ST. THOMAS - Virgin Islands - page 68

Camping Out on Water Island

If you dream of sleeping in a rustic
cabin on an isolated tropical island,
head for the Virgin Islands Camp-
ground on Water Island ( & 340/776-
5488; www.virginislandscampground.
com), on Water Island, just off of St.
Thomas. This is the most eco-sensitive
accommodation in the vicinity of St.
Thomas. Nestled among lush foliage,
the cabins have electricity, comfortable
beds, and clean linens, and open onto
private terraces. There is no restaurant,
but you can grill your own meals in the
Pavilion; you can also store your food
in a refrigerator or freezer.

Water Island is very small; to get
around, simply hike along the island's
pristine trails. From the campgrounds,
it is only a 5-minute walk to the idyllic
Honeymoon Beach, where you can
swim, snorkel, or just bask in the sun.
Regular ferry service takes visitors
between Water Island and St. Thomas
(trip time: 7 minutes).
A 3-night minimum stay is required;
cabins cost $170 per night in winter
and $129 per night in the off season.
Cabins accommodate up to 3 adults
and 2 children. MasterCard and Visa
are accepted.

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Point Pleasant Resort This is a very private, unique resort on Water Bay, on
the northeastern tip of St. Thomas. Beachcombers who stay here in one of the spa-
cious Caribbean-villa suites can go to Pineapple Beach, adjacent to the resort's
shoreline, or wander over to secluded Sugar Beach at the end of a nature trail on
Point Pleasant's 15-acre island preserve. Or they can stay on the grounds, basking in
one of the hotel's three intimate pools nestled against the backdrop of a lush hillside.
Condo units, which are rented when their owners are not in residence, are set on a
15-acre bluff with flowering shrubbery, century plants, frangipani trees, secluded
nature trails, old rock formations, and lookout points. The villa-style accommodations
have light and airy furnishings, with very comfortable beds and fine linens. From your
living room, you'll have a gorgeous view over Tortola, St. John, and Jost Van Dyke. The
restaurant, Agavé Terrace (p. 77), is one of the finest on St. Thomas, serving a blend
of nouvelle American dishes and Caribbean specialties. Local entertainment per-
forms Tuesday and Thursday nights. Fungi's on the Beach (p. 80) is a great option
for those interested in Caribbean cuisine and lots of reggae music.
6600 Estate Smith Bay, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. 00802. www.pointpleasantresort.com. & 800/524-2300
or 340/775-7200. Fax [phone] units. Winter $300 junior suite, $320-$395 deluxe suite, $550
2-bedroom suite; off season $180 junior suite, $195-$255 deluxe suite, $355 2-bedroom suite. Ask about
package deals. Children 11 and under stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: 2
restaurants; 2 bars; 3 pools (outdoor); watersports (snorkeling); Wi-Fi (free in lobby). In room: A/C,
ceiling fan, TV, kitchen.
Secret Harbour Beach Resort This small and intimate all-suites condo
resort is on the stunning white-sand beach at Nazareth Bay, just outside Red Hook
Marina. All four low-rise buildings have southwestern exposure (great for sunsets),
and each unit has a private deck or patio. You'll be just steps from the sand, and good
snorkeling is right offshore. There are three types of accommodations: studio apart-
ments, one-bedroom suites, and two-bedroom suites. Each studio apartment has a
bedroom/sitting room area, patio, and dressing room area; each one-bedroom suite
has a living/dining area, a separate bedroom, and a sun deck; and each luxurious two-
bedroom suite has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a private living room, and a patio.

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