On behalf of the Staff and Management of Antilles Resorts Mgmt., Inc./Club St. Croix Beach Resort, we welcome you and sincerely thank you for choosing us to serve your lodging needs. We value your patronage and it is very important to us that your stay will be a comfortable and enjoyable one.
We take great pride in providing our guests with the utmost in professional and personalized service.
This directory is provided to familiarize you with the many services we offer as well as acquaint you with the St. Croix area.
If there is anything we can do to make your visit with us more enjoyable, please feel free to ask our staff members.
We hope you have a great stay and we look forward to your next visit.
Sincerely,
The Staff and Management
GUEST SERVICES
Airlines
American Airlines ................................................................................... 800-433-7300
For maps and area information contact the Chamber of Commerce at: 340-773-4181
Barbecues
Guests are provided with a complimentary gas barbecue. When you are finished, please make sure the gas is completely turned off and please clean up the area using the nearby waste receptacles. Check with the Front Desk if you experience any difficulty. DO NOT barbecue or cook on the balconies as this is a fire hazard and is not permitted.
Check-Out / Check-In
Check-out time is 11:00 A.M. Check-in time is 3:00 P.M.
Coffee Service
Complimentary coffee available, in room upon arrival.
Credit Card Information
We accept American Express, Visa, and MasterCard ONLY.
Laundry
For your convenience, we have machines available for your use down by the pool, stop by the Front Desk for tokens, fee $3.50 each token. One token for wash and one per dry.
Electric Power
Electricity is 110 volt, 60 cycle power just like in the United States. As you can imagine, electricity is very expensive on the island and is a precious commodity. If you wish to use the A/C units, please make sure ALL the windows (louver and sliders) and door louvers are tightly closed, turn on paddle fans and close glass sliding doors in living room and bedroom behind the curtains. If you plan to be gone for more than one hour, turn the A/C unit to low cool. Please help us conserve electricity by turning off air conditioners when leaving your room for more than 2 hours.
Our executive staff is readily available to answer your questions or offer assistance.
Exercise Room
Health Club available at a discount rate, one mile away.
Front Desk
340-718-9150 or 800-524-2025
Lounge
Our hotel lounge, Club St. Croix Receptionist Area, is located at the Front Desk. The hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Saturday and Sunday 8:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M. - High Season December to April
Saturday and Sunday 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. - Low Season May to November
Library
There is a small lending library at the Front Desk. There is no charge to borrow books and you may do so anytime during your stay. We do ask that you return them when you are done. We welcome the addition of any books or exchange of books.
Mail and Messages
Mail and messages received at the hotel may be collected at the Front Desk by either calling or stopping by.
Maintenance
Call ext. 400 or stop by the Front Desk between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. for maintenance problems. If you experience a problem in your unit when the Front Desk is closed and it CANNOT WAIT till morning, call 340-2270560 for the security guard who will contact the correct person.
Parking
Complimentary parking is available for all registered Hotel guests. The Resort cannot be responsible for items left in vehicles on the Hotel property.
Pet Policy
Pets are not permitted.
Public Transportation
Taxi vans provide inexpensive transportation, especially for long distances. They only follow limited routes, so be sure to ask where they are going. Ask at the Front Desk for information about the taxi vans and public buses.
GUEST SERVICES
Reservations
Reservations may be made nationwide by dialing our toll-free number (1-800-524-2025 – reservations@antillesresorts.com), or contact the Front Desk for assistance.
Restaurant
Le Cuisinier - Casual, open-air restaurant and bar in multi-colored wood building, with terrace seating also available. Lunch menu of salads, sandwiches, burgers, beer-battered shrimp, grilled fish, blackened prime rib, pasta. Dinner menu features escargot, salads, pork Marsala, lobster, pasta. homemade rum cake and tropical drinks day and night. Our hotel restaurant, (Le Cuisinier Restaurant), is located behind resort.
Hours are:
Monday through Friday 11:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Saturday 11:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Sunday 11:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Room Service – Housekeeping
Housekeeping service is provided according to your package plan. Please check with the Front Desk for the status of your unit’s housekeeping service. If you require additional housekeeping service, please notify the Front Desk. The cost of housekeeping is $35.00. You may request just a towel exchange. For your convenience, room service is available three days a week; Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
For after hours emergencies please contact Security. Security is available between the hours of 4:00 P.M. and 5:00 A.M. for your convenience.
