Traveler Information
Sightseeing
If you’re looking for a perfect photo opportunity and some peace and quiet at the same time, Drake’s Seat at sunset is hard to beat. Named after the famous explorer Sir Francis Drake, the attraction overlooks Magens Bay and is frequented by both tourists and locals.
72 locals recommend
Drake's Seat
Route 37If you’re looking for a perfect photo opportunity and some peace and quiet at the same time, Drake’s Seat at sunset is hard to beat. Named after the famous explorer Sir Francis Drake, the attraction overlooks Magens Bay and is frequented by both tourists and locals.
The overlook is located atop St. Peter Mountain–the island’s highest point–and has a vista of Magens Bay. See if you can recognize where Villa Pallina is from this viewpoint! Mountain Top is also a good place to purchase souvenirs, clothes, and other gift items and famous for its signature drink, the banana daiquiri, which is made with a variety of flavors of local Cruzan Rum.
86 locals recommend
Mountain Top
The overlook is located atop St. Peter Mountain–the island’s highest point–and has a vista of Magens Bay. See if you can recognize where Villa Pallina is from this viewpoint! Mountain Top is also a good place to purchase souvenirs, clothes, and other gift items and famous for its signature drink, the banana daiquiri, which is made with a variety of flavors of local Cruzan Rum.
One of the most distinguishable landmarks in St. Thomas. The staircase is one of several ‘step-streets’ originally built by the Danes to solve the problem of getting around the Charlotte Amalie’s hilly terrain. The bricks of the steps were brought from Denmark as ballasts in the holds of trade ships. Visitors who walk to the top (actually 103 steps) will find themselves near the foot of more stairs leading to Blackbeard’s Castle, one of the island’s three National Historic Landmarks.
41 locals recommend
99 Steps
99 StepsOne of the most distinguishable landmarks in St. Thomas. The staircase is one of several ‘step-streets’ originally built by the Danes to solve the problem of getting around the Charlotte Amalie’s hilly terrain. The bricks of the steps were brought from Denmark as ballasts in the holds of trade ships. Visitors who walk to the top (actually 103 steps) will find themselves near the foot of more stairs leading to Blackbeard’s Castle, one of the island’s three National Historic Landmarks.
Grocery Stores / Services
Wish to have the villa stocked before your arrival? Moe's Fresh Market in Redhook offers Vila Provisioning!
79 locals recommend
Moe's Fresh Market Redhook
Wish to have the villa stocked before your arrival? Moe's Fresh Market in Redhook offers Vila Provisioning!
Big Box type grocery store where you may find most of what you need and does not require a membership to shop there.
59 locals recommend
Cost U Less St-Thomas
Big Box type grocery store where you may find most of what you need and does not require a membership to shop there.
The Fruit Bowl
Route 38Food Center
St Thomas Beaches
Less than 5 minutes from the villa, Magens Bay is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches in USVI. The peninsulas protect the shore from erosion and big waves which makes the calm waters an ideal spot for swimmers. This beach has an entry fee, which is used to maintain the facilities. Magens Bay is particularly beautiful because of the rolling mountains that seem to unfurl right down to the beach, but can get crowded as it is a popular stop.
257 locals recommend
Magens Bay Beach
Less than 5 minutes from the villa, Magens Bay is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches in USVI. The peninsulas protect the shore from erosion and big waves which makes the calm waters an ideal spot for swimmers. This beach has an entry fee, which is used to maintain the facilities. Magens Bay is particularly beautiful because of the rolling mountains that seem to unfurl right down to the beach, but can get crowded as it is a popular stop.
Smith Bay Beach (or Lindquist Beach) is especially popular with couples and families, this lovely beach gets a lot of attention because of its beauty. You’re likely to spot sea turtles while snorkeling here. Across the street is Golden Age Ranch - Hire a guide and take horseback ride down to the beach!
