St. Thomas Travel Guide: Pink Palm Hotel + Tips

I came to St. Thomas for a wedding, but I arrived a few days early, intentionally.

Before a busy weekend of photographing a beautiful destination wedding, I wanted a little time to myself. A few quiet days to adjust to island time, wander somewhere new, sit by a pool, eat good food, and generally do as little as possible before the pace of the wedding weekend picked up. It ended up being exactly the reset I needed!

I stayed at The Pink Palm Hotel in Charlotte Amalie, a colorful boutique hotel tucked into the hills above town. I spent my first couple of days wandering through Charlotte Amalie, taking photos whenever something caught my eye, finding good vegetarian food, drinking Aperol spritzes by the pool, and watching the sun set over the harbor.

It was also my first time visiting St. Thomas, and I quickly realized there are a few things that are worth knowing before you go, from getting around without Uber or Lyft to navigating the heat and humidity, figuring out airport logistics, packing the right sunscreen, and knowing what to expect as a solo female traveler.

So while this isn't a traditional St. Thomas vacation guide, it is my honest take on spending a few days on the island, staying at The Pink Palm, and using St. Thomas as the perfect little escape before a very full wedding weekend.

Why St. Thomas Is Such a Great Girls Trip Destination

If you're looking for an excuse to plan a girls trip somewhere warm, St. Thomas should absolutely be on your list.

It has that perfect combination of beautiful beaches, colorful architecture, good restaurants and bars, shopping, tropical scenery, pools, boats, and plenty of opportunities to dress up and take approximately a million photos. And you don't have to leave the United States to get there.

For U.S. travelers, you can travel to St. Thomas without a passport as long as you have an acceptable form of identification, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.

For a bachelorette trip in particular, I think the island would be such a fun choice (and I actually befriended a few bachelorette parties at the hotel). You could spend one day at the beach, another wandering Charlotte Amalie, another on a boat, and have plenty of opportunities for long lunches, cocktails, getting dressed up, and taking photos along the way.

Staying at The Pink Palm Hotel

The Pink Palm was honestly one of the main reasons I was so excited about this trip. It is, in a word, very, very cute.

Tucked into the hills above Charlotte Amalie, this adults-only boutique hotel has 28 individually designed rooms, colorful spaces, tropical gardens, a pool and jacuzzi, and gorgeous views overlooking the harbor. The whole property feels intimate and thoughtfully designed, with the kind of details that made me want to wander around with a camera all day. Its location in the heart of historic Charlotte Amalie is also a huge part of the appeal, you're within walking distance of shops, restaurants and bars, so you don't need a car every time you want to head into town, plus I felt totally safe walking around alone at night.

I also loved that The Pink Palm is LGBTQ-friendly and owned by a queer couple from New York City. That spirit of inclusivity extends into the hotel's programming, including monthly drag brunches that have become a local favorite. They often sell out almost instantly and feature talented drag performers flown in from Puerto Rico.

Between the location, the aesthetic, the intimate size and the overall energy, The Pink Palm feels especially well suited to a girls trip, bachelorette weekend, or really any excuse to escape somewhere warm without the feel of a massive resort.

The one thing you REALLY need to know about The Pink Palm…there are stairs. So. Many. Stairs.

I knew this before booking and honestly didn't mind, but it is worth emphasizing because the hotel is built into a hillside, so getting around the property means climbing several flights of stairs. I arrived with my suitcase feeling optimistic and quickly realized I may have overestimated my commitment to carrying it myself. Eventually, I gave up and left my bag in a stairwell while I continued up to the front desk, which is located at the very top of the property.

Thankfully, the bellman was more than happy to come to my rescue and carry my bag the rest of the way. So while the stairs are very real, the staff is more than willing to help, and once you reach the top, the views make the climb feel pretty worth it.

Taxis also don't take you directly to the top of the property, so there is some walking involved with your luggage. I knew this going in and was completely fine with it.

The views, the architecture, the pool, the tropical gardens and the overall aesthetic completely made up for the climb.

