St. Thomas Magazine - February 2026: The Love Issue

February on St. Thomas may be high season but we are here to slow things down and offer incredible ways to connect this month — with each other, with nature and with the moments that tend to matter most. Our February Love Issue is a celebration of exactly that: love in all its forms, experienced island-style.

This month’s issue opens with Moments Made Just for Two, a reminder that romance here isn’t defined by reservations alone but by what you do together. From sunrise walks along quiet beaches and kayaking through mangroves to off-road adventures, private boat days and adults-only retreats, these shared experiences are what turn a vacation into a memory you’ll carry home.

At the heart of the issue is Love on the Rock, our conversation with beloved St. Thomas wedding officiant and friend, Island Mike. With barefoot ceremonies, sunrise vows and a belief that weddings are FUN...Mike shares what he’s learned about love, commitment and why the island continues to draw couples back for life’s biggest moments.

We shift below the surface in Beauty & Brains, a feature on a year in the life of the Caribbean Reef Octopus. We explore their intelligence, intention and the quiet magic of encounters earned rather than staged. It’s a reminder that love for this place often extends into the sea and that nature remains one of the most compelling storytellers of all.

The Beach Guide rounds out the issue with practical inspiration, spotlighting favorite snorkel spots, vibrant marine life and where to catch glimpses of migrating Humpback Whales. With insider tips on when and where to go; including how to time beach days around cruise schedules. It’s designed to help you experience the island more intentionally.

In Capturing Love, Island Style, we sit down with photographer Melissa Riley to talk about documenting connection honestly. From proposals and honeymoons to anniversaries and “just because” sessions, her approach centers on presence over perfection, letting couples be fully in the moment while she handles the rest.

We also turn the spotlight outward with Love Letters to the Virgin Islands, a collection of notes and images submitted by residents and visitors sharing why they fell in love with this place. Many began just like so many do — as visitors — and stayed because the island became home. These pages are a love story written collectively, shaped by memory, gratitude and belonging.

February wouldn’t be complete without community and this issue highlights island events that bring people together.

This month brings a full calendar of live music, creative gatherings and community events across St. Thomas. From beachfront performances and downtown celebrations to playful Valentine’s happenings and meaningful fundraisers, this month offers plenty of ways to experience the island’s social scene beyond the beach.

• First Friday – Downtown Charlotte Amalie (Feb 6): Live music, food, drinks, and late-night shopping benefiting local nonprofits.

• Live Music Sundays @ Sapphire Beach Bar: Weekly beachside performances with great food, cocktails, and amazing beach vibes!

• Valentine’s Sip & Paint @ 81C Art Gallery (Feb 14): A creative Valentine’s night for couples featuring shared canvases and cocktails.

• Shipwrecked! A Mermaid Pirate Soirée @ Iggie’s Beach Bar & Grill (Feb 14): A free, costume-encouraged beach party with live music, themed drinks, contests and dancing on the sand.

• Live Music Listings via Street Level VI: Your go-to resource for bands, venues, and performances happening across the USVI and BVI.

• Mystery Under the Sea – Fundraiser by My Brother’s Workshop (Feb 21): An adults-only evening of dining, drinks, prizes, and a playful whodunit — all supporting youth mentorship and job training.

• Opera Screening: Andrea Chénier (Feb 26): A special Met Opera presentation featuring an all-star cast, with courtyard refreshments and English subtitles.

As the Love Issue comes to a close, we look ahead to March, when high season energy takes over and the island shifts into a more playful rhythm. Our upcoming issue will explore family-friendly adventures, east-to-west island tours, springtime events and live music...capturing the buzz that makes this season one of the most vibrant times of year in the Virgin Islands.

Whether you’re visiting, planning something special or already calling St. Thomas home, the February Love Issue is an invitation to slow down, connect deeply and experience the island with intention. We’re so glad you’re here. Much love from St. Thomas Magazine! xoxoxo

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