The Villa Life | Island Adventures!

Magic Ice Extraordinary!

Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission Judith Wheatley was one of many who took part in the opening of Magic Ice USVI in downtown Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. 

Magic Ice is extraordinary! Many of the sculptures are of local persons and things such as Queen Charlotte Amalia, King Frederick, iguanas, a Cruzan Rum bottle, seahorse, dolphin, polar bear, reindeer, the Virgin Islands Market Woman, etc. Quite a variety and quite interesting. Also there is a bar made from ice that serves drinks.

Incidentally, there is a sculptured ice chapel for those wishing to conduct their wedding ceremony. Then there is the retail store closer to the Main Street.

Sail Off to Romance on a New Horizons Sunset Cruise

What a lovely evening we had on our Sunset Dinner Cruise with New Horizons arranged by our Concierge, Angela St. Hilaire. It started out with a greeting from our captain, Steve, who informed us about what we were to expect once we set sail and also asked that we sign the liability waiver and fitness forms. He instructed us that we would be boarding a “bare-foot” boat and had us remove our shoes and place them in the provided basket before stepping on board the vessel.

Once aboard, Steve introduced the other two members of the crew, Bill and John, and provided us with safety instructions and the location of the life vests and fire extinguishers. The crew made sure everyone was settled with their champagne or choice of beverage and we set sail.

Mahogany Run Scenic Tour

Angela and Anita were treated to a 30-minute scenic tour of the Mahogany Run Golf Course on St. Thomas.  This is a *complimentary guided tour for patrons of The Grille at Mahogany Run or the on-course outlet Coconuts.  Presentation of your dining receipt alongside a special invitation (included in arrival packages) will entitle you to a scheduled tour of the award-winning course including signature oceanside holes and The Devil's Triangle.

Mahogany Run is maintained in an ecological fashion;  a variety of trees and flowering plants abound, providing a haven and source of nourishment to the many animals that live comfortably within its environs.  View the photo gallery of our tour!

*By appointment only, call to schedule on arrival - children over 5 only.

Learn and Play at Caneel Bay

by Luanda Kelly

Angela, our concierge and I went to Caneel Bay Hotel on St. John for our 2pm Kayak/Hike/Snorkel tour by the VI EcoTours.  Our guide met us promptly and got us set up right away with Kayaks, snorkel gear, water, and a few mini candy bars for energy after snorkeling. 

We loaded our 2-man kayaks and paddled around to the other side of Caneel Bay.  Because the trail was closed the Sunday we did our tour, we took a lovely stroll around the grounds of the hotel.  Our guide was very knowledgeable of the history and benefits or dangers of the plants, trees, and animals that were on the property. 

View the photo gallery!

S-U-P is F-U-N!

by Luanda Kelly

View the photo gallery of our Paddleboard Adventure!

What an amazingly fun-filled day our concierge, Angela (right), and I had! The day started off at 9am with paddle boarding or Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP-ing) at Bluewater SUP Safaris in Hull Bay. We met with Collin and Adrianne who took the time to educate us on the history of this rapidly growing sport and provided us with on-the-water safety tips on keeping our balance, falling off the board, and getting back on the board.

Exotic Indochine!

Lush and exotic villa Indochine is a Zen dream come true! From the moment you enter its gates, this tranquil estate will delight and restore you. Chloe, Indochine's manager and dedicated cook, had members of our team over for sunset bites and great conversation...  Enjoy our visit to Indochine...

Isidor Paiewonsky House Restoration

Nancy and Anita were among the lucky guests invited to the open house of the restoration of the former home of late Virgin Islands businessman, author, statesman and historian Isidor Paiewonsky on Saturday February 19, 2011.  Chef Greg, Ms. Whitney and the staff of the Old Stone Farmhouse created eclectic hors d'hoeuvres and cocktails to be enjoyed with roasted pig, a collection of savory melanges, and individually customized potato salads. 

Veuve Cliquot flowed freely, and a Cruzan Rum station provided flavored and classic varieties of the U.S. Virgin Islands staple.  Musical accompaniments by Danny Silber's 3-piece combo serenaded the crowd as the setting sun burnished Charlotte Amalie in sepia tones.  The kitchen saw lots of traffic as everyone made their way to the desserts by Island Sweet Stuff (also check the photo of the cake on display in the dining room!)... the reason for the evening was so that Dean Morehouse (left, with Nancy Anderson), who oversaw the restoration, could introduce the property as a new venue for milestone gatherings and special events such as weddings.

Isidor Paiewonsky House is certainly off to an auspicious start!!!  For more information, call 340-626-0030... but be sure to check out the photos of the opening of the Isidor Paiewonsky House for your taste of Virgin Islands hospitality at is finest!

Iggie's Cruzan Carnival - a real Extravaganza!

The lucky ladies of McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas were treated to an evening of Caribbean culture!  Iggie's Beach Bar & Restaurant at Bolongo Bay is always a great place to be, but on the restaurant's Carnival Night, magic was on!

We began with cocktails (both potent and tame!) and availed ourselves of the charms of the buffet featuring local delights such as kalalloo (seafood stew with a greens base), stewed chicken, roasted pork with mango glaze, top round of beef, and a variety of salads... miniature johnny cakes (crispy-fried golden brown), peas & rice (West Indian style), and much more, including a generous selection of tempting desserts.

The Sammy Watts Combo entertained, the moko jumbi danced... and then it was time for King Heron!

Enjoy the pictures in our gallery!

Paulette's Patio & Hervé Restaurant. Quality. Class.

During the villa tour season, Concierge and Guest Services Director Angela St. Hilaire takes the time to check in with many of our attractions, activities and restaurants.  As it turns out, the owners of Hervé were poised to re-open for the upcoming season with the quality consistency that residents and visitors applaud year after year...

Visit Hervé Restaurant and Paulette's Patio online

View the gallery of photos - get your napkin ready!!!

 

The Suite Life at Ritz-Carlton Club St. Thomas

Many travelers have yet to discover the pleasures of  The Ritz-Carlton Club® St. Thomas with its 2- and 3-bedroom Residences and 2-bedroom Suites (with Dining Club).  Operations Coordinator Luanda was surprised one day at the office when one of our Ritz-Carlton Club® owners made her and her family his guests in a luxurious 2-bedroom Suite. Click the picture of Luanda to enjoy her tour! -->