On behalf of Exclusive Resorts Management and the entire staff, it is indeed my pleasure to welcome you to Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina. I am confident that you will enjoy your stay, and will no doubt be overwhelmed with the desire to return again and again.
To complete your perfect vacation, Sapphire has an array of possibilities for you to enjoy. The energetic traveler can sign up for parasailing and snorkeling. Travelers thirsting for adventure will love the private yacht excursions departing from our private marina to either the British Virgin Islands or St. John. If you prefer to relax indoors, right outside your glass doors you can experience the tranquil views of one of the most beautiful beaches in paradise! Our warm friendly staff is eager and willing to make you feel comfortable.
Once again, we are glad that you chose our home as your home, and remember, the door is always open!
Enjoy!
Corlis O’Reilly Hotel Manager SCAN FOR
GUEST SERVICES
Beach Chairs
Beach Chairs are located between Bldgs. B & C. An attendant is available to assist you between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.
Beach Towels
Beach Towels can be exchanged at the Front Desk during normal business hours.
Bell Services
Our quick and efficient Bell Staff will be happy to assist with pickup of your luggage at your room when ready for check out. 340-775-2600
Car Rental
Car Rental is located 2 miles away in Smith Bay for your convenience. Auto Rental will pick up at the property. Call 340-779-2600. Hours are 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday to Saturday, and Sunday 10 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Check-Out Time
Check-out time is 11:00 A.M. Luggage storage is available from Bell Services. Please contact our Front Desk for assistance. 340-775-2600
Concierge
The friendly staff is your connection to what’s happening at the hotel and on the island.
Dive Shop
Our full service dive operator and watersports center is available from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. See the “Fitness and Recreation” section of this guide for more information.
Doctor
Red Hook Family Practice, provides consultation. Call the Operator or Dial 340-775-2303.
Emergency
Medical, fire, or any other emergency should be reported to the Hotel Operator for immediate action.
Dial 911 or 340-775-2600 or 340-690-6497 after hours.
Front Desk
Your unit is managed by Exclusive Resorts Management and our reception desk is located in Building A, Unit 201. We are open 7 days a week.
GUEST SERVICES
Housekeeping
Scheduled housekeeping is provided Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Our Housekeeping Department can provide additional pillows, cribs, rollaways and other special services. 340-775-2600
Internet Service
Wi-Fi is complimentary, at check in the agent will provide each guest with the username and password.
Lost and Found
To inquire about an article misplaced in the hotel, please contact the Front Desk. 340-775-2600 or check with security at the gate.
Power
Occasionally the power does go out on the island from minutes to hours at a time. The local Water & Power Authority is the primary source of the Resort’s electric power. Should the power go out for an extended period of time, the hotel Front Desk staff will update you as the information is made available.
Privacy
Please place the privacy sign on your door and turn the special bolt on your entry door should you not wish to be disturbed.
Religious Services
A listing of churches and synagogues is available at the Front Desk. 340-775-2600
Reservations
Our in-house reservations department is open daily 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Dial 340-775-2600. Or, you may book online at www.Antillesresorts.com for your next vacation.
Restaurants and Lounges
A complete listing is located in the “Dining & Entertainment” section of this guide. For more information and reservations: 340-775-2600
Safes
In-room safes are located in the closet of your room and are complimentary for guests use. Contact the Front Desk for assistance. 340-775-2600
Snorkel Equipment
Snorkel Equipment is available for use free of charge from our office
DIALING & CHARGE INFORMATION
Room Calling
All units will be equipped with private telephone numbers. With room-toroom dialing, please contact the Front Desk for assistance at 340-775-2600.
For 800 numbers listed, dial 1 + 800 + number. For all numbers beginning with 340, dial the last 7 digits.
Ferry Boat Schedules
Water ferries depart the Red Hook Dock to St. John and the British Virgin Islands on a daily basis. Please contact the Guest Activities Desk for more information. 340-775-2600.
Ground Transportation
The Virgin Islands Taxi Association is associated with the resort for all of your transportation needs. They are available at the lobby from 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. If you require special times for a taxi, prior arrangements should be made through the taxi stand at 340-775-2600. The Virgin Islands Taxi Association is available from the hotel to take you to your destinations. The fares are set by the VI Government on a per person, point to point basis. The Front Desk has a list of fares to popular destinations; please check with your driver before departing. Also, private island tours are available and will pick you up by appointment.
Swimming Pool
FITNESS & RECREATION
Relax on a float in our two-level quarter acre sparkling pool located on the beach in front of Building D.
