St Croix Vacation Rentals
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St Croix Villas
The wonderful island of St Croix at 80 square miles is the largest of the US Virgin Islands. Saying that, the capital city of this island group can be found on the nearby St Thomas. St Croix, with a population of around 50,000, likes to keep a lower profile than its showier neighbours.
English speaking with some interesting dialects thrown in for good measure, this outpost of the USA is a world away from anything found within the 50 States. First off, the Dutch colonised this island and it only became a part of the US in 1917 when a deal was struck and the US purchased St Croix along with St Thomas and St John.
The Dutch
The legacy of the Dutch survives in the charming names of the twin cities of Frederiksted and Christiansted that occupy prime locations on either end of the island. Some wonderful architecture can be found in the historic areas of these cities that hark back to its Dutch colonial past. There are remnants of sugar and cotton plantations dotted around the island too but the economic strength of modern-day St Croix rest firmly in its tourist industry.
Fabulous Villas
Beautiful St Croix villas enjoy prime locations overlooking the unsurpassed Caribbean coastline. The undulating hills allow some of these exquisite properties to peer from the privacy of these promontories out over the nearby ocean. Waking up each day in one of these fabulous villas, you will never tire of the space and privacy to be found in this special island.
Buccaneer Beach House
The Buccaneer Beach House is one such property. It captures a view from its extensive grounds that includes Whistle Beach and the uninhabited Buck Island. A short walk from the privacy of your property and you are on the charmingly named Mermaid Beach. This property is ideally located to explore the nearby Christiansted or just avail of the golf, horseback riding and diving – all easily accessed from this, one of the top St Croix vacation rentals.
Miramar
Heading further along the coast, away from Christiansted, is the sublime Solitude Beach where Miramar Villa enjoys an exclusive location at the end of a gated private road. This hillside luxury villa has dazzling views from the poolside terrace. All of the fabulous island amenities are easily reached from this location. Especially good snorkelling can be enjoyed at the nearby National Park: Jack and Isaacs Bay.
Estate Belvedere
Travelling towards Frederiksted, Estate Belvedere is one of those St Croix villa rentals that combines the island’s history with a very modern vibe. An old sugar mill, occupying an enviable position within tropical lush gardens, has been fully renovated and can welcome guests keen to enjoy the solitude of his spacious property. The heavenly views from the terrace out over the ocean never cease to amaze.
Top Quality Vacationing
All of this abundant luxury and solitude should be interspersed with some good quality vacationing. The island has earned the nickname, Land of Churches, for the 150 quaint churches that serve the mostly Christian population. Regardless of your religious leanings, some of these churches are quite old and contain a lot of history about the island’s ancient past when travellers of all denominations first settled along these shores.
The interior of the island is rugged with rolling hills covered in lush vegetation. The highest point Mount Eagle might not seem too high at 1,000 but certainly gives a good perspective across the island. Unlike mainland USA, cars are driven on the left-hand side. With left wheel drive cars predominantly on the island it can make driving something of an adventure but nothing that cannot be mastered.
Festivals
It just wouldn’t be a proper Caribbean getaway without a festival or two thrown in for good measure. Two of the most famous are the Jump Up night-time festival in Christiansted that takes place a few times a year. This is essentially Carnival. The streets and boardwalks of Christiansted are closed off and live music accompanies the brightly coloured and lavish costumed locals who party along the streets. It starts around 6pm and runs till 10pm. Certainly something you will want to enjoy if you are on the island.
The second festival is found in Frederiksted. This is a more laidback party offering with the monthly Sunset Jazz. Some incredible jazz musicians perform for free for lucky tourists and locals all along the Frederiksted shoreline.
It’s special.
Rum!
And what’s a Caribbean adventure without the divine rum? You are in for the ultimate treat as the Cruzan Rum Distillery is home to one of the most celebrated rums in the Caribbean. The historic building that holds the distillery began life in 1760 as a sugar cane factory. If you visit Frederiksted it’s just one of the best things to do is to take a tour of the facility enjoying, of course, some sublime rum tasting too.
So, whether you are staying in one of the St Croix luxury villas as a honeymoon couple or are a happy family or group in one of the large vacation rentals St Croix, be sure to stock up on a bottle of amazing Cruzan Rum. Let your wonderful staff prepare the loveliest cocktails for you to enjoy as you take in the views from one of the best island locations in the Caribbean.
With an international airport welcoming flights from mainland US and beyond, it’s an island that is easy to reach but does feel nicely off the main tourist trail. If your stay on St Croix is a long-ish one, why not take the ferry across to St Thomas.
