Island View Estate

Every resident from the United States who would travel to the Virgin Islands is allowed to take home goods that will amount to worth $1600 – all these are goods from Duty Free.

As you return to the US, you will fill out a form for separate customs for all the items you bought. Keep a hold of your receipt to have a reliable record of the items you purchased. This allowance is double compared to just the $800 from the rest of the islands.

What’s more is that you are even allowed to take 5 cartons of cigarettes and even 5 liters of liquor. This is for as long as you bought a bottle which was made from the Virgin Islands like the Cruzan Rum.

This is truly one wonderful way of not just hanging around in the beaches of St. Thomas but also enjoy most of your time shopping in breeze!

Photos via virginislandsthisweek.com and greathouse-mountaintop.com

If you miss going shopping because of your St. Thomas vacation, worry no more because you can find what you are craving for in Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie. With its collection of famous boutiques like Vuitton and Bulgari, the target market of this place is the rich tourists. But don’t just rush on going to this place because the shops availability and people traffic depend on the number of docked yachts. But whatever happens try to drop by the back patio of W!kked to savor its coconut-rum flamed tuna.

via tripadvisor.com

Why would you explore Emancipation Garden in Charlotte Amalie? Because across this place is a haven for local and foreign artists that has regular stock changes. This warehouse-style space is open daily except Sundays for stocks like calabash bowls, straw-made baskets and hats, African-inspired jewelries, colorful quilts and shell lamps. The bush teas which are made from local herbs, home-brewed guavaberry liqueur on holidays and regional cookbooks are some of the must-haves in this place. Be one of the tourists to spot more than 150 Caribbean artists on this Native Arts and Crafts Cooperative.

via www.virginislandsthisweek.com

A palate delight and ethnic steel drum beat await anyone who would visit Agave Terrace Carribean which joins the list of St. Thomas Island’s best restaurants.  Their choice selection of seafood, particularly crabs that are served alongside with shrimps and fritters juicy enough to satisfy your craving, will make you come back for more even though to get there, you would have to go through a steep climb up.  You’ll pass by a hill and enjoy a jungle feel with trees all around and if it’s a Tuesday or Thursday night, be lucky to be welcomed by steel drum beats from this good as real tropical island palace.

For a night drink, Agave Terrace Caribbean takes pride of its mix drink combining Midori, rum, pineapple juice and secret ingredients that will have every visitor going back for more.  The drink will get your appetite on a high and the appealing menu will surely beat the hungry monster in you.

Ambiance, great food and unique entertainment, this Point Pleasant Resort-housed restaurant situated on St. Thomas Island’s northern coast  is a must to go to, although be sure to arrange your reservations early for a sure seat.  Just contact (340) 775-4142.

Photos via joeinvegas.blogspot.com and lookathteworld.blogspot.com

There are a lot of whales to look out for which migrates from North Atlantic to the waters of the Virgin Islands. This usually happens between months of December to March.

The most popular whale to see is the humpback whale. This is also one reason why one of the most in demand activities to do in the island is to join whale watching excursions made by various environmental travelling groups. These tours are on high peak during February all the way to March.

Photos via http://web.me.com/uromastyx.studio/Radsurfing(new)/about_Encinitas.html and http://www.treehugger.com/2008/07/13-week/

The Inn At Blackbeard Castle is one of the most idyllic restaurants you could ever encounter in St. Thomas. All of its visitors are not just treated to a sumptuous set of delectable continental dishes but are also entertained with live piano music. The rest of music that is being played inside the restaurant is set to imbibe some pirate spirit that is considered the myth behind the name of the place – some legendary pirate who rules the island some 200 years ago.

With its true, mystique ambiance, this amazing place has done well in contributing to the tourism progress of the island. It has elegant interior designs with the perfect lighting effects and fixtures. Their cuisine options are combinations of Asian and European dishes to entertain any culture and palate.

The restaurant will surely make you feel like the Blackbeard pirate who was in the verge of discovering all the Caribbean spices and herbs all at the same time!

Photos via http://www.sttjetcenter.com/sttjc_html/info.html and http://donwiss.com/pictures/St-Thomas-2006/

Yes, just like the rest of the fantastic hotels located in the Virgin Islands, the Peace of Mind hotel is yet another accommodation that you would definitely enjoy. Who can resist even its name?

It is situated in the area of the Virgin Islands where you can see the awesome beauty of the entire island. It stands on a total of 1.5 acres of land where the view of the waterfall makes it all the more romantic, breathtaking and utterly exotic.

All the rooms of the Peace of Mind hotel are decorated with taste with every furniture piece and accessories being all well coordinated. They have high class hospitality staff who are all courteous and ready to serve their guests 24/7. You can also enjoy the food served by The Large Chef’s Kitchen restaurant of the hotel with a wide array of dishes adapted from different countries around the world.

Photos via http://www.1-2-c.com/caribbean/us_virgin_islands.htm and http://travel.aol.com/travel-ideas/galleries/more-sun-for-the-money

St. Thomas is not just popular for being an amazing Caribbean spot but also a Mecca for the shopping enthusiasts. There is a wide array of international shopping spots within the island and one of the most well known shopping areas is the Havensight Mall. It houses more than 60 shops to deliver an exquisite shopping experience for every visitor located near the main ship dock of Havensight and Red Hook’s American Yacht Harbor.

This is the perfect place to find your Caribbean souvenirs and there are still many more shops to discover in the hidden alleys of the place. You can surely find all the best buys in this store from books, guides, clothing, china, watches, cameras, crafts, island goods and many more. What is good news is that there are no inclusion of custom duties or what they call as the luxury taxes.

Photos via http://www.panoramio.com/photo/10485605 and http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g147405-d149854-Havensight_Mall-Charlotte_Amalie_St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html

If you got disappointed with yesterday’s review about Coki Point Beach because it lacks privacy then give way to Lindberg Bay. Named after aviator Charles A. Lindberg, this place line of trees is the home to two famous hotels which are the Emerald Beach Hotel and the Island Beachcomber. Perfect for adult sports activities like windsurfing, kayaking and snorkeling, children can also enjoy its beach playground. You can also have various dining options in this open-air place which is just few minutes away from Charlotte Amalie.

If you are looking for ultimate peace then this place is not for you. Always crowded with locals and guests, the Coki Point Beach is well-known for its practicality. With its wide area, nice view, good facilities, lots of shades and activities and delicious food, what more can you wish for? The beach has grand sand, crystal-clear water, great view of Thatch Cay as well as good spots for snorkeling.

You can find vendors in this place that will offer you snorkeling gears as well as fish food but beware of pickpockets as well as annoying hair braiders. It is located near the Coral World underwater tower that will enable you to have a closer look with the marine ecosystem without getting wet.