On behalf of the Staff and Management of Cottages by the Sea, we would like to welcome you and to 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 Frederiksted area.
We are always striving to improve the quality of our guests’ experience. Comments and suggestions regarding accommodations or staff performance are welcomed.
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,
Paul Benedict Manager, Owner
COTTAGE RULES
1. Office hours are from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Monday thru Saturday and Sunday 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
2. Check-out time is 11:00 A.M. If you have a late flight, we can store your luggage in the office and you may use the employee bathroom. Please make arrangements at the office.
3. SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE COTTAGES. CANDLES AND INCENSE ARE ALSO PROHIBITED. A $250.00 CHARGE WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR CREDIT CARD FOR ANY EVIDENCE OF SMOKING IN YOUR ROOM.
4. Per USVI law, smoking is only allowed in the designated outdoor smoking areas and prohibited outside of the designated smoking areas.
5. Please be considerate of our other guests by keeping TV’s, radios and conversations quiet after 10:00 P.M.
6. Cottages by the Sea is not responsible for loss of money or personal belongings. We encourage you to use the safe in your room to store valuables.
7. Housekeeping service is not available on Wednesday, Sunday, or holidays. However, the office staff can always assist with replacement of towels, etc.
8. Our Cottages, beach chairs, patios, towels, kayaks, bikes and bathrooms are only for the use of registered in-house guests of Cottages by the Sea. Parties and loud gatherings of any kind are prohibited on our patios or on our beach unless first cleared by the office staff.
9. When using the air conditioner, please make sure all windows are closed and do not go below 70 degrees.
10. Guests are responsible for doing their own dishes.
11. The internet password is “greenfish” all lower case.
12. Please do not let the cats into your cottage.
13. Please do not throw cigarette butts or trash onto the beach or grounds.
14. I understand that I am renting a cottage for 2-4 people only and that renting a cottage at Cottages by the Sea does not give me the right to invite a large gathering of family and friends to join me in my cottage, on the beach or on our patios. I understand that the Cottage I have rented is for only those listed on the reservation form and that Cottages by the Sea is private property.
Our Staff
Paul Benedict .....................................................................................................Manager, Owner
Megan .................................................................. Reservations Manager (resides in Florida)
Dietre ................................................................ Reservations Coordinator (resides in Illinois)
Lyndi ...................................................................... Assistant Manager and Interior Designer
Sande, Kate, and Kishma ............................................................................. Front Desk/Office
We do not recommend the public bus system on St. Croix. The local residents use Group Taxi Vans as their transportation. Group Taxis may be hailed on King Street in Frederiksted and Company Street in Christiansted. The taxi cost is $3.00 per person. The route is back and forth between the two towns via Centerline Road only. You may stop anywhere en route by hailing the driver. When getting on a taxi, it is customary to say “Good Morning” or “Good Afternoon” one time to the whole bus. You pay the driver when you disembark.
Chamber of Commerce
For maps and area information, contact the Chamber of Commerce by calling 340-718-1435.
Check-Out / Check-In
Check-out time is: 11:00 A.M.
Check-in time is: 3:00 P.M.
Quiet Hours 10:00 P.M. to 9:00 A.M.
Office Hours 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. (Sunday 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.)
GUEST SERVICES
Checking Out
Prior to check-out, please remember to settle your finances at the office. Before leaving, give your room a final check for personal belongings. Remember, the office is not usually open before 9:00 A.M. in the morning, so if you have an early check-out, please settle your bill the previous day.
Late Check-Out
We cannot offer a late check-out prior to the check-out day. Please check with the Front Desk to see if the room is available. If a late check-out is possible, a late check-out fee of $30.00 will hold the room for you until 4:00 P.M.
Credit Card Information
We accept American Express, Visa, Discover and MasterCard.
Emergency
In the event of an emergency, medical or otherwise, please contact the Front Desk for immediate attention.
Emergency Numbers
Housekeeping Services
The housekeepers refresh your rooms daily except the two “Green” days, Wednesday and Sunday. Sheets are changed every 3 days unless requested otherwise. If you want clean towels, place your used towels on the floor to be replaced. Please do not use towels or washcloths to mop floors, or to clean excessive dirt; ask your housekeeper for a rag or mop. Housekeepers are not responsible for doing your daily dishes, and please remember to wash dishes prior to checking out.
Housekeeping Gratuity - Our housekeepers do rely on tips as part of their compensation. Hopefully you will choose to leave a gratuity that reflects the quality of their service. When asked, we tell guests an average daily gratuity for a very good job is $8.00 per day. We request you give any gratuity directly to the housekeeper or leave with the office.
GUEST SERVICES
Housekeeping Services (Cont’d)
Trash – If you have excessive trash to dispose of, please tie the trash bag and deposit in the dumpster on the east side of the property or leave outside your door for housekeeping to pick up. Please do not throw any raw poultry, meat or seafood in the trash. You may leave all food in the refrigerator when you check out.
Kitchen Inventory - Kitchen accessories for four persons are provided. If you need additional accessories, please check with the office. We would greatly appreciate it if dishes are returned to their original Cottage.
Important Numbers
AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) ...............................................................
Parking
Complimentary parking is available for all registered hotel guests. The hotel cannot be responsible for items left in the vehicles on the hotel property. We have parking on the north, south and east sides of the cottages. Please do not park in the parking lot across the street designated for the Beach Side Café restaurant.
Reservations
Reservations may be made at 340-514-4824, or contact the Front Desk for assistance.
