SPECIAL EVENTS
St. Croix Ironman 70.3
Considered one of the premier destination triathlons in the world, the St. Croix Ironman 70.3 Triathlon wound through the island’s waters and roadways on Sunday, May 3. The annual race combines the beauty of the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands with the challenge of an unforgettable course, attracting top amateur and professional athletes to St. Croix. For more information, call (340) 773-4470 or visit www.stcroixtriathlon.com.
The Developing World, St. John Film Society
The St. John Film Society’s film series takes place on the first Tuesday of each month at Sputnik in Coral Bay. On May 5, guests are invited to join the society for a feature presentation of “Golden Venture,” a documentary by Peter Cohn. For more information, and to stay updated on future screenings, call (340) 715-9899, or visit www.stjohnfilm.com.
Caribbean Beach Barbecue, Divi Carina Bay Resort, St. Croix
Divi Carina Bay Resort’s new Caribbean Beach Barbecue takes place on the first Thursday of every month. The night consists of an authentic buffet of Crucian fare, accompanied by a program of live music, entertainment and dancing for people of all ages. The buffet begins at 6 p.m., with entertainment starting at 8 p.m. For those who join in the fun after dinner, there is a cover charge of $10. Dinner and entertainment is $37 for adults, $25 for children and $35 for seniors. For more information or to make reservations, call (340) 773-9700.
Support Art, Value Our Restaurants (S.A.V.O.R.), St. Thomas
Four art galleries and four of St. Thomas’ most popular restaurants are partnering for S.A.V.O.R., a new event taking place on the first Thursday of each month. Guests may visit galleries open until 8 p.m. on May 7, where participating restaurants will be supplying appetizers and evening specials. Gallery-restaurant collaborations include David Hill's Gallery and Amalia Café; Gallery St. Thomas and Hervé Restaurant and Wine Bar; Mango Tango Seaside Art Gallery and Grande Cru Restaurant and Wine Bar; and Seven Minus Seven Art Alternative Space and Agave Terrace Restaurant. For more information, call (340) 715-2789.
Arts Alive Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Festival, St. Thomas
The Arts Alive Annual Springtime Arts and Crafts Festival is coming once again to Tillett Gardens May 9 to 10. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, guests are invited to this free event to see the work of local artists, listen to the sounds of talented local musicians, eat great food and get children involved in art – hands on. Meals, snacks and beverages will be sold at Jack’s Restaurant located in the garden. For more information, call (340) 776-8566 or visit www.tillettgardens.com.
“Art Thursdays,” Christiansted, St. Croix
On May 14, Christiansted businesses, including art galleries, retail shops and restaurants, will stay open late for a series of gallery walks beginning at 5 p.m. Galleries will include Crucian Gold, Danica Art Gallery, Designworks, D&D Studio, The Goldworker, ib designs, Maria Henle Studio, Maufe Gallery, Watch Your Step Art Studio and Yellow House Gallery. Guests are encouraged to explore the art venues, shop and enjoy dinner and drinks in Christiansted. For more information, visit www.gotostcroix.com/art/index.php.
“Wagapalooza,” St. John Animal Care Center
St. John’s most anticipated island dog show is now in its ninth year. On May 16, from 5 to 9 p.m., the St. John Animal Care Center (ACC) will be attracting dog lovers from neighboring islands for great food, music, raffle prizes and dogs! Competitive dog show categories include best trick, best costume, best dance and more. Admission is free. Dog competition registration is $20. For more information, visit www.Wagapalooza.com.
“Music in the Moonlight,” Mongoose Junction, St. John
Now in its tenth year, “Music in the Moonlight” is an evening event providing amateur artists of all musical backgrounds and styles to explore their talent. Taking place on May 16, following Wagapalooza, the event also features performance art. Artists are encouraged to meet and jam together for 15 acts, each 15 minutes in length. For more information, call (340) 693-8340.
Billy Ocean, Reichhold Center for the Arts, St. Thomas
At 8 p.m. on May 16, the Reichhold Center will host Trinidadian native and Grammy Award winning artist Billy Ocean. For more information, visit www.reichholdcenter.com.
