- Average year round temperature is 84 degrees. Lows in winter never go below 75.
No. A birth certificate and valid driver's license are acceptable, however a passport is required to go to the British Virgin Islands.
Yes but it can be spotty in remote areas, depending on your provider. AT&T works best. May pick up international roaming charges from the BVI's, so turn off roaming. Good WiFi at the villa so calling thru WiFi is dependable.
The outlets are standard US electrical. No adapters needed. Power does go out on the island from time to time but the house has a large generator.
English is the Official language in St Thomas and is universally spoken.
The currency is the US dollar. ATM's and full service banks can be found throughout the island. Credit cards are widely accepted but American Express less so. The BVI's also use US dollar.
Yes, but as in any destination, common sense and security measures are recommended. Ocean's edge is in a gated community with security camera monitoring.
There are many options. "Moe's" in Red Hook and downtown has the best quality but can be expensive. "Food Center" and "Pueblos" are large supermarkets conveniently located throughout the island, all within 15 minutes of the Villa. There are two convenience stores within 5 minutes. Groceries can be provisioned and delivered to the villa ahead of time thru the concierge.
Yes there is internet wifi throughout the villa and cable Tv. There is a firestick system also so movie streaming and premium channels are available at cost.
The time zone is Atlantic Standard Time so it's one hour ahead or the same time as the Eastern US depending on DST.
You arrive at Cyril E. King airport in St. Thomas. The airport call letters are "STT".
Pick up can be arranged via concierges however renting a car or jeep is recommended. The drive to the Villa takes about 20 minutes.
Yes a valid driver's license is all that is required.
Yes we recommend renting a car or jeep. You can hire a driver or use the taxi safari service on the island but a rental is much more convenient and affordable. You will need to drive on the left and the roads can be steep and winding but with a good co pilot, it's a fun adventure. There are Hertz Avis Budget at the airport and several private car rental nearby.
Health care is to American standards with all hospital and doctors accredited by the AMA. There is a full service hospital 15 minutes from the villa with a 24 hour ER. There are also several urgent care centers. There are several pharmacies on the Island including a Walgreen's where medications can be called in from the mainland. That being said, like any small town in the US, complex, critically ill patients are usually evacuated to Miami. Travel injury is recommended.
Yes the island has US sanitation standards. The villa gets water from a cistern and is UV filtered everywhere except the cottage.
The Villa is about 20 Minutes from the airport. It is about 15 minutes to downtown Charlotte Amalie and 15 minutes from Red Hook and the St John ferry. GPS works but we recommend downloading the local google maps in case of poor phone reception.
Yes there are 3 restaurants within 5 minutes of the villa. Downtown and Red Hook restaurants are 15 minutes.
The island is very casual. Shorts and T shirts work at all but the fanciest restaurants. West Indians are modest so bathing suits are not appropriate in public area or restaurants.
The culture here is an amazing mixture of Danish, African, English, Dutch and French. You are not in Florida. Locals prefer to be greeted with "Good morning" and "Good Afternoon" instead of Hi or Hello. People are very friendly and polite. There is an abundant assortment of local West Indian music and food on the island. Please check it out.
Check in is after 3 pm and check out is at 11 am . Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before you depart.
Yes you will be contacted before you arrive by concierge and will be met at the house upon arrival. You will have 24 hour coverage and can get recommendations for restaurants ,activities and make arrangements for personal chefs, private yoga etc . A maintenance worker is also available 24 hours for the house
Downtown Charlotte Amalie has all the high end stores you would expect near the cruise dock. They are usually open only when the ships are in port so check the schedule. There is an open air market with more local wares near the fort in town. The best prices and selection for souvenirs is at "Mountain Top" Store high above the town..
We provide towels, laundry soap, dish soap, shampoo and body wash. You will need to supply ....
High end : Old Stone Farm House
Nearby: Root 42 or Brooks
Best View: Mafolie
Steak: Prime
Causal: Island Time Pub
Dive Bar: Duffy's Love Shack
Chartering a boat is a Must. Going to the BVI's is also great. A visit to the "soggy dollar", the "willie t", and the "bathes" in the british virgin islands is amazing. Check out some of the 48+ beaches in St Thomas. Magens Bay (4 minute drive) and Linquist are two of the best. Take the ferry over to St John, the National Park is breathtaking. Kayaking, hiking ,fishing trips and paddleboarding are always enjoyable. For those more adventurous, Zip Lining, paragliding, scuba diving and jet skiing are easy to arrange.
Although it rains at times, it is usually only a short time before the sun returns. For those rare rainy days, The Pirate museum is outstanding. Shopping, Food tours and "Chicken & Bowling" are also enjoyable