Health Club
Although the hotel does not presently have its own health club facility, our Concierge staff will be happy to make arrangements for you to “work out” or take an aerobics class.
Jogging
The best and most beautiful jog you can have is early morning along the beach. However, if your ankles are not up for the intensity of the sand, we recommend the National Park dock road on the other side of Red Hook. It is flat, smooth and one lap is exactly a mile. We do not recommend jogging along the main road.
Dancing and “Limin”
See Concierge for locations or call the Front Desk at 340-775-2600 for suggestions.
TELEVISION CHANNELS
SAFETY AND SECURITY PROCEDURES
Emergency Response Team
In Case of the following emergencies, please dial 911 or 340-775-2600: Security / Safety Fire Department
Traveler’s Tips
1. Do not answer the door in your room without verifying who it is. If a person claims to be an employee, call the Front Desk and ask if someone from our staff is supposed to have access to your room and for what purpose.
2. Close the door securely whenever you are in your room and use all the locking devices provided.
3. Do not needlessly display guest room keys in public, or carelessly leave them on restaurant tables, at the swimming pool, or other places where they can be easily stolen. If you do misplace your room key, please report it to the Front Desk.
4. Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.
5. Do not invite strangers to your room.
6. Place all valuables in the safe provided in your room.
7. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
8. Check to see that all sliding glass doors are locked. If you are on the beach level, please enter and exit your room from the front door so you can lock your sliding glass door.
9. If you see any suspicious activity, please report your observations to Hotel Security.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Many know the U.S. Virgin Islands as “America’s Paradise”. Many are not aware that this small group of Caribbean islands has been a territory of the United States since its purchase in 1917 for just $25 million from the Danish government. Famous for world-class scuba diving, the best marlin fishing in the world, beautiful beaches and island-style hospitality, the U.S. Virgin Islands have a rich history beginning with Columbus’ discovery of the New World in 1492.
The U.S. Virgin Islands are comprised of four unique islands, each distinctly different from the other three. St. Croix, the largest of the four islands, was once home to sugar cane plantations. Today it is known for its well-preserved historical landmarks. St. John, the smallest commercial island, is devoted largely to National Park, a generous gift covering 2/3 of the island donated by Laurance Rockefeller to the U.S. government in 1956. This is a favorite retreat for hikers and other ecotourists. St. Thomas is the most cosmopolitan of the four islands. Its historic port of Charlotte Amalie, once teeming with four-masted trading ships, now plays host to visiting cruise ships and a fleet of sail and power yachts. Water Island, recently named the fourth Virgin Island, has no gas stations or garbage trucks!
During our history, the islands have been home to many European nations, including Spain, France, England, The Netherlands, Denmark, the Order of the Knights of Malta, and finally the United States of America. The melting pot of nationalities in the Caribbean has created a rich and varied culinary tradition. One would have great difficulty pointing to a dish or an ingredient that is solely Caribbean – our ingredients and dishes have been appropriated and recreated from cuisines from all over the world.
Traditional Island Cuisine
Fungi A cornmeal porridge flavored with okra and thyme – like Caribbean polenta.
Rice and Peas A pilaf prepared with aromatic vegetables and pigeon peas.
Johnny Cakes Made for the journey, this fried bread dough was made by locals to take them on their travels.
Paté Johnny Cake dough filled with spiced beef, saltfish, chicken, conch or vegetables.
Stew Chicken, All dishes braised with vegetables and served with rice and or local
Stew Mutton sweet potatoes. and Oxtail
Conch in Stewed conch with onions and peppers in a buttery veloute sauce
Butter Sauce flavored with thyme.
Kallaloo Local soup prepared traditionally with dasheen leaves, coconut milk, okra and seafood.
Saltfish Used widely on all islands, a salt preserved cod fried or soaked and marinated for salads.
Roti
From the island of Trinidad, this dish consists of an Indian chicken curry served wrapped in a traditional chick pea flatbread.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Get Wet
St. Thomas boasts over forty beaches featuring sparkling blue water and swaying palm trees. Aside from sunbathing and solitude, the beaches and coves offer water-sports including snorkeling, scuba, kayaking, and sport fishing. Rent sports equipment, or book a water adventure through the local businesses along the water’s edge.
Tours and Eco-Attractions
The many Eco-Attractions on St. Thomas allow you to explore Caribbean marine life, bird watch, or observe the best examples of the Caribbean’s native flora. Your vacation wouldn’t be complete without booking a day cruise or water tour to get you and your family out on the water for a trip around the island. Cruise the Caribbean waters off the coast of St. Thomas and discover the colorful reefs and sea life that lie beneath.
