Unique Shopping on St. Thomas

There are few vacations destinations that check all the boxes quite like St. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Located in the sunny Caribbean? Check. Easy to get to from multiple cruise lines and beyond? Check. Great food? You bet. 

But more than just a beautiful place to relax by the ocean, St. Thomas (which is easily accessible by boat from St. John) is a cultural melting pot that also boasts amazing shopping options. 

Repeat visitors to downtown Charlotte Amalie may picture the cobblestone streets along Main Street bustling with deals on jewelry, watches, perfume, and rum. But you’ll also find unique shopping haunts tucked away, as well as a few gems just a short, scenic drive away.

When you’re ready for a day of gathering goodies, delight in browsing these distinctive stops downtown, in an artist’s spot or from a bird’s-eye view. Guests at Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove on St. Thomas and The Westin St. John Resort Villas will both enjoy their time.*

A Delightful Bazaar

A treasure trove of vibrantly colored Turkish homeware might not be what you’d expect from a shopping trip on St. Thomas, but step into the Turkish Grand Bazaar in the historic downtown and be amazed. This shopping oasis is like journeying into the timeless bazaars of Istanbul. Whether souvenir shopping or looking for one-of-a-kind home decor, this hidden gem has you covered.

The exquisite handmade ceramics, adorned in colorful painted strokes with unique designs, are a truly breathtaking highlight. Ornately designed tea sets with cups and saucers are delicately displayed. Each elegant set has its own serving accessories — spoons, sugar, and a creamer dispenser. You’ll also find handmade lamps made from colorful mosaic tiles. One of these is sure to be the talk of your living room, and if you’re lucky, the store owner himself shows you how you can change the bulbs in wattage and color to achieve different lighting effects for your space.

The art of rug making goes back over 5,000 years and continues today on St. Thomas. A beautiful collection of handwoven wool and silk rugs traces the edges of the showroom. They take up to two years to make, and their breathtaking designs and colors reflect the time and care taken to create them. Their designs are so awe-striking they could be hung on a wall as works of art for admiring their beauty, as one would a painting by Monet.

Discover Local Artisans at Tillet Gardens

If you’re up for a short drive, you can support local artisans who love displaying their creations at Tillet Gardens in East Eden. You’ll find colorful silk-screened fabrics, handmade jewelry, pottery, and leather goods, making this the place to be. 

Not only can you buy these amazing items, but you can often watch the talented craftspeople in action, creating their pieces right before your eyes. It’s like shopping and a show. And while a select group of artisans appear regularly, there’s always someone new popping up to showcase their talent. Be sure to carve out some time to take multiple trips to visit the gardens as you’ll find something unique every time.

Shopping With a View

For Caribbean souvenirs and Instagram-worthy views, the trip up to Mountain Top is worth the drive. You’ll find other local surprises and memorable souvenirs. Although, to be fair, your most prized possession may be the pictures you take from the observation deck, 1,500 feet above Magens Bay. On a clear day, you can get a glimpse of as many as 15 islands and cays. Along with the duty-free shopping comes delicious frozen beverages (including the locally touted banana daiquiri).

Nothing cements a memorable vacation more than a unique treasure found at your destination. And while your tan and ocean-filled memories make for great talking points, heading to a local shopping plaza (like the ones found on St. Thomas) allows you to bring home a piece of your vacation you can display forever.

Where to Stay

Experience the majesty of the Virgin Islands with your choice of two rejuvenating resorts. Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove is a vacationer’s dream with a variety of options to relax or refresh. Overlooking the brilliant blue waters of Pacquereau Bay, the resort highlights modern decor and Old World European architecture that make you feel right at home in the bay. Relax in your choice of a two- or three-bedroom villa, which features a fully equipped kitchen, ample living space, and outdoor balcony. Refresh at the resort’s infinity pool and fun waterslide, or visit poolside Sunset Cove Bar & Grille for a refreshing drink and snack.

Located on a nearby isle, but just a short ferry away, The Westin St. John Resort Villas is an island haven. With two-thirds of the island designated as national parkland, you’re surrounded by natural beauty from the moment you arrive. Take in the Caribbean sun around the resort with a dip in the pool or simply relax outside. If your villa has a fully equipped kitchen, prepare a delicious meal to enjoy on the attached patio or lanai. When hunger strikes, choose from Snorkels Bar & Grill, Mango Deli, or Lemongrass for meals, drinks, snacks, and everything you need to stay energized and full.

Amarylis Amador is a home decorator, shopping aficionado, and travel enthusiast who scours the globe for one-of-a-kind items for people’s homes.