St Thomas Villas & Luxury Vacation Rentals

U.S. citizens do not need passports to visit St. Thomas, as it's a U.S. territory—simply bring a government-issued photo ID. International visitors should check current entry requirements. The official currency is the U.S. dollar, cell phones work on U.S. networks, and English is the primary language. This familiar convenience combined with Caribbean beauty makes St. Thomas an ideal tropical destination.

Most travelers fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas, which serves direct flights from major U.S. cities including Miami, Atlanta, New York, and Charlotte. The airport's convenient location means most villas are within a 20-30 minute drive. Some visitors also arrive via cruise ship or ferry from neighboring islands, and private charter flights can be arranged for ultimate convenience.

Rental cars provide the most flexibility for exploring St. Thomas at your own pace, allowing you to discover hidden beaches and scenic viewpoints. Taxis are readily available and many drivers offer island tours. Private car services can be arranged for airport transfers and daily transportation. Your Concierge can arrange all transportation needs, from airport pickup to day excursions and restaurant transfers.

St. Thomas enjoys beautiful weather year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to upper 80s Fahrenheit. The peak season from December through April offers the most comfortable conditions with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, though this period sees higher villa rates and more visitors. Summer and fall (May through November) bring warmer temperatures and occasional afternoon showers, but also excellent value and fewer crowds. Hurricane season runs from June through November, though direct hits remain relatively rare and modern villas are built to stringent hurricane codes.

St. Thomas is generally safe for visitors, especially in areas where most villas are located. Beaches, resort zones, and popular sightseeing areas are well visited and feel relaxed throughout the day. As with any island destination, it's smart to use normal travel awareness—avoid leaving valuables in cars, stay in well-lit areas at night, and use licensed taxis or your pre-arranged driver. Villa neighborhoods tend to be quiet and private, giving guests a comfortable base throughout their stay.

St. Thomas suits a wide range of travelers. Families love the calm beaches, easy snorkeling, and the familiar conveniences of a U.S. territory. Couples enjoy quiet coves, sunset sails, and private villa settings that feel made for downtime. Groups and multi-gen travelers will find large villas with pools, huge terraces, and staff who can help plan charters, dinners, and island days. The island offers both lively spots and peaceful hideaways, so it's easy to match the stay to the group.

Day trips are one of the highlights of staying in St. Thomas. St. John is just a short ferry ride from Red Hook, with departures running throughout the day. Private boat charters make the ride even quicker and let you explore beaches like Trunk Bay and Honeymoon Beach. Trips to the British Virgin Islands are also easy to arrange by private boat, with stops at Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, or Norman Island. A passport is required for the BVIs, but not for St. John.

All beaches in St. Thomas are public, though some may charge small entry or parking fees. You're free to swim, snorkel, and walk the shoreline, even in front of hotels or private homes. Many of the best beaches—Magens Bay, Lindquist Beach, Sapphire Beach—have facilities such as restrooms, beach chairs, and food stands, while others remain quieter and more natural. Villas close to beach paths or coves offer the easiest access.

Private chefs are widely available and can be arranged through your Concierge. Many travelers choose to have breakfast and dinner prepared in-villa, allowing them to explore the island during the day and return to a relaxed, private meal at night. Chefs can tailor menus to your tastes, handle dietary needs, and use fresh island ingredients. Multi-course dinners, tasting menus, and themed nights are common for villa guests.

St. Thomas is the livelier island, known for its wide range of restaurants, shopping, boat charters, and some of the most photographed bays in the Caribbean. It's also the main transportation hub and offers the largest selection of villas and services. St. John is quieter and more nature-driven, with two-thirds of the island protected as national parkland. Its beaches are pristine, its pace is slower, and its small towns feel more rustic. Many travelers stay in St. Thomas for convenience and then visit St. John for beach days and hikes.

Yes. St. Thomas is one of the best duty-free shopping destinations in the Caribbean. U.S. travelers can bring home up to $1,600 worth of goods per person, which is double the standard limit. Popular buys include jewelry, watches, liquor, designer fragrances, and local crafts. Charlotte Amalie is the main shopping district, with historic streets lined with boutiques, galleries, and long-running family shops.

Tipping follows U.S. customs, with 15-20% typical for restaurants and bar service. Taxi drivers often receive 10-15%, depending on the length of the trip and the number of bags. For villas with staff, guests usually tip at the end of their stay. Amounts vary based on service level, but your Concierge can provide guidance suited to your villa and staffing. Island service workers rely on tips, so thoughtful gratuities are always appreciated.

The island offers remarkable diversity in activities and experiences. Water activities include snorkeling and diving the island's spectacular reefs, swimming with sea turtles, sailing to neighboring islands, deep-sea fishing, and kayaking through mangrove lagoons. Beach hopping reveals each beach's unique character, from social Coki Beach to serene Lindquist Beach. Take the Skyride to Paradise Point for panoramic views, explore historic Charlotte Amalie with its Danish colonial architecture and duty-free shopping, or visit Coral World Ocean Park for interactive marine experiences. Day trips to nearby St. John and the British Virgin Islands are easily arranged, while sunset sails and private boat charters create unforgettable memories on the water.

St. Thomas cuisine blends Caribbean flavors with American influences and international sophistication. Fresh seafood shines throughout the island, from grilled mahi-mahi to lobster and conch prepared in traditional Caribbean styles. Don't miss local specialties like pate (fried pastry filled with saltfish or beef), kallaloo (a hearty soup), and johnnycakes (fried bread). The island's restaurant scene ranges from casual beachside grills serving fresh fish and ribs to upscale establishments offering innovative Caribbean fusion cuisine. Many villa guests also enjoy having private chefs prepare meals featuring local ingredients and island flavors. Refresh yourself with a bushwacker, the island's signature frozen cocktail, or sample locally produced Cruzan rum in creative tropical drinks.

St. Thomas features a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and constant trade winds that provide natural cooling. Average temperatures range from 77°F in winter to 82°F in summer, with water temperatures staying warm enough for swimming throughout the year. The island receives most of its rainfall during brief afternoon showers rather than prolonged storms, and sunny mornings are common even during wetter months. The elevated locations of many villas capture cooling breezes that make outdoor living comfortable, while the consistent warmth means you can enjoy beaches, pools, and water activities any time of year.