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5. CORALWORLD OCEAN PARK
Sea lions, turtles, and sharks —
oh my! Coral World has it all. Descend into the offshore Undersea
Observatory Tower and, without getting wet, witness the activity of
the reef’s diverse marine life. Dive in for Sea Trek, where specially
designed helmets and an underwater railing allow participants to
take a guided open-water walk through the reef ecosystem along
the ocean floor.
6. FRENCHTOWN BREWING COMPANY
The Caribbean may be
known for rum libations, but the small batch–beer trend is making
its way to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Take a tour of the nanobrewery
and sample the much-lauded tap-only local brews. Get one of the
stainless steel growlers filled with your favorite before you leave,
and bring it back throughout your stay for refills.
7. MAIN STREET
Walk along Main Street in Charlotte Amalie for a
plethora of duty-free shopping opportunities. From jewelry shops
and liquor stores to galleries and boutiques, on Main Street you
can find merchandise at prices up to 60 percent less than on the
mainland. Planning tonight’s dinner? Head to Market Square, where
vendors sell fruits and vegetables, as well as handmade items that
make unique souvenirs.
8. GLADYS’ CAFE
In Charlotte Amalie, the eponymous Gladys
serves up fresh seafood and authentic Caribbean dishes, earning
her restaurant a reputation as one of the best on the island. The
menu boasts an array of options, from conch fritters and oxtail to
jerk wings and pork chops. Try Gladys’ famous homemade hot
sauces, and buy a bottle or two to take home.
9. EMANCIPATION GARDEN
Commemorating the end of slavery
in the Danish West Indies (as the islands were known before the
U.S. purchased them in 1917), Emancipation Garden is home to
the only Liberty Bell this side of the Caribbean. (Fun fact: There’s
a replica in every U.S. state and territory.) You’ll also find benches
ideal for people-watching, a bust of former ruler King Christian IX
of Denmark, and a bronze statue of a freed slave blowing into a
conch, symbolizing freedom.
10. BLACKBEARD’S CASTLE
Trek up the popular 99 Steps and
make your way to this 5-acre, centuries-old estate and National
Historic Landmark. Here, you’ll find manor homes established
as early as the 1600s, and Skytsborg Tower, also known as
Blackbeard’s Castle. Legend has it that the infamous pirate once
sailed the surrounding waters, and that the castle, a lookout tower,
was used to identify enemy ships. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy
the impressive seascape, and take a dip in the pools on-site.
11. VIRGIN ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Spanning more than half
of St. John, this park offers an abundance of land and sea activities.
Paddleboard among sea turtles in Maho Bay, or snorkel the Trunk
Bay Underwater Trail, signposted with facts about surrounding sea
life. Hike Reef Bay Trail to the petroglyphs of the pre-Colombian
Taíno people, or explore the colonial-era Annaberg Sugar Mill, one of
25 sugar-producing factories that were once key to the economy.
12. MT. PELLIER HUT DOMINO CLUB
Stop in for a meal and a
beer, and share nonalcoholic brews with two thirsty resident swine
at this small restaurant and bar, tucked amid the rain forest on the
island’s west side. After the pigs greet you from their pens, one will
happily accept a cold O’Doul’s, chomp the can open, and gulp down
the contents.
13. ANNALY BAY TIDE POOLS
If you’re up for a challenge, hike
the 2-mile path from Carambola Beach to the Annaly Bay Tide Pools
on St. Croix’s northwestern coast. The marked trail winds through the
rain forest to where, at the end, paradise awaits. Enjoy the dazzling
scenery, and cool off with a swim in the series of large, natural pools.
14. SALT RIVER BAY
Take a nighttime guided kayak tour to witness
the rare and wondrous natural phenomenon of bioluminescence. The
bay teems with microorganisms that light up when disturbed, creating
enchanting displays that sparkle and glow beneath the surface.
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CHARLOTTE AMALIE
ST. CROIX
ST. THOMAS
ST. JOHN
CARIBBEAN SEA
ATLANTIC OCEAN
IntervalWorld.com
INTERVAL WORLD
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INTERVAL WORLD
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U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism; Huber/Sime/eStock Photo; RosalreneBetancourt 3/Alamy Stock Photo; Gavin
Hellier/Robert Harding/Glow Images; Tom Bol/Aurora Open/SuperStock
Located on St. Thomas, the resort offers spectacular
views, private beach access, and a family-friendly
atmosphere. A restaurant, bar, day spa, fitness center,
and outdoor swimming pool are on-site, and guests
can enjoy a range of activities nearby, including fishing,
golfing, horseback riding, and water sports.
Perched upon a romantically secluded hilltop overlooking
Charlotte Amalie and the harbor where cruise ships dock,
accommodations include hotel rooms, studios, and one-
and two-bedroom condominiums with modern amenities.
The resort offers private balconies, an exercise facility, a
poolside spa, bar, and two on-site restaurants.
To view all of the U.S. Virgin Islands resorts in Interval’s
network,
*The purchase of an all-inclusive/meal plan is mandatory, and will be based on a 7-night stay and, in some
instances, the maximum occupancy of the unit.
Accommodations at SGS are available for purchase through the Getaway program, and generally will not be
available for exchange.
1. PLANTATION CROWN AND HAWK BOTANICAL GARDEN
Get lost in 5.5 acres of tropical flowers and greenery at this hid-
den historical site located between Crown Mountain and Hawk Hill.
You’ll find a plant maze; dozens of orchids, bromeliads, and other
flora; a variety of animals, from peacocks to red-footed turtles to
hermit crabs; and some of the best harbor vistas on the island.
2. TREE LIMIN’ EXTREME
Zip-line above the rain forest canopy
while enjoying incredible views of picturesque Magens Bay, the
most popular beach on St. Thomas. The course, complete with sky
bridges and aerial platforms, will have you soaring up to 35 miles
per hour. For more relaxing limin’ (local slang for “hanging out”), take
the Skyride tramway on the south side of the island up to Paradise
Point lookout. View Charlotte Amalie, the archipelago’s capital, from
above. Browse the shops, have a drink, and take in the scenery.
3. MAHOGANY RUN GOLF COURSE
If you’re a golfer, this
George and Tom Fazio–designed par-70 course may well already
be on your bucket list for its famous three-hole stretch, the Devil’s
Triangle. Consider the panorama a magnificent perk: Situated
among the hills along the coast, the lush greens span 6,000 yards
and offer spectacular ocean views.
4. TILLETT GARDENS
The Tillett Gardens community and cre-
ative center houses artists’ studios, a theater, three restaurants,
shops, a salon, bakery, and more. Admire the colorful buildings
and tropical gardens, see a live show, watch local craftspeople in
action, or take an art class and create something of your own. If
you work up an appetite exploring, enjoy delicious barbecue, or
Caribbean or vegan cuisine at the on-site eateries.
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Make an exchange or buy a Getaway
at IntervalWorld.com.
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The Getaway price is valid
July 1 through September 30, 2017.
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AREA RESORTS
