The indescribable serenity of the Caribbean can be found in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa . There is no need for a passport for United States residents who 
travel to this island even though you feel like you are in a foreign land. After arriving at Cyril E. King International Airport it was a thirty-minute ride, traveling just eight miles, to the resort. It is a drive full of hills, twists, turns and driving on the left side of the road.
While the United States government employs many residents of St. Thomas others rely on the tourism and hospitality arenas to earn a wage. The appreciation of your visit is heard and seen immediately as you deplane. Caribbean music welcomes you in baggage claim and those of the legal age of 18 receive a taste of the local rum. You know immediately that you have arrived to a land of fun in the sun. Like many island getaways however the contrast of views and landscape is dramatic. While driving to the resort you will see on one side the beautiful vistas, featuring large cruise ships in dock, while another view will remind you of the difficult challenges residents of the island face. All who earn a living, from tourism, including taxi drivers and hotel employees let you know how important you are to their livelihood.
When the curtain in our room was drawn and the view of Water Bay, Tortola and St. John was visible from our balcony, my 14-year old daughter Haley immediately commented that she felt like she was aboard a cruise ship. The view was calming and breathtaking at the same time. At the resort more than 75 percent of the 300 rooms have a water view, with an additional 10 percent being able to view the turquoise water from their balcony, while others look out over the spectacular 31 acres of the resort’s property.
There are many choices for food on-site. If you are near the pools at lunchtime visit the Iguana Grill or the Mangrove Restaurant’s buffet. Want to have your favorite island adult beverage hit the Turtle Rock Sports Bar. If you just want to lie by the pool and enjoy a fruity cocktail, guard the pineapple garnishing your drink. The Sugar Bay has a few interesting inhabitants that like a sweet treat too. More than 150 iguanas call the resort home. While many hang out in the trees, or in the area next to the Mangrove Restaurant, a few will make their way to the pool deck areas. Iguanas are not fans of chlorine and Haley quickly realized that enjoying the resort’s three lagoon style interconnected pools was a great way to see the iguanas but not get too close to them. For those who are intrigued, by the prehistoric creatures, the resort has a feeding time each morning where guests can actually get up close and personal with these interesting looking lizards.
Those looking to eat off-site can find a nice meal either next door at Agave at the Point Pleasant or call a cab and head to Red Hook fifteen minutes away where a variety of restaurants can be found. Red Hook is also home to the island’s newest dock where guests can grab a ferry for St. John, St. Croix and the British Virgins. Remember if you are traveling to Virgin Gorda or Tortola in the British Virgin Islands you will need to have a passport.
A helpful tip, we received from a guest at the hotel, is to check with the concierge to see which day of the week does not have a cruise ship coming in. Going to a beach like Maegan’s Bay or shopping at Red Hook can sometimes get a little crowded when a ship is in port.
A great way to see the area where you are staying is from above. Caribbean Water Sports & Tours offers a spectacular parasailing opportunity. 
In many cases you can be picked up right from your hotel or resort’s beach. We did a tandem tour where two people can go up together. Captain Mike advised us to enjoy the view and look closely in the water for the appearance of sea turtles. We were not disappointed. We did catch a glimpse of one of the massive reptiles popping above the water for air.
Yes, we did head to St. Thomas during hurricane season. I was concerned as I kept an eye on the resort’s weather predictions during the weeks leading up to the trip. I saw showers listed everyday. I learned that this is the standard forecast during this time of year. Showers are not uncommon, but no worries, they tend to be brief and many times just overnight. We arrived to a beautiful sunny afternoon, took some photos from our balcony, headed downstairs to explore and found ourselves ducking for cover as a brief shower passed. The next morning, at 6:30 a.m., I awoke to see palm trees swaying and a heavy rain. However, by the time we had enjoyed our buffet breakfast at the resort’s Manor House (if you go, make sure to try one of the restaurant’s martini glasses filled with strawberries and granola for a special morning treat) and headed to the pool around 10 a.m., the sun was shining and we enjoyed a beautiful day.
According to Tess Monsanto, director of Meeting and Conference Services at the Resort and Spa, there is an interesting reason why many consider St. Thomas to be a “safe haven” and not as affected as some Caribbean areas during hurricane season. “Our last major hurricane was Hurricane Marilyn in 1995. Before that was hurricane Hugo in 1989. We are protected a lot from the Sahara dust that blows into the island around June. The sand helps to keep the storms at bay, however we are still very much vulnerable to hurricanes as we are in the Caribbean.”
Those looking to have a special wedding day can find many amenities at the resort. Brian Postle offers peace of mind to brides and grooms as the resort’s Director of Romance. Postle offers guidance and suggestions to couples looking to tie the knot on the beach or high above in the St. John Terrace Gazebo. Packages as unique as the couples are available and can feature everything from music, a cake, photos and a DVD to a full reception and a first anniversary welcome back certificate for the bride and groom and attending guests. We saw first hand a smaller ceremony being held on the beach and witnessed that is was all hands on deck to make sure the couple’s wishes were granted.
Julie Cotnoir is a freelance writer from Enfield, CT. She writes for The Hartford Courant and Cape Cod Life Magazine.
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