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Feature - August 2007



RITZ-CARLTON - HOME OF THE 'FULL MOON' PARTY

By Carol Bareuther


Overlooking the turquoise waters of Great Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is a secluded hideaway set amid dazzling white-sand beaches and lush tropical gardens. It is this breath-taking seaside spot where sports fishermen competing in the annual USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament (the 'Boy Scout Tournament') gather for the spectacular 'Full Moon Party'. Set right on the beach, with the sound of the surf in the background, this gregarious gala is feted with a sumptuous buffet over which anglers swap stories of magnificent marlin releases.

If you've only visited The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas for one of these parties, then you're missing out on a lot of fun and ambiance.

The 30-acre beachfront estate recently completed a $40 million renovation to expand and enhance the luxurious accommodations and amenities.

AWESOME ACCOMMODATIONS

Outstanding ocean views and luxurious Caribbean-inspired decor awaits in the property's 180 newly renovated guest rooms. Each room features a custom Sealy Posturepedic(r) Plush bed exclusively designed for The Ritz-Carlton, 400 thread-count linens and down feather pillows, flat screen televisions, high-speed internet and private balconies. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Club Suites - 55 suite rooms featuring standing rain showers and soaking tubs, unobstructed ocean views, and private balconies - will be available in fall 2007. The Club Level accommodations will also include fifteen one-bedroom Executive Suites and three two-bedroom, 3,000-square foot Presidential Suites, which boast a dining and living area, fitness room with treadmill, and a telescope for stargazing in the evening - or checking to see if the moon is in the right phase for fish catching! All of the Club Suites will provide access to the private Club Lounge offering five elaborate culinary presentations and a dedicated Club concierge.

DELICIOUS DINING

When staying at The Ritz, or just visiting St. Thomas, you can dine at one of the property's four distinctive oceanfront restaurants. For reservations, please call (340) 775-3333.

Bleuwater. Island chic and decidedly sophisticated, this is the resort's signature eatery. The menu features the freshest local seafood and other worldly delicacies created by Executive Chef Jasper Schneider. Enjoy the swordfish nicoise or try the tender red wine braised Kobe beef short ribs. For a local treat, sample selections made with spiny lobster including lobster wonton, lobster carpaccio and lobster Thai coconut curry soup. The dining experience here is enhanced by floor to ceiling French doors that open to the surreal beauty of Great Bay. Large island paddle fans send a gentle breeze throughout the airy dining room, while dark wood furniture gives the table setting an intimate feel. If you prefer to experience the beautiful Caribbean evening outdoors, the restaurant offers terrace and patio seating.

Great Bay Lounge. This casual island-inspired retreat offers a more eclectic menu of small plates, or "street foods" often found in cities around the world. A billiards table, board game area and nightly live entertainment are highlighted by the breathtaking moonlight view of St. John.

Sails. Sit beachside or poolside at this oceanfront grill and fork into dishes that feature flavors from the Caribbean.

Coconut Cove. Open-air with casual cuisine, this eatery comes with an expansive bar service. Nine moorings are available if you'd like to arrive by boat to dine.

RELAX, RECREATE

If you've got a non-fishing partner who'd like to relax, unwind and be pampered, then recommend they spend the day at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. The Spa is the first in the Caribbean to introduce the Prada Spa Experience. Set in a tranquil seaside enclave, the Spa features eleven calming, Mediterranean-style treatment rooms, a beachside cabana, salon and retail boutique. Additional treatment rooms and a "wet room" for shower treatments were just a few of the many new touches added during the property's renovation.

If you, or your partner is looking for something more active, then have them jump aboard the Lady Lynsey, the hotel's private 53-foot catamaran, for a sailing excursion. Voyages visit neighboring islands on either half-day or full-day trips with snorkeling. There are also sunset sails and dinner cruises, as well as the opportunity to arrange your own private charter.

And, if you or your partner is adventure minded, the Aquatic Center at the resort offers scuba diving lessons and certification, dive gear and dive trips, snorkeling equipment, Hobie Cat sailing, kite sailing, kayaks, paddle boats, windsurfing and parasailing from the beach. For children ages 5 to 12, Ritz-Kids(r) provides excitement and exploration through full-day and half-day programs with activities such as collecting seashells and feeding live iguanas.

RECONNECT AT THE RITZ

The Ritz-Carlton's exclusive Reconnect package lets you spend time with family and friends while discovering the island wonders at any of the chain's Caribbean properties. These include The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica; The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan; and The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas.

Putting On the Ritz! ABMT anglers and crews are treated to a "Full Moon Party" on their day off from fishing during the tournament.

For more information and reservations please call toll free (800) 241-3333 or visit Visit Ritz-Carlton Website