Welcome
Welcome to Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina
The Staff and Management at Tamarind Reef Resort would like to wish you a warm welcome and our thanks for choosing us for your stay here in the Virgin Islands.
We sincerely appreciate your patronage, and will make every effort to ensure that your stay with us is as pleasant and enjoyable as possible.
In the Directory you will find information about our Resort and the services we offer, as well as guides to shopping, dining, water sports and many other activities and places of interest around St. Croix.
Please remember, water and electricity are valuable resources on the island, and we ask you to use them with that knowledge in mind.
If there is anything we can do to make your stay here more enjoyable, please don’t hesitate to contact Guest Services.
Again, please enjoy your stay with us, and we look forward to serving you.
Sincerely,
John P. Coates, Jr. General Manager
GUEST SERVICES
Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina
On our property, we have three guest room buildings, (A), (B) and (C). The first building (A) is connected by breezeway to the reception office with ground floor rooms numbered (1 – 8) and second floor rooms (29 –32). Tamarind Spa is in room 9. The next building (B) is in the middle with ground floor rooms numbered (10 – 16) and second floor rooms (33 – 39). The end building is (C) with ground floor rooms numbered (17 – 23) and second floor rooms (40 – 46). The Deep End Bar and Grill and Swimming Pool are three steps away from the end of this building.
Extensions:
Resort Manager = 1100 Wedding Coordinator = 1100
Guest Services = 0 Water Sports = 1157
Housekeeping = 1154 Deep End Bar and Grill = 9-718-7071
Green Cay Marina = 9-718-1453 Tamarind Spa = 9-718-3782
Guest Services ...................................................................................................TOUCH: 0
Our Guest Service personnel are available from 6:30 A.M. until 12:30 A.M. every day to assist you with all of your needs, including questions pertaining to St. Croix’s local areas.
Check-In and Check-Out
For all check-ins and check-outs:
Our current check-in time is: 3:00 P.M. Our current check-out time is: 12:00 Noon
Airlines
GUEST SERVICES
........................................................................... 9-1-800-433-7300
................................................................................ 9-1-800-864-8331
Banquets/Special Events/Wedding Receptions ........................... TOUCH: 1100
Tamarind is pleased to provide wedding and event coordination services. Our beach is a favorite spot for day and evening celebrations.
Credit Card Information
Currently, we accept: American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.
Courtesy Shuttle Cart
A courtesy shuttle cart is available at Guest Services for complimentary rides to the other side of the property. This can be used to go to the marina or the laundry.
Emergency ..................................................................................................
TOUCH: 9-911
In the event of an emergency, medical or otherwise, please contact our Guest Services Desk for immediate attention.
Facsimile/Photo Copying
A fax and photo copying machine is available at the Guest Services Desk for sending or receiving faxes for a minimal fee.
Fishing Charters
Have your own fresh catch for dinner by chartering Forever and Always fishing boat out of Green Cay Marina. Go to fishingstcroix.com or call 340-244-1335 for more details.
Fitness Center
A fully equipped fitness center is located south of the Deep End Bar and Grill near the tennis courts. Our fitness center features cardio and resistance training equipment. Adults and children over 18 years old may use the fitness center. Please see Guest Services to sign a waiver form prior to use.
GUEST SERVICES
Games
For your pleasure, there is a selection of board games for adults and children at our Guest Services Desk. The Deep End Bar and Grill hosts several family friendly activities, including Bingo on Thursday nights and Hermit Crab Races on most Friday nights, where you can win prizes to area attractions.
Guests Mail and Messages .........................................................................
TOUCH: 0
Mail and messages received at the hotel may be collected at our Guest Services Desk by either calling or stopping by.
Ice Machine
Our ice machines are located on the 2nd floor at the end of building (A) inside the stair tower; and at the end of building (B) underneath the stairwell.
In-Room Safes
For the safety of your valuables, we provide you with an in-room safe. Depending on the model, you may activate with your credit card (no charge) or by programming a number for access.
