By Maryann Hammers

 

Throughout much of the country, temperatures are dipping into the single digits (and even negative numbers). But it’s nearly 80 degrees in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). What’s stopping you?

 

Pack some shorts and sandals, and check out these military deals.

 

With 62 beachfront rooms, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St. Thomas is a flip-flop-friendly resort with complimentary, unlimited use of nonmotorized water sports including Hobie Cats, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, windsurfers, aqua cycles, swim mats, snorkel equipment, and in-pool scuba lessons. Active duty servicemembers get 30 percent off rooms (regularly priced from $297) or 20 percent off the all-inclusive rates (regularly priced at $550). The resort also will throw in a complimentary sunset cocktail harbor cruise on a 53-foot catamaran ($110 value). To get the deal, you’ll need to stay at least four nights and book directly with the resort, using promo code “Military.” For information, call (800) 524-4746.

 

Thinking about popping the question? Great timing! Bolongo Bay Beach Resort offers active duty servicemembers 50 percent off its Paradise Wedding Package, regularly priced at $2,100. It includes wedding coordinator services, clergy and ceremony, professional photographer, bouquet and boutonniere, champagne and souvenir flutes, free accommodations on your first anniversary, discounted rooms for your guests, and more. For more information, contact the resort's wedding planner at (800) 449-1577

 

The 42-room Sugar Beach Resort in St. Croix offers a 10-percent military discount. All rooms boast ocean views; ground-floor units open directly onto the white-sand beach. The resort is near the Danish town of Christiansted. Call (800) 524-2049

 

Combine either of the above offers with this offer from the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism: Military members who stay in the USVI at least five nights are entitled to $150 in island credits and vouchers, including a $50 dining certificate good for restaurants throughout the islands of St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas; a $50 certificate to be used for duty-free shopping; and a $50 voucher for activities such as golf, water sports, tours, and excursions. Using booking code VIMIL10. Submit your redemption form at least two weeks before your arrival, and your certificates will be ready for pickup upon check-in. All the information is here.

 

For more discounts throughout St. Thomas and St. John, pick up a copy of the new 2015 Virgin Island Saver, with coupons for activity and attractions, throughout the islands. The book is regularly priced at $29.99, but Michael Motylinski (also known as “Island Mike”), who created the book, offers it for just $10 to military members. The online “order” button is not yet working for the new 2015 guide, so call Island Mike at (800) 350-1241 if you have questions or would like to purchase the book. (He also offers $100 off any Blue Sky Ceremony wedding package, regularly priced from about $600.)

 

For more tropical offers, see "Surf, Sand and Sun" and "The Bahamas on a Budget". We posted these offers some time ago, but many are still valid (and even if expired, it never hurts to ask).