Walking from Nancy’s St Thomas Vacation Rentals into Red Hook makes for a great morning ritual. The following trail will keep you off the main roads which are not recommended for walking. If you are a coffee drinker, there is a great little coffee stand on the dock side of American Yacht Harbor Marina called “Lattes in Paradise”.
- From Nancy’s St Thomas Vacation Rentals, exit the Elysian Beach Resort at the front gate.
- Turn right and walk up the slight hill and turn right into The Ritz main gate. Smile, nod, and say “Good Day” to the guard.
- Walk around the left side of the main building to the back and then walk down the steps to the infinity pool and beach.
- Take the walkway around the left side of the pool. Stay on the walkway and it will take you along the water to the far beach.
- Go to the far end of the beach along the walkway then walk onto the sand to exit The Ritz onto Bay Road. Turn left on Bay Road and walk about 50-yards and cut over to the beach on the right.
- Follow the beach until you see the walking path going up the hill between the trees.
- Follow the walking path to the water sports shack (sailboats and windsurfing).
- Pass the water sports shack on the beach side and take the short narrow path over to the parking lot of Latitude 18 (great food, bar, music).
- Take the road that exits the Latitude 18 parking area, walk about 150 yards, and look for a large opening in the fence to the right.
- Go through the hole in the fence, duck under the massive abandon termite nest, and you will be in the National Park.
- Turn left on the park road (Vessup Lane) and follow the road until it ends at Smith Bay Road.
- Turn right on Smith Bay Road and walk 1/4 mile into Red Hook.
- American Yacht Harbor is on your right. Enter at the center breezeway, walk straight back and you will find Latte’s in Paradise on the dock-side of the building.
- Enjoy your morning beverage while sitting on the veranda overlooking the marina.
- Backtrack to the Elysian with a spring in your step and enjoy the rest of your day.