Swimming Pool / Spa
Children must be accompanied by an adult. No glass permitted in the pool area. Swim at your own risk, as there is no lifeguard on duty. Room key is required to enter the pool facilities.
Taxis
Available by calling the Front Desk. All taxi departures are from the Hotel Lobby. Please allow 15 minutes for pick-up.
Telephone Services
GUEST SERVICES
Club St. Croix’s telephone number is 340-718-4800. Your room number is your extension number. All incoming calls will be automatically connected to your unit only if the calls is being made from a touch tone phone and the caller uses your extension number. Please provide the correct unit extension number. There is a modest charge for all calls.
Use the Telephone
A security deposit of $100.00 or a credit card imprint is required to turn on your phone. Please see Club St. Croix telephone system information for instructions on how to place certain types of calls and our phone number.
Local Calls
To make a local call, dial -9-, wait for a dial tone, then dial all seven digits.
Direct Dialed Long Distance Calls
To make a direct long distance call dial -9- wait for a dial tone, then dial -1- area code and phone number.
Operator Assisted Calls
To make an operator assisted call, dial -9- wait for a dial tone, then dial -0- area code and phone number.
Overseas Calls
To make an overseas call, dial -9-, wait for a dial tone, then dial -011country code, city code, and phone number.
Incoming Calls
Call can be made to your unit using the Club St. Croix phone number (340-718-4800) and your room number as your extension number. Incoming calls will be answered by an automated attendant. Calls will be automatically connected to your unit only if the call is being made by touch tone phone, and the caller must know your unit number. If you have any questions regarding the phone system, please call the office by dialing ext 400 or 403.
If you are experiencing any problems with the phone and/or the phone line, please contact the Front Desk. Sometimes the phone company has difficulties with the line and the Front Desk can check with the company during normal workday hours. It may take a few seconds to hear the dial tone after you have dialed -9-. This is from the phone company; just hold on Hand the line should come to you.
GUEST SERVICES
Telephone Services (Cont’d)
Voice Mail
We are pleased to offer the Inn Touch concierge voice Mail System by Comdial for your use. This voice mail service provides you with the latest technology in telecommunications/voice mail today. Voice mail is available to all our guests. To access the voice mail, dial ext 410. The prompter will ask for your password; this is your room number. If the tutorial comes up, you may exit it by dialing the # key. The Front Desk is also available to take messages between 8:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M.
To retrieve a new message, push ........................................................................ -9-
To retrieve a saved message, push ..................................................................... -8-
To replay a message, push ....................................................................................
To save a message, push .......................................................................................
To delete a message, push ..................................................................................
Tennis Courts
Club St. Croix has one lighted court available to our guests at no charge. Your room keys will open court gates. Racquets are available at the Front Desk along with tennis balls.
Vending Machines
Vending machines are located next to our Front Desk.
Water
All of our potable water comes either from desalinated seawater or rain collected in cisterns under the building. As on any island, water is precious and expensive and so we ask your help in conserving it. Please report leaking fixtures to the Front Desk. Do not let water run unnecessarily. Save soiled clothing and dishes until you have a full load whenever possible.
Wireless Internet
Club St. Croix has wireless Internet service available.
CHANNEL LISTINGS
HOW TO...
A guide to items in your room. If you have any problems, please call the Front Desk.
Lock the Sliding Glass Doors
Make sure the doors are shut. There are two locks, one on each side. Both work the same way even though they are different sizes. To lock, lift the hook up and put into the rings, push down and the door is locked.
Operate the Ceiling Fans
Each room has ceiling fans. The switches are located in different spots on the walls but all fans operate the same way, by turning on the switch. The same wall that the front door is on generally has the fan switch.
On-Property Extensions
Le Cuisinier Restaurant ....................................................................................
There are two things you need to do to watch the TV: The cable box needs to be on. This is the gray on black box on top of the TV. Push the blue button on the top. Change the channels only on the cable box.
