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The Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino is home to a 1,000-foot-long white sand beach |
While in St.Croix for the recently concluded 16th annual U.S. Virgin Islands Destination Symposium, Travel Agent spent a hectic day inspecting just about every hotel the island had to offer. Here is the skinny on the most notable properties we saw, which ones are ideal for families or couples and which one we think is the best.
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A Premium Beachfront Guestroom at the Divi Carina Resort |
Chenay Bay Beach Resort
Our favorite stop was Chenay Bay Beach Resort, a 50-cottage property for families and couples. We saw Room #43, a studio cottage with a microwave, a king bed and TV. It is small but the location is perfect and the room is elegant. In fact, this entire resort has an old-school, classic feel to it.
We are told Cottages #8, 18 and 9 are the best because of the extra space they provide. Room #8 is about twice the size of the cottage we saw and also offers an outdoor shower.
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A studio cottage at Chenay Bay Beach Resort includes kitchen facilities and a living area |
We are told this resort will soon offer floating beds and unveil several plastic air-foam mattresses by the end of the year. If your clients are fond of seafood, the resort restaurant, Mahi, offers crab legs on Monday nights.
Agents should contact Patricia Alt, sales manager, at 340-773-2918, ext. 1010, or [email protected].
Kings Alley Hotel
The Kings Alley Hotel didn’t quite blow us away, but there isn’t anything about it that we didn’t like either. It is a simple 20-room boutique hotel located in the center of the shops and restaurants in Christiansted. We saw Room #309, a One-Bedroom Suite. It has a bedroom and separate living area with a couch and a coffee table. The colors are all subtle browns and the room has an inviting and relaxing feel. There is nothing fantastic or incredibly flashy about this hotel, but it’s perfect for couples who want a simple accommodation in a lively district.
Agents should call Tony Jeffers, manager, at 340-773-0103.
The Palms at Pelican Cove
Like most resorts on St. Croix, The Palms at Pelican Cove is very small and perfect for couples as well as families, although we’d say couples should probably be your main targets. We saw Room # 25, one of 17 rooms that were recently renovated. It is a Beach Front Double Room with great views, new TV and a refurbished bathroom. The colors of the room, like most St. Croix properties, are bright. Perhaps one of the nicest features about staying at The Palms is that guests receive a free bottle of rum.
Agents should contact Jill Dedinsky, executive assistant, at 340-718-8920, or [email protected].
Hibiscus Beach Hotel
At Hibiscus Beach Resort, we saw Room #7, a Single Beach Front Room with a king bed and full ocean views. This isn’t bad at all, but the best rooms are probably the Hibiscus Suites. In addition to the resort’s usual room amenities, the suites have full kitchens, a living/dining room, an extra TV, a queen sleeper sofa and comfortable chairs, and patio furnishings for outdoor dining. Book these for couples.
Agents should contact Marc Mullins, director of operations, at 340-718-4042, or [email protected].
Hotel Caravelle
From the deluxe rooms at Hotel Caravelle, clients will have a view of Christiansted Harbor and the Caribbean with St. Thomas 45 miles in the distance. The Superior Rooms overlook the Caravelle pool, Christiansted Harbor and the Christiansted Boardwalk. In a standard room, clients have windows for the Caribbean sun but no view of the water. Much like Kings Alley Hotel, this property is located in the middle of gift, souvenir and clothing shops, offices and several restaurants. This is a great option for couples seeking a simple hotel in a good location. Agents should call Elsie Galloway, manager, at 340-773-0687, or [email protected].
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The beach at The Palms at Pelican Cove spans the full length of the property, providing ocean views from every room |
Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino
Although it wasn’t on our site inspection list, the Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino was where we stayed the night. This is also the site of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ fully operational casino. While other hotels on St. Croix house slot machines and other electronic games, the casino at Divi Carina Bay is the only one that has table games such as poker and blackjack. It is also home to a 1,000-foot white sand beach, two restaurants, two bars, a water sports center, PADI five-star dive center, two freshwater swimming pools, two outdoor whirlpools, floodlit tennis courts, a fitness center, spa and more.
Divi Carina Bay also offers an 18-hole miniature golf course with driving range and clubhouse featuring tropical landscaping and waterfalls. The rooms and amenities make this the perfect resort to pitch to families. Children 15 and under stay free with an adult. The Divi staff is available to help arrange childcare; ask clients to contact the resort at least five days prior to arrival to make arrangements.
Agents should call either Jim Hunter, general manager, or Assistant General Manager Kevin Jackson, at 877-773-9700.
Getting Around in St. Croix
If your clients want a personal driver to show them the ins and outs of St. Croix, Travel Agent recommends Sweeny Toussaint of St. Croix Safari Tours. You can contact him at 340-773-6700 or [email protected].