5001 Tamarind Reef, Christiansted, Virgin Islands (U.S.) | (937) 315-4602
Rooms have semi-private balconies or terraces with great sea views
Large on-site lap pool next to beach
Excellent snorkeling just off the hotel's beach
Two on-site restaurants: casual American at Deep End, and
more upscale meals at Galleon
Snorkel gear and kayaks free for guest use
Hotel has its own marina for access to boating tours
Fitness center has multiple cardio, free
weight, and circuit machine options
On-site day spa with outdoor massage services
Free and functional Wi-Fi throughout property
Four tennis courts on-site
Computer and printer in lobby for guest use
Beach is rocky and not suitable for swimming
Room decor is somewhat outdated and counter space is limited
in bathrooms
Minor upkeep issues throughout -- a fresh coat of paint would be nice
Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina is a simple, three-pearl resort with a relaxed island vibe that's a 10-minute drive outside of Christiansted. The 40 rooms are basic and a bit dated, but large and clean, and offer lovely views of the water from balconies or terraces. Guests have access to some of the best snorkeling on St. Croix, though this comes at the expense of a swimmable beach (it's very rocky and not the nicest we've seen on the island), and snorkeling gear is free for guest use. The resort also has two casual on-site restaurants, rotating nightly entertainment, a beachside lap pool, a humble spa, as well as a marina that provides easy access to Buck Island boat tours. Rates are comparable to Palms at the Pelican Cove, though that resort features a sandy beach for both swimming and snorkeling.
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Scene
Simple and casual island vibe
From their casual poolside restaurant to the quiet beach sprinkled with hammocks and tiki huts, Tamarind Reef, Resort & Spa fits right in with the relaxed island vibe of St. Croix. The first impression is bright and cheerful -- the low-slung yellow buildings with aqua accents pop against the sparkling blue sea and have an easy charm. Upon closer inspection, though, things are a bit shabbier. We saw broken trellises and some spots that could use a fresh coat of paint. This is not one of the island's grandest resorts, and the lobby is a small functional space only meant for checking in, with a few tourist brochures for the taking. There are several spots for guests -- who are mostly couples and families -- to relax, from the beach (though it's not great for swimming) to the on-site restaurants and bars. The laid-back atmosphere is helped by the presence of locals, who often kick back at the Deep End Restaurant for drinks or a meal.
Location
Eastern end of Christiansted, a 10-minute drive from downtown
Tamarind Reef and Spa is about three miles east of downtown Christiansted in St. Croix, a drive that takes 10 minutes. There are plenty of restaurants in downtown Christiansted. Guests looking to use this as a base to explore St. Croix will want to have their own transport as there is nothing notable within walking distance. The hotel owns the adjacent marina, convenient for boat trips to Buck Island Reef National Monument or going on sailing excursions. The Buck Island reserve stretches for 100 acres and serves as a wildlife sanctuary, with a number of rare birds and nesting turtles within the park bounds. Snorkeling is extremely popular at the resort, as guests can access a long and lively reef just off the resort's own beach (though pleasure swims along the beach aren't really pleasureable). From the resort, it takes about 25 minutes to drive to the international airport. Point Udall, the easternmost point of the U.S. and a popular tourist spot, is about 20 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Rooms have lovely views of the water and decor is somewhat outdated
The 40 rooms here have a summery, if somewhat outdated style, with tan-tile floors, ruffled yellow bedskirts, and pale flowery curtains. Furniture has an island vibe, though is dated as well, and ornate headboards to nightstands come in medium wood tones with wicker panels. Tropical artwork hangs on turquoise walls and many rooms include kitchenettes with mini-fridges, sinks, microwaves, coffeemakers, and an electric range. All rooms also have phones, safes, quiet air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and free Wi-FI. Bathrooms are clean and contemporary, with light gray stone tiles and amenities like shower caps and sewing kits, plus comfortably large stand-up showers. The only oversight in bathrooms is a lack of usable counter space. All rooms have balconies or terraces with plastic furniture and terra cotta tiles, and views of the sea are lovely.
Features
Four tennis courts, marina, day spa, and fitness center with modern equipment
The resort’s large outdoor lap pool overlooks the rocky beach below, and is also directly next to one of the on-site restaurants, Deep End. The food at the Deep End is standard American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and it's a casual spot that gets good reviews. The other on-site restaurant, the Galleon, is a bit fancier, with a chic bar and lounge as well as a formal seating area. Breakfast is not included with room rates.
The beach here is wide and shaded by huge palm trees and tiki huts, with a section reserved for beach volleyball and another section that's sandy and set with lounge chairs. While the area is nice for relaxing, swimming is limited to the snorkeling entry point at the far end of the beach, as underwater section is too rocky and shallow. Free kayak shuttles are available to a sandy inlet across the way for guests looking to swim. This is one of the best spots for snorkeling on St. Croix, though, and kayaks and snorkeling gear are free for hotel guests. Boating tours are available directly from the hotel's marina.
The resort offers a humble day spa, though it's not the most chic we've seen, and four tennis courts plus a decent-size fitness center loaded with modern equipment including free weights, cardio, and circuit training machines. There is a computer with a printer in the lobby for guest use and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Laundry services are available and on-site parking is free.
