Hotel on the Cay is now under new management, headed up by the energetic Lindsay Houston, and the property is going to be revamped and renewed for the new decade. The hotel is the perfect destination for the active traveler– with the St. Croix Watersports Center on location, jet skiing, kayaking, boat trips, snorkeling and windsurfing are all at your fingertips. Or it’s a fantastic retreat for the traveler who wants to get away from it all in a serene location; but still have access to the dining, shops, restaurants and activities located in Christiansted. An affordable, laid-back atmosphere with it’s own beach and access to Christiansted– perfect for every traveler!

Hotel on the Cay is unique in the way it interacts with the island of Protestant Cay– the hotel is a part of the island, with lush trees and plants surrounding you as you walk the grounds; even interacting with the the structure of the building. The sandy white beach and clear water are always just steps away on such a small island. The unique views of Christiansted, Gallows Bay, and the Harbor are second to none.

Did you know that Hotel on the Cay is the home to an endangered species of lizard called the St. Croix Ground Lizard? They live only on Protestant Cay and Green Cay. It is thought that there are only about 400 of these animals left on Protestant Cay, and as the hotel gears up for it’s big changes, they are vigilant about ensuring the safety of these lizards and maintaining their habitat and food sources. They are even adopting the St. Croix Ground Lizard as a mascot of sorts. Maybe you can spot one on you next tip to the Cay.

So if you need to get off the rock and take a daycation or change your perspective, explore Hotel on the Cay. Or it’s a fantastic option for nature loving visitors to St. Croix.  And it’s only going to get better, so look for fabulous changes coming soon! For more info, check out their website or their listing on our accomodations page.

Castle Nugent Farm is thought to be one of the oldest working ranches in the West Indies, having cultivated cotton, cattle and indigo as far back as 1730. The current cattle ranch, raising Senepol cattle, has been operating under the Gasperi family since 1957. The family is still a presence on the farm, with the newly established ArtFarm located nearby in Longford.

The cottage for rent is a long-term rental and perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle, who can appreciate the natural beauty and quiet serenity of the South Shore.  The Residents will enjoy views of the ocean and pastures, and there is hiking and beach access for any adventurers. Because it is a working farm, pets and young children cannot be accomodated.

You may have heard about the push to create a National Park in the area, which would preserve a large portion of the undeveloped South Shore . This area is vital for its ecological riches including wetlands (which are important for all birds), and the largest areas of Black Mangroves and fringing coral reef in the territory, and one of the largest salt ponds too.  As important as the environmental aspects of preserving this lands are, one cannot overlook it’s historical value.  Many of these buildings are centuries old, and the property has archaeological value dating back to the French Colonial and Danish Plantation Eras.  Not to mention, this is one of the last preserved views of what St. Croix looked like in the plantation days.  On October 6th, 2009, Virgin Islands Representative Donna Christensen submitted a bill to the Congressional Natural Resources Committee in favor of creating a National Park at Castle Nugent Farm, effectively preserving this important piece of land and culture in the Virgin Islands. If you’d like to learn more or get involved in supporting this initiative, check out this Facebook group which is has been organizing a grassroots push in support of the park. Check out our GoToStCroix.com feature article about hiking Castle Nugent for a real experience of this environment.

If you’re interested in this unique, beautiful cottage and living in a part of St. Croix’s history, please check out our page for more information.

Anna,
I am a nurse living in California who lived on island in 1984-85 and recently returned as a tourist to visit. I used your blog and website as a primary source of info and had a great but oh too short visit. I was so glad to see the island has changed not too much and the environmental protection and respect seems true. I stayed @ Tamarind Reef for the nostalgia -used to live in marina and work @ the Deep End. That view is so wonderful.

Thanks Susan B for your letter, I am sure there are many people who feel the same as you, and many more who are waiting and planning to experience it for them selves.

This week I went to The Buccaneer.  Normally, I am not your resort-sy type person.  I don’t like the crowds, I don’t the convenience; I don’t like being waited on hand and foot.  Why do I make things harder than they should be?

I have been to the beach at the Bucc several times (heck, the Grotto Beach Shack attendant was my first job when I landed on this rock!) 

The 2 main beaches are The Mermaid:

 and the Grotto, just over the peninsula to the west:

Both are gorgeous.  Both are lined with palm trees and lounge chairs.  Both have a restaurant & bar.  The Grotto tends to be a bit more quiet, while the Mermaid seems to be hoppin’; filled with families.

This particular afternoon at the Mermaid was just fabulous, though not unique.  There are THOUSANDS of days like this on St. Croix.  The beach was packed with families and couples, all enjoying their St. Croix vacation.  Lounging in the chairs with their half-drank daiquiri drinks on the side table.  Kayaking with kids.

