You step off the plane in St. Croix and down the rolling staircase to the tarmac and breathe in the soft, warm air of this tropical paradise. The airport is in the "industrial" area of the island so the first sights to greet you may only hint at the beauty to come. Take a deep breathe, clear your mind of the stress of your early departure, the crying baby on the plane or the work you've left behind. You're on island time and although you may not have all the time in the world, accept the slower pace of life here and enjoy the peace and tranquility that comes with it.
You walk to the open air baggage claim, and while you wait enjoy a complimentary glass of Cruzan Rum Punch made with the best rum in the world- Cruzan Rum! Of course, there is no open container law in St. Croix, so you can enjoy the drink as you take in the sights from the rental car, but remember to drive on the left and drink responsibly! You're not quite sure what to think of the island as you pass the massive oil refinery "HOVENSA" that enables the small island economy to survive as it is well off the beaten tourist path. Although the island is only 21 miles long by 7 miles at its widest point, it is environmentally diverse, with rainforests in the west end by the airport and an arid, desert like environment in the east end.
However, all anxiety about the beauty of the island is lost as you enter Christianstead, the main town on the island, filled with charming old Danish architecture and street names. St. Croix was owned by seven different countries before the United States and the Danes were the last owners, freeing the slaves who had been brought over by the Spainards years before in the first emancipation in the Western Hempisphere of African slaves. St. Croix is not only beautiful but boasts a rich and varied history that is still celebrated by its inhabitants, who are not indigenous to the island but decesendants of West African slaves. The original peoples of these Caribbean Islands, the Arawaks were killed off by the colonial conquistadors begeinning with Coloumbus, who stopped in St. Croix for water en route to a more popular discovery in 1492.
There are beautiful resorts on both ends of the island. Carambola is a well known resort with time-shares on the West end, boasting a popular golf course. However, the beaches are not nearly as beautiful here, as the south shore of the island is much more rocky and not suitable for swimming. On the East End, there several centrally located hotels and resorts, most popular being Chenay Bay Beach Resort, The Tamarind Reef Resort and closer to town, the world famous Buccaneer Hotel and Resort. A variety of rental homes are also available in any number of beach or inland locations. See the websites for these hotels or CPMI Rentals online for more information.