After checking in, I enjoyed the hotel's 5pm-6pm complimentary rum punch and sat back to watch the sunset over Charlotte Amalie. It was a pretty perfect introduction to St. Thomas.

The hotel's current resort fee includes a continental breakfast, in-room coffee, Wi-Fi, pool towels, a robe and a welcome drink, so it's worth factoring that into the total price when comparing hotel rates.

Day One: Arriving in St. Thomas

I arrived on a Wednesday and immediately learned that St. Thomas operates on island time, which is both wonderful and something you need to mentally prepare for. After collecting my luggage, I was first offered approximately a million free rum shots by airport salespeople. Once I had enjoyed my complimentary airport rum, I turned left as soon as I exited the terminal and found the taxi dispatcher. There are no Uber or Lyft rideshares on St. Thomas, so taxis are the primary way to get around if you aren't renting a car (my friends who live on the island and work in the tourism industry strongly recommended against renting a car). Official airport taxis are regulated, and the rates are established by the VI Taxi Cab Commission, which means you can find out what your fare should be before getting into the vehicle.

Most airport taxis are shared vans, so don't expect a private Uber-style ride. You tell the dispatcher where you're going and they'll put you into the appropriate taxi.

My ride from the airport to Charlotte Amalie ended up being around $20 including tip, although fares vary by destination, passenger count and luggage.

One thing I would absolutely recommend: carry cash. (I ended up spending about $200 in taxis over my five days but there are plenty of ATMs as well.)

Taxi fares are generally charged per person, and there can also be luggage fees. Official rates can change, so check the current fare information before your trip and confirm the price before you leave.

A few taxi drivers I used and had lovely experiences with were:

Oscar: +1 (939)759-6946

Potter +1(340)227-7911

VI Dispatcher: +1(340)774-7457

Both Oscar and Potter are textable which was lovely! I can't promise they'll be available when you visit, but I had great experiences with them and wanted to pass their information along in case you're looking for a reliable local driver.

Dinner at Veranda Escape and Bar

After settling into The Pink Palm, I headed out for dinner at Veranda Escape and Bar, a newer spot in town.

As a vegetarian, eating on an island can sometimes require a little more creativity than eating in a major city, but I actually had a delicious meal: seasoned beans and rice, plantains and garlic mashed potatoes.

St. Thomas ended up being surprisingly manageable as a vegetarian. I definitely wouldn't describe it as a vegetarian destination, but between restaurants, sides, fresh produce and creative menu options, I never found myself completely stranded for food.

A Note About Water

One thing I was told repeatedly while visiting was to be cautious about drinking tap water. I personally stuck with bottled or filtered water during my trip. I also occasionally noticed a sewer-like smell in parts of town. This is one of those little travel details that isn't particularly glamorous but is worth knowing before you arrive. When traveling anywhere new, especially somewhere tropical, I would follow the guidance of your hotel and local authorities regarding drinking water rather than assuming the tap water will be the same as what you're used to at home.

The Pink Palm Pool + A Very Good Night's Sleep

After dinner, I went back to the hotel and spent some time in the jacuzzi before turning in. The combination of the heat, traveling, walking all over town and the general exhaustion of arriving somewhere new meant I slept very well. And waking up the next morning at The Pink Palm was pretty special.

And I have to give a special shoutout to the outdoor shower at The Pink Palm. It was such a fun little luxury and honestly one of my favorite details of the room.

Day Two: Exploring Charlotte Amalie

I started my morning with breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore Charlotte Amalie. The first thing that struck me was just how much there is packed into the historic downtown area. There are colorful buildings, little shops, restaurants, bars and, of course, the famous jewelry district.

There are jewelry stores everywhere, many with armed guards posted outside. I didn't buy anything, but it was genuinely fascinating to walk around and see just how much luxury shopping is concentrated in this little corner of St. Thomas. It is also worth knowing that St. Thomas is not an inexpensive destination.

