Beaches of the Caribbean

San Juan, Puerto Rico is beautiful along the waterfront. But for a treat, visit the El San Juan Hotel in Isla Verde where you will find the Carolina beaches. The hotel itself is gorgeous inside with beautiful tapestries, rosewood and chandeliers. It takes about 45 minutes to get there by local bus at 75 cents per person. It truly is elegant. The beaches are light beige talcum powder.

St. Thomas beaches are interesting. Last time we were in St. Thomas we went to Red Hook and took the ferry to St. John and then to Trunk Beach. It was nice albeit a little "au natural."

This time, we went to Sapphire Beach about 30 minute jitney ride from the ship. It is spectacular. They have a restaurant/bar that is very nice and we met a lovely couple there who have a company that weaves carpets and they have been featured in Architectural Digest and Steven Spielberg and Paul Allen have purchased their carpets. The website for the carpets is dynacraft@optionline.net.

We then checked out Coki Beach and Megan's Bay neither of which was as nice as Sapphire Beach. Cab rides are usually $10 person and beer $3.50. Prices seem to be fixed in all beach locations.