6th Annual St. John Beach-to-Beach Power Swim
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park will host its 6th Annual Beach-to-Beach Power Swim at Maho Bay Beach, St. John on Sunday, May 24. This challenging open water swim will take place in the pristine and protected waters of the VI National Park. All races begin at Maho Bay beach, but there are three courses to choose from, which lead contenders to Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay and Hawksnest Bay. Swimmers can compete as an individual or as part of a three-person team. For more information, call (340) 779-4940 or visit www.friendsvinp.org
Weekly Events
West Indian Style BBQ & Floor Show, St. Croix
Every Thursday evening, the Divi Carina Resort and Casino hosts an authentic West Indian Style BBQ & Floor Show with a steel pan band, a broken bottle dancer and Mocko Jumbies. Buffet opens at 6 p.m.; entertainment begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28 per person and $17.50 for children under 12. For more information, call (340) 773-9700 x 727.
Live Music at Salud! Bistro, St. Croix
Every Friday night, guests are invited to join local musician Steve Katz playing live guitar while enjoying delicious Spanish and Mediterranean-influenced food from 7 to10 p.m. Salud is located just a few minutes west of Christiansted in Princess Plaza. For more information, call (340)718-7900.
Live Jazz, St. Croix
Enjoy live music from the gazebo and delightful dinner specials at Sand Castle on the Beach in Frederiksted every Saturday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Experience “Iguana Lounge” for hot and cold tapas with vibrant sunsets, trade winds and freshly prepared foods. For more information, call (340) 772-1205 or visit www.sandcastleonthebeach.com.
News
Free Service Excellence Seminars Offered By The DOT
In celebration of National Tourism Week, the Department of Tourism will sponsor free customer service training for employees in the hospitality and service industries. Conducted by customer service expert and Virgin Islander, Bryan Williams, the training will focus on world-class service delivery and understanding the purpose of everyone’s role in creating an exceptional service experience. The seminars scheduled on May 14th at the Frenchman’s Reef Marriott on St. Thomas and on May 15th at the Bennie and Martha Conference Center at the VI Cardiac Center on St. Croix include a Leadership Session (8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.), Service Excellence Training AM session (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) and PM session (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.). To register for this free training call 340-774-8784 on St. Thomas and 340-773-0497 on St. Croix.
American Eagle Enforces New Check-In Times, Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas
When travel is completed within the U.S. including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the airline recommends checking in at least 90 minutes prior to departure when checking baggage and at least 60 minutes prior to departure if not checking baggage. For all flights departing St. Thomas, check-in can take place up to four hours prior to departure. The check-in desk will close, with or without bags, 60 minutes before any flight’s departure. For more information, call (340) 776-2560.
Awards for Caribbean Adventure Tours and The Avocado Pitt, St. Croix
Readers of the Virgin Islands Daily News have voted Caribbean Adventure Tours as “Best Kayak Tour on St Croix” and The Avocado Pitt as “Best Breakfast on St. Croix.” Located in Salt River Marina, Caribbean Adventure Tours is now offering a guided kayak tour of Salt River National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve. For more information, call (340) 778-1522. Guests at The Avocado Pitt can now enjoy 10 percent savings during breakfast or lunch. For more information call (340) 773-9843.
Preferred Residences Adds Flagberry Hill Club and Resort, St. Thomas
Flagberry Hill Club and Resort in St. Thomas has joined the exchange network of Preferred Residences™, a hospitality branded membership and exchange program for luxury shared ownership resorts. With breathtaking views from 950 feet above sea level, the resort is being designed and built using green materials to make it the island's first environmentally sustainable development. Designed by OBM International, the resort will feature a 40-unit boutique hotel, ten whole ownership condominium units and 80 three-bedroom fractional ownership villas. The fractional unit interiors are expected to range from 2,300 to 3,900 square feet. Each will feature gracious living and dining areas including fully equipped kitchens, high-end electronics and entertainment systems, and a private swimming pool. For more information, visit www.preferredresidences.com.
