Point Pleasant Resort – April 21 - 27, 2007

This was a “return visit” to the Point Pleasant Resort.

After reading some of the “disappointing” reports published on TripAdvisor recently, I was relieved at what we found during our visit. It seems that most folks would rather write a complaint type report than a good one. We found the resort to be as beautiful as ever. It had just rained after several months of drought and everything on the island was turning green again.

We requested our favorite unit, D23, and stayed there. The (individual) owners had just renovated the unit with new tile floors, new bath, new drapes, new balcony furniture, etc…..it was wonderful. We read through the owner’s guest book and found that all of the entries, by guests, were very nice and complimented the whole property. Several past guests were repeat guests. There was not one negative entry. We, or course, put our comments in their book.

The facts: Each unit is individually owned and maintained by the owners. A maintenance crew does handle emergencies when they arise, but the furnishings and general up-keep of the unit is the responsibility of the owners. I guess in some cases some of the units have not been updated, recently. During our stay we met several other vacationers. All were very happy with their units. So it seems that the “problems” are minimal if not just “nit picking”.

Bugs, yes you will have bugs, you are in the tropics. We had these little ants in our unit along with a gecko. The bugs didn’t bother us, neither did the gecko. The resort has three nice size swimming pools, one on each of three levels. The pools were always clean. Most of the pools were never used during our stay….I guess when you have the beautiful ocean at your door step you go there to swim. There are also tennis courts, a (small) exercise room with new equipment, a nature trail (very good), Agave (the gourmet restaurant) and Fungi’s (the beach-side restaurant).

However, I do agree with other posters that this is not a 5 Star Resort, but it is a solid 3+ Star Resort. If you want 5 Stars then you’ll need to go to the Ritz Carlton at $800 + per night. Point Pleasant is roughly $200. per night (Superior Suite). What you get is a beautiful, comfortable suite with a fully appointed kitchen, an incredible view and friendly people. In my book that’s a bargain! Since our last stay in September 2006, Point Pleasant has added an Activities Director. He arranges whatever activities you want to do. He is a wealth of knowledge on island activities….see him for dining out, also. There is also a large book in the lobby with restaurant menus for most of the good places to eat on St. Thomas.

During our visit we noticed that Point Pleasant has undergone many upgrades. The lobby was just redone and the walking paths are now concrete steps rather than stone. It appears that a lot of money is being spent to beautify and upgrade the property. Additionally, I guess being an ocean front property maintenance is always an ongoing job.

The nature trail was terrific. This property should be advertised as a “Nature Resort”, since it’s built in the middle of what I would call a tropical forest.

Bring your computers as free high speed WIFI is available in the lobby.

Beaches: Pineapple Beach & Sugar Beach. Pineapple Beach is in front of a currently closed resort that was just recently sold to the Wyndhum Corporation. They plan on an opening in 2008. This will populate Pineapple Beach and it won’t feel so lonely. On the other hand Sugar Beach is secluded and usually empty. We visited Sugar Beach during this trip. This delightful beach is about 100 feet wide and is surrounded by boulders. This is what we come to the islands for. This beach is what you see in the “exotic beach” commercials on TV. It’s quiet and secluded…what a nice place. If you want more beach just walk to the right (around some boulders) to the Wyndhum Sugar Bay Resort beach. For an even better beach…. walk to the end of Pineapple Beach, turn right at the road and walk another 150 yards to Coki Beach…one of our favorites…..we spent 2 days at Coki. Coki has one of the best snorkel areas on St. Thomas. There are food concession stands on the beach and servers that will bring your food and drinks to you (prices are reasonable). Beach chairs and umbrellas are also available here. But get your snorkel equipment at Point Pleasant…it’s free.

Breakfast: The restaurants at Point Pleasant are not open for breakfast. Buy your breakfast supplies at the Marina Market in Red Hook or any super market ….there is a convenience center in the lobby for breakfast and snack supplies, if you prefer not to shop elsewhere. There is nothing like having your morning coffee on your balcony with the incredible view that Point Pleasant provides. Personally, we believe it has the best view on the island. The terrain is hilly so walking on trails and up/down hills is required. You don’t have to be exceptionally fit, but if you have mobility problems either ask for a mid-level unit or try somewhere else.

Transportation: If you plan to spend more than a couple of days then rent a car. Taxis are very expensive on St. Thomas.

Nightlife/Dinner – We tried the following restaurants during our stay…..Latitude 18 for open mike night & steaks (Tues), Molly Malone’s (Red Hook) for great corned beef, Whale of a Tale (above Molly’s) for fish, Fungi’s for burgers and fish sandwiches and Senor Pizza (Red Hook).

Hope this helps all who want to visit St. Thomas and stay at the Point Pleasant Resort.