The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
Julie Register visited this resort spa in the U.S. Virgin Islands in May 2003

I can't remember the last time I saw a rainbow before my visit to the US Virgin Islands. While I was on St. Thomas, I saw three of them. I am always awed by their beauty. And I was awed by the US Virgin Islands. 

The Resort

My first USVI stop was at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, a Mediterranean-style resort situated on 30-acres along Great Bay on the eastern tip of St. Thomas and located about a half hour from the Cyril E. King International Airport. I checked in, was given a fruit punch (with or without alcohol) and told by a number of employees, "Welcome Home!" I suspect I will be hearing that from other Ritz-Carltons just as I have heard the sincere "my pleasure" in response to any request made at any and all Ritz-Carltons I have been to.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is divided into two distinct areas along a half-mile of white-sand beach. The first is the original resort. On this side, there are 152 guest rooms in peach-stucco villas named after plants on the property. The buildings surround a natural salt pond, a 125-foot free-form, infinity pool and Great Bay Beach. Iguana's Restaurant, the aquatic center (scuba, snorkeling, Sun Fish, Hobie Cat sailing and parasailing), and The Lady Linsey (a 53-foot luxury catamaran available for day sails, sunset cruises and private charters) are located on this side - making it ideal for families. 

The second distinct area is part of a recently completed a $75 Million expansion and renovation project which included 48 new guestrooms and suites, including The Club Level. On this side there is a swimming pool, two whirlpools, Coconut Cove Beach and Coconut Cove Bar and Grill. This side of the resort is much quieter - making it ideal for couples. 

The two areas are divided by the Palazzo Building (resort reception, meeting space, the Living Room and Ritz Kids activity program), the Great Bay Grill (Sunday Brunch is outstanding!), the two omni synthetic tennis courts and the other part of the $75 Million expansion and renovation project - the new boutique Spa, Salon and Fitness Center

Spa, Salon and Fitness Center

The 6,100 square-foot Spa, Salon and Fitness Center opened in mid-December 2002. Facilities include a reception with retail and seating areas; six treatment rooms (including two facial rooms and a wet room with both a Vichy shower and a regular shower); separate men's and women's changing rooms with lockers, vanity, showers and steam room; an outdoor relaxation terrace; a salon with hair, manicure and pedicure stations; and a fully-equipped workout studio with Stairmasters, treadmills and free weights. Fountains are located in the spa hallway and relaxation terrace. Treatments are also available in-room as well as in a poolside cabana. Group fitness is offered with power walks and yoga. (Other non-spa activities offered include horticultural tours, best places to shop lectures, island orientation lectures, shopping trips and iguana feeding.)

Product lines used in the spa include Decleor and Carita. I had Le Renovateur, a creamy gommage and polish treatment by Carita from a secret concoction of special sunflower strains grown in France. The treatment brings stimulation, regeneration and luster to the skin. I arrived at the spa quite early in order to enjoy the steam room and the relaxation terrace. My therapist, Cheryl, found me reading a book on the terrace and escorted me to the wet treatment room. She instructed me to disrobe and get under the sheets, face-down, on the heated table while she left the room. She returned and started the session by having me take three deep breaths as she held a relaxing essential oil near my face to inhale. Cheryl massaged ground sunflower seeds suspended in sunflower oil on my skin. The oil was quickly absorbed and as Cheryl kept rubbing, dead skin was being rolled off with the sunflower seeds. When she was finished with my back, I turned over. Cheryl covered my eyes and repeated the process on my front. She then assisted me to the shower and I washed the remaining tiny black specks off. By the time I was done, Cheryl had already changed the sheets. I got back on the table and she applied a warm moisturizing milk. My skin was silky smooth. 55 minutes later, the session ended as it began - with three deep breaths. This time, Cheryl also asked me to think of three things I was grateful for. She also reminded me to where sunscreen - not because of the treatment I had just had which left my skin extremely soft and smooth, but because the sun is so intense on St. Thomas. The cooling Trade Winds make it comfortable to be outdoors, and many new arrivals forget to put sunscreen on get burned. This was the first Carita treatment I've had, and I was very impressed with the results. I returned to the terrace after my treatment to relax and read.

The Spa offers an extensive menu of treatments including massage (aromatic, warm stone, tranquility, therapeutic, fitness, reflexology, modified shiatsu, pre or post-natal, jet travel relief), facials (radiance and protection, intense hydrating, anti-aging and firming, aromatherapy, soothing power, gentlemen only, and VitaC infusion), body treatments (nature's renewal, le renovateur, aroma body cocoon, aquaroma rain therapy) aromatic localized treatments (relax tranquility scalp massage, relax back relief, flow perfect legs, flow foot relief, detox perfect contour anti-cellulite, detox purifying back treatment), nail care (caribe spa manicure, caribe spa pedicure, manicure, pedicure, combination), hair care, hair removal,  and makeup. 

Couples massage is offered in the guestrooms and includes aromatherapy candles, romantic music and sparkling water. This can be preceded by a selection from the Bath Menu (The Great Bay Bath, Passion Fruit Bath and Tropical Garden Bath). Follow the massage up with a Rose Petal Turndown of fresh rose petals spread atop the Frette bed linens, a romantic CD, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. The next morning, wake up to "Breakfast in Bed" - a full breakfast for two in bed or on your balcony featuring heart-shaped Belgian waffles or pancakes, mimosas and a long-stemmed rose.

Guest Rooms

I stayed on the newer, quieter side of the resort in a plush Club Suite in the Heliconia villa. The spacious suite offered a large entryway with half bath; a living area with desk, dining table, comfortable sitting area and entertainment center; a bedroom with comfortable chair and ottoman, a king bed, and an entertainment center; a dressingarea and large marble bathroom with separate shower and bath tub and fluffy terry robes. A large balcony ran across the front of the suite with access doors from both the living area and the bedroom. It was furnished with a table, chairs and two lounge chairs and offered panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and St. John. 

Upon arrival to The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, Club Level guests are escorted directly to the Club Level to be registered and offered a beverage. So that they can get out on the beach quicker, the Club Level staff provides unpacking services. In addition, when Club Level guests request their wake-up call, they can choose fresh papaya juice or the beverage of their choice to be placed outside their door just prior to the desired time. The Club level concierge can help make travel arrangements, restaurants reservations on or off property and plan local day trips. As a Club Level guest, I had access to the private staffed Club Level Lounge on the top floor of the Gardenia villa next to Heliconia. Open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., guests can relax here and enjoy daily food and beverage presentations which include breakfast, light lunch, afternoon tea, cocktail and hors d'oeuvres, and evening cordials and desserts. 

All guest rooms have private balconies or terraces, 24-hour room service, twice-daily housekeeping, in-room safe, television with pay-per-view movies, Nintendo 64 systems, evening turndown, fully-stocked refreshment cabinet, coffee maker with complimentary coffee, laundry service, and bath butler and bath menu services.