The TV itself needs to be on channel “3” To do this, push the button on the lower section of the TV that reads “power” or “on”. Then push the channel button on the TV till channel “3” comes on. Use the “all channel” button to change the channels.
Use the Water Filter
First turn on the water by the faucet, then pull the small button on the faucet itself. The water will pour out of the filter spout. Remember to put the spout over the sink or a cup under the spout. Never run hot water through the water filter.
HOW TO...
Use the A/C Units
Not all the A/C units are the same; some have a push button and some have turn dials. Please look at your unit to decide which unit you have. Please turn off A/C if leaving the unit for more than 2 hours.
Push Button Units: To operate these units you need to push very hard on the buttons.
Turn Dial Units: First make sure that the timer is on manual, and then you can turn the dial to whichever position you prefer.
All A/C units work better if the curtains are not blocking the flow of air, the vents are in an upward position, and all doors and windows are closed. Phone Prices
MENU - LE CUISINIER
Le Cuisinier Bar and Restaurant
Poolside at Club St. Croix, call x 409
You are just a few steps away from dinner, lunch or a refreshing cocktail.
Hours
Lunch 11:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Dinner 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
A taste of what you’ll find on our dinner menu:
Starters
Shrimp Cocktail
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Fried Calamari – the best on island
Wings – Hot or BBQ
Salads
Shrimps Louis – chilled shrimp, greens and veggies
Zydeco Salad – mixed greens and Cajun chicken
Caesar Salad – add shrimp or chicken
Tostada Salad – spicy beef or chicken in a crispy shell
Entrées
Flaming Rum Lobster – our signature dish
Blackened Prime Rib
Grilled Chicken Breast
Chicken Malibu – sautéed breast with ham, melted Swiss and fresh herbs
Fish Local Fish grilled to order – Cajun, Jamaican jerk or garlic butter
Beer Battered Shrimp
Linguine Teresina – buttery garlic sauce and parmesan cheese
Pasta Napoli – fresh basil, tomatoes, shrimp and garlic butter over linguine
And we haven’t even mentioned our whimsical décor, Tropical Libations, enticing lunch menu and tempting desserts. Walk on down!!! (Items also available “to go”)
Evaluation Form
Thanks for choosing Antilles Resorts Mgmt., Inc. Please don’t forget to fill out the EVALUATION FORM.
Please take a moment to give us your impressions of our facilities and service to you. Your assistance will help us to improve our services in the future.
You could also mail it to us at:
Antilles Resorts, Mgmt. Inc.
Attn: Athlene Cuffy
3280 Est. Golden Rock
Christiansted USVI 00820-4105
FIRE SAFETY PROCEDURES
Like all buildings, hotels can have fires. Plan what to do when you check in. You won’t have time to plan during a fire.
First, find two exits nearest your room. Be sure they are unlocked and unblocked.
Then, count doors between your room and exits, so you’ll have a reference point if it is smoky.
When you hear an alarm, act, don’t investigate.
If the fire is in your room, get out and close the door. Once out, report the fire.
If the fire is not in your room, leave if you can. First, feel your door. If it is cool, open it slowly and go to the nearest exit. Crawl in smoke. Fresh air will be at the floor. Take your key so you can get back in if you can’t use the exits.
Never use an elevator during a fire. They could stop at the fire floor.
If your door is hot, don’t open it. Your room may be the safest place to be. Seal all cracks with wet towels. Shut off fans and air conditioners. Signal at your window. Call the Fire Department and wait to be rescued.
SAFETY AND SECURITY PROCEDURES
Your safety and the security of your personal property are of the utmost concern to those of us who welcome you as our guest. We urge you to take advantage of the following suggestions.
Safe Deposit Boxes
DO NOT LEAVE MONEY OR VALUABLES IN YOUR ROOM. We provide safe deposit boxes for your use in every guest room. However, under state law, the hotel is not responsible for the loss of articles that have been secured properly in these boxes.
Double Locks and Chains
For additional security, utilize the deadbolt lock provided on your door upon entering. This will prevent the door from being opened by a regular room key. As an additional precaution, please secure the safety chain lock.
