Elysian Beach Resort Condo

General Information
How can I make a reservation?
	To reserve one of our condos, just call Nancy at 301-792-2263 (Maryland, USA) or 301-963-5912 (Maryland, USA)

Can I relax on St. Thomas?
	You will quickly discover that the Islander's are VERY RELAXED ... to a fault! In fact they are so relaxed that it can drive you crazy if you are accustomed to a hectic lifestyle in a bustling U.S. city. The best way to relax into the environment is to go into it with a very relaxed attitude from the start. Forget about fast service and do not expect the service to be perfect. The more you push the servers, the slower they will seem to go. After a while you will realize that they are not going to speed up on your behalf. It is against their culture. Don't fight it! RELAX! Slowwwwww Dowwwwwwnnnn! CHILL! You are on V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!

What is the political climate?
	Being a U.S. Territory the government of St. Thomas is very stable. There is no political unrest.

What currency is accepted?
	The currency used on St. Thomas is the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency can be exchanged at most major banks on St. Thomas and there are local bank branches throughout the island. All major credit cards and traveler's checks are widely accepted, but it is good to also bring some cash with you.

Do I need a U.S. passport?
	St. Thomas is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI); a U.S. Territory. A U.S Passport is NOT required for direct travel to St. Thomas. However, at a minimum, you will need a current state-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, and a copy of your birth certificate or naturalization certificate to clear U.S. customs on your return. If you are traveling to St. Thomas THROUGH another country (for example, traveling through Canada), you DO need a U.S. Passport. Once on St. Thomas, you do NOT need a Passport to travel to St. Johns. You DO need a U.S. Passport if you intend to visit any of the British Virgin Islands (Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, Norman Island, Peter Island, Cooper Island, Virgin Gorda).

Do I need to clear British Customs?
	If you intend to visit any of the British Virgin Islands (e.g. Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Cooper Island, etc.) you will need to clear British Customs. I have found that the easiest way to clear customs is to head straight to the customs office in Soper's Hole at the West End of Tortola. If you have rented a boat with a Captain, the Captain will know the best method to clear customs.

What is the weather like in St. Thomas?
	Get the current weather report here: http://www.4wx.com/weather.php?pands=00802 The weather on the island is fairly consistent. From June to October the average high is 91F, with an average low of 78F. Between the months of November and May the average high is 86F, with an average low of 72F. The record high was 99F. The record low was 56F.

What time zone is St. Thomas in?
	St. Thomas is in the Atlantic Standard Time zone which is one (1) hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time. However, they do not honor daylight savings time.

How do we get around on St. Thomas?
	We recommend that you rent a car at the airport, although you can travel by taxi or shuttle bus if you prefer not to drive. If you elect to rent a car, go online and reserve a rental car at the STT airport prior to your departure from the U.S. Make sure you select a rental agency that is located at the airport. We have found Budget car rentals to be the cheapest. Otherwise, if you prefer a taxi, be aware that the taxis do not use meters. Make sure you bargain with the Taxi driver on the fare in advance!
	Driving in St. Thomas: Some of the roads in St. Thomas can be very steep! Driving should be done with caution. You should be prepared for the slow speeds at which everyone travels. St. Thomas is very small and you can usually drive to most destinations within 15 minutes, even while traveling at an average of 35 mph. On St. Thomas and St. Johns, you drive on the left side of the road. Most cars will have their steering wheels on the left side. Stay alert! It is not unusual to come across a stray cow, goat, or sheep in the middle of the road.
	The islanders don't pay attention to street names and addresses. If you are renting a car, pay attention to landmarks such as stores, obscure turns and even mail boxes whereever you go ... after a couple spins around the island you will know your way around St. Thomas without a problem.

What about electricity? Will my curling iron or razor work?
	Electrical outlets in St. Thomas use the same 110 volt currents as North America. It is very common for the power to go out during a storm. This is normal. It will come back on in a few hours.