Laundry
For your convenience, there is a coin-operated laundry located by dock C at Green Cay Marina. Tokens and laundry soap can be purchased at Guest Services. Please inquire if you need a shuttle cart ride over to the laundry facility.
GUEST SERVICES
Marina
Green Cay Marina is an internationally recognized Blue Flag facility with 154 slips and is part of the Tamarind Reef Resort property. The marina features easy access to day and evening boat charter excursions on sailing and motor yachts so you can experience our beautiful island by water. Please call 9-718-1453 for more information about excursion opportunities.
Movies
DVDs and DVD players are available for rent; please inquire at our Guest Services Desk.
Parking
Complimentary parking is available for all registered hotel guests. We do not bear any responsibility for any items left inside of any vehicles parked on our resort property.
Pet Policy
Our policy does not allow any pets to be housed, nor allow any access to hotel rooms.
Postage
Stamps can be purchased at our Guest Services Desk; also outgoing mail can be dropped off for pick up by the mailman.
Reservations .....................................................................................................
TOUCH: 0
Reservations may also be made online at TamarindReefResort.com or you may e-mail your reservation request to us at reservations@ tamarindreefresort.com. You can also reach us via our toll-free number (1-800-619-0014).
GUEST SERVICES
Restaurant
Deep End Bar and Grill............................................................. TOUCH: 9-718-7071
Wonderful atmosphere; wonderful food. Located poolside at the east end of the hotel (beyond the third building); open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hours are:
Monday through Sunday:
Breakfast (7:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.)
Lunch (11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.)
Appetizer (3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.)
Dinner (5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.)
Sunday: Breakfast (8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.)
Evening Entertainment/Specials includes:
• Monday Mango BBQ Ribs
• Disco Bingo Thursdays
• Tequila Tuesdays
• Crab Racing Fridays
• Burger Queen Wednesdays
Sales Office ........................................................................................
TOUCH: 0 or 1100
For personal assistance regarding group accommodations, please contact our Sales Department in Guest Services.
Shower Valve
The lever controls the flow of the water. The knob controls the temperature. There is a safety stop at 100° F. For warmer water, press the red button on the bottom of the temperature knob and turn counterclockwise.
Spa .................................................................................................... TOUCH: 9-718-3782
Treat yourself to a professional pampering!
We offer a variety of relaxing massages, manicures, pedicures, body scrubs, body wraps and hair care. We also sell many of your favorite products.
GUEST SERVICES
Swimming Pool
Our swimming pool is open daily from sunrise to sunset. An adult must accompany children. No glassware is allowed within the pool area, as it presents a potential danger resulting in unforeseeable accidents or injuries. Use of the pool area is at your own risk, as at no time is there a lifeguard on duty.
Taxi Services.....................................................................................................
TOUCH: 0
Telephone Services
Guest Rooms ...................................................................................................
TOUCH: 0
Rooms: 1 through 8, add 110 preceding the room number
Rooms: 10 through 23, add 11 preceding the room number
Rooms: 29 through 46, add 11 preceding the room number
Local Calls (0.50) ....................................................................... TOUCH: 9 + Number
Local Information ............................................................................... TOUCH: 9 + 913
1-800 Calls(0.95) TOUCH: 9 + 1-800 + Number
Long Distance Calls:
Billed to Room ........................................... TOUCH: 9 + 1 + Area Code + Number
Collect Calls ............................................... TOUCH: 9 + 0 + Area Code + Number
Credit Card Calls .......TOUCH: 9 + 0 + Area Code + Number + Card Number
Information ................................................ TOUCH: 9 + 1 + Area Code + 555-1212
Tennis Courts
Our tennis courts are located south of the Deep End Bar and Grill. The four tennis courts feature a professional Plexicushion surface and are maintained in excellent condition. Please contact Guest Services for tennis racquets, tennis balls, tokens for lighted tennis and rules and availability. A waiver will need to be signed by all participants.
Vending Machine
For your convenience, we have a soda vending machine located on the ground floor at the end of building A, adjacent to the spa, underneath the stairwell.
