My wife may have to attend a conference at the Ritz Carleton on St. Thomas. (yeah, tough .... I know)
Anyone been to the area? Have any ideas of the good and bad of this location? Food? Unique activities? Any nude or topless allowed on the beaches?
Thanks for any info -
Roy

We've been to St. Croix and the BVIs, which are just a good swim from St. Thomas. My understanding is that St. Thomas is a tourist meca on the lines of Ocho Rios. St. John, quieter and a great place for snorkeling (underwater national park). The USVI are too prudeish for even toplessness, but the BVI may be a bit more relaxed -- we were on a yacht in the BVI and enjoyed being nude, as were some of the people on the European yachts.

Lee Baxandall's "World Guide to Nude Beaches and Resorts" published by the Naturist Society, lists a couple of places on St. John, (Jumbaie Bay, Solomon's Beach, and Francis Bay Beach) and Morningstar Beach on St. Thomas. Reading the details, these are more "skinny-dipping" areas if you don't get caught, rather than nude or toppless beaches.

I will loan you my copy of the book, if you like. It would be nice to PDF a few pages for you, but I don't own the rights to copy.

We have not been to St. John's yet, but have heard great things about it. According to friends, it is much more laid back and non-touristy than other places.

Now with St. Martin, you are talking about our favorite island (Jamaica obviously has our favorite resorts, but St. Martin is the island we love). Beautiful beaches all around the island (we visited a different beach every morning). Orient Beach is a fantastic nude beach (we end up there in the afternoon when we do another beach in the morning) even if you have to put up with the cruise ship gawkers walking by when the ships are in port (Orient Beach Resort staff are excellent though in limiting picture taking by the tourists). While there is not the same level of social interaction you find at Hedo or Braco nude areas, we did find the people around us friendly and talkative (In fact, when we stayed later than the taxis, someone gave us a ride back to our hotel on the Dutch side).

You also asked about the food. From the roadside lobo's to some of the small beach restaurants to the fine French food of Grand Case restaurants the food is one of the main reasons we return to the island. While a few hotels offer an all-inclusive pricing, we would NEVER take that option because there are too many great places to eat. If you are a wine drinker, have plenty of space and packing materials to bring back French wines at decent prices in your luggage (last trip we took an empty suitcase knowing we would likely bring back a case of wine).

The Dutch side also has decent nightlife with casinos and clubs.

Tom

Thanks folks! First, I have to admit my mistake and tell you I accidentally wrote St. Martin in the topic name when I meant St. Thomas. Wishful thinking I guess! I would love to make to St. Martin one day!
She (we if I go along) will be at the Ritz Carelton on St. Thomas for a conference. I understand that St. John is just across the bay from St. Thomas and is very close.
Thanks for the info, sorry I didn't ask the question better!
Respect-
Roy

I have lived on St. Thomas. the Ritz used to be the Grand palazzo. They said it was hurricane proof(not). Any way you have a beautiful beach there. there is a section for topless. St. Thomas is a very conservative island. You cant wear a bathing suit top to a store. woman have to cover up. St John has a nude beach. The ferry is right down the street from the Ritz in French town to take you over. If you want a great beach (clothing not optional) coki beach is great and they have a wonderful aquarium. Megans bay is the most touristy but they have beach bar service.

Mikey

Thanks! My wife needs to decide what conference to go to for her CE, and this one sounds like a winner.... especially if I get to tag along!
I appreciate the info and responses!
Respect-
Roy

I lived on St John for 7 years. It has some really gorgeous beaches, but NONE of then allow nudity. Years ago Solamon beach (which is only accessable on foot after a short hike) was a place where people went nude, but the National Park Service now patrols it more frequently and has been giving out tickets for indecent exposure there. There are also 'No Nudity' signs posted on the beach now.

You can catch a ferry from downtown Charlotte Amalie (the main town and port) in St Thomas to St John. If I was going I would rent a jeep for teh day and just explore the island. The island is 2/3 national park and the beaches are all just gorgeous.

On St Thomas you need to be careful where you go and avoid Charlotte Aalie at night due to the high crime rate. You can get a cab driver to give you a tour for 1/2 a day and get the 'lay of the land' so to speak.

Have a great trip!

Thanks very much!

Please do a trip report when you get back...

If you get to St John and go to Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay, please say hello to Rudy and Irene Patton for me...

They knew me as Doug, the tall,long haired,and incredibly handsome blonde boat mechanic from 1974...

Heavens.. what a long time ago... seems like a thousand years...

Thanks