Know Before You Go

Personal Decorum

At all meetings, receptions, activities, and interactions with other AGA members and guests during the conference, attendees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and be responsible for personal behavior respectful of others and the esteem and reputation of the Association and our great industry. Please read the AGA's Statement on Personal Conduct, upon completion of your registration, you will be asked to agree to abide by this and the Anti-Trust & Conflict of Interest policy.

Transportation

The Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas is approximately 15-20 minutes from the resort. If you plan to leave the property frequently, you may wish to rent a car; otherwise, taxis or pre-arranged shuttles are available. Also, it is important to note when renting a car that in St. Thomas, cars drive on the left side of the road and GPS service may not typically work on the island. Once on property, it is simple to get a taxi to explore the island. Currently, the hotel only has Valet Parking for $35/night.

Tips for Taxis in St. Thomas

St. Thomas does not have Uber or Lyft.

Licensed taxi vehicles in St. Thomas have a taxi placard or dome light on the roof, license plates that indicate taxi status, an on-duty/off-duty sign in the windshield of the vehicle, and a sign usually on the fender that indicates passenger capacity. The driver’s identification/taxi license should be on the vehicle’s dashboard. Licensed St. Thomas taxis are safe, reliable, and well-regulated by the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission. Taxi rates in St. Thomas are set by destination, per person by the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission (find the rates here)

St. Thomas taxi rates are standardized but there are additional fees for things like luggage and waiting. It’s a good idea to speak to the driver, negotiate, and agree to your total rate before boarding the taxi. The total rate for you, your group, your luggage, waiting, making a quick stop at the grocery store, a tour, whatever you have requested, get the total fare.

Be careful of unlicensed taxis or gypsy taxis, as you could be up-charged or ripped off. They often hustle outside bars and grocery stores. They are not licensed taxis, and therefore they do not adhere to the regulations set by the Virgin Islands Taxi Commission. “Gypsy taxis” have been around for decades in St. Thomas; however, they are use at your own risk.

Hotel

Perched high above the sparkling Caribbean. Against a stunning backdrop of tropic blue, you are immersed in a dreamy, world-class resort experience. One that draws inspiration from the abundance and diversity of the natural elements and life that surrounds it. Within this thriving ecosystem, it distills the very best of the island environment and seamlessly translates it to you; creating an entirely unique travel experience that’s as richly colorful and lively as the coral reefs that ring these islands.

Fully renovated and reopened in the Fall of 2023, The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef is situated against a stunning backdrop of tropical blue waters on the vibrant island of St. Thomas.

The hotel address is:

The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef
5 Estate Bekkeroe
St Thomas, Virgin Islands 00801

Upon Arrival

Tipping, Tax, and Fees at Hotel

All room rates are subject to the following:

12.5% tax
Gratuities for housekeeping, bellman/porterage service is at your discretion
$30/day Resort Fee (discounted from $75/day)

Activities

Tipping for all activities and transportation has been taken care of through your activity registration fee. (See below for suggested attire)

Time Difference

Please note, St Thomas is on Atlantic Standard Time, which during our stay will be the same as Eastern Daylight Time.

Temperature

The average temperature in St Thomas in early April is mid 80's for the day and low 70's at night.

Sunscreen

*Please use only mineral sunscreen as it is the law in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

To protect yourself, their coral and marine life, please use only non-nano mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. As of March 2020, sunscreens that contain the “Toxic 3 Os” of oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene are prohibited in the USVI.

Please reference the Island Green Living - U.S. Virgin Islands webpage for a list of reef-safe mineral sunscreen or we encourage purchasing your sunscreen on the island.

Dress Code

Receptions and Wednesday Dinner

Please note all three receptions (Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday evenings) are open to ALL conference attendees, while the Excellence Awards Dinner and various excursions and activities (below) require pre-registration.

Vibrant Colors – The Brighter the Better: Dress for the Saturday and Sunday receptions and the Wednesday Reception and Dinner is Resort Chic/Tropical. This means lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen in bold, colorful patterns.

Women Suggestions: Maxi/beach dresses, linen pants w/ beachy tops, rompers, wedges or flat sandals

Men Suggestions: Linen pants, golf shorts, polos or short-sleeved tropical prints (Tommy Bahama, Hawaiian), boat shoes or loafers

SPECIAL NOTE: A professional photographer will be available to take photos of you and your guests or colleagues at the Excellence Awards Reception (Wednesday).

Activities (pre-registration required)

Sunday, April 7: Public Buck Island Snorkel Sail

9:45am - 3:00pm. Meet in Lobby. Included are round-trip transportation, 2 snorkel stops, open bar, and gratuity. *Lunch will be available to purchase at the Dinghy's Beach Bar & Grill. We recommend wearing swimsuits, cover-ups, sunscreen, flip-flops, or water-friendly shoes.

Monday, April 8: Guest Brunch

9:00am - 10:30am. Meet at Palm Court. Enjoy a delicious brunch, water views, and wonderful company.

Monday, April 8: Pickleball Tournament

12:00pm - 5:00pm. Meet at the Harborview Pickleball Courts. Included are drinks, light refreshments, and prizes.

Monday, April 8: Cornhole Tournament