Destination Spotlight: St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands — Two Distinct Ways to Experience the Caribbean

The largest of the US Virgin Islands, St. Croix, is one of the Caribbean’s most underrated luxury destinations. From the thriving tropical rainforest on the island’s west side to the stunning marine ecosystem off the eastern shore, and the colorful, historic capital, Christiansted, St. Croix is a travel gem for nature lovers and adventurers.

The 84-square-mile island offers travelers a range of experiences, depending on mood and preference. It actually includes an experience better-known Caribbean hotspots struggle to match: fewer crowds and greater tranquility, as St. Croix is considerably less crowded than its noisier neighbors, St. John and St. Thomas. 

Equity Estates Fund investors have access to two luxury residences on the island, each optimized for a different traveling style. This allows you to choose an ideal St. Croix vacation home depending on the nature of the vacation you’re seeking.

Why St. Croix Remains One of the Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secrets

St. Croix might be larger than the other US Virgin Islands (there are 50 of them), but it’s a little further south than the rest, making islands like St. Thomas a more convenient stop for cruise ships touring the Caribbean archipelago. Of the main US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is the most developed, thanks to its status as a cruise ship hub. Nearby St. John is renowned for unspoiled beaches (most of the island is a protected National Park), but that reputation and its proximity to St. Thomas mean it attracts more visitors than St. Croix.

Those seeking vacation homes in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, are signing up for some of the most beautiful beaches and snorkeling in the Caribbean, on an island with a vibrant culinary and cultural scene. But St. Croix is also known for a truly laid-back, island vibe that compares favorably to some of the more crowded Caribbean destinations.

St. Croix I: A Caribbean Escape Focused on Relaxation

Travelers looking for privacy and tranquility in St. Croix can enjoy the Equity Estates Fund St. Croix 1 property. This four-bedroom, 3,370-square-foot, oceanfront luxury vacation home is on the island’s east end, closer to Buck Island (about two miles offshore) than Christiansted (about five miles away). 

This is a home for those who enjoy outdoor living and a slower pace of travel. The property includes a fully tiled, private saltwater pool and outdoor gazebo. The main house features an open floor plan with soaring vaulted ceilings and expansive ocean views. 

The residence is in the Carden Beach gated community, which includes beach access, tennis courts, and a community fitness center. It’s a perfect Caribbean home away from home for those who want a private, oceanside retreat.

St. Croix II: Designed for Gathering and Entertaining

If you are planning a livelier trip to St. Croix, Equity Estates’ St. Croix II property is ideal for family vacations and group travel. The four-bedroom, 5,169-square-foot vacation home is in the prestigious Shoys community (Shoys Beach is one of the USVI’s best), a couple of miles east of Christiansted. 

The residence features multiple large gathering spaces, providing a variety of hosting and entertaining opportunities. Family and friends can gather by the private pool, enjoy the courtyard and flowering gardens, sip morning coffee at the granite countertops of the chef’s kitchen, or enjoy meals together in the spacious dining room.

Stunning views of Buck Island and the broad, blue Caribbean Sea are an incredible backdrop for relaxed conversations, multigenerational meals, and refreshing poolside drinks.

A 5-Day St. Croix Itinerary

This sample five-day St. Croix itinerary illustrates the various traveling experiences available to the island’s visitors:

Day 1: Arrival and relaxation

Most St. Croix trips start at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, about 20 minutes west of Christiansted by car. It’s a short drive to your Equity Estates Fund property of choice, which will be stocked with up to 85 consumables in preparation for your arrival.

Settle in to your vacation home. Relax by the pool with a cold drink, enjoy the view, and perhaps look forward to dinner prepared for you by a private chef (as arranged by your Equity Estates Vacation Concierge team).

Day 2: Beaches and snorkeling

Beautiful Shoys Beach is one of the most stunning sights on the island: a bright crescent of sand framing clear, blue water. It’s also famously free of almost all amenities, so pack what you need for a beach day. Snorkelers and divers should head for Cane Bay, where you’ll find The Wall: an incredible underwater drop-off, accessible from the beach at Cane Bay. Diving The Wall is a technical challenge for advanced scuba divers, but teeming marine life can easily be seen by surface swimmers and snorkelers.

Alternatively, head to the west side of the island for snorkeling or diving off the pier in Frederiksted (where you’ll also find the 18th-century coastal defense, Fort Frederik). 

Day 3: Historic Christiansted and local dining

St. Croix’s charming capital, Christiansted, has two main attractions: the Christiansted National Historic Site and the Boardwalk. At the former, you’ll find the bright yellow Fort Christiansvaern, the iconic centerpiece of a seven-acre collection of historic buildings. The Boardwalk offers scenic waterfront views and the opportunity to shop for local souvenirs. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best harborside restaurants.

Christiansted’s culinary scene is varied, including everything from local conch fritters to inventive Asian fusion restaurants, elegant farm-to-table fine dining, and popular pizzerias.

Day 4: Boating excursion or island adventure

No trip to St. Croix is complete without a visit to the Buck Island Reef National Monument. Book a half-day or full-day excursion for a boat trip that will include snorkeling and hiking around one of the most beautiful, protected areas in the USA. 

Day 5: Slow morning and departure

On your final day, take it easy by the pool or make a final visit to the nearest beach. Savor the gentle pace of life on St. Croix and look forward to your next visit.

Two Homes, One Incredible Destination

The Equity Estates Fund St. Croix properties offer investors the opportunity to better tailor their experience on the island to their own goals and preferences. Looking for a quiet, relaxing Caribbean hideaway? The St. Croix 1 residence is ideal for secluded island getaways. Or perhaps you’re planning a major family vacation, bringing multiple generations together to enjoy an extended stay in the Caribbean? At the St. Croix 2 residence, you’ll have the space to spread out, gathering together as a group when it suits and finding some quiet moments when you need them.

Equity Estates investors enjoy a more customized, personalized service than you will typically find in St. Croix luxury rentals or hotels. The Equity Estates Services includes a dedicated Vacation Concierge team to help you plan and organize your trip, arrange daily housekeeping, and send a Local Host to provide advice and insight. The homes are looked after with care while part of the Equity Estates Fund portfolio by the dedicated Home Asset Management Team to ensure the homes stay in top condition for every stay and improves its value through exit.

This is how Equity Estates builds variety and consistency into a portfolio that encompasses more than 65 properties around the world.

Discover Your Ideal Caribbean Escape

St. Croix is an ideal Caribbean vacation destination. The island is home to stunning beaches, enchanting underwater environments, historic towns, and vibrant restaurants. Equity Estates Fund investors can choose from two unique St. Croix properties, each appealing to a different travel style, both supported by an elite customized service.

Visit the Equity Estates website to learn more about Equity Estates Fund investment opportunities and our global portfolio of luxury vacation homes.

Travel with Equity Estates for a unique and memorable experience. If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or click to schedule a call. Download our Executive Summary