How do we get to the other islands?
	The town of Red Hook is less than 2 miles from the condo. In Red Hook you can rent powerboats (with or without a Captain) and sailboats. You can also hop on the People Ferry and go to St. Johns or Tortola. The Ferry to St. John is about a 20 minute ride. The Ferry's leave on the hour from 8AM to midnight.
	Ferry Schedule and Rates to St. John: http://www.stjohnusvi.com/ferry.html Ferry Schedule and Rates to the BVIs: http://www.bviwelcome.com/ferries.html All Ferry Schedules: http://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/interisland_ferry
	There is also a Car Ferry if you prefer to take your car to St. John instead of renting a jeep. This is fine if you are going to Trunk Bay or Caneel Bay. However, if you are aiming to go into the hills or over to one of the remote beaches (e.g. Lamepshur Bay), rent a Jeep! The roads are steep!
	If traveling by Ferry, make sure you verify the time for the last Ferry back to St. Thomas in the evening. You won't want to miss it!

What should I take?
	Your Passport - You will need it to get back into the continental U.S. You will also need it to travel throughout the British Virgin Islands. Snorkeling gear: There are a lot of beaches with snorkeling and you will be more comfortable with your own equipment. It will also save you a bit of money if you take your own gear. Places like Costco and Sams Club carry some nice sets. Take a GPS. A Garmin Nuvi worked great on St. Thomas! Suntan lotion and lip protection Tennis shoes, Sandals, Flip-Flops Bathing Suits, T-Shirts, and Cover-Ups Sun Glasses Hat Camera Ipod Extra batteries
What should I leave at home?
	Most of your clothes! On your first trip to the islands you will quickly discover that you probably overpacked. Once on island, you will quickly discover that you live mostly in your bathing suits and coverups. You will probably need no more than two pairs of shorts and some tee shirts. It is very unlikely that you will dress up at all, so leave the formal wear at home. I usually pack, and then unpack 1/2 of it, and leave it at home! If you are not taking snorkeling equipment, you should be able to pack everything you need in a carry-on bag.

What research should I do before I leave for the Virgin Islands?
	Visit this website for some great general info about St. Thomas and St. John: http://www.vinow.com For general information about Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda visit this website: http://www.bviwelcome.com/
	St. Thomas is a great base camp from which you can visit the British Virgin Islands of St. John, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and many of the smaller islands, such as Cooper and Peter islands. To help enjoy your adventure, familiarize yourself with the geographic layout. Do some research through wikipedia: St. Thomas, USVI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Thomas,_U.S._Virgin_Islands St. John, USVI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_John,_U.S._Virgin_Islands Tortola, BVI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortola Jost Van Dyke, BVI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jost_van_dyke Virgin Gorda, BVI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_Gorda Norman Island, BVI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Island Peter Island, BVI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Island Cooper Island, BVI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooper_Island_(British_Virgin_Islands) Saba Rock, BVI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saba_Rock or http://www.sabarock.com/ Necker Island, BVI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necker_Island_(British_Virgin_Islands) or http://www.neckerisland.com/ These websites have some great maps - http://www.virginislandsmap.com USVI Maps: http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/caribb/vi.htm BVI Maps: http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/caribb/vg.htm

General Info

Condo Info

In Case of Emergency

Things to Do

Food and Drink

Attractions

Food and Drink
Groceries:
	Cost-U-Less, Food Center, and Marina Market on the east end are good bets. Cost-U-Less is the equivalent of a Costco or Sam's Club in the United States. Plaza Extra in Tutu is also very good and has some of the best prices. Cost-U-Less, Plaza Extra, and Food Center always seem to be well stocked and clean. There is a Pueblo but is a bit run down.

