ST. THOMAS, US Virgin Islands — It was winter 1974 when Long Island, NY, watch salesman Dick Doumeng and his wife Joyce began to manage Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in sunny St. Thomas and beginning what would become a family legacy and icon in the US Virgin Islands.

Forty years, more than 40,000 bottles of free rum, 2,200 weddings, 2,080 manager cocktail parties later, a lot has changed at the now 62-room resort but much has stayed the same. Bolongo Bay is still owned and managed by the Doumeng family, now in its second generation. Many guests who have vacationed there since the 1970s, once as children, now return with their own children. Three original staff members still welcome guests like family. And Bolongo Bay continues to focus on good food, cool drinks and fun times.

Firsts on St. Thomas

While independent and family owned, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort has been a trend-setter in the hotel industry on St. Thomas bringing many firsts to the destination:

• Hiding free bottles of local Cruzan rum in its bay for guests to snorkel and find since 1974
• Bringing All Inclusive to the US Virgin Islands in 1988
• Offering live entertainment 7 nights a week at Iggies Beach Bar since 1989
• Providing free fun in the sun with complimentary non-motorized water sports equipment

Snorkel Booze Hunt to Find Free Stays

Over the 40 years, 41,600 bottles of free rum have been hidden in the bay for the resort’s famous weekly snorkel booze hunt where its “finders, keepers.” In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Bolongo Bay will give away 40 free nights, in addition to the free rum. Guests will snorkel for a “message in a bottle” to win one of 20 two-night stays randomly hidden in the bay throughout 2014.

40th Birthdays and Anniversaries Stay for $40

Guests who have their own 40th celebrations in 2014 – a birthday or anniversary – will receive a special gift. On the night of their occasion, guests on the room-only plan (EP) will pay just $40 and all inclusive guests will receive a $40 discount.

Anniversary Celebration Savings

Bolongo Bay is offering savings for travelers seeking to pack up their own loved ones for the warm sun and sand. With the Anniversary Package, guests who book a five-night stay between now and December 22, 2014, will receive 15% off room-only rates, plus $40 food and beverage credit per person to use at the two on-site restaurant and bars, $40 Heavenly Days credit per person for a sail trip, and $40 retail credit per room to use at the boutique. Five-night package rates begin at $1,527 including taxes for two people in an Oceanview room directly overlooking the beach.

 About Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

Family owned since 1974, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas is a flip-flop casual, fun resort where everyone knows your name. With 62 true beachfront rooms, Bolongo is recognized by Frommers as one of the “World’s 10 Best Beachfront Hotels.” Activities include complimentary non-motorized water sports, scuba diving, catamaran sails, two oceanfront restaurants and nightly entertainment at Iggies, one of the Caribbean’s best beach bars.

For more details about the history and 40th anniversary celebrations at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort visit:

www.bolongobay.com/40th-anniversary.

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-524-4746 or book online with promo code 40th. For more details, visitwww.bolongobay.com. 

Located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, American citizens do not need a passport to visit and there are many direct flights available to St. Thomas.