Dear Members and Friends of the AAPU,

 

The In-person meetings – especially the AAPU – are back.  We had a very special meeting in Jackson Hole hosted by Dominic and Joan Frimberger.  Thank you both for putting together a fantastic meeting!  Planning a meeting for 90 people in a pandemic is no easy task.  After careful due diligence, including a scouting trip to St. Lucia, we decided to stay within the US and found a perfect spot - St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.  Maureen continues to be invaluable to the AAPU.  Sadly, for us, she has announced her retirement but continues to work hard to make this last meeting for her a success.  Maureen will accompany myself and my wife, Susan, for a site visit in June to nail down a spectacular program for our members, families, and guests.  Below you will find important information that will help you with your planning. 

 

St. Thomas is a 32 square mile island in the US Virgin Islands and a gateway to the British Virgin Islands.  It offers a multitude of beauty, culture, and activities such as World class sailing, snorkeling, island hopping, zip lining, hiking, horseback, and shopping.  There is no sales tax in St Thomas!  And although passports are not required of US citizens, you may want to make sure to bring yours in case of travel to the British Virgin Islands!  January temperatures average around 82 degrees F with evening temperatures around 70 degrees.  Humidity is relatively low.

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Our annual program for 2023 will be held at The Marriott St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, Jan. 16-20th.  The Hotel and grounds are currently undergoing a $250 million dollar rebuild after the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and will be completed in the Fall of 2022.  This means that we will be staying and playing in a brand-new resort!

 

The hotel will be comprised of 356 rooms and AAPU’s room block will be run of ocean at the rate of $425 plus tax per night and includes daily buffet breakfast.  Group rates will be available 3 days pre- and post-meeting dates based on hotel’s availability at time of booking.  Round trip porterage fees are $12 per person and daily housekeeping is $6 per room per day.  A daily resort fee of $35 includes non- motorized watersports, snorkel gear and pool toys, beach chairs and umbrellas, paddleboard lessons, yoga, and Pilates classes, WI-FI, local and long-distance calls, mixology classes and rum tasting 2x per week, daily Manager’s reception, and in room water.

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Airport taxis are currently $35/person one way, and The Marriott is approximately a 15–20-minute drive.   Driving is on the left side. A web link to book reservations will become available in the Spring and we will post the information on the AAPU website.

 

The Marriott is situated on a dramatic peninsula overlooking Morningstar Bay with panoramic views.  It is comprised of 356 rooms, 28 suites, 6 restaurants and lounges, 3 ocean view pools, 72 square feet of event space, spa, private dock, retail shops and the adjacent Noni Beach property on Morningstar Bay.  Guests of The Marriott will share amenities with Noni Beach – except for their pool and fitness center.

 

We hope to see you in the breathtaking Virgin Islands for AAPU 2023!

 

Best,

 

Andrew J. Kirsch, MD, President, AAPU