SAFETY AND SECURITY PROCEDURES
Admittance
Do not admit persons to your room without first making identification. A “peep hole” is provided in your door for your convenience. If there is any doubt about the person’s true identity, please contact the Front Desk.
Keys
Do safeguard your key. Be sure to leave it with the cashier upon departure.
Do not leave it in the room or in the door. Do not give your key to others.
Fire
Please familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest fire exit stairway. In the unlikely event of a fire, please move quickly but calmly to the stairs. Avoid the use of the elevators. Report fire or smoke to the Hotel Operator.
Please
do
not REMOVE
any items from this unit including:
Dishes, Silverware, Mugs and Glasses
Units Are “PRIVATELY OWNED”
RULES AND REGULATIONS CLUB ST. CROIX, A CONDOMINIUM
These Rules and Regulations are developed by the Board of Directors in accordance with the By-Laws of the Association (By-Laws; Article V, Section 16) and are intended to preserve property values and to provide for the safety of any persons occupying the property of Club St. Croix. In addition, the privacy rights of individuals and the general over-all appearance of Club St. Croix are of primary importance.
1. The walkways, passages, stairways and entry bridges of the Buildings shall not be obstructed or used for any purpose other than ingress to and egress from the Units in the Buildings.
2. No article shall be placed on any of the walkways, passages, stairways, entry bridges or roofs, except by direction of the Board of Directors, nor shall the same be obstructed in any manner.
3. No walkways, passageway, stairways or entry bridges of the Buildings shall be decorated or furnished by any Unit Owner in any manner.
4. The sundeck, or terrace as applicable, shall be kept in a good state of preservation and cleanliness, and it is not permitted to sweep or throw any dirt or other substance from there.
5. No laundry, laundry lines, or other unsightly articles shall be placed on the galleries, sundecks or terraces, or Common Interests. Furniture shall be low, and not obviously visible from the outside.
6. No radio or television or aerial shall be attached to or hung from the exterior of the Buildings or galleries, sundecks or terraces. No signs, notices, advertisements or illumination shall be inscribed or exposed on or at any window or other part of the Building.
7. All radio, television or other electrical equipment of any kind or nature installed or used in each Unit shall fully comply with all rules, regulations, and requirements of the public authorities having jurisdiction with respect thereto, and the Unit Owner alone shall be liable for any damage or injury caused by any radio, television or other electrical equipment in such Unit Owner’s Unit.
8. There shall be no disturbing noises in a Unit or within the Common Interests or Limited Common Interests, nor shall anything to be done therein that will interfere with the rights and reasonable comfort and convenience of others.
9. Water closets and other apparatus in the Units and Buildings shall not be used for any purpose other than those for which they were intended, nor shall anyone throw any sweepings, rubbish, rags or any other article into them. Any damage resulting from use of any water closets or other apparatus in a Unit shall be repaired and paid for by the Owner of such Unit.
10. At no time shall there be in any Unit gas or charcoal grills, or any inflammable, combustible or explosive fluid, material, chemical or substance, except as for normal household use.
11. No dogs, cats, birds, or other pets shall be kept in the Units or on the Property, except with the written permission of the Board of Directors.
12. No garbage or trash will be left or disposed of, on or adjacent to the Buildings or the property except at such places as may, from time to time, be designated by the Board of Directors.
RULES AND REGULATIONS CLUB ST. CROIX, A CONDOMINIUM
13. Vehicles shall be parked only in the spaces designated for parking, and no vehicle shall be parked in such a manner as to impede or prevent ready movement by another vehicle.
14. The Board of Directors or the Manager may from time to time curtail or relocate any space devoted to storage or service purposes in the Buildings.
15. Any person using the beach or pool area shall clean up upon his departure and remove any trash or other articles for which he is responsible. Glass containers may not be used at the pool or the beach.
16. Children shall not be allowed to play on the walkways, passages, stairways, entry bridges or any exterior landscaped areas not specifically designated as recreational areas. Children shall be under the direct responsibility of an adult at all times.
17. All blinds and window treatments shall be in good repair and be in a neutral color on the side facing out of the unit. Awnings or external grates/guards are not permitted.
