St. Croix is the largest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands and is steeped in rich history, vibrant culture, stunning beauty and colorful and flavorful Caribbean cuisine. St. Croix is known for its topaz blue seas, soft sandy beaches, and laid-back island vibe where easygoing beach towns are staged against a mountainous yet tropical backdrop.
United States citizens enjoy vacationing on this welcoming island without a passport, making it a great alternative for last minute trips, large groups, or multigenerational family gatherings – all of which the new Equity Estates residences are being renovated to accommodate wonderfully.
We interviewed our Destination Manager, Grace, to figure out exactly how the island’s locals suggest we spend three perfect days in this idyllic paradise.
DAY 1: The Island off the Island 
No trip to St. Croix is complete without a trip to Buck Island. This beautiful, uninhabited sanctuary is a snorkeler’s dream and is located a little over a mile north of St. Croix’s east end (you can see it from the Equity Estates Carden Beach residence).
Rise and shine to head for breakfast at a local’s favorite, TLC Café. Their homemade bread is delightful, and you can also grab some sandwiches to-go for lunch on the island. It’s located just minutes from the yacht club where the charter boats are waiting to show you “the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean.”
For the true Buck Island experience, let us book you with the legendary local Llewellyn’s Charters aboard his 37-foot sailboat. That is if you don’t mind packing a lunch and limiting your group to six people. This colorful character is a master sailor who has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing St. Croix’s natural resources (and he’s also a one-man Calypso band).
If your crew is larger and you’d prefer a catered lunch on the island, Big Beard offers island tours and and a beach BBQ. Your local host can arrange for a half or full day excursion.
If you return to the main island for lunch, Ziggy’s is a must. It’s a unique island market known as the “good time gas station” and locals swear by the Cubano sandwich, refreshing frozen drinks and live music. It’s a local go-to for everything from gas to food to fascinating conversations with captivating new friends from near and far.
The infinity pool at the Carden Beach residence is a great place to kick back and cool off after your Buck Island excursion. With VIP seats to the splendor of Carden Bay at your pool bar, you’ll feel like you’re at a five-star resort.
For dinner, we’ve made reservations for you at Duggan’s Reef where whiskey lobster and water views pack quite a crowd. They also serve an amazing pasta seafood, freshly caught fish dinners and grilled steaks.
DAY 2: Sandy Point Beach
For breakfast, you’ll love the ‘funky’ ambience and tasty Venezuelan food at Toast Diner. Prepare for your beach day with the Texas Toast French Toast and Crucian Breakfast before heading to one of the most gorgeous, least crowded beaches in the Caribbean where services are limited.
To experience sheer unspoiled beauty, we introduce Sandy Point Beach. Hopefully, you happen to visit while this perfectly preserved turtle nesting habitat is open. You’ll spend a few hours exploring one of the longest and most pristine white sand beaches in the Caribbean (it’s where the final scene of Shawshank Redemption was filmed). The calm water off the west coast of the island is ideal for swimming, and you’ll never fight the crowds here.
If Sandy Point is closed for nesting during your visit, you’ll be just as impressed with Jack’s and Isaac’s Bay Beach. This secret treasure is on the east end of the island and require you to hike to the beach, but natives promise it’s well worth it. Part of the charm of these treasures is there are no beach services drawing huge crowds, so be sure to pack plenty of water, sunblock and snacks.
If you’re headed back from Sandy Point Beach, you’ll want to pop into Fredricksted and stop at Rhythms at Rainbow Beach where open air beachfront dining, refreshing frozen drinks, and the catch of the day are guaranteed to delight. If you spent the morning soaking up the sun in Jack’s and Isaac’s Bay, check out St. Croix’s hot spot The Deep End on your way back. This casual beach bar offers fresh seafood, front row seats to the Caribbean and menu items for every taste.
If you’re up for some cardio after lunch, a hike up Goat Hill or the Whale Point Trailhead are great afternoon workouts before tonight’s festivities.
As you sit by the pool and take in the endless views, one of our favorite local chefs will wow you with off–the–boat seafood such as conch, wahoo, mahi mahi, kingfish and lobster. You can expect a savory sampling of custom curated Caribbean dishes. Happy hour has never been happier as you sip on a refreshing frozen rum drink like local’s favorite, the banana colada, as you sample a taste of the Caribbean.
DAY 3: Live Reefs at Cane Bay
It’s a quick trip back to Ziggy’s because the locals say breakfast here is a must. Ziggy’s serves the best breakfast meat pate on the island, and coupled with a hot coffee, this is the perfect way to kick-off your drive to Cane Bay.
You can pack light for today’s outing because Cane Bay has everything you need. World-class scuba diving at the famous Wall and snorkeling the living coral reef are the most popular pastimes here. You can also enjoy a peaceful beach horseback ride, rent a kayak or try paddle boarding. Your local host is happy to plan any or all these activities for you. Take a dip in the clear warm water, rent some beach chairs, jump in on a game of Volleyball or simply stroll along the white sand as the waves crash at your feet. The beach is peppered with oceanfront bars and restaurants offering tasty frozen rum drinks and live music.
When you’re ready to find out what the delicious Caribbean aroma is in the air, wander up to The Landing Beach Bar where a variety of healthy lunch choices, Caribbean flavor and fresh seafood await. The bar is part of the Landing Beach resort’s 100-acre property with stunning views and hiking trails to Mount Eagle.
For those looking for some adventure off the beach, ziplining on the North side of the island with Carambola Zip Line is a thrilling way to take in the breathtaking views of the Virgin Islands as you soar through the St. Croix sky. Golf enthusiasts will love a round at the Buccaneer Golf Course, a 18-hole golf course with stunning views of the Caribbean and St. Croix coast.
Step back to yesteryear because we made reservations for you to dine in the romantic courtyard at Savant, voted the Top 10 Restaurants in the Caribbean by USA Today. The carved cement wall with candlelit niches and old-warm charm provides the perfect ambience in which to enjoy their eclectic dinner and wine menus. With fresh fish straight off the boats and vegetables from local gardens, you’ll love the house specialties include baby calamari, the portobello and goat cheese Stuffed Filet and the Bacon Wrapped Double Cut Pork Chop.
At Home in St. Croix with Equity Estates
We offer two stately homes on St. Croix for investors to enjoy while exploring the many beaches, nature preserves, outdoor activities and flavorful Caribbean cuisine of this beautiful island. Whether you choose the Carden Beach home or the Shoy’s residence, you’ll love the breathtaking views of the Caribbean, spacious outdoor living and refreshing pool.
Your personal travel concierge will work with you to plan your itinerary before you arrive and make your stay effortless by arranging reservations for activities, transportation, meals or private chefs. Arrive to a fully stocked kitchen and bar with the groceries of your choice from the local market. Leave the details to us. With Equity Estates, comfort and luxury are yours.
Travel with Equity Estates for a unique and memorable experience. Fund VI is open. 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 here to join our Fund VI interest list.