I managed to spend:

• $25 on sunscreen because I forgot mine

• $30 on a pair of very mediocre sunglasses

• $10 on an extremely overpriced sticker

And that was without doing any serious shopping. So if you're planning a girls trip or bachelorette weekend, budget accordingly. The island is gorgeous, but tropical vacation prices can add up quickly.

Wandering, Taking Photos & Letting the Day Happen

One of my favorite parts of the trip was honestly just walking around. I had my camera with me everywhere I went. There were little rain showers throughout the day, but they were the kind of quick tropical sprinkles that quickly fade away instead of ruining the day.

A Stop at Enkai Sushi

I also stopped by Enkai Sushi, which was particularly exciting because my wedding couple was having their rehearsal dinner there the following evening. It was fun getting a little preview of the space before the wedding weekend officially began, this restaurant is loved by tourists and locals alike and known for its exceptional vegetarian sushi.

Pool + Cocktails + Snacks.

Once I got back to the Pink Palm, I ordered an Aperol spritz and cauliflower bites and spent some time by the pool. The Aperol spritz was excellent. The view was excellent. The cauliflower bites were excellent.

Traveling to St. Thomas as a Solo Female Traveler

One of the things I was most curious about before this trip was how I would feel traveling around St. Thomas alone. I was pleasantly surprised. I felt safe in the areas I visited, and people were incredibly kind and helpful. Obviously, the usual solo-travel common sense applies anywhere, pay attention to your surroundings, don't get wildly intoxicated alone (and be aware of the two for one happy hour drinks that have heavy pours) , keep your belongings secure, and use official transportation, but I never had an experience that made me feel uncomfortable or unsafe. In fact, one of my biggest takeaways was how friendly people were. As someone traveling alone, I appreciated how easy it was to ask questions, get directions, figure out transportation and generally navigate the island. I would absolutely consider returning to St. Thomas on my own but also want to bring all of my friends back so they can experience some of the island magic!

Let's Talk About the Heat

I have traveled to some hot places. St. Thomas was on another level. This was the hottest I have ever been, not just hot, hot, sticky, heavy, humid, tropical, sweat-rolling-down-your-body-the-second-you-step-outside hot.

There were moments when I felt like I had just showered even though I absolutely had not. If you are someone who struggles with heat and humidity, prepare yourself mentally. Lightweight clothing is your friend. So are loose dresses, linen, bathing suits, comfortable sandals and anything else that doesn't require you to be remotely concerned about sweat.

And if you're planning a bachelorette trip where everyone wants to wear elaborate outfits and heels all weekend, just remember that you are going to be doing so in approximately 900% humidity. The photos will be worth it, probably.

Bring Bug Spray. Seriously.

I consider myself somewhat sensitive to mosquitos, so I should have known better. Bring bug spray. By the end of the trip, my legs were absolutely destroyed by mosquito bites. I would recommend packing bug spray before you leave home rather than assuming you'll find your preferred option easily once you're there, however most bars and restaurants I went to always had some on hand.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen Is Not Optional

Another thing you absolutely need to pack is sunscreen, specifically mineral/reef-safe sunscreen.

The U.S. Virgin Islands currently require visitors to use mineral sunscreen and prohibit sunscreen containing oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene. Learn from my mistake: do not forget your sunscreen.I ended up buying a $20+ bottle after arriving. Bring it from home, make sure it complies with USVI regulations, and save yourself the expense.

And Watch Out for the Iguanas

This one is less of a formal travel tip and more of a personal public service announcement. The iguanas are spicy. Small, large, they are everywhere, and they have absolutely no interest in behaving like cute little Disney animals. Give them space. I've also heard plenty of stories about them getting aggressive, including reports of people being hit with their tails. So while you're busy photographing the beautiful tropical scenery, don't get so distracted that you walk directly into an iguana's personal space.

St. Thomas Is Great for a Girls Trip, But Don't Expect It to Be Cheap

I think St. Thomas would be an incredible destination for a girls trip or bachelorette weekend, but I'd go into it knowing that costs can add up quickly. Taxis are one example. Because the island uses regulated taxis rather than Uber and Lyft, transportation is straightforward, but fares are generally based on the number of passengers rather than simply the vehicle. Luggage can also incur an additional charge. For a larger group, this means transportation can become a meaningful part of your budget.

