St. Croix,
U.S. Virgin Islands
Language: English
Currency: U.S. dollar
WHY IT’S HOT:
Since this is American soil, you can use dollars without fearing you’ll be taken advantage of due to fluctuating exchange rates.
WHERE TO GO:
Stroll through Christiansted’s charming shops, including the Royal Poinciana and the True Blue Art Studio. Later, board a catamaran for a half-day sail to Buck Island, where clear waters and pristine sands abound.
PILLOW TALK:
Christiansted’s sprawling Buccaneer resort, with its colorful bougainvillea vines, extensive 18-hole golf course and picture-perfect vistas of the Caribbean Sea, is the island’s grande dame (thebuccaneer.com). Nearby, The Palms at Pelican Cove offers beachside brunches, award-winning cuisine and coral reef snorkeling tours (palmspelicancove.com).
EATS AND TREATS:
Head to the Deck Bar at Rum Runners Restaurant for a refreshing breeze and potent cocktails, or bask in the warm ambiance and fresh Mediterranean flavors of Salud Bistro. (Don’t miss the chef’s decadent “chocolate sushi” dessert.)
The newly opened Zion Modern Kitchen is already buzzing with fans of local chef Frank Pugliese.
DON’T MISS:
No trip to St. Croix would be complete without witnessing the stilt-walking masquerade dancers known as Moko Jumbies, a holdover of the island’s rich West African heritage.
TAKE AWAY:
With delectable flavors including passion fruit and coconut, Cruzan rum is a favorite liquor of the locals. ”
Read more in the June 2015 issue of EBONY Magazine.
