Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
advantage of the best seasonal produce. Begin, perhaps, with grilled portobello mush-
rooms with Asian duck. Many regulars come here for the well-prepared steak, and
fresh fish dishes are always some of the best options.
Mahogany Run.
&
340/777-6277.
www.oldstonefarmhouse.com. Reservations recommended. Main
courses $19-$32. AE, MC, V. Tues-Sun 5:30-9:30pm.
BEACHES
St. Thomas's beaches are renowned for their white sand and calm, turquoise waters,
including the very best of them all, Magens Bay. Chances are that your hotel will be
right on the beach, or very close to one. All the beaches in the Virgin Islands are
public, and most St. Thomas beaches lie anywhere from 2 to 5 miles from Charlotte
Amalie.
The North Coast
The gorgeous white sands of
Magens Bay
—the family favorite of St. Thomas—
lie between two mountains 3 miles north of the capital. The turquoise waters here
are calm and ideal for swimming, though the snorkeling isn't as good. The beach is
no secret, and it's usually terribly overcrowded, though it gets better in the midafter-
noon. Changing facilities, snorkeling gear, lounge chairs, paddle boats, and kayaks are
available. There is no public transportation to get here (though some hotels provide
shuttle buses). A taxi from Charlotte Amalie will cost about $8.50 per person. If
you've rented a car, from Charlotte Amalie take Route 35 north all the way. The gates
to the beach are open daily from 6am to 6pm. After 4pm, you'll need insect repellent.
Admission is $1 per person and $1 per car. Don't bring valuables, and certainly don't
leave anything of value in your parked car. Break-ins of cars and a few muggings are
reported monthly.
A marked trail leads to
Little Magens Bay,
a separate, clothing-optional beach
that's especially popular with gay and lesbian visitors. This is former U.S. President
Clinton's preferred beach on St. Thomas (no, he doesn't go nude).
3
HIDDEN BEACH
discoveries
At this point, you'd think all the beaches
on St. Thomas would be destroyed. But
there are still a few hidden stretches of
sand.
A sparkling beach of white sand,
Ves-
sup Bay
is found at the end of Blue-
beard's Road (Rte. 322) as it branches
off Route 30 near the hamlet of Red
Hook. Against a rocky backdrop, the
beach curves around a pristine bay
studded with vegetation, including cac-
tuses, agave plants, and sea grape. The
beach is popular with locals, singles, and
couples; the east end of the beach is
less populated than the west end. A
watersports concessionaire operates
here.
Another find is
Hull Bay,
on the north
shore, just west of Magens Bay. Surfers
are attracted to the waves along the
western tip of Hull Bay, and local St.
Thomas fishermen anchor in the more
tranquil areas. Part of the beach is in the
shade. Don't expect much in the way of
watersports outfitters. There is a com-
bined restaurant and open-air bar.
If you're relying on taxis, it will cost
about $15 per person to reach either
bay.
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