When people learn that I’m a travel writer, they always ask me the same question:  Where’s your favorite place to travel?  I really can’t ever answer that with just one destination, but one that I always mention is the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas.  Gorgeous beaches, gorgeous weather, luxury accommodations, exciting recreation, and some of the best desserts I’ve ever tasted — there’s nothing I don’t love about this resort.

2011 marks the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas’ 15th anniversary, and the resort’s Crystal Anniversary Celebration package is available now through December 15, 2011.  Starting at $2500 per night, the package includes the following:

• Overnight accommodations in the Presidential Suite or the Ritz-Carlton Suite (this Presidential suite is as presidential as it gets — President Obama and his family have stayed here!)
• Daily breakfast for two
• 80-minute Seaside Cabana couples massage
• Sunset sail on the Lady Lynsey
• Dinner on the Beach
• Magic Moments boat trip
• Crystal Rain therapy treatment
• Engraved Waterford flutes and a bottle of Cristal champagne

A couple nights or a long escape, this is the perfect romantic getaway.  As part of the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas does not require a passport for US citizens to visit — though you will feel like you are worlds away from home in this Caribbean paradise.  My favorite activities in St. Thomas were snorkeling, where I got to swim with sea turtles, and wind surfing with Island Sol on the hotel’s beach.  I was terrible at it, but it was a great experience, and my teacher was incredible — a few more lessons and I would’ve been surfing in style.

Remember, you’re on vacation, so ORDER DESSERT.  The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas has an award-winning pastry chef who will blow your mind.  Order two desserts, in fact.  With each meal.  Seriously.

Hi!  I am still here!  I’ve just been busy moving to my new place in Southwest Portland.  After days of lifting and heaving and pushing and dropping all of my belongings, nothing sounds better to me right now than a morning at a luxurious spa followed by an afternoon on the beach.  Isn’t it lucky for me that The Ritz-Carlton Hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean are offering some great specials right now for summer getaways!

I like my new place and all, but I’d definitely rather have this view right now, at The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan:

Right now at The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan and The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica, you can reserve four nights for the price of three.  And at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, pay for four nights and get a complimentary fifth night.  It’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a luxurious long weekend.  Ritz-Carlton hotels feature the finest luxury accommodations, plus five-star spa services and unforgettable vacation activities — whether you’re looking for romance, family fun, or just the ultimate in relaxation, these destinations will deliver.

Visit www.ritzcarlton.com or call 1-800-241-3333 to make reservations and take advantage of these special offers.