In 1917, the United States formally purchased the three islands—St Thomas, St John and St Croix—from Denmark for $25 million US dollars, in what might be the best land deal since the Louisiana Purchase. The Danish influence is still seen throughout the islands in the culture, architecture and even some street signs. The dawn’s light fall’s upon Point Udall, St Croix before any other place in the United States. While purchased by the US mainly for their strategic importance, after the Cuban embargo in 1959 the Virgin Islands began to evolve into a tourist destination and a new American vacation spot was born, full of sea and sand but also history.
Each of the islands has a unique flavor: St. Thomas, the most populated of the three, is probably the best known and is where most governmental agencies and resorts are located. St. John, with a population of less then 5,000 people, is comprised of fully two-thirds national parkland. St. Croix is the largest island in actual area but contains more forest and rural areas than St Thomas. All three offer amazing and varied activities—but staying on one island doesn’t mean your activities are limited to that location. Ferries, sailboats and seaplanes are all available to make the quick jump from one Virgin Island to another, or to one of the smaller, offshore islands.
WHAT TO DO:
When you think of the Virgin Islands, beaches and tropical beauty are probably the first things that jump to mind. But there are so many other things to do while your swimsuit is drying. On St. Thomas, why not take a tour of Government House, where the governor lives and works. You may want to call in advance to make sure the building is open to the public. For a cool change, try Magic Ice for its ice sculptures, installations, ice slide and ice pirate ship bar. At Coral World you can see sea life up close and personal, either in their underwater observatory tower or you can hop into a pool with sea turtles or even with a rescues sea lion.
On St. Croix, the Whim Museum allows you to step into the past with their restored plantation house and grounds and historical displays about slavery. For a fun afternoon of sailing and snorkeling, the Jolly Roger catamaran takes you out to nearby uninhabited Buck Island and its underwater snorkeling trail with stunning reefs.
St. John is just a short twenty-minute ferry ride from Red Hook on St. Thomas. Ferries are also available from downtown Charlotte Amalie. Numerous companies offer sailing trips from St. Thomas to nearby St. John for snorkeling and diving. Another snorkeling and hiking option is nearby Hassel Island.
WHERE TO STAY:
If you’re looking for the full resort experience on St. Thomas just minutes away from downtown Charlotte-Amalie, Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort is the place to stay. It offers two resorts in one: Frenchman’s Reef overlooks the harbor while beachside Morning Star is more family friendly. Guests are able to enjoy the amenities of both whichever option they choose. There are multiple pools and restaurants to choose from including an infinity pool overlooking the bay as well as one with a swim-up bar. There is the gorgeous white sandy beach as well, but there are also numerous water-related activities available such as snorkeling, jet-skis and kayaking, which can be arranged through their Adventure Club. There are tennis courts, a fitness center, spa, and complimentary fitness classes. Various packages are available, including sailing, last-minute and family.
A more casual option is Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, located directly on Bolongo Bay. They originated the all-inclusive in St. Thomas, offering it since 1989. (All-inclusive packages start at $429 per night; room only start at $200.) Special packages to celebrate their 40th anniversary are available through the end of the year—use the promo code “40th” on their website. Iggie’s Beach Bar and Grill offers lunch and dinner as well as entertainment and theme nights.
On St. Croix, the retro flavor and fun of resort stalwart The Buccaneer is still going strong. Lush greenery and lawns, pools, two beaches, and a Kids’ Club with numerous activities make this a perfect place to take the whole family. And it’s full of history too: Alexander Hamilton spent time living on the property in the 1700s and actress Helen Hayes stayed at the resort in the 1950s. Rooms start at $271 per night, and many different packages, especially for holidays, are available.
U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism, www.visitusvi.com