The Ritz-Carlton brand is synonymous with luxury and the word “hotel” seldom comes to mind when considering the chain. But thanks to a recent expansion, there are now 17 Ritz-Carlton properties with hotel rooms under their roofs. The first one opened in St. Thomas in 2016 – and we have been waiting for an excuse to visit ever since. The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is the first Ritz property on the island and its green hillside location offers panoramic views of Great Expectations Bay, Redbeard Beach and Salt River Cruise Terminal.
The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas: Goodness in the details
The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is the first Ritz property on the island and its green hillside location offers panoramic views of Great Expectations Bay, Redbeard Beach and Salt River Cruise Terminal. The hotel has 282 guest rooms, including 48 one-bedroom suites, 24 two-bedroom suites, and four Ritz-Carlton Residence Suites, which are the biggest and most expensive. The rooms feature a dark-wood frame with white oak veneer, white marble vanities, custom Ritz-Carlton bathrobes and slippers, and bath products made with essential oils. They are also equipped with the Ritz-Carlton Digital Door Lock, which allows guests to control their room temperature, lighting, and curtains while they are away.
Awards and Recognition
- The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas has earned a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award, one of just nine such hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- The hotel has also been recognized as one of the most romantic resorts in the Caribbean by Condé Nast Traveler.
Best Season to Visit
The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is located in the North-east of the island, offering an all-year-round tropical experience. Note that the winter months (December through February) are the most humid, while April and May can be wetter and more cloudy The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas has also launched a new winter-season promotion for guests booking travel between October 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020.
Guests receive a complimentary round-trip shuttle to St. Thomas’ sister island, St. John, as well as a $150 per person credit for the St. John Ferry. The promotion is subject to availability, and all guests must book the “Stay Longer, Play More” special rate to receive this offer.
Rooms & Services Available
Amenities at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas
The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas features three pools, including a pool bar and grill. The hotel also offers two tennis courts, a fitness center, two Jacuzzis, a sauna and a full-service spa. For the younger guests at the Ritz, there is a children’s program with daily activities and a nightly “Ritz Kids” program. The Ritz Kids program is designed for children ages 4-12 and offers a wide range of activities that change daily. In addition, there is a teen program for guests ages 13-17, available in select times throughout the year.
Dining at the Ritz-Carlton
TAAS Fish Restaurant - This restaurant is open for dinner only and offers guests a wide selection of fresh fish, as well as more traditional meat and seafood dishes. - The restaurant has a beautiful view of Great Expectations Bay, and a special outdoor seating area is available when the weather is nice.
The Garden Café - This casual eatery is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features made-to-order dishes, as well as a range of salads, soups, sandwiches and desserts. The outside terrace is perfect for enjoying tropical drinks and snacks in the afternoon.
Blue Water Bar & Grill - This casual bar and grill is open for lunch and dinner, serving everything from salads and burgers to crab cakes, grilled fish, and ribs.
Getting there
The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is located in the East End of St. Thomas and is a 25-minute drive from Cyril E. King Airport. The hotel offers complimentary round-trip shuttle service to guests. Guests can also take a taxi from the airport to the hotel for a fee that is determined by the distance traveled ($16.50 per person for a one-way ride).
Pros and Cons
- The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is a luxury hotel on a tropical island with plenty to offer guests of all ages.
- The property is located in the East End of St. Thomas, a 25-minute drive from Cyril E. King Airport.
- Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is a luxury hotel on a tropical island with plenty to offer guests of all ages.
- The property is located in the East End of St. Thomas, a 25-minute drive from Cyril E. King Airport.
- It is pricier than other hotels on the island.
- The resort’s location in the East End of St. Thomas means guests are a bit away from the tourist hub of St. Thomas.
- It is not very child-friendly, and the amenities are not geared towards families.
Bottom line
The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is one of the island’s most luxurious resorts, offering a wide range of activities for all ages. This hotel is also the tallest building in St. Thomas, making it a must-see for visitors to the island.