Voice Mail
The blinking red light on your telephone will indicate that you have a message. To retrieve the message, please dial 1-7000 or 7000, depending on the model of phone in your room.
GUEST SERVICES
Wake Up Calls
Our in-room phones can be activated to provide wake up calls. To do so, first lift the handset, dial * 5 then dial in the desired wake up time using military time, followed by the # sign. To cancel, dial * 6, or for further assistance contact our Guest Services Desk.
Water Sports
The award winning Blue Flag beach is a few steps from the pool area and Deep End Bar & Grill. Whether you’d like to relax in a tiki hut or nap in a hammock while listening to the waves and gently swaying palm trees, we’ve got you covered. The beach shack attendants are there daily to take care of all your water sport needs. Snorkel sets, kayaks and stand up paddle boards are all available at no charge. Need instruction? No problem. The beach attendants are happy to assist and will ensure you have an authentic true Caribbean experience – Tamarind Reef Resort style!
Wireless Internet Services
For your convenience, Wi-Fi service is available throughout the entire property, including the beach and marina. Wi-Fi is complimentary and no password is required.
Visit us at: www.TamarindReefResort.com www.Facebook.com/TamarindReefResort www.Twitter.com/TamarindReef
TAMARIND REEF PROPERTY MAP
BLDG. A Rooms 1-7 and 29-32
BLDG. B Rooms 10-16 and 33-39
BLDG. C Rooms 17-23 and 40-46
Fire Evacuation Area
Fire Evacuation Area
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 guests. We urge you to take advantage of the following cautions and warnings.
In-Room Safes
We urge you not to leave any amount of money or valuables unsecured in your room. In every room, a safe that may be activated by the use of your personal credit card at no charge or by entering a pin number (depending on the safe model) has been provided so that you may secure your valuables within. The resort is not liable for any unsecured or improperly secured items.
The in-room safes will be programmed to respond to the credit card that was used or pin number (depending on safe model) to lock it. Please see the directions located on the upper left hand corner facing the top of the safe. Prior to your departure, please remove all articles and leave the (safe) door open.
In-House Room Security
For your safety and comfort, we strongly recommend that you utilize all of our available installed security equipment.
Visitor Admittance/Keys
We strongly encourage you not to leave your hotel room key unattended. Do not allow others to have possession, or to utilize your hotel key. Do not allow, nor admit any persons to your room without first making a positive identification. If there is any doubt about the person’s true identity, contact our Guest Services Desk.
0, 1100, or 9-911
Evacuation procedures utilized during the occurrence of a 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. Report any signs of fire or smoke by immediately contacting our Guest Services Desk. Fire assembly points are located in the main lobby parking lot for guests in Building A, and the Deep End Restaurant parking lot for guests in Buildings B & C.
It is our intent that these procedures will contribute to your comfort and well being during your stay at Tamarind Reef Resort.
FIRE SAFETY PROCEDURES
A Red Fire Extinguisher is located in all of our resort rooms.
As in the case of all structures: Be observant.
First, find two exits nearest your room. Be sure that they have easy access and are not blocked.
Then, count the doors between your room and the exits, so you’ll have a reference point in the event that unwarranted conditions such as a strong concentration of smoke or debris gets in the way of the exits.
In the event of a fire, an emergency alarm will sound off.
If the fire is in your room, get out and close the door. Once outside and away from any danger, please report the fire.
If the fire is not in your room, leave if you can. First, feel your entry door with the backs of your hands.
If the door is cool, open it slowly and go to the nearest exit. Crawl to the lowest floor level, move quickly. You will be able to breathe easily, as fresh air would be concentrated at the lower floor level. Do take along your door key, in the event that the chosen exit is unusable, thus requiring you to return to your room. Also, remember all alternate exits.
If the door is hot, please do not open it. Your room may be the safest place to be. Seal all cracks with several wet towels. Shut off the fan and airconditioner unit.
Call the Fire Department, (9-911) Stand by a window where you can be seen, signal for help and wait to be rescued.
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.
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.
ST. CROIX MAP
St. Croix
S T O P & R e l a x
D I S C O V E R St.
Croix
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