The Virgin Islands are a wonderful blend of the old and the new. On St. Thomas, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands and home to several cruise ships, this is especially clear. The area around Charlotte Amalie harbors quaint buildings dating back to the 18th century, while modern hotels and shops can be found along its waterfront as well as on foothills above town. If you're looking for a hotel in St. Thomas, you'll find many great ones that cater specifically to guests who want to avoid staying directly on a cruise ship or an excursion port (like those near Red Hook). The Windward Passage Hotel is one such hotel that's perfect for anyone wanting to stay somewhere more remote than other accommodations nearby but not so secluded that it's difficult to get anywhere from it. Read on for more details about this hotel.
A Unique and Beautiful Hotel in St. Thomas
The Windward Passage Hotel is certainly one of the most beautiful hotels in St. Thomas. Its architecture is reminiscent of the Caribbean's colonial past, though the interior is modern and luxurious. No visit to this hotel would be complete without a drink at the bar, arguably one of the best on the island. With its own private beach and open-air restaurant, guests can easily spend the entire day here and not have to venture more than a few hundred feet to experience the island. Several departures from Charlotte Amalie are also within walking distance from the hotel, so you'll never have to travel far to get where you need to go.
Awards and Recognition
The Windward Passage Hotel has picked up several awards over the years, including best beach hotel in the Caribbean in 2011 and best hotel in the Caribbean in 2012. It has also received recognition as a certified sustainable hotel by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and is a member of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association, and the American Hotel and Lodging Association. The hotel was also featured in Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top 10 hotels in the Caribbean.
Best Season to Visit
The Windward Passage Hotel is open year-round, but its location is such that the best seasons to visit are different depending on whether guests are traveling for pleasure or business. For pleasure, the best time to visit is between the months of August and November, with September and October being the prime months for great weather and special events, including Wine in the Tropics, St. Thomas Carnival, and more. For business, the months of April and May have the best weather and are therefore the best time to visit.
Rooms & Services Available
Amenities
The Windward Passage Hotel boasts a number of amenities for its guests, including a full-service spa, a fitness center, a business center, and a rooftop infinity pool with bar. The hotel has two restaurants and bars open to the public and guests. The Beach Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the main restaurant, Voyage, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel also offers a shuttle service to and from the cruise ship terminals, St. Thomas Harbor, and Red Hook.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Staying at the Windward Passage Hotel
The Good: The hotel is located near many of the island's top attractions, including Cruz Bay, Coral Bay, and other scenic parts of St. John. It's also close enough to Charlotte Amalie to make it easy to get anywhere, but far enough away that you can avoid the congestion. The Bad: There are, of course, a few downsides to staying at the Windward Passage Hotel. The main one is that the beach itself is not swimmable. Guests must go to another beach to swim, snorkel, or use the water sports facilities. The Good: There are many other great beaches to choose from nearby, including Smith Bay and Great Harbour. The Bad: Those are all on St. John, so if you're looking for more convenient access to St. Thomas, you won't find it here. The Good: The hotel also has an amazing infinity pool, which is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Bad: The pool is not open to the sea, so it's not the best place to enjoy the view and sounds of the ocean. The Good: The views from the Windward Passage are spectacular and make it worth a visit even if you don't stay there.
Tips if You Decide to Stay at the Windward Passage Hotel
If you decide to stay at the Windward Passage Hotel, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be aware that while the beach is beautiful, it's not swimmable and is best enjoyed as a place to relax and enjoy the view. If you like to snorkel or scuba dive, you'll need to travel to another beach to do so. You'll also want to be aware of the tides at the beach, as they can be dangerous. Finally, the hotel offers a shuttle service around the island but not to the airport, so keep that in mind if you're planning to fly in and out of St. Thomas.
Getting there
The Windward Passage Hotel is located at Great Harbour, St. Thomas, USVI 00801. To get to the hotel from the airport, hotel guests can take Virgin Islands Taxi and Tours or Caribbean Tours and Transportation. For those who are not staying at the hotel, taxis are available at the airport.
Final Words: Where to Stay in St. Thomas?
St. Thomas is a great place to visit and the Windward Passage Hotel is a great place to stay. It's both beautiful and convenient, and with a wide variety of accommodations, you're sure to find something that fits your tastes and budget. Whether you're looking for glamour and glitz or a quiet getaway, you can find it on St. Thomas.
