St. Thomas USVI: Discover Its Elegance

The islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John's make up the United States Virgin Islands. St. Thomas is the largest of the three islands at 31.24 square miles. Prime real estate, tropical climate, Charlotte Amalie's claim to fame as being the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean, beautiful beaches, landscape, abundance of activities and sights to see and plenty of duty free shopping are all reflected in St. Thomas' modishness as a premier tourist destination.

The Ciboney people were the first settlers to inhabit St. Thomas. Eventually they would be overthrown by the Arawaks and Carib Indians and would inhabited the island until Christopher Columbus' second voyage to the "New World" in 1493. It then remained under European control until the Dutch conquered the island in 1666. The Capital of the United States Virgin Islands is Charlotte Amalie. It was given that name in 1691 in honor of the King of Denmark's wife. St. Thomas and the accompanying two islands were in constant decline through the ruling and dictatorship of the Danish King and as a result of damaging hurricanes to the area. In 1917, St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John's were purchased by the United States for 25 million dollars in gold. as part of a defensive strategy in the Caribbean. In 1927 residents were granted full U.S. citizenship with the Department of the Interior taking over administrative duties in 1931. U.S. armed forces were stationed there as a strategic base during the Second World War.

The myriad of shops and boutiques offering diversity and duty free gifts in the quaint shops along the Main Street, to picturesque French flare of the architecture and countryside on the opposite side of the island, the emerald hills that rise up towards the center of the island and mesmerizing beaches and lagoons that dot the islands exterior truly an astonishing sight to behold, as words alone cannot do St. Thomas justice enough. St. Thomas is one of the best Islands in the Caribbean for finding great deals on luxury jewels and jewelry, watches and gold.

A few of the highlights you won't want to miss while visiting St. Thomas are Blackbeard's Castle. Originally called Skytsborg Tower, this monument was used as a lookout by Danish forces to protect its investment. It still remains a mystery as to why the name was changed, however, one of the most famous pirates, Edward Teach did patrol this area and it was possible that he used this tower as a control and lookout for piracy interaction. This historical artifact sits atop the highest point on St. Thomas, called Government Hill.

Megan's Bay is a very popular beach as many consider it to be one of the top ten beautiful beaches in the world. Located on the North Atlantic side of the island, Megan's Bay is lined with tropical coconut palm trees, turquoise water and white, fine grain sand. A bar, snack and souvenir shop, lounge chair rental, windsurfer and small sailboat rental plus restrooms are available. Be prepared to relax and enjoy life at this luxurious beachfront ambiance which rumor has it used to be an anchorage spot for legendary pirate Sir Francis Drake while he waited for his next ship to plunder.

Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge is located about two miles south of St. Thomas. It is described as a grassy and thorn bush habitat with a rocky coastline, complete with a lighthouse. This island is a donation from the United States Navy and Coast Guard due to its importance as a key migratory bird destination. Buck Island is also a favorite snorkeling and diving destination thanks to a shipwreck and beautiful coral reefs housing a plethora of colorful fish and corals.

St. Thomas is blessed with numerous restaurants, hotels and resorts as well to replenish lost fluids and calories burned while exploring the island and provide a favorite and well known past time known simply as rest and relaxation. From the mom and pop family style hospitality to the popular chains like Best Western and Holiday Inn, whichever route you take, you will be thoroughly impressed by the ambiance, locale, cuisine and picturesque landscapes.

While visiting St. Thomas, don't forget to expand your attention to the neighboring islands in the US VI! St. Croix and St. John's have unique features of their own that will amaze you and offer diversity as you explore another world as close as your backyard. Not as populated or as large as St. Thomas, these islands more than make up for their subdued traits based on their own uniqueness, island charm and breathtaking beauty to complete your stay in the United States Virgin Islands.