Wrangling on St. Thomas, USVI
The only thing scarier than staring into the watchful gaze of one oversized reptile, is trying to fix your eyes on two. So imagine my heightened senses when four large lizards suddenly made their way through the iron railing toward the patio where we lounged under the hot St. Thomas sun. It’s a good thing I had my pool noodle for self defence.
St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands is a destination full of similar fun surprises. A rich, historic downtown is filled with first-class restaurants and premium shopping. Views from the mountain toward Magen’s Bay on one side and Water Island on the other are breathtaking. Back at sea level, pristine beaches and world-class snorkelling and scuba diving are always close by.
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a perfect partner for exploring an island such as St. Thomas. It is easy to manoeuvre, well balanced on rough roads and ideally suited for lengthy waits as four o’clock rush hour sets in. Yes, even on an island, the traffic can be brutal at times.
A long awaited addition to the Jeep family, it features round headlights and a removable hardtop roof. Getting in and out is relatively easy, even when dressed for a night on the town. Moulded front bucket and rear bench seats, though firm in a traditional 4x4 way, provide ample room for up to five passengers.
Hard plastic fills the interior cabin, but corners are rounded where they need to be. A passenger grab bar adds a classic, functional touch to the experience. The center console provides extra storage, along with easy to use stereo and HVAC controls. Featuring a tight, 4-spoke steering wheel, the look and feel is unmistakably Jeep.
Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort overlooks the sundrenched city from the entrance to Charlotte Amalie Harbor, the main port of entry on St. Thomas. A daily migration of yachts and pleasure boats pass by the rocky shoreline surrounding the resort. Cruise ships ply the turquoise cove, providing a kaleidoscope of colours as sun sets on the island and the big boats head out to sea.
Designed as two separate buildings to fully utilize the superior location, the resort features 8 floors housing 451 guest rooms and 28 suites. A business meeting destination extraordinaire, it also features 15 conference rooms and 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Enjoying the warm Caribbean sunshine is an obvious reason for staying at Frenchman’s Reef. Morning Star Beach offers the perfect setting for lazing under a cloudless sky. Those seeking a more active encounter can take the available two-person sailboats and ride the steady breeze caressing this side of the island.
Swimming in fresh water is available at either Morning Star Pool or the larger Sunset/Harbor Pool. Both offer poolside wait staff, lounge chairs in abundance and just the right amount of sun or shade to suit any desire.
Leaving the resort to explore the island, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was immediately put to the test. Equipped with a 202 hp, 3.8L V6, power delivery is strong but not overbearing. Our vehicle was mated to the optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Featuring 237 lb.-ft. of torque and Command Trac part-time 4WD, it is more than capable of tackling any terrain.
Tight, winding two-lane roads meander across a hilly landscape filled with lush scenery and a diverse culture. A drive on the island of St. Thomas is never dull as new experiences wait around every corner.
The stretched frame of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offers the benefit of additional storage space. All of our suitcases and groceries fit with plenty of room for beach bags, towels and anything else we could think of. The longer wheelbase also means ride comfort is excellent.
Passing Fort Christian, we chose a route to the north side that would take approximately one and half hours to complete.
Route 30 passes Brewers Bay as it becomes Fortuna Road, one of the most picturesque stops on the island. Eventually our drive crossed onto Route 40 and we pulled over to absorb the panoramic view at Drake’s Seat. Island legend claims this is where Sir Francis Drake looked over the sea and charted the best routes through the Virgin Islands. Magen’s Bay glistened below in the bright afternoon sun.
Trail Rated is much more than just an attractive logo attached to the side of a Jeep. At one point on the way back, our tour of the island took us on a narrow, cobblestone path past Bluebeard’s Castle. The Wrangler Unlimited handled the changing road surface and near impossible re-entrance to the main road without concern.
St. Thomas is a uniquely different experience from St. John and St. Croix, the other islands that make up USVI. Whether shopping, dining, driving or simply relaxing, this island can accommodate your every whim. Remember, however, when lounging by the pool, you may have a few uninvited guests vying for your attention. Keep a pool noodle ready at all times.
Where to Stay:
Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort
5 Estate Bakkeroe
St. Thomas, VI 00801
T: 340.776.8500
www.marriott.com
Where to Dine:
Oceana Restaurant & Wine Bar
Box 303156
St. Thomas, VI 00803
T: 340.774.4262
www.oceana.vi
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