Celebrate Valentine's Day in Luxe Style at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Jan 12th 2011 at 8:01AM

The desire to do something extraordinary for Valentine's Day often clashes with the cold reality of no time to travel somewhere truly exotic. We've found the U.S. Virgin Islands to be an ideal escape without having to cross borders (and all that entails) to get somewhere special. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas manages to be a magical oasis despite its relative proximity to the area's only major airport – a big plus when time is of the essence. The resort's secluded setting on 30 acres fronting an intimate white-sand beach and the gracious elegance of its main building, the Italianate Palazzo (above), set the scene for really romantic getaways. In front of the Palazzo are landscaped gardens leading to a stunning infinity pool overlooking the beach and turquoise waters of a sheltered bay.

For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, The signature Ritz-Carlton Club Level at the property has 55 Deluxe rooms featuring standing rain showers and soaking tubs and unobstructed ocean views from private balconies. The Club Level accommodations in St. Thomas also include one-bedroom Executive suites, a top-floor Ritz-Carlton Club Suite and three stunning 1,850-square-foot Presidential suites boasting a dining and living area and fitness room with treadmill, where Barack Obama and family have stayed in the past. All Club Level rooms and suites include access to the elegant Club Lounge with a spacious outdoor terrace, offering elaborate culinary presentations throughout the day and evening, chic cocktails and a dedicated Club Concierge.

Once ensconced in your luxe accommodations there are several options for making your getaway even more magical. A particular favorite for celebrating Valentine's Day is a champagne sunset sail aboard the Lady Lynsey, the resort's luxurious 53 ft. catamaran. You can take a cruise to Honeymoon Beach across the bay on St. John featuring some of the finest snorkeling in the Virgin Islands, and then hop back on board for a leisurely lunch for two complete with a champagne toast. Stay out on the water to watch the sunset and then finish the day with a starlit dinner in a private gazebo on the beach with a chocolate and wine tasting, or enjoy a private dinner for two at Bleuwater restaurant, one of four distinctive oceanfront-dining options as unique and colorful as the Caribbean scenery that surrounds them. [cont'd]

Gallery: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, St. Thomas is a tranquil seaside enclave featuring eleven calming, Mediterranean-style treatment rooms, a beachside cabana, salon and retail boutique, the first in the Caribbean to feature the Prada Beauty Spa experience. The seaside Spa features two Prada Beauty-themed treatment rooms offering an unparalleled experience, and there's an adjacent fitness center with ocean views as well. Valentine's celebrants will want to book the luxe four-hour His and Hers Spa Getaway, featuring a seaside couple's cabana massage, His and Hers signature facial and His and Hers hands and feet pampering, finishing up with a complimentary glass of champagne.

Tags: Barack Obama, beach, Caribbean, catamaran, champagne, dining, hotel suites, luxury hotel, ocean, Prada, Prada Beauty, Ritz-Carlton, sailing, spa, St. Thomas, The Ritz-Carlton, U.S. Virgin Islands, Valentines Day, Virgin Island