An ultimate Caribbean getaway
Set within the clear, blue-green waters of the Caribbean, the lovely island of St. Croix is a paradise of quiet, white-sand beaches, cozy historic neighborhoods, and acres of unspoiled natural beauty. At 84-square-miles, it’s the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, but also the least crowded, which only adds to its charm. Though St. Croix doesn’t see as many tourists as St. John or St. Thomas, it does attract about 100,000 visitors each year. Travelers are drawn to the island’s warm, small-town vibe, rich, multi-cultural history, world-class diving spots, and abundance of fun-in-the-sun outdoor activities.
The island’s stunning landscape, ranging from lush forests and panoramic hilltop vistas to private beaches and hidden coves, is another of the island’s main attractions. The island provides a picture-perfect playground for adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike.
We recently asked our St. Croix Residence Manager, Grace Richards, and two of our Investor families about their visits to the island and why St. Croix has become one of their favorite vacation destinations.
Getting There and Getting Around
“First of all, traveling to St. Croix is super easy,” says Grace. “Direct flights from Miami and four other US cities get you there in a matter of hours. Plus, as a US territory, no passports are needed! Just pack your bags and get ready for sun and sand.”
Once you’ve arrived on St. Croix, we’ll arrange a car rental as the best way to get around and see the sights is by car. The roads on the island are well-maintained, taking you just about anywhere you want to go — from Christiansted to Frederiksted, through small local neighborhoods and oceanfront resort communities, and along winding stretches that twist and turn through rainforest landscapes.
“It’s fairly easy to get around, so we always rent a car when we visit St. Croix,” says Kurt Byth, an Equity Estates Investor who has vacationed on the island eight times, “but my wife also liked the car service that the Local Host recommended when we went to Christiansted, so that’s always an option as well.”
Diving, Hiking, Exploring, and More…
Two of the most popular activities on St. Croix are diving and snorkeling. The island is consistently ranked on many “best of” lists for its incredible dive sites, massive reef system, and abundance of colorful marine life.
Snorkelers can choose from shallow, easy-access areas just off the beach or enjoy the thrill of deep-water reefs. Cane Bay, Davis Bay, the “coral prairie” at Sand Castle, and the ancient reef garden at Buck Island National Monument are all excellent choices for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
For fantastic macro diving, Frederiksted Pier can’t be beat. It’s renowned for its multiple access points, wide variety of sea life, and photo-worthy scenery. It’s the best spot to view sea horses, stingrays, parrot fish, eels, and other underwater wildlife as you swim between pillars and along scattered, coral-encrusted ruins. It’s also a popular night-diving site, where lucky divers may catch a glimpse of sea turtles, octopus, and huge silver tarpon.
Farther out from shore, divers can experience the thrill of deep diving to the wreckage of two coral-covered shipwrecks at Butler Bay; enjoy amazing wall diving at Cane Bay; or take a boat out for deep diving at the Salt River Canyon West Wall (with a maze of swim-throughs, ledges, and overhangs providing shelter for reef fish, turtles, and more).
It’s these incredible diving spots that bring Kurt and his family back to the island again and again. “I like the diving in St. Croix and even got in 20 dives during the week I spent there last April for my birthday,” he says. “They’ve all been great, but one of my favorites would have to be diving the pier in Frederiksted.”
On land and on top of the water, there’s even more adventure to be had.
“Hiking to the tide pools is always a big hit! And the Jack and Isaac Bay beach hike is also amazing,” says Grace. “Hunting for Chaney is fun and so exciting when you find unique Crucian treasure. Bio Bay kayaking at night, exploring the old sugar mill and plantation ruins, visiting the beer drinking pigs at Norma’s, and of course, the popular Turtle Project are just a few of the other uniquely fun outings that make St. Croix special.”
With so much to see and do on St. Croix, and an experienced team on-hand to make activity recommendations and arrangements, our investors enjoy unforgettable experiences every time they visit the island.
“Grace’s recommendation for Captain Humphrey of Island Thyme for our Buck Island visit was perfect,” says Chi Timmins, Equity Estates Investor. “We loved taking the boat out to the island, and our son loved spearfishing with Captain Humphrey. Grace also helped arrange catering for the excursion and the food was delicious.”
Chi also enjoys getting out and exploring all the littles beaches on St. Croix. “The beaches have never felt overcrowded. And we love that each end of the island is different; it’s fun to see the different foliage and landscapes from east to west.”
Fine Dining and Local Favorites
Another distinctive feature of St. Croix is its vibrant farm- (and sea)-to-table culinary scene, where freshly caught seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and global influences merge with traditional island flavors to create unforgettable dining experiences.
Whether you’re in the mood for fusion cuisine, a romantic beachside dinner, or a quick, delicious meal from one of the island’s local family-run spots, we’ll arrange it all.
