The Buccaneer St Croix

Dating back to 1947, the historic Buccaneer is situated in a part of St. Croix that dates back to the 17th century, and the resort has withstood the tests of both time and scrupulous travelers to provide an upscale experience. From the first step into the grand lobby, the elegance of the building and grounds is apparent -- high ceilings, ornate furniture, and an open-air bar and lounge greet guests as they arrive. The property is sprawling and includes several places for guests to relax, mingle, or be active, from its multiple outdoor pools with poolside bars to a tranquil spa and the three sandy beaches. The resort draws a diverse swath of clients, but families are especially welcome here, with a kids' camp, numerous watersports and beach activities, as well as children’s menus available at all on-site restaurants

The Buccaneer is only accessible by car and is located on the eastern side of St. Croix, facing Martel and Beauregard Bays outside of downtown Christiansted. It’s a 25-30 minute drive from the international airport, and only seven minutes by car to the waterfront shops and restaurants in downtown Christiansted. From there, jeep and boat tours leave for Buck Island and a handful of other tourist sites on St. Croix. It takes about 20 minutes to get to Point Udall, the easternmost spot in the U.S. The hotel is close to a number of different nightlife and dining choices in all directions, including the Galleon, an upscale restaurant and lounge near Tamarind Marina, about an eight-minute drive away. The airport is about 20 minutes away by car.

Rooms here are classy and luxuriously large, and most have gorgeous views of the ocean or impeccably manicured grounds from private balconies or terraces. There is a wide array of configurations to choose from here and they vary quite a bit in their layout and amenities, though all rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and coffeemakers. The decor is particular to each room category as well, and some rooms are more modern than others. The Ocean View rooms are all tasteful and stylish, with tropical wall art, mahogany furniture, cream accents, and soft pink walls. Hardwood ceilings add a striking design element, and in King Rooms most of the comfy four-poster beds are perfectly positioned to get the best view of the ocean down below. Decor in the Tennis Villa, however, is far more dated, with garish, '80s-style tropical pillows, curtains, and bed skirts as well as rattan furniture. Bathrooms also vary from room to room. Some have walk-in closets, tubs with whirlpool jets, separate showers, and marble or Italian porcelain-tile floors. Others are more spare and feature only bathtub/shower combos and dual-sink vanities. All bathrooms include toiletries. 

The Buccaneer has three beaches, each offering something slightly different. Mermaid Beach is the most popular and draws day visitors as well as hotel guests. It’s sandy, shaded by palms, and has its own small restaurant by the same name. Guests can borrow equipment for beach sports here as well. The Grotto Beach runs along a few holes of the on-site golf course and has a watersports center. Whistle Beach is a secluded strip of sand near the Buccaneer Beach House and guests staying in this accommodation are given private access.

The on-site fitness center offers up-to-date equipment and is open 24/7. There is also a two-mile jogging course that curves around the beautiful grounds and the course includes a handful of work-out stations. Four tennis courts, free use of ocean kayaks, snorkel gear, and free scuba-diving lessons offer plenty of opportunities for guests to stay active. Those who’d rather lounge have options, too, as there is an on-site spa and two pools: one large and overlooking Mermaid beach, the other is smaller and more secluded.   

Local celebrity chef David Kendricks helms the main on-site restaurant and bar. He was behind the well-known island restaurant Kendrick’s before shifting his outpost to the hotel. The food is American fare a with mild Caribbean flair, and they have an extensive wine list. Service can be slow and the menu is pricey. Breakfast is an abundant American buffet featuring a number of different options at the Terrace, overlooking the extensive grounds and harbor. Mermaid and Grotto beaches/pools each have small adjacent bars with lunch menus offering soups, salads, and burgers.  

The resort also has its own 18-hole golf course and there is a kids' club on-site that's free for guests with small children. There are also weekly social events like the Tuesday afternoon party with rum punch and small bites, and there is a gift shop on site as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort and space is available for events, business meetings, and conferences. On-site parking is free and airports transfers, laundry services, and babysitting can all be arranged.