Restaurants:
	There are two restaurants right at the condo, Robert's American Grill and Ainsley's. Both are considered good choices. I've heard good things about Funghi's On The Beach.
	Robert's American Grill (http://www.robertsamericangrille.com/) Breakfast: 8:00 – 11:00 AM Everyday Sunday Brunch: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Tuesday – Sunday Dinner: 5:30 – 10:00 PM, Tuesday - Sunday
	Ainsley's Restaurant Lunch & Dinner: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Wednesday – Sunday
	Eat all you can eat shrimp at Lime Inn on Wednesdays on St. John.
	Lots of great restaurants: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g147404-St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html

Bars:
	Check out Duffy's Love Shack - located in Red Hook Plaza opposite the Ferry dock - http://www.duffysloveshack.com/ - This little outdoor bar is like a little Tiki-Hut. It has a great array of wonderful drinks in cool glasses and cups. Great music. It is a one-of-a-kind and a great place to chill out. They will give you a lei and a cute sticker that says "I have been lei'd at Duffy's Love Shack."
What should I drink?
	Before you get there, while you are there, and when you get home: Painkillers! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painkiller_(cocktail)) 4 parts Pineapple Juice 1 part OJ 1 part Coconut Cream 2+ parts rum to your taste (Pussers Rum is a good choice) A dash of nutmeg on top

Booze
	Booze is cheap in the islands. It is a great place to buy Rum and Kahlua. Pusser's rum (blue label) is always a great rum to give as a gift. (I'll take a bottle!)
	Best place I found to buy booze is at the Plaza Extra in Tutu.

General Info

Condo Info

In Case of Emergency

Things to Do

Food and Drink

Attractions

Condo Information
How close are the condos to the beach?
	It generally takes less than a minute to walk the 100 yards from the condos to the Cowpet Bay beach.

How many people do the condos sleep?
	Condo #1 sleeps up to six adults on one King, one Queen, and one drop down Queen-Murphy. Condo #2 sleeps up to eight adults on one King, two Queens, and one drop down Queen-Murphy. Two inflatable twin mattresses, with electric pumps, are also available upon request. A port-a-crib is also available upon request.

Is the resort kid-friendly?
	The Elysian Beach resort is great for kids! There are a variety of toys for rent such as paddle boats, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment. There is a lot of good snorkeling at the left end of the beach, which is about 100 yards from the condo.

What is the address of the condo?
	The Elysian Beach Resort 6800 Estate Nazareth St. Thomas, USVI 00802

Does the condo have phone service?
	Each condo has a phone in each room. Local calls are free. Long distance calls can be billed to your calling card or a prepaid calling card via an 800 access number. Wireless Phone service is available on the island from AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless. However, Verizon Wireless charges roaming fees of about $1.95 per minute for calls on St. Thomas.

Is there an Internet connection?
	Wireless Internet service is available but must be purchased directly from ADM Wireless, a third party provider. It is spotty service at best, but better than nothing. There is also a computer with Internet access and a printer in the “Owner’s Lounge” located in the Elysian Resorts Front Office. As our guest, you have Owner's priviledges and can use the Owner's Lounge.

How do I get to the condo?
	Exact directions to the condo will be supplied with the Welcome Letter that you receive along with your contract.

When is Check-In?
	The Condo should be ready for Check-in by 4:00 P.M. on your Arrival Date. Any exceptions to the regular Check-in and Check-out times must be requested and approved in advance. Early check-in may be allowed if the property is clean and ready for occupancy ahead of schedule.

When is Check-Out?
	So that the housekeeping staff has time to properly prepare the unit for the next guests, Check-Out time is 11:00 A.M. on your departure date. Please make sure the property is empty of your personal belongings. Trash should be removed and placed in the proper outside receptacles. All dishes should be washed and the condo should be left in a generally neat and orderly condition. Owners and/or Property Manager(s) are not be responsible for items left behind. Any exceptions to the regular Check-out time must be requested and approved in advance. Late check-out will only be considered if there are no guests arriving on your departure date.

What is supplied with the condo?
	The condo is fully furnished and equipped to include: bedspreads, linens, blankets, pillows, towels, kitchen appliance and utensils, TV’s and DVD systems in each room, and balcony furniture. We provide a starter supply of toilet paper, dish soap and dishwasher detergent. Please replace what you use. The condo has a washer and dryer. You can purchase laundry detergent at the small gift/sundry shop located in the Elysian Beach Resort. Beach Towels are available, for no charge, at the front office and at the pool. We have some beach towels of our own in the condo, and you're welcome to use them. However, we strongly encourage you to use the Resort towels – we pay for them in our condo fees and they are easier to deal with since the Resort washes and dries them, and you can pick up a fresh towel everyday! There is an ice machine in the refrigerator. In addition, there is an ice machine (and two soda machines) at the front of Building H.