18. All installations or replacements of a ventilator or air-conditioning device require application to and approval by the General Manager prior to the start of installation. No Unit Owner shall permit any such device to leak condensation on the roof or any common area of the building.
19. The Agent(s) of the Board of Directors may enter any unit at any reasonable hour of the day to check for any Rules and Regulation violation or safety issues and for the purpose of inspecting such unit for the presence of vermin, insects or other pests. As a result of this entry, such measures will be implemented as may be necessary to correct any Rules and Regulation or safety issues or exterminate any such vermin, insects or other pests. Units will also be entered at any time for general maintenance, in case of an emergency and for the purpose of hurricane preparation.
20. The Board of Directors or the Manager will retain a master key to each Unit entry door, keyed to the master key system. The Unit Owner shall not alter any lock or install a new lock on any door leading to his unit without the written consent of the Board of Directors or the Manager. If such consent is given, the Board of Directors or the Manager shall be provided with a key to such new or altered lock.
21. No person shall at any time or for any reason whatsoever enter upon or attempt to enter upon the roof of the Buildings, except for Agent(s) of the Board of Directors.
22. There shall be no unusual or objectionable odors allowed to emanate from a unit.
23. Persons shall not paint, stain or otherwise change the color of any exterior portion of the Building or any Limited Common Area, except for Agent(s) of the Board of Directors.
24. No open fires shall be allowed on the property other than as approved in writing and in advance by the Board of Directors.
25. The Board of Directors or the Manager will address violations of these Rules and Regulations. If the violation is not corrected, the Board will then take the necessary action to remedy the situation, and bill the Unit Owner for any costs incurred.
26. Suggestions, comments or complaints regarding the operation of the Condominium or service of the Buildings, grounds, etc., shall be made verbally or in writing to the Manager. Written application to the Board of Directors is required to seek an exemption to any of the above rules and regulations. Any exception, consent or approval given under these rules and regulations may be added to, amended or revoked at any time by action of the Board of Directors.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Many know the U.S. Virgin Islands as “America’s Paradise”. Many are not aware that this small group of Caribbean islands has been a territory of the United States since its purchase in 1917 for just $25 million from the Danish government. Famous for world-class scuba diving, the best marlin fishing in the world, beautiful beaches and island-style hospitality, the U.S. Virgin Islands have a rich history beginning with Columbus’ discovery of the New World in 1492.
The U.S. Virgin Islands are comprised of four unique islands, each distinctly different from the other three. St. Croix, the largest of the four islands, was once home to sugar cane plantations. Today it is known for its well-preserved historical landmarks. St. John, the smallest commercial island, is devoted largely to National Park, a generous gift covering 2/3 of the island donated by Laurance Rockefeller to the U.S. government in 1956. This is a favorite retreat for hikers and other ecotourists. St. Thomas is the most cosmopolitan of the four islands. Its historic port of Charlotte Amalie, once teeming with four-masted trading ships, now plays host to visiting cruise ships and a fleet of sail and power yachts. Water Island, recently named the fourth Virgin Island, has no gas stations or garbage trucks!
During our history, the islands have been home to many European nations, including Spain, France, England, The Netherlands, Denmark, the Order of the Knights of Malta, and finally the United States of America. The melting pot of nationalities in the Caribbean has created a rich and varied culinary tradition. One would have great difficulty pointing to a dish or an ingredient that is solely Caribbean – our ingredients and dishes have been appropriated and recreated from cuisines from all over the world.
Traditional Island Cuisine
Fungi A cornmeal porridge flavored with okra and thyme – like Caribbean polenta.
Rice and Peas A pilaf prepared with aromatic vegetables and pigeon peas.
Johnny Cakes Made for the journey, this fried bread dough was made by locals to take them on their travels.
Paté Johnny Cake dough filled with spiced beef, saltfish, chicken, conch or vegetables.
Stew Chicken, All dishes braised with vegetables and served with rice and or local
Stew Mutton sweet potatoes. and Oxtail
Conch in Stewed conch with onions and peppers in a buttery veloute sauce
Butter Sauce flavored with thyme.
Kallaloo Local soup prepared traditionally with dasheen leaves, coconut milk, okra and seafood.