Podcast from Paradise
USVI tourists, locals and interested visitors alike can tune into “Podcast from Paradise” each weekday for a daily dose of US Virgin Islands weather, news highlights and a little music with Alex Randall the “Voice of Paradise.” Users can subscribe by visiting www.vinow.com/podcast.
Special Promotions
Summer Special 2009 at Maho Bay Camps and Concordia Eco-tents, St. John
From May 1 to December 14, outdoor enthusiasts can reserve tent-cottages at Maho Bay Camps at rates of $80 per night based on double occupancy, or $60 per night for singles. Rates at Concordia Eco-tents start at $105 per night based on double occupancy, plus 8 percent tax. Travel agents receive a 20 percent discount and children ages 16 and under stay free. Guests visiting during these dates can enjoy a plethora of land and water activities, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and hiking through the Virgin Islands National Park. Maho Bay offers art classes and free demonstrations in glass blowing, ceramics, tie-dyeing and more. For more information, call (800) 392-9004, email reservations@maho.org or visit www.maho.org.
Discounts at Caneel Bay, St. John
Beginning May 1, Caneel Bay is offering rates starting at $275 per night, including a complimentary “American Breakfast.” Those booking by May 15 for four-night minimum stays will receive a $200 resort credit; those who book the same number of nights after May 15 will receive a $100 resort credit. Rates start at $325 in the Ocean View category, and are valid through November 18. Travelers are advised that Caneel Bay will be closed during September and October 2009. For more information, call 1 (888) ROSEWOOD or visit www.caneelbay.com.
All-Inclusive Special at Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, St. Thomas
Wyndham’s all-inclusive package rates begin at $503 per room Through May 31 and $443 per room from June 1 through August 24. Rates for both periods are based on double occupancy, four-night minimum stays. The package includes unlimited food and drinks, entertainment, access to non-motorized water activities and the complimentary supervised kids' club. Children ages three to 12 stay, play and eat free off the kid’s menu, when sharing a room with their parents. For children ages 13 to 17 staying in the same room, there is a $95 per child, per night charge. For more information, call (340) 777-7100 or visit www.wyndhamsugarbay.com.
Virgin Islands Ecotours, St. Thomas
Through May 31, Virgin Islands Ecotours is offering a 10 percent discount on any of its St. Thomas tours, including the St. Thomas Kayak and Snorkel tour and the St. Thomas Kayak, Hike and Snorkel tour. The discount is taken at the time of the confirmed reservation. For more information, or to make a reservation, visit www.viecotours.com.
All-Inclusive Mother’s Day Package, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, St. Thomas
Bolongo Bay’s five-night, all-Inclusive Mother's Day Package is valid through the month of May, and priced at $1,110 per person, based on double occupancy. Features of the deal include 20 percent savings on the resort's All-Inclusive plan, two complimentary sailings on the resort's catamaran, a half-hour massage for mom and all meals and drinks. For more information, call (340) 775-1800, email reservations@bolongobay.com or visit www.bolongobay.com.
“Heavenly Days of Summer” at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, St. Thomas
Valid for travel trough August 31, Bolongo Bay’s “Heavenly Days of Summer” promotion features savings of 20 percent on the all-Inclusive plan and 25 percent savings on the European Plan. Guests who book a minimum of five nights have the choice of free sailings aboard “Heavenly Days,” the resort's 53-ft. catamaran (a $120 value), and two complimentary tickets for a romantic sunset cocktail cruise to historic Charlotte Amalie Harbor (valued at $110 per couple). For more information, call (340) 775-1800, email reservations@bolongobay.com or visit www.bolongobay.com.
Low Season Rates at Frenchman’s Bay Hideaway, St. Thomas
Between May 16 and November 14, Frenchman’s Bay Hideaway is offering low season travelers great values. With rates starting at $80 per night, and $1,200 per month, travelers can choose to embark on a weekend jaunt or several weeks of relaxation on St. Thomas’ shores. For more information, visit www.stthomasvirginisland.com.
