With only a driver's license as my ID, I took a quick four-hour flight from New York to experience two separate luxury getaways: a few nights in laid-back St. Thomas at the Ritz-Carlton of the island, followed by a few nights at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in vibrant Puerto Rico. The result was an elegant and exclusive trip that challenged the notion of mass tourism while proving that paradise is closer than you think (and accessible without a passport).
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, St.Thomas
A scenic 30-minute drive through lush, rolling roads from Cyril E. King Airport leads to the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, the island's only five-star resort. Upon arrival, the resort feels intimate enough to easily navigate, yet large enough to provide endless entertainment. With beach access, infinity pools, ocean view cabanas, a spa, and exclusive access to the Ritz-Carlton's luxury sailing catamaran, there's no shortage of ways to relax and enjoy.
I stayed in a Club Level King Room with a view of the resort and the blue waters of Great Bay. Although I'm not usually a morning person, I woke up around 6 a.m. every day just to watch the sunrise from my balcony. My stay included exclusive lounge access and a dedicated concierge service, who were both incredibly helpful and always available.
Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, St.Thomas
Each day began with breakfast at Bleuwater, one of the Ritz-Carlton's on-site restaurants. The French toast is outstanding, but it's the friendly and attentive staff that really makes the experience special. Every restaurant at the resort has an ocean view, but I recommend sitting on the patio to take in the scenery while you dine.
In the evening, Alloro is a must for dinner. The restaurant specializes in Sicilian cuisine, including pasta and pizza. Don't skip the starters, which are often the unsung heroes of the menu, including bruschetta and burrata. For my main course at Alloro, I opted for the seafood (linguine pasta with semi-dried tomatoes, mussels, clams and shrimp in a tasty sauce) and extra soft olive oil cake for a sweet finish.
One of the most unforgettable meals I had at the Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas was a private dinner on the beach, nestled under the sea grape trees. The trip there set the mood before my group was greeted by a lively performer on stilts, dancing to Caribbean music. In the intimate, candlelit setting, we enjoyed a four-course tasting menu including smoked foie gras with local tuna and a superb poached Caribbean lobster.
Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, St.Thomas
Seaside dining is just one example of the experiences St. Thomas offers, both on the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton and off. I started the second day of my visit by setting aside some time to relax, first spending a few hours in one of the resort's ocean-view cabanas. Even though I never did it, my inner child wanted to try the nearby water slide – a nice family touch at a luxury resort. I also enjoyed a rejuvenating massage at the resort's spa and learned that the Ritz-Carlton is the only property on St. Thomas to offer ocean view massages.
When I was ready to balance relaxation and adventure, I took a guided tour of the island. We made a stop at Yacht Haven Grande marina, where waterfront restaurants, artisan shops and beautiful murals set the tone. mountain topfamous for its banana daiquiri and duty-free shopping, was next. From this point of view, the view of Magens Bay, a beach considered one of the most beautiful in the world, was magical.
Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, St.Thomas
Taking in the views of Magens Bay was incredible, but there's no better way to fully appreciate the beauty of the island than a sunset cruise on board. Lady Lynsey IIthe Ritz-Carlton's exclusive luxury sailing catamaran. This was the highlight of my trip, with an open bar and gourmet hors d'oeuvres that paired perfectly with the gloomy landscape.
Together, these experiences gave me a picture of St. Thomas, by sea and by land. But as I began to get used to the pace of island life, after two days it was time to move on to another destination, just a 45-minute flight away. I boarded a small plane, with no more than 10 seats, and within moments, I was flying from St. Thomas to Puerto Rico.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort
Photo: St Regis Bahia Beach Resort
Arriving in Río Grande, Puerto Rico, I went to see another beautiful property: the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. There, towering palm trees and tropical foliage welcome you to what was once a coconut plantation and today is a breathtaking sanctuary nestled between the El Yunque rainforest and the Espíritu Santo River.
The ocean appears through a large door at the entrance and welcome drinks await you as you enter. All around, the lush property combines coastal rainforest and direct beachfront access, creating a space where the elegance of nature meets curated luxury. The tranquility is unparalleled and I quickly learned to look forward to the gentle calls of the native coquí frogs that take up residence each night.
My sun-drenched suite was particularly relaxing, opening onto ocean views from the living room and bedroom. Amenities included a wet bar, spacious bathroom with large tub and rain shower, private outdoor patio, and beach access just steps away. As serene as the setting is, the resort also embraces a spirit of celebration, as evidenced by the nightly ritual of Champagne sabrage.
Photo: St Regis Bahia Beach Resort
Held at Casa Grande, the resort's main building, the ritual involves opening a bottle of champagne with a sword to celebrate the transition from day to night. I was able to delve deeper into the technique during a champagne sabrage class on my second day at the resort. After successfully uncorking our bottles, the group enjoyed their Champagne pool, a lively spot perfect for mingling and meeting new people.
The resort beach, where I was often drawn to, would have been another great place to enjoy it. But the three-kilometre-long crescent-shaped beach is only part of the resort's natural landscape, and I wanted to explore it all. So I took part in a nature excursion led by Sebastián Mergal from Soul of Bahia. He shared his vast knowledge of the plant and animal life of the property. We also visited the on-site animal shelter where guests have the opportunity to adopt rescued cats and dogs from the island.
Photo: St Regis Bahia Beach Resort
Another activity I enjoyed was taking a free bike ride around the resort, followed by a tennis clinic. I had the chance to train with a coach who worked with Shakira. (He shared that she played barefoot, which almost inspired me to try it myself.) Relaxing at the resort's Iridium Spa was the perfect next step. Although you don't need to book a massage to enjoy the many amenities – such as the sauna, cold plunge pools and beautiful garden – I couldn't help but be intrigued by the Encanto Rum Massage , an experience that I will be. be sure to try it next time.
Although I was delighted with the resort, I found myself wanting to explore more of Puerto Rico beyond the property. If you want to venture out, Old San Juan is about a 40-minute drive away. While this makes a nice day trip, rest assured that you don't need to leave the resort to have a culinary experience.
Casa Grande is a great place to start, with a breakfast buffet offering a wide selection of American and Puerto Rican dishes, as well as fresh juices and a la carte options. A notable experience I had at Casa Grande was tasting the Bloody Mary, where I compared the traditional American version with the Puerto Rican Encanto Mary. The latter — made with I have picante (a style of hot sauce) and topped with crushed plantain chips — was a perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Photo: St Regis Bahia Beach Resort
For lunch, Seagrapes serves fresh and tasty dishes poolside, with bookable cabanas. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail at the St. Regis Bar before dining at Paros, a refined Mediterranean restaurant with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. If you're dining in a group, don't be afraid to share starters and main courses. When I was there, the lobster rice, in particular, was full of flavor and enough to feed four people.
For a more intimate dining experience, the resort's outdoor feast is perfect for special occasions like engagements or family reunions. My group had the pleasure of enjoying a five-course meal by the beach, accompanied by Laurent Perrier champagne. The progression has been incredible, from fresh Ossetra caviar, lobster and king crab to a creative twist on Puerto Rican classics with Kurobuta confit pork belly, local pink beans and calabaza (pumpkin) risotto.
By the end of my trip, I appreciated how my time in St. Thomas and Puerto Rico seamlessly combined sophistication and ease of travel. The Ritz-Carlton and the St. Regis have a lot to do with it – something I'll definitely keep in mind the next time I'm looking to plan a luxurious but hassle-free getaway. 