Saltfish Used widely on all islands, a salt preserved cod fried or soaked and marinated for salads.
Roti
From the island of Trinidad, this dish consists of an Indian chicken curry served wrapped in a traditional chick pea flatbread.
Art Thursday
AREA ATTRACTIONS
In addition to the natural beauty that surrounds visitors and locals alike, St. Croix offers a wide variety of art venues to explore. Art Thursday is an event in Christiansted that takes place one Thursday a month from November to June. It involves art galleries, jewelry studios, coffee shops and fine retail stores that all stay open late for a relaxing evening on the town. The variety of art shown spans from paintings in oil, watercolor and acrylic, to jewelry, photography, sculpture, fine carpentry, fabric arts and furniture.
Buck Island Reef
Here is the only underwater United States National Monument (we call it a “National Park”). The Park itself covers more than 850 acres, including the island proper, with a sandy beach, picnic tables and barbecue pits. The reef has two major underwater trails – Turtle Bay Trail and East End Trail. Numerous boats operate off the dock in Christiansted; your hotel has specifics.
Cramer Park
A nice place to relax the day away during the weekdays. The park has a beautiful beach and picnic area. On weekends, the park is transformed into an outdoor bar atmosphere with DJs and music.
Eastern End of the Island
You’ve gone as far as you can go in the United States on the easternmost point of St. Croix, Point Udall. The spot is barren, but beautiful. Bring your camera. Catch a spectacular sunrise here!
Estate St. George Botanical Garden
Consisting of lush woods and rich land, covering 16 acres. Contains ruins of a 19th-century sugar cane village and rum factory, including workers’ homes, a manager’s house, a bake oven, stone dam, blacksmith’s shop and foundations of a watermill. A small admission fee is charged.
Eye to the Sky
Less than a mile from Point Udall, the National Science Foundation has funded the installation of a giant $5-million-dollar antenna – 82’ in diameter. This 260ton dish is used to explore the unknown universe. Visit the site, where guides will explain that the antenna is identical to nine others around the U.S. Together, the ten make up a single radio telescope, sharing their data over the Internet.
Jazz in the Park - Last Friday of the month
5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Jump Up
Want to see a glimpse of Crucian culture and have a great time, too? Get all that and more at a festive event called “Jump Up”. The CRRA (Christiansted Restaurant and Retail Association) invites visitors to come out and discover what Christiansted fine restaurants and retail stores have to offer. The CRRA has been putting on the Christiansted “Jump Up” for more than 16 years. The evening events start at around 5:00 P.M. until about 9:00 P.M. Once a month on a Friday night in November, February, May and July, the efforts of local businesses, police and entertainment come together for a memorable night out. Enjoy an evening of strolling the well-lit Old Danish streets, while enjoying live music, local cuisine, Moko Jumbie stilt walkers, and a festive presentation of Downtown Christiansted!
Lawaetz Family Museum
Managed by the St. Croix Landmarks Society, the Lawaetz Family Museum is nestled in a valley northeast of Frederiksted. This 18th-century estate house, with
AREA ATTRACTIONS
its accompanying ruins and rambling garden, has a charming old-island quality. Enjoy the hundred-year-old gardens and orchards filled with flowers, fruits and vegetables. Hike the lush valley and natural hillside trails. Tours available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in season. Route #76, Frederiksted. Tel: 340.772.1539 www.stcroixlandmarks.com
Rain Forest
Head towards Frederiksted, and you’ll come upon Creque Dam Road and the 15 acres of the “Rain Forest” (technically a tropical forest). The dam itself is 150 feet high. Go along Mahogany Road, which is lined with beautiful mahogany trees, yellow cedar, and Tibet trees (also called “mother’s tongue” because of the pods that rustle in the wind). The air is filled with the scent of many of our island fruits, and the call of mountain doves. The Forest is private property; the owners have graciously consented to let locals and visitors tour.
Salt River
Here’s where Columbus first arrived in the Virgin Islands in November 1493 on his second voyage to the New World, with 17 ships and 1500 men. He named this island Santa Cruz.
