The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

BEST FOR Oceanfront stays with terrific dining, swimming pools and an expansive beach.

- Ramsey Qubein

DON’T MISS Standup paddleboarding and touring around the islands on a luxury catamaran.

PRICE Internet rates for a traditional room start at $881.

CONTACT The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, 6900 Great Bay, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, 00802, Tel [phone] ritzcarlton.com

BACKGROUND Fresh from a $100 million remodel, the contemporary elegance of this resort involves island-chic décor and unending turquoise views of Great Bay. The neighboring Ritz-Carlton Residences section also has a beach and shares many of the resort facilities.

WHERE IS IT? About 45 minutes from the airport, this resort is set in a private cove with its own beach.