The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are gearing up for a busy fall with new tourism experiences, signature events and accommodation savings.
In an effort to provide more gateways to St. Croix, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Delta have announced a new, nonstop flight to the island from Atlanta. The weekly Saturday service from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport will commence on December 20 and run through at least August 15, 2015. Visit www.delta.com.
Special Promotions
Delta Vacations is now offering a $500 instant credit per booking for flight and hotel accommodations booked by November 15, 2014. Stay seven or more consecutive nights at one of the participating five properties between January 3 to May 10, 2015 to receive the first night free, $500 instant credit and certificates valid at local restaurants, boutiques and attractions to the value of $200. Use the STXNICE15 promotional code to book. Visit www.deltavacations.com/usvi.
Upcoming Events
St. Croix - Crucian Christmas Carnival
St. Croix's Crucian Christmas Carnival occurs throughout December and into January. Highlights include the food fair, with plenty of local tastes such as red grout and conch, and the vibrant adults' and children's parades. With Mocko Jumbies, carnival dancers and constant Calypso music, the carnival is an exotic way to ring in the holiday season. Visit www.stxcarnival.com.
St. John - Annual Paddle the Park SUP Race
The second annual Paddle the Park standup paddleboard race will be held on Sunday, Nov. 2, at Maho Bay on St. John. The event is organized by Friends of Virgin Islands National Park to celebrate the beaches and waters of the park and raise funds for projects that preserve, protect and educate therein. The race consists of three courses: a one-mile, a three-mile to Whistling Cay and an elite 5.5-mile around Whistling Cay and Cinnamon Bay. Visit www.friendsvinp.org/paddle.
St. Thomas - UVI Set for 2014 Paradise Jam Basketball Tournament
The University of the Virgin Islands is gearing up for the 15th annual Paradise Jam tournament Nov. 21-24 (men's) and Nov. 27-29 (women's). A total of 16 men's and women's teams will compete at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center in hopes of taking home the Paradise Jam title. This year, men's teams from institutions such as Clemson University, Louisiana State University and Seton Hall University will travel to St. Thomas. The women's field features teams from University of Kentucky, Ohio State University and the University of Oklahoma. Visit www.paradisejam.com.
Destination Developments
St. Croix - Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts Unveils Colonial Comfort Exhibition
The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts - located in Frederiksted - unveils a major photography exhibition titled "Colonial Comfort" this fall. The show, open September 19 through Nov. 20, features works by nine Puerto Rican artists and nine from the USVI. The exhibition is open to the public Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. as well as all cruise ship days and by appointment. Visit www.cmcarts.org.
St. John - Westin St. John Continues $50 Million Renovation
A $50 million refurbishment of The Westin St. John Resort and Villas is underway for completion by January of 2015. This investment includes 54 new luxury villas as well as enhancements to meeting space and watersports area, Beach Cafe Restaurant, dockside check-in, WestinWORKOUT fitness studio and spa. The resort remains open during the renovations. Visit www.westinresortstjohn.com.
St. Thomas - New Bluebeard's Castle Museum Opens
The family-friendly Bluebeard resort recently opened its Castle Museum. The guided tour allows guests to view historical artifacts located in the 350-year old Castle Turret, including coins and pistols once used by pirates and soldiers. The tour ends with a visit to Castle Turret, once used as a watch tower by the Danish in 1665, providing views of the Charlotte Amalie Harbor and downtown area. Admission is $10. To learn more, call 340-774-1600, ext. 4500.
St. Thomas - Choose Your View at Frenchman's Reef
Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort has launched "Choose Your View," a website allowing guests to see and explore views from various guest rooms before they book. This easy to navigate site features 15-second videos with "Island," "Water," "Garden" and "Beach" views, along with an interactive map for the location of the room on property. Visit www.frenchmansreefmarriottviews.com.
St. Thomas - Coral World Ocean Park's Observation Tower Gets a Makeover
Coral World Ocean Park's Observation Tower lower level, one of the most popular attractions on St. Thomas, recently completed renovations for a new look. From this level, visitors can view the ever-changing life of a natural coral reef. There are signs throughout describing what can be seen in the outer underwater wonderland. Visit www.coralworldvi.com.
