This June, my husband and I celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary with a trip to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and what an absolutely incredible trip it was. We wanted something that felt special and adventurous, but also gave us the chance to slow down, soak it all in, and enjoy each other’s company. St. Thomas gave us all of that and more.
One of the highlights was spending time in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the USVI. The town is full of vibrant colors, unique architecture, and a history that you can feel just by wandering the streets. We loved walking through the downtown area, popping into little shops, and taking in the gorgeous harbor views. Seeing the cruise ships lined up against that sparkling turquoise water was such a reminder of how special this place is — lively and full of energy, but still so easy to slow down and enjoy.
One of the most memorable adventures was booking a tour with Stormy Pirates. It was such a fun and unique experience—snorkeling with sea turtles, exploring a sunken shipwreck, and even grabbing lunch from the famous Pizza Pi boat, a floating pizzeria tucked into a quiet bay. It felt playful and lighthearted, like we had stepped into a different world for the day. The sweet little sea turtles were so interested in us – they would swim right up and say hello!
We also made it our mission to explore as many beaches as we could. Each one had its own beauty, but Magens Bay stole our hearts. The turquoise water was calm and inviting, the sand soft and white, and the whole bay was framed by lush green hills that made it feel almost unreal. We loved it so much, we went back twice, happily spending long stretches of time floating in the water and just enjoying the slower pace, Painkiller – the local cocktail of choice – in hand!
One of the highlights of the trip was taking the short ferry ride over to St. John. It only took about twenty minutes, but it felt like discovering an entirely new place. The town was charming and laid-back, with iguanas lounging in the sun and winding streets to wander. We spent the afternoon at Trunk Bay, which is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also the only tropical national park in the United States. Swimming in that turquoise water and walking the beach together felt like such a gift, and it quickly became one of our favorite memories from the trip.
Food was another highlight, and St. Thomas had so much to offer. One of our favorite meals was at Fish Bar, where the seafood was fresh and creative, the patio overlooked the water, and the whole place had this breezy, modern vibe that made us want to linger long after the plates were cleared. Sharing that dinner felt like its own little celebration, just the two of us with an amazing view and unforgettable food.
We saved the most romantic moment for the very end. On our last night, we boarded a catamaran for a sunset cruise, and it was the perfect way to close out the trip. The air was warm and salty, the water stretched endlessly around us, and the sky slowly transformed into shades of gold, pink, and deep orange. After a week of adventure, exploring, and laughter, standing there together as the sun set felt like the perfect ending—and the perfect way to honor ten years of marriage.
Travel has always been something that’s bonded Charles and me. From the very beginning, when we met 17 years ago, we discovered that we both love to explore new places, dive into history, and chase adventures. Just as much, we both appreciate the quiet moments—those times when you can slow down, unplug, and just enjoy being together. This trip gave us the chance to do all of that, and it reminded me how much I love traveling with him and how special it is to keep building these memories side by side.
Looking back, this trip was everything we could have asked for: a balance of adventure and rest, of new discoveries and quiet moments. We came home sun-kissed, refreshed, and full of gratitude for the memories we made. St. Thomas and St. John will always hold a special place in our story, and I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate a decade of marriage.