Grace keeps a running list of her favorite restaurants, ready to make recommendations and reservations for investors looking for something specific. “Duggan’s Reef (voted Best Beachfront Restaurant on St. Croix by Esquire Magazine) is my top choice for great seafood and incredible views. Caribbean tacos and local beer on tap on the boardwalk patio at Brew STX make for a great lunch. The sophisticated dining room and fantastic Southeast Asian and French fusion cuisine at Galangal is perfect for a fancy night out. And I absolutely love the chicken and authentic local dishes (like Crucian stuffing and Kallaloo) at La Reine Chicken Shack.”
For weekend brunch, a casual dinner by the water, or delicious house-made ice cream, SALT at Great Pond is a must-do. While Goat, Soup, and Whiskey is the place to go for a steak dinner, pasta, and live music.
“There are so many great restaurants on St. Croix,” Chi adds. “We discovered a wonderful local place called Rossie’s while we were there, and we love it. But if I had to choose one favorite it would be Ama at Cane Bay. The location, food, and service there is perfect.”
In-residence dining is also a big hit with some of the investors who’ve visited the island. “Our DM arranged for a private chef, Motta, to come and cook for us during one of our stays and it was amazing!” says Chi.
Luxury Homes, Local Hosts, and VIP Service
The two Equity Estates homes on St. Croix are luxurious and cozy, with incredible views and access to amazing beaches. The spacious, light-filled interiors and beautiful outdoor living spaces and private pools create the perfect island living vibe.
“The Carden Beach home is my favorite because of its proximity to the water,” says Chi. “We loved being able to sit outside and hear the waves and stare out into the ocean. The sunsets were also amazing. The Shoys home was wonderful for a large group, and its proximity to the Buccaneer Resort and to Shoys Beach was a huge benefit. The large, open living room/dining room was ideal for gathering for dinner or games in the evening. And, of course, the pool and the view down to the water was beautiful.”
The Blyth family have also stayed in both homes on St. Croix, and find it hard to choose a favorite, though Kurt admits the Shoys home has a few features that stand out for them. “Our daughter likes the pool with a view of Buck Island, and I like the roominess of the home. Both places are great though and have wonderful kitchens, which is something we all enjoy.”
In addition to the luxurious home-away-from-home comfort of the residences, both families also appreciate the service they get from their dedicated Equity Estates team members and the personalized recommendations.
“We’ve worked with Stephanie during our stays at the Carden Beach home,” Chi smiles. “She’s very helpful with information on the island in general and always provides great guidance on restaurants and activities we might enjoy.”
“Our Local Hosts are the best!” says Grace. “Stephanie lives two minutes away from the Carden Beach house and is always happy to help with anything that comes up. She’s lived on the island for many years and has great recommendations. She really goes above and beyond to ensure our guests are taken care of.”
So Much to Love About St. Croix
Beyond its pristine beaches and rich history, the allure of St. Croix lies in its warmth and authenticity. It’s an idyllic island destination, less populated and busy than other Caribbean vacation spots, but still full of opportunity for unforgettable adventure and blissful relaxation.
Grace sums it up best. “There’s so much to love about St. Croix. I love how friendly the locals are and that the island is quieter and less busy than St. Thomas. I love that it’s a great winter escape with fantastic snorkeling and diving experiences. And I love that it’s a short flight from Miami, which makes for an easy long weekend trip if you don’t have time for a longer vacation.”
“It’s a very relaxed island,” adds Chi. “Not too touristy where you feel like you have to battle for a spot on the beach or get a reservation. We’ve been during the “low season,” so we didn’t experience any cruise ship tourists, which was nice. St. Croix has a very down-to-earth feeling. It’s easy to feel at home there.”
At Home with Equity Estates
We have two fabulous homes in St. Croix, both perfectly situated for relaxing days on the beach and convenient to all of the island’s activities and attractions.
St. Croix I is a spacious four-bedroom residence on the famous east end of the island. This beautiful custom-built home, located in the upscale, gated community of Carden Beach, features airy, light-filled rooms with stunning ocean views, an outdoor gazebo, a saltwater pool with fountain, a gourmet chef’s kitchen, whole-house water filtration system, and so much more.
Perfectly balancing luxury with modern amenities, it’s the ideal destination for an unforgettable Caribbean Island vacation.
St. Croix II is a newly renovated four-bedroom home set within the lush, green landscape of the gated community of Shoys, the island’s most prestigious neighborhood. It features a stunning great room with tongue-and-groove cathedral ceilings, a fully stocked gourmet kitchen, cozy seating areas, spa-like bathrooms, and custom-made mahogany doors and large picture windows throughout.
With breathtaking Caribbean views from both indoors and outdoors, as well as a sprawling patio with a private saltwater pool, it’s a beautiful private home with the feel of a five-star resort.
Your Residence Manager will work with you to plan your St. Croix getaway before you arrive and make sure your stay is effortless. Leave the details to us and arrive to a fully stocked kitchen and bar with groceries of your choice. With Equity Estates, comfort and luxury are yours.
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. Your fabulous St. Croix vacation awaits!