Taste St. Thomas
The collection of restaurants on St. Thomas are in a category all by themselves. Venture outside the bounds of your hotel, guest house or villa to experience the wide variety of cuisines.
Red Hook on the East End of St. Thomas has at least 8 restaurants with cuisines to tantalize your tastebuds. Reserve a table in the historic Frenchtown, and explore the menus of the downtown Charlotte Amalie eating establishments. There is no excuse for eating poorly while on your vacation in St. Thomas.
Charlotte
Amalie – History and Culture
Charlotte Amalie, the capital city of St. Thomas is within minutes of Bluebeard’s Castle. Stroll through the streets and enjoy some duty-free shopping. Experience the history and culture of the island through walking tours, museums, historic buildings and local events. Charlotte Amalie is also home to attractions such as the 99 Steps, Blackbeard’s Castle, Emancipation Park and more.
99 Steps
These stairs lead from Kongens Gade up into a canopy of trees at Blackbeard’s Castle’s foot. The steps were constructed using ship-ballast brick in the mid-18th century. The view at the top impresses. Explore in the cool of the morning, before the cruise-ship crowds arrive.
Emancipation Gardens
The park was built to commemorate the freeing of the slaves which took place July 3, 1848. A commemorative plaque, a bronze bust of a freed slave blowing a conch shell and a replica of the Liberty Bell are featured. The park was also ringed with a fence of old ships’ anchor chain and cannons recovered from the harbor. Carnival celebrations and concerts take place here, but mostly folks kick back under trees with a fruit smoothie from the Vendors’ Plaza next door.
Drake’s Seat
Drake’s Seat is a historic location on St. Thomas. Legend says that it is the location where 16th-century explorer Sir Francis Drake kept watch for enemy ships of the Spanish fleet. This lookout includes a panoramic view of where the Caribbean Sea joins the Atlantic Ocean.
BEACHES
Bolongo Beach
Best known for beach volleyball games on Thursday night. There are also restaurants, a gift shop and watersports rentals. For relaxing, settle into one of the hammocks strung beachside.
Coki Beach
Adjacent to Coral World Ocean Park and connected by a short boardwalk, Coki Beach is one of the most popular beaches on St. Thomas. The crystal clear water, white sand and extensive reef make it ideal for snorkeling, diving or just sunbathing on the beach.
Magens Bay Beach
Magens Bay Beach has been called one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic Magazine. It has a long and interesting history. Local legend has it that Sir Francis Drake used Magens Bay as an anchorage for his ships while he watched from a nearby hilltop for ships he could plunder. Later, the local sugar cane plantations used Magens Bay as a shipping point for sugar, molasses and rum. The remains of an old brick road can still be seen at the end of the beach. Magens Bay Beach is heart shaped and is approximately one mile long. The bottom is sandy and slopes down gently. While there is plenty of beach to sun on, there is also plenty of shaded areas under the trees. Magens Bay has restaurants, bars, water sports and equipment rentals. Lifeguard service is provided from 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Monday through Sunday year-round. On the southern and northern ends of the beach are rock formations that provide great snorkeling. NUDE BATHING is not allowed on Magens Beach. However, it is allowed at Little Magens Beach, which is a short swim away.
Sapphire Beach
Located in front of the Sapphire Beach Resort, this beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Snorkeling is easy right off of the beach, and snorkel equipment rentals are available right the beach. A restaurant, snack bar and gift shop are also at the beach.
Secret Harbour
A lovely spot for a day at the beach. Bejeweled with palm trees, this small cove features a terraced restaurant and bar, watersport rentals and a floating swim platform. A great place to soak up the Caribbean sun.
Photo by Ana Singh on Unsplash
Photo by Josh Duncan on Unsplash
SHOPPING
The US Virgin Islands are outside the U.S. Custom Zone. A special exemption of $1,200 for each person traveling to this U.S. Territory is allowed. Family members traveling together may combine total purchases. Many items are individually exempt.
Since the trade winds brought the schooner and clipper ships of old, St. Thomas has been a duty-free port. Other Caribbean Islands have only recently endorsed the duty-free concept. As a result, Virgin Island Merchants offer lower prices and a more varied product.
AH Riise Mall
Experience premier duty free shopping and old world charm within one of the island’s most elegant and historic settings. Shop for jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, Caribbean gifts, liquor, tobacco and more.
