Are you looking for the best way to keep your kitchen stocked without spending a "fortune" while working in St. Thomas? When you are staying in the usvi for a month or longer, especially for a corporate contract or a specialized job, the last thing you want to do is eat out for every single meal. Not only does it get expensive, but it also just doesn't feel like home.
We at Sunset Gardens Guesthouse know exactly how important it is to have a "home base" where you can cook a real meal. That is why we are the best choice for professionals looking for workforce housing or corporate housing in the area. We provide full kitchens so you can live like a local, not a tourist. But to use that kitchen, you need to know where to shop!
Why Having a Full Kitchen Changes Everything
If you "avoid" staying in a traditional hotel, it is probably because you want more space and more control over your life. Most hotels in St. Thomas only offer a tiny mini-fridge that barely fits a bottle of water. However, at Sunset Gardens Guesthouse, we prioritize comfort and utility for our long-term guests.
When you look at our rooms, you will see that we provide stoves, full-size refrigerators, and microwaves. This is a game-changer for anyone in the usvi on business. You can wake up, make your own coffee, fry some eggs, and head out to the job site. When you come home, you can whip up a steak or a pasta dish and enjoy it on your balcony. It makes the "island life" much more sustainable for your wallet and your health…
Gourmet Gallery: The Premium Choice at Crown Bay Marina
If you are staying with us, the closest high-end option is definitely Gourmet Gallery. Located right at the Crown Bay Marina, it is just a short drive down the hill from our property. This place is legendary among the yachting community and the "savvy" corporate travelers who know where to find the good stuff.
Since 1983, Gourmet Gallery has been the top spot for provisioning. If you are looking for international selections that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the usvi, this is your place. They have an incredible deli where you can grab a sandwich if you’re in a rush, but the real treasure is in their aisles. They have:
- Multi-ethnic fresh and packaged foods
- Homemade Middle Eastern cheeses
- Smoked meats and prepared beef kebabs
- An impressive selection of wines and cigars…
For our insurance housing clients or corporate teams, they even offer a very special offers: free grocery delivery for orders over $250. This is perfect if you are just arriving and want your fridge fully stocked without the hassle of the first big shopping trip.
Pueblo Supermarket: The Local Workhorse in Subbase
Now, if you want to shop where the locals shop and keep your budget in check, you head to Pueblo Supermarket. There is a location right in the Subbase area, which is essentially the neighborhood surrounding Crown Bay Harbor.
Pueblo is the "no-frills" option that gets the job done. It offers competitive pricing and a wide selection of everyday staples. Whether you need a gallon of milk, some laundry detergent, or a bag of rice, Pueblo is convenient and reliable. It’s the kind of place where you can get in and out quickly before heading back up the hill to relax.
Living in the usvi means understanding that prices can be higher than on the mainland because everything is shipped in, but Pueblo helps mitigate that "sticker shock" that many newcomers feel. It is a vital part of the daily routine for many of our guests staying in our short term rentals.
The Market St. Thomas: Variety and Convenience
If you don't mind a slightly longer drive towards the Tutu Park Mall area, The Market St. Thomas is a fantastic option. Many of our long-term residents prefer this store because it feels the most like a "mainland" grocery store.
They have a massive selection of produce, meats, and seafood. One of the best features for a busy professional is their online ordering system. You can place your order online and just swing by for an in-store pickup, or even have it delivered. They are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, making it easy to shop even after a long day of work on the docks or in the city.
Moe’s Fresh Market: For the Organic and Gourmet Crowd
Sometimes you just want something a little "fancy." Maybe you want some fresh sushi or organic kale. In that case, you head to Moe’s Fresh Market. They have multiple locations, including one in Red Hook and others closer to town.
Moe’s is famous for its ready-made deli meals. If you are a corporate traveler who is tired of cooking but doesn't want to sit in a restaurant, grabbing a gourmet meal from Moe’s and bringing it back to your studio at Sunset Gardens is the perfect middle ground. They have fine wines, organic produce, and a vibe that is very "upscale island."
Crown Bay Center: More Than Just Cruise Ships
While Crown Bay Center is often associated with the cruise ship docks, it actually has a lot to offer for someone living in the area. There is an open-air market where you can often find local arts and crafts, but there are also small shops and dining options.
It is a great place to take a stroll after you've finished your grocery run at Gourmet Gallery. You can grab a quick bite or just enjoy the harbor breeze before heading back up to your "nest" at Sunset Gardens.
Tips for Savvy Shopping in the usvi
Working and living in St. Thomas is an adventure, but it requires a bit of strategy. Here are a few tips we share with all our workforce housing guests:
- Check the Dates: Always look at expiration dates. Everything comes by boat, so things can sit on the shelf a bit longer than you're used to back home.
- Shop Mid-Week: The stores are usually the craziest on weekends and when multiple cruise ships are in port. Try to do your big "restock" on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Local Produce: Keep an eye out for roadside stands. While the supermarkets are great, the best mangoes, papayas, and avocados are usually sold from the back of a truck or a small roadside table…
- Bulk Up: If you are here for a three-month contract, consider getting your heavy items (water, paper towels, canned goods) in one big trip to Pueblo or The Market to save money in the long run.
Your Home Away From Home
At Sunset Gardens Guesthouse, we pride ourselves on being more than just a place to sleep. We are a community for the people who make the usvi work. Whether you are here for a few weeks or several months, having the ability to shop at local markets and cook in your own kitchen is what makes the experience "real."
We offer a very special offers for corporate groups and long-term stays. Our property overlooks Crown Bay, giving you a million-dollar view while you enjoy the meal you just cooked. It is the perfect way to "avoid" the sterile feeling of a big hotel chain.
If you are planning your next work deployment to St. Thomas, don't just book a room. Book a home. Check out our map and directions to see just how close we are to all these great shopping spots. We can't wait to welcome you to the gardens!
Ready to see why we are the top choice for savvy travelers and professionals? Take a look at our latest reviews and see what other workers have to say about their stay with us…