Is there Cable TV?
	The living room and both bedrooms have Cable TV service with 32 channels.

Energy and Water:
	Energy and water are extremely expensive on St. Thomas. Most hotels and condo owners assess an “energy surcharge” of up to 18% to recover electricity and water costs. We do not assess this type of charge. Instead we ask our renters to help us conserve energy and water so we can continue to maintain our low rental rate compared to what the Elysian Resort charges for their rooms. Here are a few ways you can help out: Please do not run the AC with the sliding doors opened. Open the sliding doors instead of running the A/C. If you open the front door a wonderful breeze blows through the unit. If you are leaving for a few hours or more, turn the A/C off and close the blinds. The A/C can cool the units in 5-10 minutes when you return. You don’t need to run the shower to wait for hot water. There is a hot water tank in each unit and it only takes a few seconds to reach the shower. Keep your showers short. Please strive to not run the water while you are brushing your teeth. THANKS!

Closing Instructions:
	Before leaving at the end of your vacation, please: Close and lock all balcony doors. Turn OFF all Air Conditioning Units. Close the blinds and turn them so they block out the sunlight. Leave the ceiling fans on and set them to the medium speed. - Load any dirty dishes in the dishwasher and turn it on. Remove all trash from the condo and place it in the trash can at the entrance to Building E. Make sure the house is generally “picked up” and ready to be vacuumed, dusted and cleaned. Put all dirty towels in the clothes basket. Remember to take the keys with you and lock the deadbolt on all units. We hope you had a wonderful stay at our condo!

Returning the Keys:
	Along with keys that will be sent to you, we will also enclose a self-addressed stamped envelop for you to return the keys to us. Please mail the envelope when you return home. DO NOT mail it from St. Thomas. We will refund your security deposit as soon as we receive the keys and verify, through our maid, that there is no damage to the condo or its contents. There is a $20 fee for each lost or missing key or towel.

In Case of Emergency
In case of Emergency:
	Option A - Call Matthew at 340-514-8994. Matthew works for the condo association and is generally on the property weekdays until 4:30 PM.
	Option B - Call Nancy at BCND Enterprises, LLC - 301-792-2263 (cell)

What should I do if I lose the keys?
	Option A - Call Matthew at 340-514-8994. Matthew works for the condo association and is generally on the property weekdays until 4:30 PM. He has a spare set of keys to our units and can get them to you. If he needs to make a special trip from home to get you the keys, you will be responsible for compensating him for his time.
	Option B – There is a lockbox on the front door of the unit on the right. Call Nancy at 301-792-2263 and she will provide you with the combination to get the spare keys. You will need to return the spare set of keys to the lock box before you leave.
	Option C – Sleep on the beach until the hangover wears off so you can remember where you left the keys … ;-)

Attractions and Activities
What is there to do on St. Thomas?
	Beaching, scuba diving, snorkeling, SNUBA, ecotours, sailing, yachting, powerboating, submarining, rafting, jetskiing, parasailing, kayaking, Paradise Point, Coral World, St. Thomas Skyride, sight seeing (guided or unguided tours), horseback riding, parasailing, shopping (duty free), dining (many fine restaurants on the island), drinking, fishing, golfing, tennis, get married, and just relaxing on the condo deck and enjoying the stunning view.

Snorkeling
	You will be amazed at the rainbow of colors you see as you encounter the live coral reefs and crystal-clear waters of St. Thomas and St. John.

Kayaking
	Explore St. Thomas' natural beauty and marine life on a guided tour through the St. Thomas Marine Sanctuary and Mangrove Lagoon.

Scuba Diving
	Explore shipwrecks, pinnacles and tunnels in one of the Caribbean's most popular diving destinations. In the neighboring British Virgin Islands, visit the wreck of the Rhone.