Charlotte Amalie
Named for a Danish Queen, the centuries-old warehouses stretch from the downtown waterfront to Dronnigens Gade (Main Street). They once held molasses, lumber, rum, and spices awaiting export and trade goods such as manufactured items, ceramics, gold, and gems brought from around the world. You won’t find much molasses or lumber downtown, but all the rest, and products unimaginable to Captains and Chandlers of old. The warehouses are now tastefully converted and restored to house retail stores with products and prices to satisfy the most demanding clients.
Market Square
People come from all over the island to sell fresh fruit and vegetables. The busiest market day is Saturday: vendors arrive hours before dawn. Ask for some genips. You break open the skin and suck the sweet/sour pulp from a stone. Delicious!
Red Hook, American Yacht Harbor
A variety of great shops and restaurants on the east end of the island that overlook the boats in the harbor and the Red Hook Ferry Dock that connects St. Thomas to St. John.
Yacht Haven
A rockin’ Caribbean roadhouse featuring casual Caribbean-inspired fare, gourmet pizzas, great salads and exotic frozen cocktails. Whether you’re looking for drinks, lunch, dinner or exciting nightlife, Fat Turtle has incredible food in a fun-filled atmosphere day or night.
See Local Business Index Located After Page 14
OTHER ISLANDS
St. Thomas and the Virgin Islands are well known for their sports fishing, day cruises, snorkeling and scuba diving. St. Thomas has a huge selection of local companies and boat captains that will be happy to enhance your St. Thomas vacation.
St. John
St. John is easily accessible with a short ferry ride from the Red Hook dock on the east end of St. Thomas. Enjoy the shopping in Cruz Bay and Mangoose Junction, a short walk from the ferry dock. There are many selections of fine restaurants to choose from as well.
Island National Park, renowned throughout the world for its breathtaking beauty, covers approximately 3/5 of St. John. Within its borders lie protected bays of crystal blue-green waters teeming with coral reef life, white sandy beaches shaded by seagrape trees, coconut palms, and tropical forests providing habitat for more than 800 species of plants. To these amazing natural resources, add relics from the pre-Columbian Amerindian civilization, remains of the Danish Colonial sugar plantations, and reminders of African slavery and the subsistence culture that followed during the 100 years after Emancipation – all part of the rich cultural history of the Park and its island home.
St. Croix
St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is 28 miles long and seven miles wide, located approximately 45 miles from St. Thomas. Its vegetation ranges widely from rain forest on the west end to desert out east. St. Croix is accessible by multiple airline flights daily. The ferry usually operates in-season only.
Its Danish ancestry is reflected in the island’s architecture. First colonized in the 1700s, St. Croix is now home to about 50,000 permanent residents. Christensted is located on the east end of the island and is known for its duty-free shopping, art galleries, and the charming bars and restaurants along the harbor side boardwalk.
St. Croix is well-endowed with beaches, reefs, and recreational watersports opportunities. Sandy Point, on the southwest end of St. Croix, is known as a nesting ground for endangered sea turtles. You will certainly want to visit offshore islands easily within reach by boat offering isolation and adventure: Buck Island National Park, an 800-acre reserve, features the only underwater snorkeling site within the National Park system and one of the best beaches you can imagine; Protestant Cay located off Christensted harbor.
British Virgin Islands – Tortola
The British Virgin Islands, including Tortola, are easily accessible with a short ferry ride from St. Thomas or St. John, but usually require 24 hour notice and your passport.
ISLAND MAP
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“What an amazing day sailing & snorkeling… The crew made it feel like we were spending the day with old friends catching up, telling stories and enjoying the beautiful U.S.V.I. waters. We had a delicious lunch on-board and the famous rum punch, too! It’s a day my husband and I will remember and talk about for the rest of our lives.”
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D I S C O V E R St. Thomas U S V I
Paradise Island Getaway
If you’ve ever vacationed in an exotic location and wished you could stay forever, you’re not alone. Although it might seem unattainable, owning a piece of the rock can be your reality.
Visitors are attracted to this small island from all walks of life and from every part of the globe. Visitors and residents alike enjoy hiking trails, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing, along with an array of other outdoor activities.
Regardless of your budget, the brokers and sales agents of 340 Real Estate Co. can show and sell all the properties that are on the MLS whether it be Commercial properties, Residential homes, Land, or Condos. We have an up to date comprehensive online database of all the properties for sale on the St John Board.