“Free Nights in Paradise,” McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas, St. Thomas
McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas is offering “Free Nights in Paradise” on villa rentals booked and completed by December 18, 2009. Guests who book seven nights pay for six, while guests who book ten nights pay for eight at over 100 participating villas. The "Free Nights in Paradise" offer is valid for new rentals only; holidays excluded. The offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts. For more information, call (800) 537-6246, email reservations@mclaughlinanderson.com, or visit www.mclaughlinanderson.com.
Commission for Add-On Wedding Packages, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, St. Thomas
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is rewarding travel agents with 10 percent commission for three add-on wedding packages when booking their clients for a minimum of five nights at the resort. The three wedding packages -- Barefoot on the Beach, Paradise Wedding and Heavenly Days Fantasy Wedding – were designed with key ingredients in mind that provide the perfect mix of romance set against an intimate Caribbean backdrop:
- “Barefoot on the Beach Wedding” Package
For $1,000, in addition to the nightly room rate, guests receive the services of a wedding coordinator and clergyman; ceremony; a bottle of champagne with two keepsake flute glasses; Bolongo bride and groom T-shirts, and witnesses.
- “Paradise Wedding” Package
For $1,675, in addition to the nightly room rate, the package features the services of a wedding coordinator and clergyman; ceremony; decorated arch; services of a professional photographer; wedding album with 72 photographs (4x6) with negative ownership; bouquet and boutonniere; a bottle of premium champagne with two keepsake flute glasses; and witnesses.
- “Heavenly Days Fantasy Wedding”
Starting at $3,000 for up to 20 people, this two- hour sunset wedding cruise takes place aboard the resort's 53-foot catamaran and includes the services of a wedding coordinator and clergyman; ceremony; services of a professional photographer for one hour; wedding album with 72 photographs (4x6) with negative ownership; bouquet and boutonniere; fresh vegetable crudités; assorted fruit and cheese tray; and an open bar including champagne. Additional guests (up to maximum of 49 people total) cost $55 per person.
Bolongo Bay will also place a welcome amenity (either a bottle of Bolongo rum or wine) in clients' rooms on behalf of the travel agent at no cost to the agent. For information about Bolongo's wedding packages, contact Lorie Leonard, special events, at (800) 449-1577 or weddings@bolongobay.com. For more information on Bolongo Bay, call (340) 775-1800, email reservations@bolongobay.com or visit www.bolongobay.com.
“Summer Dive Special” at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, St. Thomas
For travel from May 1 to October 31, Bolongo Bay’s “Summer Dive Special” is offering each visitor accommodations for five nights in an ocean-view room at the resort, plus six dives at the St. Thomas Diving Club, the five-star PADI training facility located at Bolongo Bay – all for $700. Guests taking advantage of this offer will also receive complimentary use of non-motorized watersports, including snorkel gear, paddle boats, sunfish sailboats, windsurfing equipment and kayaks. For more information, call (800) 524-4746, email reservations@bolongobay.com or visit www.bolongobay.com.
“Free Nights and More” at Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Beach Resort, St. Thomas
Guests of Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott who travel now through December 1, 2009 and book a six-night minimum stay will receive daily breakfast for two and two of these nights free of charge. This offer is equivalent to a savings of 33 percent, with rates from $327 - $506 U.S. dollars. For more information, call (340) 776-8500 or visit www.marriott.com.
“Reconnect” Wedding Package, Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
For weddings booked between April 1 and June 30 and held between May 1 and December 20, 2009, the Ritz-Carlton is offering a free wedding ceremony, plus a free three-night anniversary stay in 2010 for wedding groups who book at least 25 rooms based a three-night minimum stay. Other features include free breakfasts and resort credits of $110-200 a day. For more information, call (800) 241-3333 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.
“Caribbean Splendor” at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
Through October 31, 2009, guests are invited to indulge in the romance of the USVI with the Ritz-Carlton’s Caribbean Splendor package, starting at $564 per night for three nights. Features include:
• Overnight accommodations in an ocean view room
• Sunset Sail or Half Day Snorkel for two on the Lady Lynsey ($160 retail)
• 50-minute spa treatments for two ($250 retail)
• Daily breakfast for two at Bleuwater ($186 retail)
• Seven-course tasting dinner for two at Bleuwater restaurant ($194 retail)
• Gratuity for all services listed on this package only
For more information, call (800) 542-8680 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.