88 locals recommend
Lindqvist Beach
Smith Bay Beach (or Lindquist Beach) is especially popular with couples and families, this lovely beach gets a lot of attention because of its beauty. You’re likely to spot sea turtles while snorkeling here. Across the street is Golden Age Ranch - Hire a guide and take horseback ride down to the beach!
Sapphire Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach on the East End of the St. Thomas. You are likely to see plenty of iguanas and there is beach bar/restaurant. Sapphire Beach is perfect for water activities like kayaking, wind surfing, jet skiing, and parasailing.
94 locals recommend
Sapphire Beach
Sapphire Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach on the East End of the St. Thomas. You are likely to see plenty of iguanas and there is beach bar/restaurant. Sapphire Beach is perfect for water activities like kayaking, wind surfing, jet skiing, and parasailing.
Coki Point Beach This often-crowded beach is an especially great place to do some swimming or snorkeling. Swimming and snorkeling aren’t the only options for things to do. Activities such as parasailing and jet skiing can be arranged through the various concessions, and shopping enthusiasts might see what the local vendors have to sell.
31 locals recommend
Coki Point Beach
Coki Point RoadCoki Point Beach This often-crowded beach is an especially great place to do some swimming or snorkeling. Swimming and snorkeling aren’t the only options for things to do. Activities such as parasailing and jet skiing can be arranged through the various concessions, and shopping enthusiasts might see what the local vendors have to sell.
Secret Harbour Relatively small, this beach is quite charming. The snorkeling is good at Secret Harbour, and underwater explorers are encouraged to bring a waterproof camera along for snapping shots of the colorful fish. The Secret Harbour Beach Resort provides a beachfront bar and restaurant.
32 locals recommend
Secret Harbour Beach Resort
6280 Estate NazarethSecret Harbour Relatively small, this beach is quite charming. The snorkeling is good at Secret Harbour, and underwater explorers are encouraged to bring a waterproof camera along for snapping shots of the colorful fish. The Secret Harbour Beach Resort provides a beachfront bar and restaurant.
Hull Bay is an example of a quieter "locals" beach, Hull Bay is found to the west of Magens Bay and tends to attract locals, surfers, and fishermen. There is also the Hull Bay Hideaway for a quick and easy lunch or dinner stop. The western side of Hull Bay Beach is where the best waves are usually to be found.
25 locals recommend
Hull Bay Beach
Hull Bay is an example of a quieter "locals" beach, Hull Bay is found to the west of Magens Bay and tends to attract locals, surfers, and fishermen. There is also the Hull Bay Hideaway for a quick and easy lunch or dinner stop. The western side of Hull Bay Beach is where the best waves are usually to be found.
Brewers Bay is almost always calm and crystal clear making it a great beach for snorkeling. Parking and bathrooms are easily accessible. Roadside food vans sell local foods like meat and saltfish pates, johnny cake, fried chicken, rice and beans and various drinks & snacks.
70 locals recommend
Brewers Bay Beach
Brewers Bay is almost always calm and crystal clear making it a great beach for snorkeling. Parking and bathrooms are easily accessible. Roadside food vans sell local foods like meat and saltfish pates, johnny cake, fried chicken, rice and beans and various drinks & snacks.
Island Activities
Book a charter with Midnight Sun for an amazing day on the water exploring. Midnight Sun is a Villa Pallina favorite!
6 locals recommend
St. Thomas Boat Rental - Midnight Sun Charters
6300 Estate FrydenhojBook a charter with Midnight Sun for an amazing day on the water exploring. Midnight Sun is a Villa Pallina favorite!
Visit this unique marine park with an underwater observatory, shark tank, saltwater pools, “touch” pools for children, tropical birds and iguanas, beautiful aquariums, shops and snack bars.
Reservations are required for some specialty activities.
102 locals recommend
Coral World Ocean Park
Visit this unique marine park with an underwater observatory, shark tank, saltwater pools, “touch” pools for children, tropical birds and iguanas, beautiful aquariums, shops and snack bars.