Swimming Pool / Spa / Continental Breakfast
We do not offer these amenities as part of Cottages by the Sea. The hotel next door (Sandcastle on the Beach) does offer some of these amenities to our guests for a reasonable fee.
Please call their Front Desk for more information. ..................... 340-772-1205
Telephone Services
We do not have telephones in the cottages. There is a courtesy phone at the Front Desk for your convenience. You may make local calls on this phone at no charge. The area code for the Virgin Islands is 340.
GUEST SERVICES
Television Channels
Press the “Guide” button on your cable remote to get a complete list of channels, time and schedules for each channel.
TV Remote and Cable Box
Only use your TV remote to turn your TV off and on and make sure the TV is set on channel 3 so it will work with the cable box. Otherwise, put this remote to the side.
For the Cable Box to work, make sure the TV itself is on channel 3. Use the TV remote or TV buttons to do this.
Make sure the remote is in “CABLE” mode. To check, when you press the channel up button on this remote, the “Cable” light on this remote should light up at the same time. If it doesn’t, press the “Cable” button once to put this remote in “Cable” mode.
Make sure the batteries are all the way in the remote.
Worship
AMENITIES
• BBQ Grills – Available on our main patio. Please clean the grill, and leave the patio area as clean as you found it for other guests to enjoy.
• Book Nook – Located around the corner from the Front Desk. Feel free to take a book home or leave one behind.
• Games – We have a small variety of card and board games available in our community closet located around the corner from the Front Desk. We also have a Bocce Ball set and Corn Hole/Bags.
• Items sold at the Front Desk – Postage stamps and laundry pods.
• Kayak – There is one kayak available for guest use. Please use at your own risk. The kayak is located behind the Carnival cottage. Please inform the Front Desk if you plan to use the kayak. For your safety, the kayak is not available during rough weather and should only be used during the daylight hours. Make sure the kayak is returned after your use. We recommend remaining in sight of the cottages.
• Snorkeling Equipment – We have snorkeling equipment available that past guests have left behind. It is located in the community closet by the office. Please rinse any sand off the snorkels, masks, and fins for the future guest use. You can always rent or buy equipment from a local dive shop.
• U.S. Mail Box – Located on wall to the right of the Front Desk. U.S. Mail pick-up and delivery is around 9:30 A.M., Monday through Saturday except holidays. Please allow four to seven days for delivery.
• Guest Laundry – Located across from the laundry area. The machines are coin-operated and cost $2.00 each in quarters. Change and laundry detergent may be acquired at the Front Desk.
• Bikes – We have bikes available for guest use. Please use at your own risk. The bikes are locked so ask the office staff for the keys. WE CANNOT ALLOW THE BIKES TO BE TAKEN OUT AFTER DARK. Please return all bikes to the Cottages by sundown. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Recycling is limited on St. Croix. We can accept #1, #2, #4 and #5 rinsed plastics with lids off and rinsed aluminum beverage cans. Receptacles are next to front desk across from the bikes.
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 in your room. Under state law, the hotel is not responsible for the loss of articles that have not been secured properly in these boxes.
Smart Safety Tips
Always lock your door while away from your cottage. Do not open your door for strangers, or allow them into your cottage. Please report any gas stove or electrical problems to the office.
We do not recommend walking into Frederiksted after dark.
Do not leave snorkeling equipment or valuables on your patio unattended. Do not leave our kayaks or water toys unattended on the beach. Report any suspicious characters or activity to the Front Desk. It is not recommended to take pictures of or point a camera at local residents.
Be cautious when walking around property grounds. Be aware of dips and uneven ground. Especially after dark stay on sidewalks.
General Safety Tips While Out and About
“Out of sight, out of mind.” Keep your desirables out of view of the public. When at another beach, do not leave your valuables unattended. When in Frederiksted at night, stay close to the more populated streets and restaurants.
Lock your car when left unattended, and keep all belongings out of sight. When sightseeing on back or unfrequented roads, be sure to stay with a group.
Crime is universal, no more or less on St. Croix, so be aware of your surroundings.
Local Customs
It is unacceptable and generally frowned upon to wear provocative clothing in public, or to wear bathing suits in public unless you are on a beach or in a swimming pool.
It is common courtesy to say good morning, good afternoon, even when just passing people on the street. Always start a conversation with these greetings, and the normally reserved locals will be warm and friendly! Also, when driving around the island, it is common courtesy to let other drivers make a turn or exit a driveway if you can, just as they will do for you. A flash of your lights or toot on the horn says go ahead, and a quick toot or two on the horn says thank you!
Slow down and relax. Be patient with the slower pace you will experience on the island.
Visit our website to read more about the History of Cottages by the Sea and the Benedict Family....https://caribbeancottages.com/our-story/
Many people don’t know that Cottages by the Sea is one of the oldest hotels on St. Croix that is still in business. The story of Cottages by the Sea begins after World War II, when tourism started to blossom on the island. Today, Cottages is still a small, quaint property owned and operated by the founding family, The Benedicts. We offer our guests an authentic and genuine Caribbean escape, not only on a perfect stretch of beach, but with a rich history and a beautiful story as well.
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.
Cruzan Rum Distillery
Come visit Cruzan Rum and discover how rum has been made on St Croix. You can take a 30 minute tour of the distillery and then go the Pavillion for tastings. To book your tour go to www.cruzanrum.com/tours-and-experiences
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
AREA ATTRACTIONS
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 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.
Rainbow Beach, West End
BEACHES
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.
