While political tensions between Canada and the U.S. continue to run high, the Virgin Islands are in many ways disconnected from that strain. Life here moves at its own pace — the people remain friendly, and the economy is locally driven and supported by tourism.
On March 31, 1917, Denmark sold the islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix to the U.S. for $25 million in gold coin. Today, visitors can enjoy a Caribbean vacation boasting a rich history, myriad activities and tranquil beauty across all three of these stunning islands. Each one delivers a sense of calm and relaxation and offers a unique activity that makes it stand out from one another.
St. Thomas
Luxuriate in a cozy, spacious and bright cottage bedroom at Hideaway Hull Bay, one of St. Thomas’s premier properties. At top, the view of Charlotte Amalie and its famous harbor on the Caribbean Sea. (Sabrina Pirillo photos for VacayNetwork.com)
The laid-back lifestyle of St. Thomas is capped with cultural sites, dining delights and duty-free shopping. Exploring the capital, Charlotte Amalie, Drake’s Seat and the Skyline Overlook (especially at nighttime) is only matched by this water-paradise’s island of sweeping ocean views with plenty of ways to enjoy it.
A must-dine experience is at Oceana Restaurant and Bistro. Overlooking the aqua colors of the Baye de GriGri, Oceana is regarded as one of the island’s most iconic locations for dining. Defining the concept of an open-air dining room, the restaurant offers unobstructed views of the sea, passing sailboats and landing seaplanes, spectacular sunsets and equally dramatic full moon rising. The cuisine is seafood forward—no surprise there—and whenever possible, sources local seafood caught off the shores of the Virgin Islands.
Sailing around Charlotte Amalie Harbor is the perfect way to watch the sunset over St. Thomas. Gifting 360-degree views from a catamaran, a Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail departs from Frenchman’s Cove and tours around the harbor offering an aquatic perspective, some local cuisine and homemade rum punch.
Hideaway at Hull Bay is reflective of its name. The private estate boasts an onsite farm and restaurant nestled within a paradise of serenity. Across the street from Hull Bay Beach, the property accommodates features villas and cottages that feel like home. Enjoy the Taste of the Farm event, a farm-to-table experience showcasing ingredients that are grown onsite and locally sourced whenever possible.
St. John
A lookout point gives visitors a spectacular view of St John and its lush green landscape. (Sabrina Pirillo photo for VacayNetwork.com)
A 20-minute scenic ferry ride from Red Hook on St. Thomas takes you to the island of St. John. It might be the smallest island in the cluster, but make no mistake, what it lacks in size it makes up for in natural beauty. Virgin Islands National Park, comprises two-thirds of the island. It spans approximately 11,723 acres. Dive into 3,000 years of history while hiking to historic plantation sites, learning about a challenging past when sugar and enslaved labor dominated life on the island, visit the Indigenous Taino’s ancient petroglyphs and snorkel coral reefs to discover hidden marine life. And, of course, the crown jewel of the island lands on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Trunk Bay, part of the Virgin Islands National Park, not only gifts beachcombers’ crystal-clear waters and a white sandy beach, but it has a one-of-a-kind underwater snorkeling trail. And while Trunk Bay charges a minimal entry fee ($5), it gives you access to showers, foot rinses, food and beverage concessions, snorkel rentals, chair rentals and more.
St. Croix
The stunning blue waters and sandy beach are among the hallmarks of St. Croix’s Turtle Beach. (Sabrina Pirllo photo for VacayNetwork.com)
Last, but certainly not least, in less than 30 minutes, a Cape Air flight takes you from St. Thomas to the island of St. Croix—your final stop on this island-hop adventure. St. Croix is a must-see for history buffs. In the north, Christiansted — once the capital of the Danish West Indies — features 18th-century buildings and quaint stone streets. To the west, Frederiksted boasts a fort that once protected the island from pirates and rival nations. In between, the ruins of hundreds of sugar and cattle estates line the landscape, one of which today houses a botanical garden and restored buildings. On the tip of the island stands Point Udall radiating its signature sundial monument, marking the easternmost point in the United States.
From history to one of the best destinations for snorkeling in the Caribbean, water babies can depart Christiansted Harbor for a Buck Island snorkeling adventure. Via powerboat, you’ll arrive at Turtle Beach, “one of the world’s best beaches” according to National Geographic, where you can relax, sunbathe, swim, or enjoy the wildlife. From there, head to a snorkeling session off the coast of Buck Island. Protected by the Buck Island Reef National Monument, the small, uninhabited space is off of the northeast of St. Croix. It was established as a protected area by the U.S. government in 1948, with the intention of preserving the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea. A guided snorkeling tour has you in Caribbean waters traversing the nation’s first underwater trail. The marked ecological underwater trail boasts ideal conditions because of its shallow reef and clear water viewing conditions. The trail features underwater signage to guide snorkelers along a path to help navigate the reef system and identify marine life. A guide will take you through the first time and then will set you free to explore this coral reef system on your own—a tranquil and unique moment not to be missed.
Hunger will set in after the adventure, so a quick change and sunset dip leads to a snug two-story blue-hued building adorned with old Danish Brick, adjacent to the historic Fort Christiansen. Savant offers the ultimate dining experience featuring Thai-Mexican-Caribbean fusion enjoyed in a cozy bistro setting.
MORE ABOUT VISITING THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Where to Stay: The Hideaway at Hull Bay, St. Thomas
Tourism info: US Virgin Islands
