A Tropical Getaway in St. Thomas
What an exciting day! Our adventure began before dawn as we dragged ourselves out of bed for an early morning journey. We drove to the airport for a 5:00 AM flight to Miami, where a short layover gave us just enough time to stretch our legs before boarding our plane to our tropical getaway St. Thomas. As we settled into our seats, I lost myself in my usual romance novel while my husband watched a movie. At some point, I dozed off, only to wake up just in time to see the breathtaking sight of crystal-blue waters and lush green islands as we descended toward paradise.
Upon landing, we found ourselves at a small yet charming airport. The deplaning process was unique, as passengers exited either from the front or back of the aircraft via stairs onto the tarmac. We made our way inside, navigating a few quick turns before arriving at baggage claim. As we waited for our luggage, my phone buzzed—a text from my brother. Moments later, he appeared, holding two disposable cups filled with Mai Tais from a nearby bar. Nothing says “tropical getaway vacation” like a welcome drink in hand!
With our bags in tow, we stepped outside to meet my sister-in-law, who pulled up in a slightly worn but spacious rental car, perfect for our group of four. Our 25-minute drive took us along the scenic coastline through Charlotte Amalie, the capital and largest city of the U.S. Virgin Islands. We passed colorful tourist shops and inviting restaurants near the cruise docks, though the area was eerily quiet with no ships in port.
As we left the city behind, the road began to climb, winding through lush greenery toward the peninsula where the BonVoy hotels were located. Navigating the curvy switchbacks, we nearly missed the entrance to the Sheraton but quickly spotted the grand Weston Hotel ahead. Perched on the tip of Frenchman’s Reef, the resort boasted breathtaking views—ocean to the left, bay to the right. Just as we were about to enter the Weston, we noticed a small sign directing us to the Buoy Haus. A sharp U-turn led us down a bumpy road, but the stunning sight of Morningstar Beach and the vast ocean beyond made the ride worthwhile.
Reaching the Buoy Haus entrance, we were warmly greeted by the valet. Stepping into the open-air lobby, we were welcomed with refreshing fruity beverages as we checked in. With our luggage taken care of, we were free to explore and soak in our new surroundings.
Our rooms were nothing short of luxurious, nestled in separate beachfront buildings on the first floor, just steps away from the sand. After unpacking, we made plans to regroup at Sandbar, a chic restaurant and lounge near the lobby.
Dressed in fresh vacation attire, we met at Sandbar a short while later. Opting for the lounge area, we sank into cozy couches facing the ocean. An attentive waitress promptly took our order, returning swiftly with our drinks and a selection of delicious snacks. With glasses raised in a celebratory toast, it was official—our tropical getaway in St. Thomas had begun!