Playing in the water.  Talking to the beach shack attendant.  Kids in the Kids Camp with painted faces – what a wonderful time everyone was having. 

 Thankfully I brought Savanna something to swim in and protect her from the sun.  We even ran into some friends there- taking advantage of the terrific conditions they provide. While Savanna played with Brielle, I walked up and down the beach and took some pictures.  I just could not get the smile off my face.  This is what it is all about.  Everyone was doing exactly what they wanted to do on their vacation.  Relax, play, drink, get wet, get sun…all with in the warm embrace of the Buccaneer. 

And I was totally envious of them.  They were on vacation in the Caribbean, on St. Croix at the Buccaneer.  How much better can it get?  They had not a care in the world for the time being. 

Where or where will these beaches fit in in the Top 10?  Check back on gotostcroix.com after May 1 to find out!

Carl’s cousin and his new wife were going to spend part of their honeymoon on St. Croix after spending some time on Puerto Rico.  They thought they could just fly over and get a room.  Well, this time of year (in-season) it is a bit hard.  I got on the horn the day before they were supposed to arrive with several in-town accommodations to get rates and availability.  I wanted to give the business to a client, as well as get the best deal for the honeymooners. Kevin at the Pink Fancy, had a lower room available for a couple of nights for a great rate, and then was able to move them into a larger, more honeymoon-esque room for the remainder of the stay.

The  Pink Fancy has been a client of Media Mate & GoToStCroix.com for many years, we even produce their website.  Wendy has seen them through a few owners, all improving the property in some way or another.  But Kevin is different.  Kevin makes you feel so welcome to his property and to St. Croix.  There is nothing he can’t help you with.  I even laughed when he said, “Anna, if there is anything I can help with, make arrangements for, do anything for your family, please don’t hesitate to ask.”  I am usually the one repeating this mantra day in and day out.

I have been on the property, which is a restored historic danish town home with a few surrounding buildings, several times, and each time I discover something new.  This time it was the warm, welcoming atmosphere of sitting at the pool- side tables next to the Honor Bar enjoying an adult beverage.  Ironically, some of the guests staying there were from my hometown of Austin, Texas, so that was really fun.  We all sat around and talked…..well, you don’t really want to know what about, while Kevin made sure we were taken care of and I had fresh lime in my Corona (s).

Now, the cold honest truth.  Brace yourself, because some of you might really freak out, but right on the other side of the Pink Fancy is GOVERNMENT HOUSING!! OH NO!!! WHAT ARE YOU TO DO???  Get over it.  Keep your head on straight.  There are too many things going good for the Pink Fancy and too many things Kevin is doing right for you to let THAT to deter your decision from staying there.  The property is absolutely beautiful.  Two loving pups, Sally & Peanut greet you at the gate every time.  Tortoises live in the back garden.  Rooms are furnished in period antiques.  The courtyard is filled with bright Caribbean colors on the walls and in the landscape.  And there is an honor bar- where the beer is always cold, there is always plenty of Cruzan Rum and even a stash of Bobash (you’ll just have to ask.)

The Pink Fancy did more than just provide these young honeymooners with a place to stay.  It provided a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere where Katy could sit by the pool and read and feel like she was in the Caribbean, because she was.  Something authentic, true to life on St. Croix.  It provided the welcoming attitude we want all guests to St. Croix to experience each and every time they return to their inn, hotel or resort.

I have recommended the Pink Fancy in the past to people looking for a reasonable rate, close in town, but never had I had a true, first hand experience like the one I had this past week.  I will continue to recommend the Pink Fancy to friends, family and the MANY emails I get for people looking for a place to stay on St. Croix.  It is a unique St. Croix landmark and hard to compare.

Thanks Kevin, for everything.

POST SCRIPT:
There are MANY great places on St. Croix to stay.  This one had an impact on me and I wanted to share my personal experience with this particular property.  For a complete list of all the great inns, hotels, resorts, and villas on St. Croix, I suggest you check out this list here.  There is also a great photo album of accommodations on GoToStCroix.com.

Mt. Victory Camp is an eco-lodge nestled in the hills on St. Croix’s west end, or the rain forest area.  We recently attended a birthday party there for our neighbor George, who turned three.  Not ever having been there and not having camped since we moved here 5 years ago, we decided to stay the night.

The property is majestic.  Owners Bruce & Mathilde Wilson have done an incredible job in keeping things as low key as possible, being environmentally conscious, but still making you feel at home.  We played amongst historic sugar plantation ruins with the tortoises.  Yes, tortoises.  You see, there is a breeding colony of red-footed tortoises that are believed to of come here many years ago by canoe from South America.  They hang out and live in part of the ruins.  There is a dwelling incorporated into the ruin with lofts and bunk beds that you can even request to stay in.

