Jun 29, 2021 | Island News
The historic Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort will be converting to Wyndham’s Trademark Collection. The Buccaneer is the oldest family-run resort in the Caribbean, opening as a hotel in 1947 with buildings that date to 1653, when the Knights of Malta were in St. Croix. The family-owned-and-operated resort said that the current ownership, management and staff will remain in place, but the resort will gain access to the 86 million Wyndham Rewards members via the brand’s reservation system. The resort plans to complete transition to the Trademark Collection by Wyndham over the next several months.
A member of Historic Hotels of America, the Buccaneer’s historical features include a sugar mill from the early 1700s, the Cotton House that was used in the early 1900s when cotton replaced sugar as the Virgin Islands’ primary crop and the Hamilton Wing, rumored to have been Alexander Hamilton’s home during his time on St. Croix. Read about the property’s history on the island here on Travel Weekly.
Read the Caribbean Journal and Travel Weekly for articles about the Buccaneer joining the Wyndham.
Photo credit: Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort
Jun 29, 2021 | Community Events
In the USVI, we commemorate two important historical events marking freedom — Emancipation Day and Independence Day. Virgin Islanders commemorate July 3, 1848, the emancipation of enslaved people in the territory. VI Emancipation Day on July 3rd every year is a time when the community celebrates with a series of activities that recognize the courage of those ancestors of 1848.
Independence day on the 4th of July is also celebrated on St. Croix and normally includes a beautiful fireworks display in Frederiksted after sunset, along with music and a carnival atmosphere. We are excited to hear that the Frederiksted Economic Development Association once again is organizing fireworks show for the community. This is a FREE, family-friendly event will take place on July 4th at the Frederiksted Pier. Masks and social distancing required. For details and a list of the sponsors, read more at GoToStCroix.com.
To read more about VI Emancipation Day, read more here.
Jun 29, 2021 | Island News
The US Virgin Islands is one of the hottest yachting destination in the region right now. According to the Caribbean Journal, “From an increase in bold-faced names bringing their boats to the USVI to a sizzling charter industry, there’s no buzzier marine getaway in the region.”
According to the USVI Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, USVI has been hosting a number of marine events amid the pandemic due to the territory’s “diligent adherence to public health protocols, including our Travel Screening Portal, we have been successful in delivering marine events in the Territory over the past year.”
We are looking forward to the possibility of USVI Tourism and the Office of the Governor creating a marine program specific for the island of St Croix. This would be exciting for St Croix!
Read the full article on the Caribbean Journal.
Photo credit: The Caribbean Journal
#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #yachting #boats #sailing #marine
Jun 29, 2021 | Island News
The Virgin Islands Cycling Federation dedicates a race in June every year to promote cycling, which has been an Olympic sport since 1896. On June 13th this year, 31 VI cyclists took part in the Ride To The Rings Road Race, which was sponsored by the Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) to celebrate Olympics Month. Cyclists participated in Elite (45 miles), Expert (36 miles), or Sport/Masters/Women (18 miles) races. Read more about the race on St. Croix Source and on the US Virgin Islands Federation Facebook page.
Photo credit: US Virgins Federation
#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #cycling #olympics #vicycling
Jun 16, 2021 | Island News
Most people experience St. Croix on the water in traditional ways like a catamaran sail to Buck Island or a fishing charter along our deep blue waters. With Leading Edge Kite School, a new and adventurous experience awaits you on the beach for a trio of lessons in kitesurfing! This wind powered surface water sport uses a kite and a board to move across the water. The power of the wind blowing against a large parachutetype kite catapults the rider across the water for an exhilarating experience like no other. Owner Chris Doyle launched the business in 2011 after leaving his 9-5 career in the construction industry. “I always dreamed about being in the Caribbean and I came to St. Croix to pursue my true passion of kitesurfing,” said Chris. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Chris chose St. Croix as the ideal kitesurfing location because of the number of easy, beginner-friendly beaches on the island. “St. Croix is a great place for the sport because of the year-round trade winds and the flat-water locations that are perfect for beginners and advanced riders.”
The great thing about kitesurfing is that just about anyone can do it! According to Chris, most riders get a hang of it after 3-5 lessons. If you love water and have an adventurous spirit, this is the activity for you. “Whether riding waves or on flat water, there’s nothing like jumping 30,40 feet in the air. It takes a little work to learn but it is fun and super rewarding!”
In addition to the St. Croix location, Chris and his wife Laura Lee operate a New Jersey location for Leading Edge Kite School from May through October. They recently added electric hydrofoil lessons aka efoiling where guests operate an electric skateboard that hovers over 2-3 feet above the water. Chris suggests this activity for someone wanting a quick and easy learn. “E-foiling is a great one-day activity and you don’t need the wind to make it happen.” Learn more about Leading Edge Kite School on their website www.leadingedgekiteschool.com or call them at 215-498-5788.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #kitesurf #kitesurfing #kiteboarding #surfing #beach #watersports
