The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is rolling out new tourism product developments, signature events and accommodation deals this spring. Booking a spring getaway to the USVI is easy with no passports required for U.S. citizens, and many direct flights from major U.S. cities.
Island Developments
St. John - Ocean 362 Restaurant Opens at Gallows Point
Gallows Point Resort opened Ocean 362 Restaurant in November 2013 with acclaimed chef, Ramesh Pillai. The restaurant brings contemporary American cuisine to the waterfront property as well as in-room provisioning. Visit www.ocean362.com.
St. Thomas - Carnival celebration this April
The month of April kicks off VI Carnival in St. Thomas with a culmination of events the week of April 27- May 3. The month long celebration features iconic Mocko Jumbies and Carnival dancers, plus signature events such as: pageants and talent shows, Calypso music, steelband jamborees, water sports activities, cultural fairs, parades and fireworks. Visit www.vicarnival.com.
St. Thomas - Butterfly Garden showcases the island's native flora
Charlotte Amalie's Butterfly Garden has opened two new gardens that showcase native St. Thomas plant life. This is part of an effort to promote the reproduction of local butterfly species. Discover a kaleidoscope of color as Gulf Fritillary, Zebra Longwing and Monarch butterflies flutter around and hear the hum of the Antillean Crested Hummingbird. Visit www.butterflygardenvi.com.
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St. Thomas - Artvi Advocates Hosts Annual Caribbean Colour Exhibit
Artvi Advocates will hold its annual Caribbean Colour Juried Art Exhibit on Saturday, May 10. The exhibition each year celebrates the diversity, creativity and quality of artby artists in the U.S. Virgin Islands as well as providing exposure for local talent. The theme for the 2014 exhibit is "Seeing Red," inspired by the color associated with blood, fire, fertility and life force. The exhibition is free to attend and will run through May 18. Visit www.artvi.org.
St. Thomas - Ritz-Carlton adds roster of special events to spring offerings
Throughout the spring, the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas will offer an engaging roster of activities and events. A new breakfast bubble bar is now available each morning where guests can make their own mimosas, bellinis, and other sparkling wine cocktails. On April 14 enjoy the best local beer and BBQ. The property has partnered with Full Moon BBQ and the Virgin Islands Brewing Co. for an evening that features a BBQ buffet, fire-pits, and live entertainment. On April 20, enjoy Sunday Easter Brunch in Bleuwater. A sumptuous buffet will be served with Veuve Cliquot Champagne, house wine and will also feature a visit from the Easter Bunny himself. Children can participate in an egg hunt and egg painting activities. Visit www.ritzcarlton.com/stthomas.
Signature Events
St Croix - World's Best Triathletes Race in Captain Morgan Ironman May 4
On Sunday, May 4, hundreds of racers will participate in the annual Captain Morgan Ironman 70.3 race on St. Croix. One of the oldest races on the North American triathlon circuit, having just celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013, the race is a qualifier for the Ironman World Championships, attracting some of the world's most elite triathletes to the U.S. Virgin Islands. The race has earned the nickname "Beauty and the Beast" for its scenic yet challenging course with its steep uphill climb on "the beast." Visit www.stcroixtriathlon.com.
St. John - Annual Beach-to-Beach Power Swim May 24
Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park will host the 11th annual Beach-to-Beach Power Swim May 24. The race uniquely allows competitors to wear snorkels and fins in order to view the underwater sea life while competing in the assisted swimmer category. The more advanced swimmers can participate in 1-, 2.5- and 3.5-mile open-water swims starting from Maho Bay and ending at Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay and Hawksnest respectively. Visit www.friendsvinp.org.
St. Thomas - Dive Clean Up with Coral World
Coral World is looking for divers and on-foot participants to help clean up Water Bay during the From Ridge to Reefs clean-up on Saturday, April 20, starting at 9 a.m. In an effort to inform the community about the value of watersheds while cleaning the area, divers are encouraged to clean the bottom of Water Bay, and on-foot volunteers to clean the coast. All participants helping with the clean-up efforts will receive free admission to the park. Visit www.coralworldvi.com.
Deals
St. John - The Westin St. John Resort's Sunsational Savings
The Westin St. John Resort is offering the Sunsational Savings promotion valid for travel from April 27 to August 16, 2014 when booking four nights. The offer starts as low as $435, includes the fourth night for free, and a $150 resort credit. Visit www.westinresortstjohn.com.
St. Thomas - Fifth-night free for guests of At Home in the Tropics
At Home in the Tropics Bed & Breakfast has extended its fifth-night free special. Guests can take advantage of the special promotion for stays through April 2015. Visit www.athomeinthetropics.com.
St. Thomas - Save with Stay & Dive Promotion at Bolongo Bay
Dive into sunshine and warm waters with the Stay & Dive package from Bolongo Bay Beach Resort and the St. Thomas Diving Club. The experts at the club will lead guests to some of the USVI's best dive sites from plunging walls to shipwrecks to colorful coral reefs home to more than 500 species. The package includes five-nights for two people in an ocean view room, two 6-dive passes for three dive trips, scuba gear rental, one-time use GoPro camera, sunset cocktail cruise. Stay & Dive begins at $2,182 for two guests and is available through August 30. Visit www.bolongobay.com.
Visit www.VisitUSVI.com.