See what the experts are saying about Somerville. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Introduction
Former stamping grounds of some of history's most famous seafarers, the Virgin Islands are now invaded by thousands of visitors who arrive daily by cruise ship and plane from Miami and Puerto Rico. These green, hilly islands, some governed by... Continue reading »
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Best dining bets
Tavern on the Waterfront (St. Thomas; tel. 340/776-4328): Every celebrity who visits the U.S.V.I. seems to turn up here. Opening onto harbor views at Charlotte Amalie, this restaurant serves some of the island's finest French and Caribbean cu... Continue reading »
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The best beaches
Many Caribbean islands only have rocky beaches or beaches made of black volcanic sand (which heats up fast in the noonday sun), but those in the Virgin Islands are known for their fine white sand. Best of all, every beach in the Virgin Island... Continue reading »
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The best boating outfitters
Boating is big in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and it's even bigger in the British Virgins, which are said to have the best cruising in the Caribbean. American Yacht Harbor Marina (St. Thomas): This is one of the best bareboat and full-crew ch... Continue reading »
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The best buys
The U.S. Virgin Islands are the shopping mecca of the Caribbean, mostly because there's no sales tax and shoppers can take advantage of the $1,600 duty-free allowance. St. Thomas's capital, Charlotte Amalie, is the nerve center of the shoppin... Continue reading »
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The best dive sites
Cow and Calf Rocks (St. Thomas): This site, off the southeast end of St. Thomas (about a 45-min. boat ride from Charlotte Amalie), is the island's best diving spot. It's also a good bet for snorkeling. You'll discover a network of coral tunne... Continue reading »
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The best inns and bed & breakfasts
Villa Blanca (St. Thomas; tel. 800/231-0034 or 340/776-0749; www.villablancahotel.com): Small, intimate, and charming, this inn stands on 3 acres on a hill overlooking Charlotte Amalie. A homelike atmosphere prevails, and there's a freshwater... Continue reading »
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The best nightlife
If you're a serious party animal, you'll want to avoid St. John and most places in the British Virgin Islands, and concentrate on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Below are the latest hot spots: The Old Mill (St. Thomas; tel. 340/776-3004): This... Continue reading »
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The best places to get away from it all
Although there are tranquil retreats on St. Croix, and even on St. Thomas, you'll find most of the remote oases on St. John and in the British Virgin Islands. St. John: This is one of the most secluded islands in the Caribbean. More than t... Continue reading »
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The best family hotels & resorts
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort (St. Thomas; tel. 800/524-4746 or 340/775-1800; www.bolongobay.com): The resort staff here offers a huge roster of family activities. In the off season, children under 12 stay for free in their parent's room, and eat... Continue reading »
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The best romantic hotels & resorts
Many hotels in the Virgin Islands will help you plan your wedding, doing everything from arranging the flowers and the photographer to applying for the marriage license. But even if you don't actually tie the knot here, the Virgin Islands off... Continue reading »
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The best snorkeling
The islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas are among the finest places to snorkel in the Caribbean. Because of their historic shipwreck sites, the B.V.I. contain some of the best diving in the Caribbean, but their snorkeling spots can... Continue reading »
Somerville Travel Experiences
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Camping at the Marriott
It was desperately cold and windy. I thought I would be blown over or have the skin peeled from my frozen face. The sun was out though&nb... Continue reading »
