The 5 Best Hotels in St. Croix

When it comes to the United States Virgin Islands, we’ve got a soft spot for the southernmost of the trio.

That’s because St. Croix combines so many of the things we value in a Caribbean getaway – superb dining, breezy beaches, fascinating history and shopping opportunities galore – in one easy-to-get-to, no-passport-required destination. That’s without mentioning one of the Caribbean’s burgeoning foodie scenes, led by restaurants like Digby Stridiron’s Balter (recently named to our list of the 50 Best Caribbean Restaurants).

And when you touch down on this petite paradise, these are the five places we think you’ll like best: the top St. Croix hotels.

The Buccaneer Family owned and operated since the 1940s, this 138-room resort 10 minutes from Christiansted consistently earns raves reviews for service. Its three beaches, golf course and spa are big draws, too.

Hotel Caravelle We love this waterfront property as much for its warm welcome as for its convenient location smack in the center of Christiansted and walking distance to its restaurants, shops and historic sites. The best part? The hotel has its own brand-new casino, too.

Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa The story at this 151-room resort is the property itself, first created in 1986 by Laurence Rockefeller. The resort has a raft of features (spacious contemporary-style rooms; a broad beach; and its own golf club, among them) that make a stay here feel idyllic rather than isolated.

Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino St. Croix’s only all-inclusive casino resort is a good (ahem) bet for visitors who are less concerned with “gee whiz” bells and whistles than with the convenience of a decent pay-one-price beach vacation and ‘round-the-clock gaming.

Arawak Bay: The Inn at Salt River Guests gush over the homey atmosphere, delish island breakfasts and Caribbean views at this family-run 14-room bed-and-breakfast on the island’s north shore.