This classic Caribbean resort offers fun and luxury for the whole family. Read on to find out why!
One of the oldest and still the best on the most family-friendly of the U. S. Virgin Islands, The Buccaneer on St. Croix offers a variety of luxury accommodations spread over green hills rising gently from the sparkling turquoise Caribbean. A constant tropical breeze keeps even the warmest summer day, when temperatures rarely rise above 85°F/ 29°C, fresh and comfortable.
In The Past
Founded in the 17th century, family-owned and operated for generations, the Buccaneer claims to be the Caribbean’s and Virgin Islands’ longest running resort. Guests are welcomed to the gated compound by the squat gray stone tower of one of St. Croix’s many sugar mill ruins and the unassuming façade of the original 17th-century building, now painted a soft flamingo pink.
Palms sway above manicured lawns, vibrant bougainvillea, hibiscus, ixora, and pastel flowering vines as they have for centuries, shading 300 acres of beautifully-landscaped grounds. The classic Mediterranean style buildings face three fine-sand beaches, now stocked with complimentary snorkel equipment, two handsome freshwater pools, eight championship Laykold surface tennis courts—two lighted at night—and an excellent 18-hole golf course with spectacular vistas.
In The Present
Gracious receptionists in bright tropical dress offer a warm, friendly welcome. The comfortable lobby has much old-fashioned charm enlivened by large vivid paintings by notable local artists. Beyond it, the cool, spacious veranda overlooks the lovely landscape, sea and picturesque Christiansted harbor.
Clean white vans slowly and quietly follow the narrow drive winding down the hill among the various white-roofed buildings and sports facilities, delivering guests to their rooms and picking them up when summoned by phone.
For Families
Condé Nast Traveler names St. Croix’s Buccaneer Hotel among “the World’s Top Fifty Tropical Resorts.” For families it’s easily among the Top Ten.
The Buccaneer’s Kid’s Camp is a free, year-round activity program with supervised sports and games daily 9:30am – 5:30pm for children 4-12. Babysitters, at local rates, can be arranged through the concierge with 24-hour notice.
A sumptuous breakfast with abundant tropical fruit juices, a variety of breads and muffins, and a number of more substantial dishes are served on the hilltop veranda. Casual lunches can be taken at the beaches or pool.
Dressier attire—no swimsuits, shorts or skimpy tops—is expected in the evening. Drinks are served on the veranda or at the bar, with an enchanting view of Christiansted harbor, its lights glittering. Many evenings there’s live music, a jazz combo or shimmering steel drum, and dancing. Occasionally there’s a live performance by Mocko Jumbies, vivacious young dancers impersonating spirits on stilts in exuberantly colorful costumes, which will delight everyone, especially kids.
More elegant meals are served at two different restaurants, where the choices include Mediterranean and Pacific Rim, with West Indian influence, as well as familiar dishes for more discriminating young palates.
The smiling, ever-helpful staff makes everything even more enjoyable. And a concierge can arrange transportation, guided tours and various adventures.
Around The Island Of St. Croix
Historic, yet surprisingly prosperous and modern, Christiansted is the prettiest port in the West Indies. Besides a lively harbor, the city boasts recently restored Danish colonial architectural treasures, excellent restaurants and alluring shopping, and is only a few minutes away from the resort.
Other nearby activities include scuba diving at several impressive sites, including Buck Island Reef National Monument, yachting, parasailing, sports fishing, and sea kayaking on Salt River Bay, where Columbus landed on his second visit to the New World.
Further afield you’ll find expertly restored colonial plantations, nature conservancies, a lush mahogany rain forest, a lovingly maintained botanical garden, secluded beaches, horseback riding, biking, hiking, and even a splashy, lively new casino.
From Point Udall, the eastern-most tip of the U.S., to the gingerbread-embellished port of Frederiksted on the west coast, St. Croix is chock full of charm and pleasant surprises.
Rooms & Rates
All 138 spacious rooms are luxuriously, comfortably furnished, with particularly commodious baths, a terrace or balcony, and panoramic views. Extra touches include refrigerators in every room, fresh tropical flowers, cable TV and a constant supply of ice and fresh water. Each room has a helpful guide to the hotel’s many services, as well as the island’s numerous attractions.
The Buccaneer (800/255-3881, 340/712-2100), whose mailing address is PO Box 25200, Christiansted, VI 00824, has room rates that include breakfast, Kid’s Club, watersports gear, activities, entertainment and other amenities. Children under 18 stay free in same room with parents during summer; and a modest charge is applied for kids 2- to17-years-old for the rest of the year. Summer Specials include 50% off a second room for children under 18 and Family Packages including golf, tennis, spa treatments, etc. are offered.
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