Virgin Islands

Luxury for Less from Ritz-Carlton in the Caribbean This Fall

Acknowledging that the economic recovery is slow to materialize in some quarters, The Ritz-Carlton's marquee properties in the Caribbean – The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman and The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas – have designed offers for fall that allow guests to experience the best of both worlds with luxury lifestyle amenities paired with value-driven pricing. Travelers can visit The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman this fall with rates starting at $229 per night and enjoy a host of renowned brand partners' amenities from spa to dining: Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa provides guests with the opportunity to relax with the healing waters of Switzerland in the comfort of the picture perfect setting on a seven mile beach in the Cayman Islands.

Blue, by famed New York Chef Eric Ripert is the only restaurant in Grand Cayman to have received the AAA Five Diamond Award. Guests visiting The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas (above) can enjoy the Club Level, exclusive suite accommodations and amenities set amid Caribbean seclusion starting at $379 a night. With 17 Ocean Front Suites and 12 Resort View Suites, the Club Level is the only one of its kind in the Virgin Islands and allows guests to enjoy individualized attention and light fare served through out the day, redefining the luxury hotel experience. The special rates are available at the Grand Cayman property until October 23rd and in St. Thomas until November 11.

Tags: Caribbea, Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman, hotels, La Prairie, Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

Caribbean Splendor at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

It's a really good time to escape to the Virgin Islands. As I am writing this, it is 11:30 am on the island of St. Thomas, and the weather is a perfect 80ºF/26ºC. The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, above, is offering a Caribean Splendor package to help you take advantage of the Virgin Islands.

Why St. Thomas? You don't need a passport, and there are direct flights from New York, Charlotte, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. There's scuba diving, divine restaurants with unadulterated views of uninhabited islands, a vibrant, relaxed island culture, and the beautiful hotel above. You can check out more of the attractions here.

The Caribbean Splendor package, which starts at $664 per night with a three night minimum (long luxury weekend, anyone?), includes:

Overnight accommodations in an ocean view room
Sunset Sail or half day snorkel sail for two aboard the Lady Lynsey (see gallery)
Two 50-minute spa treatments
Daily breakfast for two at Bleuwater
Seven-course tasting dinner for two at Bleuwater
Gratuity for all services listed on this package only

This is the kind of romantic getaway you've been dreaming about, and you can take it anytime between now and October 31, 2009. And for added romance, The Ritz-Carlton is also currently offering Complimentary Destination Weddings -- definitely a must-see. Check out more photos of the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas below.

Gallery: The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas

Tags: caribbean, ritz-carlton, st. thomas, St.Thomas, virgin islands

Jules Smith Now and Zen Ring

by Sandy Maple (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Gina Nigrelli is living my dream life. After a successful career in fashion and marketing, she relocated to the Virgin Islands in 2005 and together with her husband, Brian Smith, began a life of creative jewelery design. Inspired by the lush Caribbean surroundings, Jules Smith Designs employ precious metals and semi-precious gemstones, creating wearable art that is subtly extravagant. This is the Now and Zen ring, featuring an 18k yellow gold open band upon which rests a beautifully set aquamarine. $1151.

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Tags: aquamarine, designer jewelry, DesignerJewelry, gina nigrelli, GinaNigrelli, jewelry, jules smith designs, JulesSmithDesigns, ring, virgin islands, VirginIslands, yellow gold, YellowGold

Bitter End Yacht Club Pro-Am Regatta Week

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Yachts & Sailing

Golf, tennis and other sports often hold tournaments pairing professionals with excited amateurs. If ou want the same experience for sailing, you need to head to the Bitter End Yacht Club in the Virgin Islands for their Pro Am Regatta Week. They pair novice sailors with America's Cup skippers, Olympic medalists, Around the World Race winners and world champions. Racing takes place aboard Freedom 30s and Hunter 216s. Other activities include windsurfing, snorkeling, wine dinners and an awards dinner. The event takes place October 28 through November 4.

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Tags: adventure, sailing, travel, virgin islands, yacht club, yacht racing

Thatch Cay U.S.V.I.

by Amey Stone (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

While recently in the Virgin Islands, I came across a delightful piece of real estate just north of the island of St. Thomas. Thatch Cay is a 230 acre island between St. Thomas and St. John that is completely undeveloped and waiting for the right buyer to come and snatch her up. With 5 miles of shoreline and elevations up to 500ft, the island would make a lovely vacation getaway. Right now, there are no docks or landing areas on the island so, development would be entirely at your discretion. Personally, I envision a James Bond villain-type compound complete with shark tank and inept henchman.

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Tags: islands, thatch cay, ThatchCay, virgin islands, VirginIslands