First, a joke: What’s a pirate’s fave letter of the alphabet? Trick question. They are illiterate savages whose purposes are ill-served by the written word.
For many of us dreamers, the Caribbean is synonymous with pirates. Through the swashbuckling legends of buried treasure and island hideouts, we’re presented with a romantic vision of the past, one of freedom and self-sufficiency, adventure and intrigue, a vision that lives through to this day with St. Croix’s luxury resort: The Buccaneer. And being part of the US Virgin Islands, Americans don’t even need a passport to get here.
True to it’s namesake, the 340-acre property on which The Buccaneer stands was founded in the age of pirates, way back in 1653. The gorgeous Virgin Islands estate went through several phases over its illustrious lifespan, including the production of sugar, cotton, and cattle before becoming a highly-sought after hotel in 1922. The original guests all chipped in with chores and maintenance to help it become the wonderful experience it is today. Luckily for you, you’re not expected to do anything except relax and enjoy the best vacation of your life.
Q: OK, what are the rooms like??
A: The rooms are furnished and designed to create the feeling of an intimate retreat, and many are named in the pirate theme (Doubloons, Frigate Suite, Pieces of Eight). The accommodation at the Buccaneer is timeless elegance and classic luxury, with beautiful rooms that will make you feel like the captain in his quarters. Every single room comes with a big balcony or patio that looks out over the rolling verdant hills and the turquoise sea with its refreshing breeze.
Choose from a stay in the Historic Great House, Oceanview Rooms, Family Cottage Suites, Oceanfront Rooms, and the Specialty Beachside Suites. Some rooms have soothing whirlpool tubs to ease the worries away, in addition to the natural sense of luxury and relaxation that flows freely. The cream of the crop, however, is the Beach House Villa at Whistle Point: a six-bedroom enclave with a main house, two cottages, a villa-style master suite with sunken bedroom, huge private pool, and an abundance of blissful luxury for those wishing to vacation in true style.
Q: What sort of amenities does The Buccaneer St Croix offer?
A: All the rooms feature modern conveniences to make your stay as comfortable as possible, including A/C, small refrigerators, safes, hair dryers, telephones, satellite television, DVD players with a selection of rentals from the General Store, irons and ironing boards, and coffee makers. Cribs, roll-aways, and CD players are available upon request. Your rate includes full American breakfast daily, introduction to scuba lessons, twice daily maid service, welcome cocktails, daily guest activities, live musical entertainment and more.
Q: What activities can we do?
A: Your stay gives you complimentary access to ocean kayaks, snorkeling gear, floating mats, beach toys, and games – available for your aquatic enjoyment from any of the staffed Beach Shacks. Explore the open water with the complimentary two-hour learn-to-scuba class then go for an open dive, or stick to the surface with stand-up paddle boarding rentals and lessons. Frolic in the two pools or in the sea from three separate beaches: Mermaid (the main beach, palm-tree lined and white sanded); Grotto (next to the pool and golf course); and Whistle Beach (secluded bliss). While we’re on the beach subject, you should make plans to head over to Buck Island, named one of the top beaches in the world by National Geographic. Back on land, there’s tetherball, bocce ball, and beachside basketball, golf, tennis, fitness center, yoga sessions, and a jogging trail – enough to keep you active! There’s also guided Nature and History Walks, cocktail receptions, watercolor classes, and seasonal nightly entertainment at The Terrace.
Q: Any special excursions we can go on outside of the resort?
A: Sign up for an Island Tour and leisurely explore St. Croix’s highlights, from the Cruzan Rum Distillery, an 18th century house, the vibrant rainforest and the Botanical Garden. Sail to Buck Island, go kayaking down Salt River, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, or take a 15-minute trip to Carina Bay Casino.
Q: What about things to do for kids?
A: The Buccaneer was recently named “One of the Caribbean’s Top 3 Family Resorts” by Caribbean Travel & Life and Forbes, for being a natural playground for all ages and offering many activities for the whole clan. Go on a family treasure hunt, build sand castles, have a tug o’ war, do a crab race. There’s an excellent Kid’s Camp for young Buccs (4-12) as well as Teen Games and Toddler Time – making just the perfect excuse for mom and dad to slip away from quality time. The Kids Camp room is stocked with arts and crafts and a foosball table and lunch and snacks keep the kids energized and hydrated.
Q: What is the spa like?
A: The Hideaway Spa is wonderful. Come to experience pure tranquility and bliss with amazing treatments and therapies that will have you totally rejuvenated and connected. Choose from a wide range of services and massages (try the Mango Madness Pedicure) in the spa or the privacy of your own room. Voted best spa on St. Croix, you’re in great hands at the Hideaway.
Q: What other awards has The Buccaneer won?
A: The Buccaneer is the proud recipient of numerous honours, awards, and accolades from the biggest names in the travel industry: “Top Ten Classic Caribbean Hotels” – Caribbean Travel & Life; “Top 25 Hotels in Caribbean” – Travel & Leisure Magazine; and “World’s Top 25 Tropical Resorts” – Condé Nast, to name but a few.
Q: What are the dining options at The Buccaneer St Croix?
A: The dining here is also award-winning – and super delicious – serving up the best cuisine of any hotel on St. Croix. With tantalizingly innovative dishes to satisfy even the most distinguished palette, you’ll love the taste sensations at the Buccaneer. The six restaurants on site offer a Caribbean and International repertoire of first-class dishes along with light options for breakfast and everything in between. The Terrace is located in The Great House and serves up classy open-air dining from one of only five Certified Executive Chefs in the entire Virgin Islands. The Martel Lounge (connected to the Terrace) is the perfect place for an appetizer and a cocktail. The Mermaid is laid-back beach dining and an excellent lunch spot. For poolside eats, grab something to go at the Grotto Grill. But when the night calls for something special – there’s no better place than Sugar Mill. Immortalized on ABC’s The Bachelor, this romantic private dining locale is found up in an historic mill with views of the ocean and the stars above. Oh, there’s also The Brass Parrot with panoramic views that seat large parties, perfect for weddings and special events.
Q: OMG, how is this resort for weddings??
A: Romance is one of The Buccaneer’s specialties, as the entire resort just radiates loving and sexy vibes. It’s the perfect setting for an enchanting fairy tale wedding amidst the timeless beauty. Choose from one of twelve special wedding packages at the resort Bridal Guide Magazine called, “Paradise Found”. Make your big day absolutely wonderful. It’s also the ideal romantic venue for a honeymoon or to celebrate an engagement. And if you just love love for the sake of love, sign up for a special romance package like The Bachelor (reliving the legendary dreamiest of dates from the show) including his and her bathrobes, champagne, picnics on private beaches, private dinners, his and her infinity bracelets, jeep rental for the day, and a couples massage.
Q: Phenomenal, just let me go propose. What do I do after that?
A: Give us at My Boutique Travel a holler and we’ll be pumped to answer any further questions you have and then we’ll book you the perfect dream vacation. Whatever works best for you, we’re here to help make your trip the best yet.
