Skip to main content

Dive In to the Best Beaches and Rum During Your St. Croix Vacation

St. Croix
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Amid one of the worst hurricane seasons in recorded history, 2017 was a rough year for the Caribbean islands. There’s still a long rebuilding process ahead, but many are bouncing back. From Puerto Rico to the British Virgin Islands to the U.S. Virgin Islands, many hotels, restaurants, and guided tours have reopened for business. If you’ve been considering a tropical vacation, now is a fantastic time to go. With stunning beaches, impossibly friendly locals, and the world’s best rum practically flowing from the taps, St. Croix, in particular, might be just what you’re looking for.

Things to Do

Cruzan® A Diamond in the Rum Commercial

No spirit is more iconic of the Caribbean than rum. While the two biggest players in the industry get all the love here in the U.S., no distillery embodies the region like Cruzan Rum. Cruzan dates back nearly 200 years and it’s one of the few family-owned distilleries left. A visit to the Frederiksted facility promises free rum (don’t miss the Black Strap expression!) and a fascinating tour that explores the distillery’s inextricable links to the island’s rich history. Plus, the brand is working hard to help rebuild St. Croix through The Island Spirit Fund initiative. For every case of rum sold, Cruzan will donate $1 to local grassroots groups to help with ongoing relief efforts.

Buck Island National Reef Monument
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Exploring Buck Island National Reef Monument is practically required for visitors to St. Croix. It was the nation’s first protected marine monument and is home to a diverse array of marine and land animals. Caribbean Sea Adventures can arrange a proper half- or full-day tour of the massive, 19,000-acre site. Start with a leisurely snorkel tour around the reef, complete with an underwater trail. Then head to Turtle Beach on the island’s western edge. This pristine stretch of white, sugar-soft sand ranks as “one of the world’s best beaches” according to National Geographic. Time your visit right and you’re likely to have it all to yourself.

Recommended Videos

Eat and Drink

Savant
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ask a local where they dine for a special night out and the almost universal answer is likely to be Savant. This charming eatery is shoehorned into a tiny stone building with just 20 tables. It’s intimate, romantic, and perfect for a proper date night. The food is an eclectic fusion of Caribbean cuisine with Thai and Mexican influences in a way that just works. The focus is on seafood which is all out of this world, but spring for their house specialty: a portobello and goat cheese-stuffed filet mignon with Jack Daniels oyster cream sauce. The indoor dining room is lovely but ask for a seat in the beautiful, candlelit courtyard around back. Your date will thank you. (Note: This is dinner-only and reservations are encouraged.)

Where to Stay

The Buccaneer Hotel
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Buccaneer Hotel has been a mainstay for St. Croix tourists since at least the mid-20th century. Its history as a hotel dates back to the 1600’s making it the longest running resort in the Caribbean. Unlike many of the region’s chain resorts that lack any semblance of charm or soul, The Buccaneer offers plenty of Crucian flavor. It’s technically a resort, but it’s just the sort of well-worn, unpretentious accommodations most laid-back beach-going travelers are after. You’ll find all the typical resort amenities including two pools, a spa, a golf course, and tennis courts, but it’s the two beautiful beaches and the open-air restaurant/bar slinging draft Leatherback and well-made Cruzan rum cocktails amid sweeping sea views that you’re paying for.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3 may be the perfect travel companion — here’s why
Improved ANC, better battery life, and a brand new translation tool set these earbuds apart
Two people conversing in a cafe while wearing AirPods Pro 3

Apple has announced a new set of AirPods, and there’s a fair argument that the compact audio devices totally overshadowed the new Apple Watch, iPhone 17, and iPhone Air -- which debuted during the same showcase.

The AirPods Pro 3 has vastly increased capabilities when compared to its predecessors. The most useful new function for travelers is likely to be the translation feature. With the feature enabled, the AirPods automatically translate the speech of anyone the user is talking to, so that user will hear the conversation in their selected language. ANC also kicks in to lower the person speaking’s voice, which makes the translation sound more prominent.

Read more
Airbnb says this iconic capital is the most popular fall destination
Paris is the place to be this fall
Paris apartment airbnb panoramic view

Airbnb has unveiled its 2025 fall travel trends report, and one city tops Gen Z’s must-visit list this season: Paris, France. The study found Gen Z traveler searches are up 26% compared to last fall, with young globetrotters more likely than Millennials to book longer, international escapes. But the data isn’t just for Gen Z, anyone can use it to plan an affordable shoulder-season getaway.

Paris has emerged as the No. 1 trending fall destination, as travelers flock to the French capital for cooler weather, fewer crowds, and a chance to check off bucket list experiences. Autumn in Paris offers plenty to enjoy: strolls along the Seine as leaves turn golden, café-hopping in Saint-Germain, and cultural events like Nuit Blanche, the citywide all-night arts festival in October. Visitors can also enjoy iconic attractions, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, without peak-season lines.

Read more
7 unforgettable Montana destinations that go way beyond Yellowstone
Explore outside of Yellowstone
Glacier National Park

Something about Montana is just different. The air is cleaner, the skies feel wider, and the pace of life slows down in the best way. If you've ever taken a trip to Yellowstone, you know how stunning the landscape is, but Montana's beauty doesn’t stop at the park gates. 

While Yellowstone is absolutely worth a visit, there’s a whole world beyond it that’s just waiting to be explored. From charming small towns to incredible mountain views and world-class Montana ski resorts, this state is full of unforgettable destinations. These are some of the best places to visit in Montana for every type of traveler.

Read more