By Bob Curley
CJ Contributor

St. Croix combines many of the the best attributes of the U.S. Virgin Islands: towns named after Danish kings (Christiansted and Frederiksted) have the shopping, dining, and nightlife options you’d find in St. Thomas, while the interior rainforest and hundreds of former sugar mills are reminiscent of the natural beauty and history of St. John. Yet St. Croix has a unique personality, along with a welcoming, small-town feel — and a new energy that’s turned the island into one of the region’s hottest food destinations. In short, it’s an island that can be experienced in many ways; here are five places to stay that present the many facets of St Croix to travelers.

The lobby at The Fred hotel in Frederiksted.

Cool and Sexy: The Fred This adults-only boutique hotel is helping redefine St. Croix’s second city of Frederiksted as a destination for in-the-know millennials, LGBT travelers, and pretty much anyone looking for an immersive Caribbean island vacation informed by a vibrant sense of style. The main building dates to 1791, but you’d never know it by the brightly painted common areas and quirky touches like an antlered trophy over the reception desk. Crystal light fixtures may add a touch of formality to the rooms, but the beds are dressed in rainbow-striped sheets and guests are cheekily urged to “Sleep with Fred.” And yes, there’s a beach, too.