It may be the most idyllic island escape you can reach without a passport – for US citizens, that is.

The US Virgin Islands are a piece of American apple pie in the heavenly seas of the Caribbean, and the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is the most luxurious retreat in the USVI.

It was the first Ritz-Carlton hotel in the Caribbean, and since it opened in the 90’s, it’s won praise and inspired generations of devoted travelers in love with the US Virgin Islands – and Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts.

The beach resort debuted in the aftermath of Hurricane Marilyn’s damage to St. Thomas in the 90’s, and today, 2 years after more hurricanes devastated the region, it has undergone a 100-million dollar renovation and opened its doors once again.

You need to see it for yourself, but BestTrip can share with you the video we produced when we visited shortly after the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas re-opened.

As you’ll see in the video, the resort on the island’s epic Great Bay has restored its position at the pinnacle of luxury hotels in the US Virgin Islands.

Set against the impossible azure waters, crescent-moon beach and emerald palms and vegetation of Great Bay, traditional island architecture meets completely contemporary beach resort design on a breathtaking scale. Rooms are

Delicate hues of colonial tropical green, and compelling marine-blues and high-concept design indoors and outdoors. New restaurants, lounge space, an infinity pool you can’t tear your gaze away from, even a luxury private catamaran for private events, tours and sunset cruises.

On site tennis, garden tours, snorkel gear to make the most of the coral reef facing the resort’s beach, watersports including windsurfing, paddle boards and kayaks, daily walks, yoga, and water mai chi keep you healthy during your indulgent beach vacation, and daily tastings of local rums, infused with different tropical fruit like mango and passion fruit enhance the locally sourced cuisine served at the restaurants.

Close enough for a weekend escape (especially when there are minimal delays for American citizens in and out this US territory), and available to cruise guests calling in the popular port looking for a luxury day beach resort, spend even one day in the newly re-imagined Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, and you’ll want to book again and again.