CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St. Thomas -- The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas took
the wraps off its new, 6,100-square-foot spa, salon and fitness
center just as guests arrived for the holiday season.
The facility's debut marked the completion of the resort's
ambitious $75 million, three-year expansion and renovation
project.
This included a refurbishment of 152 guest rooms, suites and
public areas and the addition of 24 rooms, 24 suites and a private
concierge floor as well as the Ritz-Carlton Club vacation ownership
facility.
The resort's boutique spa features six treatment rooms; open-air
cabanas; a patio with lounge chairs and fountains; and a fully
equipped workout facility that overlooks the water.
"The new spa, fitness center and salon represent key services
that our guests seek," according to Jamie Holmes, general manager
of the hotel. "Already, response to that addition as well as to our
new rooms and suites has been overwhelming."
Reservations for beyond the winter season are filling up
quickly, he said.
The new facilities "integrate well into the original 30-acre
property, and we expect strong business this year as a result of
the improvements and additions," according to Holmes.
Spa treatments range from traditional massage therapies to
exotic body treatments, such as aroma body cocoons, rain therapy
and anti-cellulite detoxification procedures.
Facials, makeup, nail care and men-only hand and foot grooming
are among the other services offered.
Spa service rates vary in price, depending upon the treatment,
but range from $95 for a 55-minute Swedish massage to $195 for a
90-minute facial. Supervised spa activities include yoga, power
walks, water aerobics, beach volleyball and garden tours.
The resort's 48 new guest rooms and suites, which are located in
two separate buildings, opened in November and are part of
Ritz-Carlton's Club level of accommodations.
Club-level amenities include larger guest units, all with
oceanfront views; a separate check-in entrance; concierge services;
and a private lounge serving food and beverages.
The concierge offers unpacking services, makes travel
arrangements and restaurant reservations and identifies day-trip
options.
The private, club-level lounge is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11
p.m.
Valentine's plan among season's specials
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St. Thomas -- High-season Caribbean packages
are in vogue this year, and many resorts are including new services
and extras to sweeten the pie even more. The Ritz-Carlton, St.
Thomas is no exception.
In addition to its 48 new units, spa, fitness center and
concierge services, the hotel features four new packages. Agent
commission on packages and rack rates is 10%.
• Bed and Breakfast includes garden, ocean, deluxe or suite
accommodations; full daily breakfast for two; unlimited use of the
fitness center and tennis facilities; and parking. Rates start at
$225 per room, per night, double, based on season and room
type.
• Special Occasion offers the same features as previously noted
but substitutes champagne and fresh fruit upon arrival for the
fitness center access and unlimited tennis. Prices start at $270
per room, per night, double.
• The resort's seven-night dive program includes accommodations,
daily breakfast, a scuba refresher course and four two-tank dives
per guest. A nondiver can exchange a two-tank dive for a beginner
dive class with pool training or snorkel eco-tours. Rates start at
$324 per room, per night, double. A four-night dive package starts
at $310.
• The Valentine's Day plan, available Feb. 10 to 21, includes
accommodations with breakfast; a special turndown amenity each
evening, such as rose petals, champagne and fruit; a beach bag with
sun care products; a spa gift basket; a rum cake; and a discount at
the on-site jewelry boutique. Property rates start at $685 per
room, per night, double.
Daily rack rates in the resort's oceanview club rooms are $875
per night, single or double, and $1,700 in the suites through April
30.
To book, call (800) 241-3333 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.