Our island – despite having been through two Category Five Hurricanes last year – is truly a paradise on earth. The people of the Virgin Islands have worked so hard to bring the island back to its former glory and re-open all the restaurants, hotels and attractions to welcome our beloved guests back to visit us once again. Day after day we see more and more progress, and we are so proud of the heart and grit of our people. Thankfully, many of our local favorites are back in business and better than ever! We are thrilled to see cruise ships docking on our shores once again, but to truly experience all that the island has to offer, we definitely recommend staying here with us … especially when so many beautiful resorts and condos are at your service and ready to offer you an unforgettable Caribbean vacation … complete with spectacular views of our turquoise beaches, delectable cuisines from all over the world and all the comforts of home. For those that want to know what’s open, where to stay and eat and what to do while visiting Saint Thomas, Grand Jewelers is happy to share our favorites, hand-picked by our team here on the island. Read on to learn more about some of our favorite local spots, from beaches to brunch—and everything in between!

Where to Stay

With boundless opportunities to kick back and relax on St. Thomas, tourists enjoy a multitude of options when it comes to lodging. Travelers love the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort , the Emerald Beach Resort, the Villa Olga Bed & Breakfast, and the Mafolie Hotel and Restaurant. Though numerous hotels have experienced hurricane damage, Airbnb is emerging as a reliable, comfortable option for myriad travelers, offering a broad range of appealing studios, one-bedrooms, and condominiums at affordable prices.

We highly recommend the Stay Play Vacay vacation rental—this two-bedroom condominium is comfortable and optimally located, and owners Mike and Michelle offer a warm welcome to every guest. The island’s best beaches are just an easy drive away, and visitors enjoy access to three different pools – including an oceanside pool just outside the patio door. Mike and Michelle can be contacted at (414) 916-8497 and at (414)732-9872 – or, drop them an email at stayplayvacay@yahoo.com.

Grand Jewelers is also proud to recommend Susan Muick’s two-bedroom, available on VRBO at reference number #263122, or her studio, available at reference number #319267. These appealing offerings offer close proximity to beaches, fine dining, and more. Contact Susan at wijssa1010@aol.com for more details.

For Beaches, Look No Further

St. Thomas boasts some of the most fabulous beaches in the Caribbean— and at Grand Jewelers, we each have our favorites. Navin and Anish both suggest Lindquist Beach, well known for its pristine white sand and shimmering turquoise waters. This gentle beach is perfect for kids, families, and anyone looking for a quiet, restful paradise. Sanjay and Jothi both select Magens Bay as their favorite beach; the crescent-shaped strip of sand is cupped by low-rising mountains. Though we’ve experienced damage, our beaches have endured, and these gorgeous stretches of sand are more appealing than ever before – to both tourists and locals alike.

Terrific Dining, Dawn ‘til Dusk

For supreme dining, St. Thomas’ distinctive offerings are not to be missed. Starting with brunch, the island offers terrific options, including Brix Wine Bar & Bistro every Sunday – Navin’s personal favorite. Varsha loves the Barefoot Buddha for coffee and sumptuous breakfasts. For top-notch casual Chinese dining, try the Great Wall – Sanjay’s personal pick – or the Margaritaville Café, voted as the top casual restaurant by our very own Deep. Mim’s Seaside Bistro and the Hook, Line & Sinker, located in Frenchtown, never fail to disappoint, and serve up some of the best seafood on the island. Finally, Greengos features authentic, house-made Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine for those craving an island take on “south of the border” cuisine.

For more formal dining options, St. Thomas offers boundless opportunities to savor the tastes of the island. Navin, Deep, Jothi, and Sanjay all rank Virgilio’s Italian Restaurant at the top of the list—the eatery features delicious lunch and dinner options in a formal setting. Jothi, Anish and Raj also adore the nearby Café Amalia, famous for its distinctive Spanish cuisine and breezy, casual setting. For terrific sushi, Raj suggests Buddha Sushi, and he endorses the Island Time Pub for serving up the best pizza on the island. Brix, a formal wine bar, delivers excellent tapas, innovative cocktails, and a broad selection of international wines. Visitors should take note – hotspots Off the Grid, Room with a View, the Island View Guest House and Cuzzin’s remain closed after the hurricane’s effects – stay tuned for updates.

If you’ve begun planning your next vacation, don’t overlook the bounty of St. Thomas. Though we’ve been impacted by the hurricane, we’ve been swift to rebuild, and we sorely miss the travelers who used to flock to our enviable shores. Don’t be discouraged by last year’s weather – on St. Thomas, our extraordinary food, terrific lodging options, and world-class beaches are bound to deliver the vacation of a lifetime. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Grand Jewelers family for more great recommendations – and happy travels!

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