Guide
The East End of St. Thomas, from Cowpet Bay
Most guests who stay near The Ritz-Carlton end up doing the same handful of things. Here is the East End as you would see it from Island Time, with the Ritz as the landmark everyone already knows.
Cowpet BayThe beach at the bottom of the lawn. Calm, protected water shared with the St. Thomas Yacht Club, so expect sailboats on moorings rather than jet skis. The two beachfront restaurants next door at The Elysian, Caribbean Fish Market and Beachside Bistro, are a barefoot walk away.
Great Bay and the RitzThe Ritz-Carlton sits on the adjoining bay. Great Bay beach holds Blue Flag certification. Non-guests can book the resort's restaurants and bars; check with the resort for current access policies.
Red HookThe East End's hub, minutes from Cowpet Bay. Passenger ferries run from Red Hook to Cruz Bay, St. John, and the car barge runs from Red Hook as well. Red Hook also has the East End's main cluster of restaurants, bars, a grocery store and a pharmacy, which matters when you have a kitchen.
St. John day tripTake the Red Hook ferry to Cruz Bay, rent a Jeep or take a taxi to the Virgin Islands National Park beaches on the North Shore (Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Bay). Leave early; come back for sunset on the balcony.
Sapphire BeachOne of the island's best-known white-sand beaches, with a marina offering water sports and day charters and a beach bar. A short drive north along the East End.
Coki Point and Coral WorldCoki Beach is the East End's snorkel-right-off-the-sand beach, next to Coral World Ocean Park. Good for a half day with kids.
Secret HarbourA sheltered beach on the south side of the East End, known for calm water and easy snorkeling, with a beachfront restaurant.
Getting hereCyril E. King Airport (STT) is about 30 to 40 minutes away by car, depending on traffic.
Stay here
Same East End, your own place
A block from the Ritz on Cowpet Bay, with a kitchen and a balcony over the lawn.