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Scoping Out The Views From The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas

Where: 6900 Great Bay, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, U.S., 00802

While the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott is busy getting itself pretty, another hotel in St. Thomas is celebrating its birthday. The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas turns the big 1-5 this year, and is running a range of Crystal Anniversary promotions throughout the year to celebrate.

As for us, we just popped over to scout out the hotel's views ...

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Frenchman's Reef Marriott Is Getting a Face Lift, But Its Morning Star Rooms Will Stay Open

Where: 5 Estate Bakkeroe, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, U.S., 00801

On Friday, we told you about the friendly service we encountered at the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort. But, as we all know, personality is not everything. Looks are what we notice first.

And while Frenchman's Reef looks pretty on the outside, especially in the late afternoon light, the interior could need some work. The hotel knows it, and has just closed part of its property for a $48 million-dollar renovation.

Even better, you can still stay at the resort during the work and not be bothered by construction noise, since the beachfront boutique part of the property--the Morning Star Beach Club--along with the already-renovated Sea Cliff Tower of the main building will stay open.

Rooms in the Sea Cliff tower have great views of the ocean, and the rooms at Morning Star are right on the beach, where you can hear the waves crashing from bed, even if you close your shutters.

Here's a look at the nip/tucks taking place at Frenchman's Reef, and a sneak peek of what you can expect when the rooms re-open on October 1.

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Has Your Housekeeper Ever Left You a Note? Ours Did

Where: 5 Estate Bakkeroe, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, U.S., 00801

Hotel notepads: we're big fans. Sometimes we even take them. But last week we encountered something new on the notepad by our hotel bed--a note from our housekeeper. And it was sweet, to boot!

This is the note we found when we returned to our room late in the day after our first night at the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Now, there's lots to love here, so let's break it down...

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The Wyndham Sugar Bay Slashes Rates

Where: 6500 Estate Smith Bay [map], St. Thomas, vi, United States, 00802

A taste of the views around the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa

Kayaking and sailing and snorkeling, oh my. These are but a handful of the standard "idyllic island getaway" activities being used to draw visitors to the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa, located in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The promise of blue lagoons, a secluded beach, diving expeditions, and passport-free travel also belong to this tourist tempting feed, in addition to the ballyhoo of a recently announced Fall Super Sale.

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Warm Weather Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas

Where: 6900 Great Bay, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, U.S., 00802

Close your eyes and think luxury. Think private white sand beaches, lapping blue waves, cocktails. Think scuba diving, think sun and sunsets, think hot loving.

You're on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, staying in the Ritz-Carlton.

It's the ultimate in beachside luxury on a grand scale. One hundred and eighty rooms the size of a good-sized city apartment or larger, four restaurants/bars (one serving bucket-sized cocktails by the pool), two huge pools and an outdoor jacuzzi all within a 30-acre estate.

MORE of this warm weather escape after the jump.

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Romance on the Cheap

Can you find romance for under $200 on St. Thomas? That is the question. Or at least one of the questions answered in this week's Washington Post Travel Q & A section.

The answer is yes and no... depending on your idea of romance. The island is in fact a romantic quintessential paradise, and if you spend minimal time in a cheap room, you'll stilll feel good vibrations, even at the Best Western. Room rates start at $129.

For $180, you can get a villa-style suite at The Point Pleasant Resort. Private balconies, ocean views, beaches... what other romance is there? OK, so there's not much design (think tile and rattan), but what the place lacks in style it makes up for in bang for your buck. In addition to reasonable rates, the resort offers some free activities like intro scuba lessons, free snorkel gear rentals, and a bottle of rum.

[image via Bruno Campos]

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