Author Archives: Chelsea

24 Apr

Things to do on St. Thomas for Memorial Day Weekend

Author Chelsea Categories Island Info, News

Memorial Day weekend is a popular time to visit St. Thomas, as the island comes alive with a variety of events and activities. Whether you’re looking for something cultural, athletic, or just plain fun, there’s something for everyone during this holiday weekend.

Here are some of the things to do on St. Thomas during Memorial Day weekend:

  1. Memorial Day Ceremonies: St. Thomas hosts several ceremonies and events to honor those who have served in the military and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The American Legion, VFW, and other organizations typically hold wreath-laying ceremonies, parades, and other tributes throughout the weekend.
  2. Beach Parties: St. Thomas is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and what better way to celebrate the holiday than by soaking up the sun and partying with friends? Many of the island’s popular beaches, such as Magens Bay and Sapphire Beach, will host Memorial Day parties with live music, food, and drinks.
  3. Local Music: St. Thomas is known for its vibrant music scene, and Memorial Day weekend is no exception. The island hosts several live music events at locations including Roots Garden Lounge, Sapphire Beach Bar, Hooked USVI, Bernies, and more the weekend, featuring local and international artists. The Carnival Village in Charlotte Amalie is a popular venue for live music, as well as the Cruz Bay Landing on neighboring St. John.
  4. Food and Drink Festivals: Memorial Day weekend is a great time to sample the island’s diverse culinary offerings. Many restaurants and bars will offer special menus and deals, and there are several food and drink festivals that take place throughout the weekend. Enjoy a Sunday brunch at amazing local restaurants like Old Stone Farmhouse, Caribbean Fish Market, and The Social.
  5. Boat Tours: St. Thomas is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, and there’s no better way to explore the island’s coastline than by boat. Many tour companies offer Memorial Day weekend specials on boat tours, including snorkeling trips, sunset cruises, and island-hopping excursions.

Memorial Day weekend is a great time to visit St. Thomas, as the island offers a variety of events and activities to suit all interests. Whether you’re looking to honor the holiday’s significance, party on the beach, or explore the island’s cultural offerings, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful Caribbean island. When you stay with Castle at Cabrita you will have a personal concierge to help plan the perfect vacation for you and your family!

24 Apr

St. Thomas Carnival

Author Chelsea Categories Island Info, News

Are you planning a trip to St. Thomas during the Carnival season? If so, you’re in for a real treat! The Carnival in St. Thomas is a cultural explosion of music, dance, and colorful costumes, and it’s the perfect time to experience the island’s vibrant culture.

St. Thomas Carnival is one of the most popular and festive events in the Caribbean, and it’s been celebrated for over 100 years. The festivities start in April and continue for a month, culminating in a parade called the “Adult’s Parade” that takes place in Charlotte Amalie on April 29th.

If you’re visiting St. Thomas for the Carnival, here are some of the things you can do to make the most of your experience:

Attend the Carnival Village: This is the epicenter of the Carnival celebrations, where you’ll find food stalls, craft vendors, and live music performances. You’ll get a chance to taste local cuisine and drinks, shop for souvenirs, and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.

Watch the J’ouvert: This is an early morning parade that starts around 4 am and lasts until sunrise. Participants wear colorful costumes and cover themselves in paint and mud, and it’s a lively and energetic celebration of Caribbean culture.

Enjoy the food and drinks: St. Thomas is famous for its delicious cuisine, and during Carnival, you’ll find a wide variety of local dishes to try, including fried fish, conch fritters, and johnnycakes. Don’t forget to try the island’s signature cocktail, the Painkiller, made with rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut cream.

Explore the island: While the Carnival celebrations are the main attraction, St. Thomas has plenty of other things to see and do. You can take a scenic drive around the island, visit historical sites like Blackbeard’s Castle and Fort Christian, or spend a day at one of the island’s beautiful beaches.

Overall, St. Thomas Carnival is a fantastic time to visit the island and experience its unique culture. Whether you’re interested in music, dance, food, or history, there’s something for everyone at the Carnival. So pack your bags, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

22 Mar

Our favorite restaurants in the USVI

Author Chelsea Categories Island Info, News

The culinary experience on St. Thomas is one that may surprise you! With culinary excellence ranging from Italian, seafood, local dishes, and everything in between we know you will find somewhere that you enjoy!

1) Sea Salt – St. Thomas’ newest culinary gem and rooftop restaurant, Sea Salt unveils a vision unlike any other. Transforming and embracing the natural landscape, outfitted with sophisticated modern touches.Enjoy locally sourced fish and artfully prepared meals and cocktails as you enjoy a rooftop sunset overlooking St. John and the barrier islands of the USVI

2) Virgilio’s Italian Cuisine- Pamper your palettes with an array of homemade pastas complemented with numerous sauces. This is not your average restaurant; nestled in downtown Charlotte Amalie, you will experience the Dutch architecture that has been preserved for 100s of years! One of the notable things about Virgilio’s is the longevity of the staff, and that dedication and pride radiates through in both the service and the food itself.

3) Blue 11 – Experience local ingredients at their finest. Select from a seven, nine, or eleven-course tasting menu. Add the wine pairing for a truly unique experience. Chef Benji has been an intricate part of the Virgin Islands’ culinary experience wherever he goes. His love for food and attention to detail and fresh ingredients truly sets him apart. We know you will leave more than full from this restaurant, you will leave with a true island experience and night to remember!

4) Easterly – The Easterly is a hidden gem in the heart of Red Hook, a true dining oasis offering innovative craft cocktails and wood-fired cuisine representative of the rustic Caribbean. The lush and breezy waterfront atmosphere of The Easterly embraces the simplistic and laid-back Caribbean lifestyle. Tucked away in an oasis of palm trees and rich greenery, the restaurant and bar take on a Bohemian-island vibe.