St. Croix Leap
Find a group of talented wood carvers in the Rain Forest. Order wood sculptures, chairs and tables all made from local mahogany and have them shipped to your home.
Sunset Jazz
For a change in scenery, consider visiting downtown Frederiksted for Sunset Jazz. Enjoy live local jazz performances, while viewing breathtaking sunsets in the western part of the island. Held on the third Friday of each month at the Frederiksted waterfront, Sunset Jazz takes place on the lawn next to Fort Frederik.
Whim Plantation Museum
Managed by the St. Croix Landmarks Society, the Whim Plantation Museum is an authentic Danish sugar estate dating from the 1700s, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the days when sugar was king and rum flowed freely on St. Croix. The stately greathouse welcomes you with gracious guides who will tell the stories of past inhabitants and plantation life. Our museum store offers a tempting cornucopia of West Indian crafts, prints and whimsical whatnots. Tours available Monday through Saturday in season. Route #70, Frederiksted. Tel: 340.772.0598 www.stcroixlandmarks.org
Weather and Power Outages
Weather:
St. Croix experiences sunny weather the majority of the year however June through November is Hurricane Season through the Leeward Islands. Local news and radio broadcasts will alert you to inclement weather that may affect the territory and instruct you in the proper procedures at that time and Hotel Staff is here to assist. Please stay in your room during a severe storm. It is recommended as a precaution that you stock up on water and non-perishable foodstuff.
Power Outages
From time to time the island experiences power outages. Emergency lighting will automatically come on. These interruptions are usually brief. Please contact the Front Desk if you need assistance.
Cramer’s Park, East End
BEACHES
Cramer’s Park has a reputation for being a bit loud and rowdy on the weekend with locals. Is that a bad thing? It takes on a fun, party-like atmosphere where people walk from covered area to covered area, joining each other’s BBQ and conversation. There are bathrooms, grills, tables and lots of shade, no strong currents, a long sand beach, and even a bit of coral reef for snorkeling. A great spot for the kids. During the week, it stays pretty empty, so it is a nice place to get away.
Tamarind Beach, East End
Tamarind Beach has a wide sandy beach, palm-thatched cabanas, lounge chairs, snorkeling, kayaking, iguanas, a beach shack, bar and restaurant, WHEW! Tamarind is great for the entire family. Large boulders create a calm sea ”pool” where you can lounge in the tubes provided, or teach the kids how to swim or snorkel. Just on the other side of the large rocks is a beautiful underwater environment enriched with sea-life perfect for snorkeling. Turtles, octopus, snapper, rainbow runners, puffer fish and Caribbean lobster make up this unique underwater neighborhood of marine life. Bring your own gear, or rent from the beach shack.
Shoys Beach, East End
The perfect swimming beach! Enter in through the Buccaneer Hotel’s entrance, and then take a right into the Shoys subdivision; ask the guard for directions. Make your way through the sea-grape trees and behold this BIG beautiful beach. The sand goes on in each direction, as if to hug the warm water it surrounds. A sandy and grassy bottom makes for a nice swim, whether for pleasure or exercise.
Sandy Point
The idyllic beach scene has been used for several movies and TV commercials. Sandy Point is located on the west end of St. Croix, and is the L O N G E S T stretch of white sand beach found on St. Croix. The beach extends out into, well, a point. The waves sometimes tend to be a bit larger, making skim-boarding fun for the kids (larger, but not dangerous!). Sandy Point is a wonderful area for playing on the beach or playing in the water, but with its sandy bottom, there’s not much to see for snorkelers. The area is a protected wildlife refuge, so nature abounds.
Dorsch Beach
Dorsch Beach located in front of Sand Castle On The Beach Hotel in Fredrickstead is one of the most beautiful beaches on St. Croix. With beautiful soft sand and mild turquoise surf it’s a favorite location for locals and vacationers. The mild surf makes this location ideal for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding. A restaurant, Beach Side Cafe, is also available for cocktails, lunch and dinner.
