, this hotel
near the airport is appealing. It's not
grand in any way, but it's clean and
decent. Many of its rooms have two
double beds. A beach-party atmosphere
prevails, and kids and their families find
the place festive, if a little worn.

Secret Harbour Beach Resort (p. 68)
Children age 11 and under stay free in
their parent's room at this Nazareth Bay
hotel. Many units have kitchenettes
where families can prepare light meals.
Beach facilities are right at your
doorstep.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas (p. 65)
With 30 acres of oceanfront property
and a white sand beach, this palazzolike
resort puts on the Ritz for kids as well
as adults. The children's program is one
of the island's best, with snorkeling and
scuba-diving activities, a scuba school,
and a private yacht for guests.
Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa
(p. 66)Most guests opt for full board
at this traditional all-inclusive that caters
to travelers with kids. The secluded
beach is small, but the location affords
panoramic views of the sea. Rooms are
attractive enough, but parents won't
need to fret about the utilitarian
furnishings.

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Pavilions and Pools This is the premier choice for a romantic getaway. Ideal
for a honeymoon, this resort lets you have your own villa, with floor-to-ceiling glass
doors opening onto your own private swimming pool. It's perfect for those who want
to run around nude as Adam and Eve, Eve and Eve, or Adam and Adam. The resort,
7 miles east of Charlotte Amalie, is actually just a string of condominium units, taste-
fully furnished according to the tastes of each individual owner. After checking in and
following a landscaped pathway to your villa, you don't have to see another soul until
you leave, if you so wish—the fence and gate around your space are that high. Your
swimming pool is encircled by a deck and plenty of tropical greenery. Inside, a room
divider screens a well-equipped kitchen. The place is not posh, and an average good
motel in the States will have better-quality furniture. The resort is a steep uphill walk
from Sapphire Bay, which boasts one of the island's best beaches and many waters-
ports concessions. Honeymooning couples should inquire about packages.
6400 Estate Smith Bay, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. 00802. www.pavilionsandpools.com. & 800/524-2001 or
340/775-6110. Fax [phone] units. Winter $325-$360 double; off season $250-$275 double.
Rates include continental breakfast. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; private pools; watersports
equipment/rentals; Wi-Fi (free in lobby). In room: A/C, ceiling fan, TV, hair dryer, kitchen.

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