5) Extra Virgin Bistro (on St. John) – Extra Virgin Bistro was named both for its location, in the heart of the Virgin Islands, and after extra virgin olive oil, a staple for Mediterranean cuisine which is the primary influence for their cuisine. The dishes of Extra Virgin are inspirations from Italy, Greece, France, Spain and Portugal and include as much fresh and local produce as possible. Extra Virgin Bistro sources locally grown and sourced products ensuring the freshest meals!

Don’t quite want to go out to dinner?? We understand!!! That is why Castle at Cabrita partners with local private chefs to bring the dining experience to you!! Enjoy a 5-star meal from the comfort of the villa and be treated like a true king or queen with a 3,4, or 5-course meal specifically catered to your tastes and desires!

21 Mar

Best Beaches St. Thomas

Author Chelsea Categories Island Info, News

When traveling to the USVI, the pristine white sand beaches and turquoise water must be somewhere on your list of reasons to visit!! With so many recommendations for the “Best Beach” it can be hard to choose which one to see with the little time you have on the island!! Below are just a few of our top beaches to be sure to visit while staying at Castle at Cabrita

1) Magens Bay- It’s no wonder that this beach shows up on our list as it does in many others! Consistently votes as one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world, it is a must-see! We love Magens for its expansive white sand, convenient parking, and bar area to replenish all your cocktail needs on the beach!! Beach chair rentals, paddle board rentals, and a concession area makes this for a truly relaxing beach!

2) Secret Harbor- This is an east-side gem! Not well known, Secret Harbor is a small, lovely beach nestled in a quiet, protected bay. The water is usually very calm; perfect for swimming. Great snorkeling can be found along the rocky coastline on the right side. When you are done in the water, you can venture to the bar for lunch and beverages while relaxing in the sun!

3) Brewers Bay Beach- this is one of the calmest beaches on St. Thomas, and the water is clear as crystal. It is a favorite for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. We challenge you to go for a snorkel and NOT find a sea turtle! Amenities include a nice public bathhouse with flush toilets and outdoor showers. There are roadside food vans for an authentic island experience! Though this beach is further from Castle at Cabrita, it truly is worth a trip!!

4) Stumpy bay Beach- This truly is a private beach that very few venture to!! You WILL need a 4×4 car to venture down to this beach. The road there is a true adventure and will be worth it! One of our favorite sea shell collecting beaches, it features beautiful rocks you can explore beyond the beach! For snorkelers, there is a drop-off about 50 yards from the sand where you can see the most extravagant sea life!! This truly is a beach that you will be talking about well after your trip because it is more than just a beach; it is an experience!

When renting Castle at Cabrita you will be provided comfortable beach chairs and towels to take to any beach you wish to explore! With beaches on the surrounding islands such as St. John, Water Island, and the BVI’s we know that you will not run out of beautiful sun and sand to enjoy during your vacation! Your villa hosts, Chelsea and Connor, are always here to help suggest various stops for you to enjoy while staying at the villa!

20 Mar

Why choose a Luxury Villa instead of a luxury resort or hotel in the US Virgin islands?

Author Chelsea Categories News

You can find luxury resorts across the USVI, so why stay in a villa, not one of these five-star resorts? Some of the reasons may surprise you! Castle at Cabrita overlooks Great Bay Harbor, the same bay you would enjoy gazing out at from the high-class Ritz Carlton of St. Thomas Resort. See why staying at a Castle at Cabrita may make more sense for your next luxury vacation than staying at your favorite resort!

1. Space and privacy

Though in a luxury resort, you have accessibility to all amenities they offer, you are in no way alone in enjoying your relaxing holiday. Whether it is a child screaming, another guest’s music, or any other distraction, it is easy to realize you are using a shared space. When renting a luxury villa like Castle at Cabrita, you have the entire property solely to yourself!! Enjoy peace and quiet throughout your rental knowing all amenities are just for you to enjoy exactly how you want to enjoy them! Enjoy the utmost privacy at Castle at Cabrita without anyone being able to see into your room, bathroom, or pool lounging!

2. Cost

Looking at the upfront cost of a luxury villa may make your eyes roll, but when you compare the two, the prices favor the villa! Renting a small one-bedroom room at a five-star resort on St. Thomas can cost upwards of $1,000 a night. With Castle at Cabrita’s 10-person accommodation, each couple would only be paying $650 and have an entire villa to themselves with premium privacy and the same level of luxury!!

3. Personalized touch

At Castle at Cabrita you are not just another guest to us. Your and your party’s satisfaction is our primary goal while you are here! With only one villa and one party to attend to at a time means you get our undivided attention! No need to call an unfamiliar concierge or be bounced from person to person to book an outing. At Castle at Cabrita, the same people you have interacted with since day one will take care of you during your stay! This personalized attention truly sets us apart because there is no booking agency to go through or times on hold. Connect directly with your villa hosts with any issues or need of assistance, and it will be handled immediately to ensure you can focus on your vacation!

4. Enjoy the same restaurants and excursions.

Just because you are staying at a Villa does not mean you cannot enjoy local resorts!! Our close neighbor, The Ritz Carlton, has unique excursions such as sunset sails, day charters, watersports rentals, and excellent restaurants you can still utilize! Enjoy the flexibility to see so much more than just the restaurants offered at a resort as well with driver services bookable through the villa to explore the culinary delight that St. Thomas can offer!!

With so many reasons to enjoy making memories with your chosen friends or family, why not make it a vacation to remember by staying at Castle at Cabrita. Your satisfaction is our goal, and we strive to ensure that you leave your stay with the best memories of a lifetime!

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