Discovered during Columbus’s second voyage, St. Thomas is one of the three Virgin Islands acquired by the United States in 1917. It was colonized by Danish traders and merchants in the mid 1,600s.

Although there were sugar cane and cotton plantations, the lack of rivers made this island unsuitable for agriculture compared to her sister St. Croix or to the Greater Antilles.

St. Thomas was famed for its harbor, its sheltered bays, its neutrality and its warehouses. It has been a “free-port” since 1815.

Nicknamed “taphus”, or drinking house, rum is an ageless passion that continues even today. 

St. Thomas is only 4 miles wide by 13 miles long (app. 31 sq. miles). The highest point is Crown Mountain at 1,556 feet high. The island’s capital? Charlotte Amalie, named so after the Queen of Denmark in 1691.

Like all Caribbean islands, St. Thomas does not experience seasonal changes. Our winters are mild, and our summers hot and balmy, especially in  late July, August and September, which are our hurricane months.

We do not have dangerous wildlife. Iguanas are our island symbol. Despite their pre-historic look they are pretty harmless… and please keep in mind that they are a protected species.

English is the island’s official language, and tourism its prime economic activity… which means that we are also known for great shopping. You will find incredible buys on jewelry, watches, cameras, china and alcohol… duty free.

Last but not least: the islands are very laid back! The concept of haste is non existent… in order to discover the true joys of this paradise, be patient and open to an alternate pace.