BEACHES
Rainbow Beach, West End
This is what you imagine the Caribbean to be like. The sea is so calm, blue and beautiful out west. This beach goes on forever and has interesting things to see both above and below the water. Find large starfish, cuddle fish, tons of snapper, French angels and the like when snorkeling. The water stays shallow for quite some time, so even though you can go far, you’re still in shallow water. Above the water, find some great shelling around exposed rocks; but the rocks do not interfere AT ALL with the powder white sand! Find a fun beach bar with live music on the weekends, cold drinks and bathroom facilities.
Cane Bay Beach
By our Crucian standards, this beach tends to be a bit more crowded than others (by state-side standards, that means LOTS of room!). This popular North Shore Beach is enjoyed by everyone, every day of the week. The restaurants and bars in the area help keep visitors fed and hydrated; feel free to bring your own cooler of food and drinks and park it for the day. Start up a game of beach volleyball with the people you’ve made friends with, and just let the day happen! Snorkel, scuba dive the famous Wall, or relax under the warm Caribbean sun.
Turtle Beach, Buck Island
Whether you arrive by catamaran, powerboat or kayak, Turtle Beach is a beautiful site to see as you approach Buck Island from the west. The lush green peak of the island and the incredible shade of turquoise of the sea envelop this beach. Buck Island is uninhabited, which makes this beach free of unnecessary distractions. It is what you daydream at work about. White powder sand to stretch out on - check. Calm waves gently rolling ashorecheck. Friendly aquatic life to snorkel amongst - check. Walk this beach around to the northwest side and you come across a virtual nursery for marine life. In the water you’ll see juvenile reef sharks, parrotfish and more, who make the safety of this area their home until they are mature enough to go out on their own. The underwater national monument part of Buck Island is accessible only through licensed tour operators, but Turtle Beach is accessible to all. Any day is a good day for Buck Island, but Sunday is the day that locals arrive on their private boats and enjoy one of the reasons they live on St. Croix to begin with.
Jack’s + Isaac’s Bay
This area is too beautiful not to let others know about it. Jack’s and Issac’s could very well be the United States’ most easterly beaches. Hike the dirt road on the right before you get to the top of Point Udall and park on the side of the road. The first bay is Issac’s - play a little in the surf and then hike over a small peninsula to Jack’s and BEHOLD what Caribbean vacation ads are made of. When you fly on an airplane, look down and see the multi-blue water ... and wish you could dip your feet in it? Well, here you are. The water is shallow. There is plenty of reef to snorkel around and plenty of marine life to view – you’re in THEIR fish bowl now! There are plenty of sand areas to just “chill” in the water and float. There is plenty of coastline to walk, explore – oh yes – and relax. There is plenty of sunshine and beautiful views to enjoy!
Photo by Ana Singh on Unsplash
OTHER ISLANDS
St. John
St. John is easily accessible with a short ferry ride from St. Thomas’ east end Red Hook dock. Enjoy the shopping in Cruz Bay and Mongoose Junction, a short walk from the ferry dock. There are many selections of fine restaurants to choose from as well. Island National Park, renowned throughout the world for its breathtaking beauty, covers approximately 3/5 of St. John. Within its borders lie protected bays of crystal blue-green waters teeming with coral reef life, white sandy beaches shaded by seagrape trees, coconut palms, and tropical forests providing habitat for more than 800 species of plants. To these amazing natural resources, add relics from the pre-Columbian Amerindian civilization and remains of the Danish Colonial sugar plantations. These are reminders of African slavery and the subsistence culture that followed during the 100 years after emancipation – all part of the rich cultural history of the Park and its island home.
St. Thomas
Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the United States Virgin Islands, is the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean. Charlotte Amalie (named for a Danish queen) is where cruise ships dock and the white and pastel houses are heavily sprinkled against a background of emerald hills. Colorful sloops dock along the waterfront, and a few steps back, down alleyways lined with old Danish warehouse buildings, is a world-famous shopping center.
When walking in St. Thomas, you will see the bustle of Main Street and cool emerald hills. Look for the view from Mountain Top, the spiral of winding streets from the base of Savan, and the quiet French countryside feeling on the far side of the island. Hoteliers offer accommodations to suit all tastes.
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are easily accessible with a short ferry ride from St. Thomas or St. John, but usually require 24 hour notice and your passport. Of the more than 10 islands that comprise the BVI, the larger include Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Anegada.