The upside is that you don't have to stress about surge pricing or wondering whether an unfamiliar driver is charging you whatever they feel like charging. The taxi system is regulated, and the official fare structure is available. Just bring cash.

What I Would Pack for St. Thomas

If I were going back tomorrow, these would be the things I would make sure were in my suitcase:

• Mineral reef-safe sunscreen - absolutely non-negotiable.

• Bug spray - especially if you're sensitive to mosquitoes like I am.

• A reusable water bottle - useful for staying hydrated in the heat.

• Lightweight clothing - linen, cotton, loose dresses, breathable tops. Be aware of the colors as well as sweat looked obvious in some of my outfits.

• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals - especially if you're staying somewhere like The Pink Palm.

• A small amount of cash - particularly for taxis and tips.

• A swimsuit - obviously.

• A hat and sunglasses - the Caribbean sun is intense.

• A portable fan - honestly, I would bring one.

• An extra outfit or two - because humidity has a way of making you feel like you need to change approximately every four hours.

Getting Home: Give Yourself WAY More Time Than You Think

This was probably the most surprising logistical part of the trip. When leaving St. Thomas for the mainland, give yourself plenty of time at the airport.

I would personally follow your airline's recommendation to arrive at least three hours before your flight, especially during busy travel periods. My airline booth was actually closed when I arrived so the line to check bags was massive.

There is also an agricultural inspection process before departing the U.S. Virgin Islands for the mainland. USDA requires travelers to present agricultural products for inspection before leaving the USVI because certain plants, fruits, vegetables and other agricultural items are restricted from entering the mainland. So even though you're traveling between U.S. jurisdictions, the airport experience doesn't feel exactly like flying from Boston to New York.

Three hours early may feel excessive. It is much better than missing your flight. Also eat before you get to the airport as the prices are INSANELY expensive and the options are limited. I unfortuntely spent $30 on a buritto.

So, Would I Go Back to St. Thomas?

Absolutely. I went to St. Thomas for a wedding, but I left thinking about all the other reasons I would want to return. A girls trip. A bachelorette weekend. A romantic getaway. A long weekend where the only real plan is to sit by a pool and drink something with an umbrella in it.

St. Thomas has that rare combination of feeling both accessible and completely different from everyday life. You can get there without a passport if you're a U.S. traveler with acceptable identification, not buy a SIM card, and still feel like you've landed somewhere tropical and completely removed from home.

And staying at The Pink Palm made the experience even better! It's not the easiest hotel to navigate with a suitcase, and St. Thomas is not the cheapest island I've ever visited. The humidity is absolutely aggressive, the mosquitoes had a personal vendetta against me, and I will never again underestimate how much cash I need for taxis.

But the views? The people? The food? The colorful streets? The clear Caribbean water? The pool at The Pink Palm? Completely worth it

Planning a St. Thomas Trip?

If you're considering St. Thomas for a girls trip, bachelorette party, solo vacation or destination wedding, The Pink Palm is a particularly fun home base if you want to be close to Charlotte Amalie rather than staying at a large beachfront resort.

And if you're anything like me, bring your camera. Between the colorful architecture, tropical gardens, harbor views, dramatic hills and Caribbean light, you'll have plenty to photograph.

Thinking About a St. Thomas Wedding?

And if you're reading this because you're considering getting married in St. Thomas, take this as your sign to do it. The island is beautiful, tropical, relatively easy to get to from the mainland, and has everything you could want for a destination wedding weekend, incredible views, colorful architecture, beautiful private estates, beaches, and plenty of options for guests to turn the wedding into a full vacation.

And if you're looking for a photographer to document it all, I'd love to come back. I was in St. Thomas photographing a gorgeous wedding during this trip, and after getting a little taste of the island beforehand, I can confidently say I would be thrilled to return for another one. If you're planning a St. Thomas wedding and looking for photography that feels candid, editorial, timeless, and true to the weekend, I'd love to hear from you!