Reservations are required for some specialty activities.
A much loved pastime here. The only riding facility on St. Thomas, and also a non-profit organization, Golden Age Ranch is dedicated to providing shelter, care, and rehabilitation services for abandoned and unwanted horses. GAR offers beach/trail horseback riding tours. Beach tours are done on Lindquist Bay.
12 locals recommend
Golden Age Ranch
A much loved pastime here. The only riding facility on St. Thomas, and also a non-profit organization, Golden Age Ranch is dedicated to providing shelter, care, and rehabilitation services for abandoned and unwanted horses. GAR offers beach/trail horseback riding tours. Beach tours are done on Lindquist Bay.
the only zip line on St. Thomas, is an exhilarating adventure that offers breathtaking views of Magens Bay and the BVI. Fantastic for all ages, 'Tree Limin Extreme' consists of six exhilarating zip lines, two awe-inspiring sky bridges and eight incredibly scenic aerial platforms.
62 locals recommend
Tree Limin' Extreme Zipline
7406 St Peter Mountain Rdthe only zip line on St. Thomas, is an exhilarating adventure that offers breathtaking views of Magens Bay and the BVI. Fantastic for all ages, 'Tree Limin Extreme' consists of six exhilarating zip lines, two awe-inspiring sky bridges and eight incredibly scenic aerial platforms.
Neighborhoods
The greatest density of stores is in Charlotte Amalie. The principal street there is Dronningens Gade, better known as Main Street. Parallel to Main Street is Back Street and Waterfront. Stores line each of these main roads, and in between the three roads are side streets and alleys where even more shops are located. In the alleys, like Royal Dane Mall, Palm Passage and Riise Alley, you will find many unique shops and boutiques. The stores in Charlotte Amalie are housed in and among historical buildings, so shopping and sightseeing in one trip is easy. Small cozy restaurants and bars are located among the stores, perfect for lunch or a refreshing drink. Hours Vary.
73 locals recommend
Charlotte Amalie
The greatest density of stores is in Charlotte Amalie. The principal street there is Dronningens Gade, better known as Main Street. Parallel to Main Street is Back Street and Waterfront. Stores line each of these main roads, and in between the three roads are side streets and alleys where even more shops are located. In the alleys, like Royal Dane Mall, Palm Passage and Riise Alley, you will find many unique shops and boutiques. The stores in Charlotte Amalie are housed in and among historical buildings, so shopping and sightseeing in one trip is easy. Small cozy restaurants and bars are located among the stores, perfect for lunch or a refreshing drink. Hours Vary.
Traveler advice
Customs and culture
LOCAL COMMON COURTESIES
A long standing tradition in the Virgin Islands is to always start a conversation with “Good Morning”, “Good Afternoon”, “Good Day", or “Good Night/Evening” or the response from locals may be aloof and unresponsive. If you start the conversation right, most locals are friendly and enjoy interacting with visitors!
Virgin Islanders are historically conservative, so it is seen as disrespectful when visitors walk around in swimwear or without shirts if not on the beach or poolside. Please be respectful and wear shirts and/or beach cover ups unless you’re at the beach or pool.
Book before you go
CHEF SERVICES / DINNER OUT / MASSAGE SERVICES
Make sure to reserve your private chef services, massage services, and dinner reservations well in advance before your stay as services book up quickly, especially during holidays and high season. Let us know how we can help!
Getting around
TAXI SERVICES
While there isn’t a standard type of taxi vehicle, the most popular are vans, open air safaris (converted trucks; truck beds are customized with bench seating in an open-air covered area) and SUV/cars. Licensed taxi vehicles are labeled with: a taxi license plate and On Duty/Off Duty roof light. The driver’s personal identification/taxi license should be on the vehicle's dashboard, as well. If calling for a taxi, make sure you get the taxi plate number, so you know which taxi to expect for pick up. Ask us about our trusted Taxi Service Providers!