In total, there are five eco dwellings, one bath house that is shared and a large pavilion with several picnic tables.  When we were there, we met some guests from Indiana who were island hopping and just on St. Croix for one night.  They told me that the accommodations were not only reasonably priced for their brief stay, but provided everything they could possible need and was just plain fun to stay in.

 Carl, Savanna and I stayed in the furthest dwelling from the pavilion.  Each dwelling is a bit different but can accommodate 2-6 adults.  Ours had two twin beds that we pushed together to make one bed that we all shared.  Each dwelling also has a kitchenette for basic cooking with gas.  I have to admit, the dwelling next to us was really cool, but not practical for us with a toddler.  The sleeping quarters were in a loft!  The entire dwelling was open (ours was screened in which I was thankful for!)

  Back to the party….of three year olds!  We brought all of our own food and drinks- cooked over an open fire (hot dogs!) and made s’mores for dessert.  Camping.  It could not have been more perfect…until it was time to go to bed. 

We tried, we really did.  And in no way what I am about to tell you is a reflection of Mt. Victory’s accommodations.  It is merely poor planning on the new parent’s part (ie, me & Carl).  Here goes:  We had to leave camp.  Savanna WOULD NOT GO TO SLEEP and she was not having it sleeping in the same bed with us.  We tried for a few hours…but it was not working!  So, close to midnight…we packed up and went home.  I was totally bummed.  I felt like we failed at camping with the baby.  Carl and I grew up camping…what went wrong this time???  The only conclusion I can come to is this was our first attempt with Savanna, but not our last BRUCE!!! We will be back and we will be better prepared and we will stay the ENTIRE night in your eco dwelling!

Mt. Victory is unique to St. Croix.  Bruce and Mathilde promote St. Croix and all the eco-tourism we have to offer (which is alot!)  If you are looking for an adventure, and an eco-friendly accommodation, then I recommend you check out Mt. Victory.  You can also see other eco-friendly accommodations here and see more St. Croix eco-tourism here.

I am not saying that you have to spend a lot to stay in a nice place. Don’t get me wrong. Some of the lesser expensive accommodations, like the Caravelle Hotel or King Christian may not provide the amenities the high end resorts do, but they are in the heart of downtown Christiansted, where all the action is.

I tell people to evaluate their vacation style and needs (and wants!) If you are looking for peace and quiet, to be waited on hand and foot, spa services, gym, a couple of pools, beaches, and restaurants to choose from, maybe even a kids club, then splurge a little and go with one of the high-end resorts. It will be worth it. This is a great option for those who do not want to think at all.

What if you want to live a little? How about a smaller hotel, inn or B&B? The atmosphere is a bit more cozy, the bartender knows your name by day two and is already making your kids non-alcoholic daiquiris (well, lets at least hope so). If you stay at a locally owned inn or bed and breakfast, chances are the inn-keeper is up at the crack of dawn making coffee or bush tea, getting ready for breakfast. The Pink Fancy, a very charming historic Danish townhouse right on the out-skirts of Christiansted, even does a pool-side happy hour for their guests to get to know each other.

If this is the year for a family vacation, then The Tamarind Reef Hotel or Chenay Bay are PERFECT. Just a bit out of the way, but only a short taxi ride into town. Sprawling grounds, kid friendly beaches, water activities, and restaurants/bar.

A private villa is a seductive option for a couple looking for a romantic get-away. Privacy is the number one priority when you rent a private villa. Villas are also a nice option for a few couples or families who want to share the cost of a private home. Some of these properties are drop dead gorgeous (remember the villa in the movie How Stella Got Her Groove Back?)! Beachfront, and views as far as the eye can see. Ain’t nobody gonna’ care if you wake up in the middle of the night, sunburned, walking around in your towel looking for the bottle of aloe-vera.

St. Croix even has eco-lodging for those who truly want to experience the nightly show of twinkling stars to the sound of tree frogs and other insects that make music in the dark that I don’t know the name of. Mt. Victory Camp has unique dwellings built around mahogany trees (some of them are even screened in, YIPPEE!) and Northside Valley, St. Croix’s newest eco-accommodation describes itself as “a simple luxury for both the Northside visitor and Northside vegetation.”. They also have outdoor showers -MY FAVORITE (just a little tid bit you didn’t know about me!)

So there you it in a rather large nut shell. This is not meant to be a full list of your options, just a general idea, and to get you thinking about your own vacation style and needs. I don’t mean to be cliche, but St. Croix really does have something for everyone, that is what makes it the PERFECT Caribbean vacation spot.