Exploring the Capital City, Charlotte Amalie
Our first full day on St. Thomas began in the most serene way possible—sipping a steaming cup of coffee while lounging in a swinging chair on our balcony. The vast ocean stretched endlessly before us. The gentle sway of the chair, paired with the rhythmic sound of the waves, set a calming tone for the adventures ahead in Charlotte Amalie. As the morning sun began to warm the air, my sister-in-law passed by, letting us know they were already enjoying the beach. The thought of a morning swim was too tempting to resist, so we quickly changed into our swimsuits and joined them for a refreshing dip.
Breakfast at the Barefoot Buddha Café
The cool embrace of the ocean was invigorating. After a brief swim, we dried off and got ready to explore Charlotte Amalie, the capital city. But first, we made a stop at the charming Barefoot Buddha Café, a highly recommended hidden gem. Nestled inside a small corporate building just outside Charlotte Amalie, the café greeted us with a cozy atmosphere and an inviting souvenir and clothing shop at its entrance. As we waited for our coffee and lunch, I couldn’t resist browsing. Soon, I found myself purchasing a stunning pair of gold hoop earrings adorned with delicate pearls.
Downtown Charlotte Amalie
Breakfast was a delight. My Quiche Lorraine, paired with a crisp green salad, was both flavorful and satisfying. This meal was just the energy boost I needed for our exploration. From the café, it was a short drive to downtown Charlotte Amalie. One of our first stops was the famous 99 Steps, a historic stairway. Despite its worn edges, it was surprisingly easy to climb. At the top, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the bay, where boats floated peacefully in the crystal-clear waters around Charlotte Amalie.
Just around the corner, we stumbled upon Blackbeard’s Castle. Though the gates were closed, we caught a glimpse of the imposing statue of Blackbeard through the bars. Undeterred, we continued our stroll through Charlotte Amalie, winding our way down the steps and into the heart of the town. Jewelry shops lined the streets, though many remained closed, awaiting the arrival of the day’s cruise ship. Fortunately, we found the House of Rajah Jewelers, a shop recommended by a friend. To our delight, they were open! Both my sister-in-law and I were immediately drawn to their stunning collection of diamond earrings. After some deliberation, we each left with a pair—a sparkling memento of our time in St. Thomas.
A few steps away, we discovered St. John’s Brewery. The guys indulged in craft beers while my sister-in-law and I browsed the brewery’s souvenirs. Once their drinks were finished, we continued our exploration of Charlotte Amalie. We ducked into a few more souvenir shops before heading to a local outdoor restaurant for lunch.
Wrapping up our day
After our meal, we returned to the car and drove back to our hotel. The rest of the afternoon was spent leisurely exploring the Bouy Haus resort. Then, we wandered past the beach and up the steps to the neighboring Westin Hotel. While there, we caught a mesmerizing glimpse of a cruise ship departing from Charlotte Amalie, its lights twinkling against the evening sky.
To wrap up the day, we indulged in a delicious sushi dinner at Sugarfin, a restaurant in the Westin overlooking the bay in Charlotte Amalie. The sun had set, a live band was playing, and the ambiance was nothing short of magical. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day in paradise.