The journey takes 2.5 hours or make it a shorter trip by jumping onto one of the fabulous sea planes that land in the Charlotte Amalie harbour of St Thomas. A memorable adventure, for sure! St Croix is that quieter Caribbean island that offers all the best of natural beauty and adventure wrapped up in its own unique package.
Things to do in St Croix
St Croix has many things for visitors to enjoy from its charming beaches to wonderful restaurants. St Croix has two excellent Golf Courses and has plenty of water sports from sailing to diving. There is certainly something to keep the whole family entertained. If you are staying in a vacation home in St Croix contact our concierge to arrange for any of these activities.
Golfing in St Croix
St Croix has two wonderful golf courses. The Reef Golf Course is a 9-hole course set in the valley on beautiful Teague Bay on the north-eastern part of St Croix. The more famous par-72 Carambola golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., one of the most highly respected designers of the 20th century. Carambola opened in 1966 to rave reviews and was considered by the master designer himself to be one of his finest courses.
St. George Village Botanical Garden
St. George Village Botanical Garden of St. Croix is located on a sixteen acre site just off the Queen Mary Highway. The botanical collections, including over 1500 native and exotic species and varieties, are established in and around the restored buildings and stabilized ruins of a 19th century Danish sugar cane plantation.
Gecko’s Island Adventures
Gecko's Island Adventures is an ATV tour that lasts approximately 1 1/2 -2 hours and covers 13 miles of tropical terrain. It begins by riding along the west end coast before heading up into the hills. You then make a stop that gives you fantastic views of the north shore. As you continue, you make your way to the top of Mt. Stewart where you see panoramic views of the surrounding ocean.
You will also have an opportunity to visit plantation ruins from the early 1800’s where you get time to explore and take photographs. From there you will descend through the sub-tropic Rain Forrest before ending the tour at a local beach with an onsite restaurant/bar.
Horse Riding
There is no better way to go horse riding than on the beach. The best tropical trail ride includes a ride along the beach to enjoy the sandy shore, the blues of the sea, and the picturesque coconut trees rising tall in the background.
This ride also includes a nature tour to the rain forest, through the ruins of an historic slave village, then across the country pastures with gigantic Rain Trees, plus scenic hill top views. Approximately a 1.5 hour tour, with an extra half-hour for check-in and mounting. Rides are available for families and people of all ages. Private rides by special request can be arranged at additional cost with several days notice
Sailing in St Croix
Caribbean Sea Adventures offer daily Buck Island Snorkeling & Scuba Diving, Private Charters, Sunset Sails, Scuba Diving, Parasailing and Kayaking! Buck Island Reef National Monument is a must for every visitor whether you snorkel the underwater trail, dive or just enjoy the beach!
Diving in St Croix
St Croix has some of the most unique diving opportunities in the world with incredible, vibrant reefs just minutes away from fascinating sunken ships. Nowhere else in the Caribbean can you dive a wreck, wall, pier and reef all in one day!
Whether you are newly certified or an advanced diver, diving in the U.S. Virgin Islands is easy, accessible and offers an array of experiences for everyone. And because the U.S. Virgin Islands is a territory of the United States, you'll enjoy the added safety of diving within U.S. waters. This means that all dive boats are inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and captains are USCG certified.
Restaurants in St Croix
Beach Side Cafe St. Croix
Beach Side Café offers stunning views overlooking the beach on the West end of St Croix. The restaurant is open air and you can enjoy lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch! Taste the delicious flavours of our Le Cordon Bleu cuisine team featuring daily specials and new spring menus.
Duggan's Reef St Croix
One of the most popular restaurants on St. Croix and only 10 feet from the still waters of Reef Beach which makes it an ideal perch for watching windsurfers and Hobie Cats. At lunch, an array of salads, crepes, and sandwiches are on offer. The more elaborate night menu features the popular house specialties.
Rhythms at Rainbow Beach
Rhythms is a fun and relaxing bar and restaurant located right on the most beautiful beach in Frederiksted.
Mahogany Restaurant St. Croix
Dine in the casual luxury at Carambola Beach Resort where Continental cuisine combined with Caribbean ingredients. Live entertainment on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Tutto Bene Cafe
St. Croix’s premier Italian restaurant. Chefs Todd Concilio (Culinary Institute of America ’94) and Adam Wells (New England Culinary Institute ’92) prepare traditional Southern Italian dishes and innovative daily specialties.