Welcome to Shibusa (渋さ) at Shibui (渋い): A mid-century, Japanese pagoda residence in St. Thomas.
Shibui was originally built in the 1960s as an award-winning luxury Japanese style resort: A colony of Japanese cottages, and a place for travellers to St. Thomas to enjoy a high-design experience.
Now Shibui has transformed into a unique gated community of 26 historically preserved cottages—each with their own unique layout and view across the island.
Shibusa at Shibui overlooks the stunning Caribbean Sea. Designed for the discerning traveller who wants beautiful design as well as comfort. Sit on your own deck, watch the sun set into the Caribbean, and enjoy the cool trade winds whilst sipping on a tropical drink. In the morning, you can open up the shoji screened walls that surround you, reach out over the deck, and pick mangoes from your own lush tropical garden for breakfast. Really, it IS paradise!
Japanese sunken bathtub, vaulted ceilings, original mid-century touches throughout, spacious open kitchen, king sized bedroom and kimono waffle weave bathrobes. Day-bed in living room that houses two single beds, or can be used as one king.
Then, of course, views for days! Shibusa at Shibui is in the most private spot in the complex—on a small cul-de-sac. Steps from a gorgeous swimming pool in the sky that feels like it’s your own, it’s that secluded!
There is another (more shaded) seating area at the entrance to the residence, next to the outside wall. This shared area (with the downstairs unit) has a pergola with table and chairs, and a propane grill
Really important in the tropics are things like air conditioning and good screens—we have them!
The famous beaches of St. Thomas are less than 10 minutes from your doorstep, and Magen's Bay Beach —known as one of the best beaches in the world— is only 15 minutes away! Downtown Charlotte Amalie with its restaurants, bars and shopping is 10 minutes away, and historic Frenchtown is only 5 minutes away.
Other things to note
- Shibusa is an eco-friendly home. We operate partially on solar power in the day (our fans and lights) and electricity in the evening. Our water is collected from our own cistern and is heated with an eco heater that heats up within 5 minutes. All of this is wonderfully friendly to the environment, with no inconvenience to our guests.
VERY IMPORTANT: YOU WILL NEED A CAR!!! Taxis are expensive and may not pick you up or drop you off where we are if there are not enough people to make it worth their trip! Driving on the left side is quite easy, going slow is the key!
