By Alexander Britell

One of the region’s coolest destinations just got a huge lift.

Florida-based Spirit Airlines has officially launched its new nonstop flights to the island of St Croix in the United States Virgin Islands.

The new service is operating on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and St Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport.

The Hotel on the Cay off the coast of Christiansted.

“We look forward to deepening our partnership with Spirit as the airline expands its service in the U.S. Virgin Islands with flights to St Croix,” said Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Commissioner of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands.  “St Croix is increasingly becoming a go-to destination for today’s traveler, and we are encouraged that there are now more options for travelers to experience our culture, cuisine, heritage and wide variety of attractions.”

Fort Christiansværn in Christiansted, St Croix, US Virgin Islands

St Croix has increasingly found itself on the radar of travelers in the know, thanks to one of the Caribbean’s hottest food scenes, beautiful beaches and a pair of charming historic towns, Christiansted and Frederiksted.

The latter is home to a brand-new boutique hotel, The Fred, which has instantly become one of the hippest places to stay in the Caribbean.

The Spirit flights are the only nonstop connection from Fort Lauderdale to St Croix.

“We are excited to offer even more flights to more of the U.S. Virgin Islands, with Spirit’s new service to St. Croix,” said Mark Kopczak, Spirit Airlines’ Vice President of Network Planning.  “Spirit has been bringing ultra-low fares to the territory for more than 12 years, and this new service to St. Croix will allow more of our Guests to save money on airfare to spend making memories in paradise.  Whether traveling for vacation or visiting family or friends, our Guests will now have convenient nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale and connections from more than 20 of America’s biggest cities.”

The lobby at The Fred hotel in Frederiksted.

It’s the latest in what has become a rapid Caribbean expansion for Spirit, and yet another new Caribbean service for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport, which has become one of the United States’ top hubs for Caribbean travel.

“Congratulations to Spirit Airlines for their continued growth and success at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.  Since their first flight here 25 years ago, Spirit has carried more than 60 million passengers,” said Mark Gale, CEO and Director of Aviation at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. “The addition of St. Croix demonstrates Spirit’s commitment and great partnership by offering connectivity between the Caribbean and the South Florida area.”