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St.
Croix: Romantic Resorts
The
Buccaneer
P.O. Box 25200
Gallows Bay, St. Croix
340-773-2100, Fax 340-778-8215
Reservations: 800-255-3881
No other hotel in
St. Croix , and few in the Caribbean, boasts the impressive history
of The Buccaneer, located east of Christiansted. Once owned by
Charles Martel, one of the Knights of Malta, the estate had walls
three feet thick and was tucked just behind a hill to hide it
from view of pirates. Later, the stately manor was the residence
of the young Alexander Hamilton.
Today, the original
estate is supplemented with modern rooms to complete the 146-room
resort but the rich historic atmosphere remains. Every week, guests
and staff come together at the manager's cocktail party, hosted
in a stone sugar mill that stands as a reminder of the island's
early plantation past.
History at the Buccaneer
doesn't just end with the facilities -- it extends to the resort
owners as well. Today the ninth generation of the Armstrong family
to reside on St. Croix operates the expansive resort.
The Buccaneer is also
well-known for its sports facilities, especially tennis and golf.
Eight tennis courts are located halfway down the hill from the
main house. Golfers can take their best swing at an 18-hole course
with views of the sea. Packages with unlimited golf are available.
Divi
Carina Bay Resort and Casino
25 Estate Turner Hole
Christiansted
340-773-9700, Fax 340-773-6802
Reservations: 800-823-9352
St. Croix's newest resort offers both oceanfront rooms as well
as villas. Rooms include private patios, mini refrigerators, microwaves,
and a sitting area; villas have a full kitchen. Rooms are decorated
in tropical colors.
Hotel
Caravelle
44A Queen Cross Street
Christiansted
340-773-0687, Fax 340-778-7004
Reservations: 800-524-0410
This modest European-style hotel is especially convenient for
those who want to immerse themselves in the shopping of Christiansted.
Located downtown right on the waterfront, this 43-room inn is
within walking distance of just about everything in Christiansted,
from art galleries to the historic fort to fine dining. It's an
excellent choice for anyone on a budget, and you can splurge with
the penthouse suite with a living room, full kitchen, large bedroom,
and two baths for less than the cost of a standard room at many
other island properties.
Want to exchange vows on the sea? The Caravelle offers a "St.
Croix Married at Sea" package aboard the Renegade, a 42-foot
catamaran that's large enough for 38 guests. Vows are conducted
by Captain "Big Beard", who has performed over 300 weddings.
The package includes a sunset wedding ceremony on the sea, a bottle
of champagne, wedding cake, dinner for two at the hotel restaurant,
an Island Safari tour, flowers, wine, personalized gift, polo
shirts and beach bag, and a room with king-size bed. The staff
of Hotel Caravelle can coordinate all the arrangements (with a
10-day notice), and for landlubbers they can also arrange for
a wedding on the harbor or at the hotel pool.
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