US Airways to launch new Charlotte-St. Thomas service
On Nov. 12, US Airways will add St. Thomas to its growing nonstop route network between Charlotte, N.C., and the Caribbean. The flight will depart Charlotte daily at 11:20 a.m. and arrive on St. Thomas at 4:04 p.m. The return flight will include a stop in San Juan, PR. US Airways also provides non-stop service from Philadelphia to St. Thomas, continuing to St. Croix. For more information about fares and flights, call US Airways at (800) 428-4322, or visit the US Airways web site at www.usairways.com.
Casino adds new routes, times to free shuttle service
St. Croix's Divi Carina Bay Casino, the territory's first casino, recently added two new routes to its shuttle service. The first starts at Hibiscus Beach Hotel in La Grande Princesse and stops at the Cormorant Beach Club, Mill Harbour, Colony Cove, Sugar Beach, Club St. Croix and the Christiansted wharf before arriving at the casino. The second begins at the Christiansted wharf and stops at Cheeseburgers in Paradise, Tamarind Reef Hotel and Chenay Bay Beach Resort before arriving at the casino. Both shuttles operate Tuesdays and Thursdays departing at 7, 8 and 9 p.m. The return trips depart at 11 p.m., midnight and 1 a.m.
Visitors staying on the North Shore and West End of St. Croix can also take advantage of the added Frederiksted and Christiansted shuttles now operating on Fridays, in addition to the current Monday and Wednesday schedule from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The casino is open for gaming Sunday through Thursday from noon to 4 a.m. and Friday, Saturday and holidays from noon to 6 a.m. For more details, call (340) 773-9700 or visit the web site at www.carinabay.com.
Glass artists conduct free demonstrations at Maho Bay Camps
Through Aug. 15, four renowned glass artists from Urban Glass, the first and largest not-for-profit international center for the creation of new art made from glass, will conduct demonstrations at the Maho Bay Camps ecotourism resort on St. John. They craft objects from recycled glass through glass blowing, molding and casting methods. Demonstrations are held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday and from 6 to 10 p.m. daily. For more information, call (800) 392-9004 or (340) 776-6240.
Experience "Kosmic Bowling" at new St. Thomas bowling alley
Children and adults of all ages are sure to enjoy the new state-of-the-art bowling alley and youth center that recently opened on St. Thomas. The six-lane facility has computerized screens, surround-sound music, a concession area, a family-oriented arcade, billiard rooms, professional bowling clinics, an on-site pro shop and more. Visitors can also experience the fun of "Kosmic Bowling," bowling in the dark with blacklight and glow-in-the-dark pins. The facility is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more details, call the V.I. Christian Ministries Youth Center at (340) 714-3071.
Jazz and Food Festival coming to St. Thomas
The Mobile Food Vendors Association will hold a jazz and food festival from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, in Emancipation Garden on St. Thomas. Visitors can sample local West Indian cuisine and American fare while listening to the sounds of the RC and Company jazz band. The festival involves local vendors promoting business, culture and entertainment. More details are available by calling (340) 776-0778.
New bed-and-breakfast opens on St. Thomas
The Crystal Palace, a new bed-and-breakfast inn, recently opened on St. Thomas. Located in the heart of St. Thomas's historic district, the quaint small inn boasts eclectic mahogany and fruitwood furniture, traditional West Indian architectural details including tray ceilings, wrought-iron gates, hardwood floors, chandeliers and Morocco tiles.
Selected paintings from a collection of period and contemporary island art complete the decor. A massive interior staircase leads down to four large guest rooms. Three rooms with twin beds share a bath and the fourth has a double bed and an enormous tiled bath. The communal area, located between guestrooms, includes a small refrigerator and microwave for preparing light snacks.
Through Dec. 15, nightly rates range from $55 to $80 per person. Effective Dec. 16 through next April 14, they will be $75 to $100 per person. A continental breakfast is provided daily. Guests who book six nights will receive the seventh night free. For reservations or more information about, call (340) 777-2277 or e-mail inquiries to CrystalPalace@St-Thomas.com.
Wedding consulting company emphasizes Caribbean flair
Weddings the Island Way provides a variety of traditional wedding services with a distinctive island flair. This wedding consulting company offers seven unique wedding packages, all including a certified copy of the marriage license (sent to the couple), a minister to officiate, a wedding coordinator, transportation to and from the wedding site, and a frameable keepsake marriage certificate.
The following services are available in various packages: tropical bouquet and boutonniere, limousine service, champagne, professional photography and videography. Options include choice of beach, hillside or private villa wedding site; traditional West Indian black wedding cake; live steelpan music; and a helicopter ride to an uninhabited island. Rates range from $375 to $2,800 for standard wedding packages. Custom packages are also available.
For more information, call (800) 582-4784 or (340) 777-6505. Also, visit the Web site at www.weddingstheislandway.com.
Renaissance introduces All-Inclusive Value Vacations
The Renaissance Grand Beach Resort on St. Thomas is offering an All-Inclusive Value Vacations package with nightly rates of $345 per room June 1-Dec. 20. The package includes room service, deluxe accommodations, all food and beverages at select restaurants, including unlimited house-brand cocktails and wine and beer by the glass, use of the tennis courts and health club, non-motorized watersports gear and any applicable room taxes and gratuities, all while earning valuable Marriott Rewards points.
In addition, up to two children under age 12 stay and eat free when sharing a room with a parent. A minimum five-night stay is required and rates are subject to availability. More information and reservations are available by calling (800) 241-3333 or (340) 775-1510.
