A New Year, Island Style: Inside Our January Issue of St. Thomas Magazine

The start of a new year in the Virgin Islands is bustling with energy and lively crowds but we want to remind ourselves that you are still on vacation.

So for January and the New Year on St. Thomas, we want to focus on calmer mornings, peaceful sunrises and a slower rhythm that invites you to pause, look around and breathe a little deeper. Our January “New Year” issue of St. Thomas Magazine is an invitation to do just that...to ease into 2026 with intention, curiosity, and a renewed appreciation for island life.

This month’s issue takes a softer look at St. Thomas, highlighting the places, experiences and stories that shine brightest when the crowds pick up and you want to discover the island's more peaceful side. From restorative escapes to meaningful local traditions, January is about reconnecting...with nature, with community and with yourself.

We begin with inspiration for getting out and exploring, whether that means discovering new excursions for the year ahead, planning a laid-back day trip to Water Island or finding fresh ways to enjoy familiar favorites. Our Beach Guide focuses on where to go during high season to find calmer shores and quieter moments, while our Day Trip Delights spotlight fun escapes like taking the taco taxi to Lime Out St. Thomas, beach club passes and self-guided island adventures both on land and sea!

Wellness takes center stage this month also...which is what we all need right now! Our Treat Yourself feature explores spa and wellness experiences around St. Thomas; gentle reminders that rest and care aren’t luxuries, but essentials. For those seeking tranquility in nature, we journey into the lush hills above Magens Bay to Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden, where winding paths, vibrant plants, and panoramic views offer a serene escape from the everyday.

At the heart of the issue is our feature story, All Hail the Queen, a celebration of the Queen Conch...one of the Caribbean’s most iconic and beautifully adorned creatures. This story weaves together culture, environmental and economic significance, offering a deeper understanding of why this mollusk holds such an important place in island life.

You’ll also find our January Events Calendar, highlighting what’s happening around the island...from live music and beach

gatherings to cultural festivals and community events. And as always, we’ve included our trusted guides to local dining, where to stay and island experiences worth bookmarking for future visits.

Inside this January issue, you’ll find:

• New excursions and island adventures for 2026

• A calming Beach Guide for high-season travel

• A perfect Water Island escape

• Spa and wellness inspiration in Treat Yourself

• A visit to Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden

• Our feature story, All Hail the Queen

• January events, dining highlights and island guides

As we step into a new year, we hope this issue encourages you to slow down, savor the moment and embrace the beauty of a more intentional pace. Whether you’re visiting, living here or simply dreaming of island days, January is a reminder that rest, reflection, and joy belong in every season.

Thank you for supporting St. Thomas Magazine and the local businesses, artists and storytellers who bring island life to the page each month. If you haven’t already, we invite you to subscribe to St. Thomas Magazine to stay connected to island life and leisure all year long and to continue discovering every side of St. Thomas with us.

Happy New Year, friends!

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