Windsurfing
	Renowned for its perfect windsurfing conditions, St. Thomas is the ideal setting for your-round windsurfing.

Hiking
	St. Thomas and St. John are a hiker's delight - from discovering secluded beaches to exploring full-fledged sugar mill and plantation ruins.

Horseback Riding
	Ride through lush green hills on a secluded trail leading to the beach. At Half Moon Stables, horses and ponies are available, as well as your choice of English or Western saddles. Visit Carolina Coral Stables in Coral Bay, and discover the beauty of St. Johns' interior during a relaxing ride on a horse or donkey.

Sailing
	Set sail aboard The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas' own catamaran, The Lady Lynsey, offering day snorkel sails and sunset sails. Or, enjoy one of the many charters available on St. Thomas, where you can discover the beauty of the Caribbean Sea as you explore white-sand beaches and snorkel through live coral reefs.

Nearby Golf - Mahogany Run - www.mahoganyrungolf.com
	Challenge yourself at St. Thomas' Mahogany Run - a Tom Fazio- designed, par-70, 18-hole golf course overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This course boasts what are considered to be 18 of the most beautiful and challenging holes in the Caribbean. Test your golf skills on the 13th, 14th, and 15th holes - better known as the Devil's Triangle.
Shopping - Great to do on a rainy day!
	Make sure you say 'Good (Morning, Day, Afternoon)' to salespeople before starting a conversation. Locals are very greeting conscious and this small gesture goes a long way.
	Keep in mind that there are a large number of the shops that will bargain with you. In general you will find the bargaining to be in your favor starting a few hours before the cruise ships are scheduled to depart. Most cruise ships ask their passengers to be back onboard no later than 5pm. So do your best bargaining after 4pm.
	The St. Thomas Market is an area of tents in Charlotte Amalie near the intersection of Fort Pladsen and the waterfront. (18'20'25.09 N - 64'55'49.3 W). This is a great place for things like T-Shirts and island memorabilia. The last time I was there I got 3 T-Shirts for $10.
	Havensight Mall - http://havensightmall.com/ This is a series of shops near the cruise ship docks. Just look for the cruise ships and you will find the shops. This is a good place to shop for jewelry. You can find the best deals in Havensight just about the time the cruise ships are about to depart. Popular jewelry places are Cardows and Diamonds International.
	St. Thomas is a great place to purchase jewelry. Popular jewelry places are Cardows and Diamonds International. There are a number of shops a block off the waterfront in the center of downtown Charlotte Amalie. Very old buildings from back in the days of pirates.
	The best place to buy booze is at Plaza Extra in Tutu. Each person can take 6 bottles back to the states. Rum is the best deal.
Udder Delight - Another great thing to do on a rainy day.
	Udder Delight is the St. Thomas Dairy's Milk Shake Stand serving Adult Flavors ... Milkshakes with a kick! Stop at this little oasis on a day when you are headed into town for shopping, or taking a road tour of the island, or if you decide to head to Megan's Bay Beach. Set amongst what looks like a construction site, this place marries ice cream and alcohol perfectly. What they lack in ambience, they make up for tenfold in taste! Enjoy your milkshake as you watch the locals play dominoes. You may go home a little wider after indulging here - but it's so good, you can't help but smile.
Mountain Top
	Feel the thrill of climbing up over 1000ft in an open air safari bus through tropical forest to the highest point on St. Thomas. (http://www.greathouse-mountaintop.com/aboutus.htm) This viewing spot is at an impressive height of 1,500 feet above sea level, offering spectacular views of both the US and British Virgin Islands. In fact, National Geographic has rated this view of Magens Bay as one of the ten best views in the world. It features a casual shopping area for browsing and a bar which is the home of the world famous Banana Daiquiri. It is a great place to see the island chain. Vast panoramic views span from St. Thomas and St John to the British Virgin Islands and include a total of 20 islands. Just breathtaking!

	The Elysian Beach Resort View comments from previous guests
Frequently Asked Questions