The USVI is a territory of the USA so you don't need a passport if you are a US Citizen. All you need is a drivers license or other official ID that you normally use to fly within the USA. Note that you will still go through customs when you depart the island.
As long as you can! If you plan to join us we would suggest that you stay a minimum of 3 nights (fly in early Friday and leave on Monday), however, we definitely recommend a 4th night or longer if you enjoy beach vacations and can swing it. Whatever you choose, we recommend booking the earliest flight you can find on the day you arrive. That way, you can change into your bathing suit at the airport and go straight to the beach for half a day!
There is only one airport on St. Thomas. Most major airlines (Delta, United, American, Jetblue) provide direct or connecting service to St Thomas. We recommend booking as early as possible (6 months or more in advance for the best rates) and taking a nonstop flight, if available. There are not many daily arrivals so if your flight is delayed or you miss your connection you may not be able to catch another flight until the following day. Be sure to get your free shot of rum from the Cruzan rum stand when you get off the plane!
The resort is about a 20 min drive from the airport. There is no Uber or Lyft in St Thomas. Large open-air taxis are available most everywhere on the island, however, they do charge per person and the costs can add up quickly (especially for larger parties) if you take them often. We will be providing shuttle service from the resort to/from the beach on the day of the wedding. Car rental: They drive on the left in St Thomas and most of the roads are narrow and hilly, however, if you are a confident driver and staying for a few days we do recommend renting a car or jeep during your stay (we always do). We also recommend renting a GPS or using it on your phone to help get around as some of the roads can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Beach Attire: Be comfortable and casual! We will be on the beach! No shoes required. Wear your swimsuit with or under casual clothing (cover-ups, sundresses, tshirts, linen shirts/pants, sandals). There will be a photographer taking some pictures during and immediately after the ceremony and you may be in some. Don't worry we won't take your picture in your swim suit (unless you want that). :) There is also a small bathroom if you would prefer to change.
No, it isn't and we actually do not recommend staying at an all-inclusive resort on St. Thomas because then you would miss the best beaches, restaurants, and activities! The resort is on a cliff with a small beach and has a restaurant/bar available and most rooms also offer a kitchenette. Feel free to reach out to one of us if you are interested in a different type of accommodation whether it be a villa, or less expensive boutique hotel, and we can offer some other suggestions.
Yes, we will be having a welcome cocktail party on Thursday evening. The day of the wedding (Friday) will be spent at the beach. On Saturday, you can optionally join us for a day trip to St John (it's a short 20 min ferry ride away).
Pack light: A couple of bathing suits, shorts, shirts, sundresses and sandals is all you need. The island is very casual and it is warm outside all day and night. It rarely rains. The sun is very strong so we also recommend bringing reef safe suntan lotion (it is expensive to buy there), a hat, and your own beach towel. You may also want to bring snorkel gear if you plan on snorkeling.
Yes, all beaches on St Thomas are public beaches. You are allowed to use the beach even if there is a hotel/resort on the beach front. Some resorts may reserve beach chairs or pools for guests only.
Refer to this ink for the latest information: https://www.covid19usvi.com/covid-19/travelers Starting on May 31 2022, the United States Virgin Islands territory will transition to an "Open Door Phase," dropping all COVID-19–related restrictions for domestic travelers (including from the Continental US) and no longer requiring them to fill out the USVI Travel Screening Portal. American travelers returning home after visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands are exempt from all testing requirements because the U.S. Virgin Islands is an American territory. However, the U.S. Virgin Islands still requires all international travelers 18 and older who visit, including U.S. citizens coming from abroad and those coming from the British Virgin Islands, to show proof of vaccination and proof of a negative PCR test or antigen test taken within 24 hours if traveling by air or within five days if traveling by ferry, according to the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Travelers must enter the information in the travel portal.