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.