Destination Guide

St. Thomas, USVI

The most accessible luxury Caribbean destination for US travelers — no passport required, the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas overlooks a postcard harbor, and Charlotte Amalie offers the best duty-free shopping in the region.

Ed ElliottExpert guide by Ed Elliott

Expertise & Insights

St. Thomas is my first recommendation for US clients who want a true luxury Caribbean experience with the lowest possible barrier to entry. As a US Virgin Island, it requires no passport for American citizens, uses US dollars natively, and is served by direct flights from most major hubs. For a long weekend trip or a client who has never done the Caribbean before, that simplicity matters enormously.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas sits on the eastern end of the island on a hillside overlooking Great Bay — the view from the infinity pool is one of the most photographed in the Caribbean, and deservedly so. The property's strength is in how it combines luxury accommodations with genuine access to the water: snorkeling from the beach, water sports, and easy day-trip access to St. John's pristine national park just a short ferry ride away.

Charlotte Amalie, the capital, is worth a half-day visit for its history and duty-free shopping — genuine savings on jewelry, watches, and spirits that can offset a meaningful portion of trip costs. The 99 Steps, Blackbeard's Castle, and the waterfront make for a pleasant few hours before or after a beach day. St. John's Trunk Bay, a 20-minute ferry from Red Hook, consistently ranks among the world's best beaches and should be on every St. Thomas itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport to visit St. Thomas?
No. As a US citizen traveling to the US Virgin Islands, a government-issued photo ID is sufficient — same as domestic travel. A passport is always good to carry, but it is not required. This makes St. Thomas the most frictionless entry point into the Caribbean for first-time international travelers or anyone who has not renewed their passport recently.
How does the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas compare to other Caribbean Ritz properties?
It is one of the most scenically positioned properties in the portfolio — the hillside location over Great Bay creates views that the flat Palm Beach properties like Aruba simply cannot replicate. The rooms and beach club are excellent. Where it differs is in the beach itself, which is smaller and calmer than Aruba's Palm Beach. I recommend St. Thomas for clients who prioritize views, easy day-tripping to St. John, and US-based logistics. Aruba wins on pure beach scale.
Is St. John worth visiting from St. Thomas?
Absolutely — it is one of the best half-day add-ons in the Caribbean. The ferry from Red Hook takes 20 minutes and drops you minutes from Trunk Bay, a US National Park beach with an underwater snorkel trail. Over 60% of St. John is protected national park land, which means the development is almost entirely absent. The contrast with St. Thomas is striking. I build it into every St. Thomas itinerary I plan.
What is the best area to stay in St. Thomas?
The east end — specifically the Red Hook area and the beaches toward Sapphire Bay and Secret Harbour — offers the best combination of beach quality and access to St. John ferries. The Ritz-Carlton sits in this corridor. Charlotte Amalie on the west side is more convenient for shopping and cruise ships but the beaches there are less appealing for a luxury stay.
St. Thomas, USVI — Ed Elliott — ReelTravelStories