FAQ
Good to know before you go.
Do I need to be an experienced mahjong player?
No. The retreat is designed around instruction as well as play. Each of the 5 days / 4 nights includes a main mahjong session in either the morning or afternoon, with grouping by experience level as appropriate.
What does “double or triple occupancy” mean?
Large suites are generally planned for two retreat guests, while larger villa-sized units can accommodate three. King-bed and sofa-bed pricing applies per person according to the sleeping arrangement selected.
Is the St. John hike difficult?
The goal is a scenic, enjoyable outing rather than an extreme hike. The final trail and beach will be selected with group ability, weather and ferry logistics in mind.
Is pickleball part of the package?
Pickleball is optional and can be arranged as an add-on activity for guests who want court time during the retreat.
What airport should I use?
Fly into Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas (STT). Round-trip airport transfers in St. Thomas are included in the retreat. Sapphire Beach Resort is approximately a 30-minute drive from the airport, depending on traffic.
Travel information — how do I get to our tropical paradise?
St. Thomas is surprisingly easy to reach from the U.S. mainland. Nonstop service is available from a number of major gateways, including New York/JFK, Newark, Atlanta, Miami, Washington-Dulles, Chicago and Boston, with additional nonstop or seasonal service from cities such as Dallas and convenient connections through San Juan, Puerto Rico. From many East Coast gateways, flying time is roughly 3½–4 hours; otherwise, St. Thomas is typically an easy one-stop trip. Flight schedules are seasonal and subject to change.
Tell me about the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The U.S. Virgin Islands are a U.S. territory in the Caribbean made up principally of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. You get turquoise Caribbean water, tropical weather, beaches, history and island culture while retaining many conveniences of domestic U.S. travel.
Is it true I don’t need a passport, just an ID?
U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico do not need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands. For air travel, adults should carry a TSA-accepted ID such as a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or passport. Non-U.S. citizens should follow the same entry requirements that apply when entering the United States from abroad.
What currency is used?
The U.S. dollar is the official currency, and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Why is St. Thomas such a popular destination?
St. Thomas combines beautiful Caribbean beaches with easy air access, boating, snorkeling, restaurants, shopping and the historic streets of Charlotte Amalie. It is also a convenient jumping-off point for nearby St. John, giving you two very different island experiences during one retreat.
Tell me about Sapphire Beach Resort.
Sapphire Beach Resort sits directly on a gorgeous natural Caribbean beach where you can swim and snorkel. The resort area offers restaurants and bars, spacious beachfront accommodations and a bi-level pool with sweeping island and water views. It is also close to Red Hook, with restaurants, shopping and ferries to St. John.
Will we visit St. John?
Yes. One of the retreat highlights is a quick scenic ferry ride to St. John, much of which is protected as Virgin Islands National Park. We’ll enjoy a scenic outing and time at one of the island’s celebrated beaches. Trunk Bay, for example, has received international recognition and was named among Tripadvisor’s 2025 Best of the Best Top Ten Beaches.