“Family Adventure” at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
Families can escape to St. Thomas to spend quality time with the Ritz Carlton’s Family Adventure package, starting at $489 per night, based on a three-night minimum stay and available through October 31, 2009. The offer includes:
• Overnight accommodations in a resort or ocean view room
• Lady Lynsey Afternoon Snorkel Sail or Sunset Sail for four
• One Day in Ritz Kids (children’s program) or children’s sailing lessons for two
• $50 daily credit at Sails restaurant
For more information, call (800) 542-8680 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.
Reduced Rates at the Inn at Villa Olga, St. Thomas
St. Thomas’ 12-room Inn at Villa Olga has reduced its rates up to $70 per night for travel throughout 2009, offering rates between $85 and $125 per room, per night. From May 1 – December 22, 2009, harbor view rooms are priced at $85 and ocean view rooms at $110 (each a savings of $65). All rates quoted are per room, per night and do not include the 15 percent tax and service charge. Additionally, guests staying at Villa Olga may use the facilities at the hotel's sister property, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, including beach chairs, sunfish sailboats, kayaks, wind surfing equipment and aqua tricycles. For more information, or to book reservations, call (800) 524-4746 or (340) 642-0395, or email villaolga@bolongobay.com or reservations@bolongobay.com. Visit the Inn at Villa Olga’s Web site, at http://www.bolongobay.com/VillaOlga.htm.
Celebrate Carnival in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Travelers interested in visiting the USVI during Carnival can book the USVI Carnival Package through Alken Tours, an African American-operated travel wholesale firm with offices in New York, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Alken Tours is the exclusive provider of the package, which includes a 4-night minimum stay complete with a Carnival Survival Kit (T-Shirt, towel, bottle of rum, whistle, schedule of events, disposable camera), $50.00 per person certificates for local attractions and access to a VIP Carnival Party. The package is now valid for St. John Festival, which takes place from June 1 to July 4 and St. Croix’s Carnival, known as the Crucian Christmas Festival, which begins December 5, 2009 and ends January 2, 2010. For more information or to book the package, call Alken Tours at (718) 856-7711.
USVI Department of Tourism Introduces Sizzlin’ Sampler
The U.S. Virgin Islands invites travelers to experience everything that St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas have to offer this summer —from sea trekking to golf—while stretching their dollars with the Sizzlin’ Sampler package.
The package includes a complimentary fourth night, $300 air credit, $50 worth of certificates for attractions, a $50 dining certificate and a $500 coupon booklet containing retail special offers. The Sizzlin’ Sampler is valid for bookings made from March 15 to October 15, 2009 for travel between April 15 and October 31, 2009 and is based on a four-night minimum stay.
Hotels participating in the Sizzlin’ Sampler include: The Westin St. John; The Buccaneer, Carambola Beach Resort & Spa, Chenay Bay Beach Resort, Club St. Croix, Colony Cove, Company House Hotel, Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort, Frederiksted Hotel, Hibiscus Beach Resort, Holger Danske Hotel, Hotel Caravelle, King Christian Hotel and Sand Castle on the Beach on St. Croix; Anchorage Beach Resort, Best Western Carib Beach, Best Western Emerald Beach; Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Crystal Cove, Marriott Frenchman’s Reef, Pavilions and Pools, Point Pleasant Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, Sapphire Beach Resort, Sapphire Village, Secret Harbour Beach Resort, Windward Passage Hotel and Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa on St. Thomas.
The Sizzlin' Sampler applies to new bookings only. Reservations for this promotion can be made through a number of tour operators, including Apple Vacations, BookIt.com, Certified Vacations Group, CheapCaribbean, Classic Vacations, Costco Travel, Enjoy Vacations, Expedia Inc., Island Resort Tours, Libgo Travel, The Mark Travel Corporation, MLT Vacations, Orbitz Worldwide, Pleasant Holidays, Total Vacations, Travel Impressions, Travelocity, US Airways Vacations and Vacation Express.
For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com. When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel – including on-line check-in – making travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands easier than ever. As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens.
### |
|
|
