Caribbean · beach
US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas)
United States Virgin Islands
Crystal coves, snorkeling, US dollar — Caribbean without passport
Caribbean climate — best Dec-Apr (80°F, dry). Hurricane risk Aug-Oct. No passport needed for US citizens.
When to visit
Award flights from the US
Economy
American AAdvantage
+ $20 taxes
AA via MIA into STT
Delta SkyMiles
+ $20 taxes
Delta via ATL into STT
Business / First
American AAdvantage
+ $30 taxes
AA business via MIA
Delta SkyMiles
+ $30 taxes
Delta business via ATL
Cash equivalent: economy ~$450 · business ~$1,400 roundtrip from NYC
Award hotels
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
Marriott Bonvoy
Iconic luxury — private beach, peninsula setting, kid-friendly luxury.
Frenchman's Reef by Marriott Resort
Marriott Bonvoy
Recently renovated — bigger family resort across from St. Thomas harbor.
Caneel Bay (St. John)
Independent
Closed since 2017 hurricane; check reopen status. Otherwise consider Westin St. John.
What to see & do
Magens Bay Beach
Heart-shaped beach — National Geographic's top 10. Calm water for families.
Trunk Bay (St. John)
0.25-mile underwater snorkel trail — boat or ferry to St. John (75% national park).
Coral World Ocean Park
Sea lion encounter, shark shallows, underwater observation tower.
Charlotte Amalie Historic District
Capital town — Blackbeard's Castle, 99 Steps, Fort Christian.
Mountain Top
1,500 ft viewpoint famous for banana daiquiris, panoramic island views.
Snorkel St. John (full day)
Multiple beaches on St. John — Maho, Cinnamon, Salt Pond Bay.
Monthly weather
Best cards for this trip
Open Marriott Brilliant (185K + 85K free night cert) + Sapphire Preferred (75K UR). Covers 4 nights Ritz-Carlton or 6+ at Frenchman's Reef + RT flight.
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