Accommodation Deals
St. Croix - The Buccaneer Hotel Dives into Coral Reef Swim Race Packages
The Buccaneer hosts the 19th Annual Coral Reef Swim on Nov. 9 and offers race weekend package for all participants starting at $685 for swimmers and $595 for non-swimmers. Additional nights can be added at $195 per night plus tax. The package includes a three-night stay in a deluxe oceanfront room, breakfast and dinner daily, a Buck Island snorkeling excursion and a sugar mill cocktail party. The package also includes race registration, a goody bag and transportation to race for swimmers. Agents should e-mail [email protected].
St. Croix - Divi Carina Bay Announces Fall and Winter Savings
St. Croix's Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino offers numerous promotions for fall and winter travel. The "Fall Special" includes a rate of $159 per person per night for travel between October 1 and November 21. The resort is also offering two holiday specials - the "Thanksgiving Special," including one night free for four-night stays during November, and the "Christmas Special," including a 25 percent discount on five-night stays Dec. 20 - Jan. 3. Agents should e-mail [email protected].
St. John - Caneel Bay Introduces Autumn Escape Deal
Caneel Bay Resort is now offering its Autumn Escape deal. The deal includes a daily full American breakfast buffet. This offer is valid Nov. 1 - 20, and a three night minimum stay required. The resort is also adding a pre-teen center, which will be ready for use when the property re-opens on Nov. 1. Visit www.caneelbay.com.
St. Thomas - Bolongo Bay Announces Caribbean Corporate Meeting Package
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort has announced its Caribbean Corporate Meeting Package. The package, worth $7,000 for up to 20 guests, entitles groups to a 15 percent discount on ocean view accommodations and includes start-to-finish planning with the resort event manager, all conference room rental fees, service charges and gratuities, a private group sunset sail on the Heavenly Days catamaran and a private snorkel booze hunt onsite in Bolongo Bay. Meeting venues span the traditional to the adventurous, from a well-appointed conference room, to beachside special events, to teambuilding adventures on the Heavenly Days. Oceanside and poolside dining venues serve fresh Caribbean fare, live entertainment, and a private beach with beachfront accommodations. To book, call the resort at 800-524-4746.
St. Croix - Early Bird Hotel Packages for St. Croix Food & Wine Experience 2015
The Buccaneer, Hotel Caravelle, Divi Carina Bay All Inclusive Beach Resort and Casino, Renaissance Carambola Beach Resort & Spa and Tamarind Reef Resort offer vacation packages for the 2015 St. Croix Food & Wine Experience, a week-long festival with food tastings, celebrity chef competitions, cooking demonstrations and wine and spirits pairings. This year, the festival runs April 12 - 18, 2015. Vacation packages include car rentals, tickets to events, meals and more. Hotels should be contacted directly for information on the rates and exact package inclusions.
St. Thomas - Bolongo Bay Beach Resort Reveals Special Offer for Paradise Jam
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort will offer a 20 percent discount on both room-only and all-inclusive daily rates for the 2014 Paradise Jam basketball tournament if a guest's team is playing in the tournament. A five-night minimum stay is required, and the deal only applies to ocean view rooms. Visit www.bolongobay.com.
St. Croix - Palms at Pelican Cove's Fantastic Fall Freebie
The Palms at Pelican Cove is now offering its Fantastic Fall Freebie deal. The offer includes a fifth night free, Caribbean Night buffet for two, complimentary snorkel tour and two Palms koozies. The deal is valid for travel between October 1 and Nov. 30. Visit www.palmspelicancove.com.
St. Croix - Fall into a Sweet Deal at The Sugar Beach Condo Resort
The Sugar Beach Condo Resort on St. Croix is now offering its Falllin' into a Sweet Deal, a travel package including one free night plus 10 percent off a car rental for travelers who book a minimum four-night stay through Dec. 1. The offer is valid for travel between Aug. 31 and Dec. 15. Visit www.sugarbeachstcroix.com.
Visit www.visitusvi.com.