Island News Archives - Page 37 of 50 - Chris and Christie Powers

Island Life Meets Cherished Local Art with FantaSea Jewelry

Apr 23, 2021 | Island News

FantaSea Jewelry is the newest addition to St. Croix’s jewelry landscape, combining precious metals and gemstones to highlight the beauty of island life. Owner Nicole Gariepy’s long-time love for jewelry making led her to acquire FantaSea Jewelry in 2016 after running a jewelry business over a seven-year period. She found herself becoming lost in the business side of things. “I was no longer creating jewelry and that was the complete opposite of why I got into the business” she said. FantaSea Jewelry has allowed her to tap back into what inspired her love of jewelry making in the first place.

All of the pieces are made using genuine stones, precious metals and minerals with each collection telling a story that depicts island life. “With my jewelry, I want to capture the magic and the beauty of living on an island.” While St. Croix’s physical beauty is an inspiration to her pieces, Gariepy credits the energy, kindness and authenticity of the people as the driving force behind her collections. After much online success selling her jewelry, a brick-and-mortar location was the natural next step in the evolution of FantaSea Jewelry. When the pandemic hit, Gariepy returned to online sales to stay afloat. However, she knew that having a retail location was great for her business and was committed to maintaining a space on island.

When the opportunity to move into a larger space came along, she jumped at the opportunity because of its strong connection to St. Croix’s art community. Longtime friend Tina Henle of the Henle Art Gallery shared that the Company Street space would be available soon as the gallery was closing after 27 years. That’s when Gariepy’s idea to collaborate with Henle was born. “The Henle art has always been inspired by St. Croix life and life in the Caribbean as a whole and their art ties in with the premise of FantaSea Jewelry,” she said. Now with the new gallery style space, customers can purchase locally made jewelry AND art in one location, which helps support the art community as a whole. “This has been such a meaningful endeavor and with everything happening today, we need people who are bringing beauty into the world now more than ever.”

FantaSea Jewelry is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit their website at www.fantaseajewelry.com for more information.

Written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #jewelry #boutique #smallbusiness

Off Roading Adventure with Tan Tan Tours

Apr 23, 2021 | Island News

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary adventure with Tan Tan Tours on St. Croix! This open-air four-wheel drive Jeep tour takes guests on a thrilling ride as they explore the island’s lush rainforest and take in the breathtaking views around the island. With full and half day tour options, guests are rewarded with the rare opportunity to swim in St. Croix’s Annaly Bay Tide Pools. These large, naturally formed pools are located on the island’s beautiful North Shore and are accessible most notably via a challenging hike.

Thankfully, the fun and friendly staff of Tan Tan Tours can take you there in one of their tried-and-true Jeeps! In addition to the Tide Pools, other attractions guests encounter include the rainforest, historical ruins, Cane Bay Beach and Point Udall. Owner Waze Phillips officially started the business in 2000 but was sitting on the idea for over seven years. “I started doing these off-road Jeep tours with friends back in 1993 and they all enjoyed seeing St. Croix from a different point of view,” said Phillips. “You get to see St. Croix from the highest to the lowest points in a way that has never been experienced before.” Seven years later, Phillips felt he was ready to make the business official. “I am a praying man and never do anything without extensive prayer. I think seven years of prayer was enough!” As the travel to St. Croix has increased, Phillips has found the Tide Pool Tour to be the most efficient option for visitors. The half-day and full-day tours are four and eight hours respectively however, the Tide Pool Tour is approximately two hours long. “Guests can experience a bit of our half day excursion and can safely get to the Annaly Bay Tide Pools with us with ample time left to do other activities during their visit.” Pack your sunscreen, hat, water socks (for the tide pools), swimsuit and towel and get ready for a thrilling excursion with Tan Tan Tours. For more information, call 340.473.6446.

Written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #offroading #excursion #adventure

Retiring in St Croix: When is the best time to buy real estate?

Mar 31, 2021 | Island News

From our March 2021 St Croix Newsletter

Question: “In a few years I will retire, and I plan to move to St. Croix. What’s the best time to buy?”

Christie’s Answer:

The best time to buy is when you find the property that you love. Each property here can be very different from another. So, when you find it, buy it! Think about what is most important to you, and be open to the unusual. The perfect property ultimately could be different from your first idea.

While you are preparing for retirement, you can be making improvements and changes on your island home. This is also a good time to explore what the island has to offer you so that you can begin building your retired life. There is so much to do and see here, many organizations which would welcome volunteers, and many groups and clubs to join as a participant. It’s easy to find something to interest you!

Photo: 140 St C Condominiums

#StCroix #Realtor #Buying #Selling #IslandLiving #Caribbean #Retirement

Getting St Croix Real Estate Market Updates

Mar 31, 2021 | Island News

From our March 2021 St Croix Newsletter

Question: “I really don’t want to buy until I’m closer to retire. Should I be looking at the real estate market now?”

Chris’s Answer:

Yes. It’s a good idea to gather as much information as you can now so that when it’s time for you to buy, you are ready. Our web site has an easy way to search current properties for sale. By reading our monthly newsletter, you will receive market trends and other information about living on island. We will keep you updated on real estate statistics, highlight interesting properties, and we always include pertinent articles about this island we love.

St. Croix is very diverse in many ways, so get to know the different areas and estates. Some people like the openness of the east end. Others like the lushness of the rain forrest. Some like to face north to see the other islands on clear days. Others like to see the cargo ships go by on the south shore. When you are home, what do you like?

Photo: 101 Granada Del Mar

#StCroix #Realtor #Buying #Selling #IslandLiving #Caribbean #Retirement

UZURI Spa in St Croix

Mar 22, 2021 | Island News

Luxury and relaxation await you at St. Croix’s newest spa, UZURI Hand & Foot Spa, established in February 2020 by longtime resident and business owner Dr. Regina Flippin. The main focus was to provide a sanitary, sterilized environment for clients to feel safe when receiving a manicure or pedicure. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Flippin moved to the island and opened Urban Foot Care Center in 2012 treating anything to do with the foot and ankle.

Upon entry into UZURI, one can’t help but feel they’ve been whisked away to a relaxing oasis. On one end of the spa, the wall is fully adorned with delicate white flowers in various shapes and sizes. The pedicure stations are fit for royalty with the cream and gold cushioned seating surrounded by attractive artwork on the walls. Each manicure station is equipped with the necessary tools to provide guests with top-notch nail service. The spa caters to women as well as men. Their gentleman’s room offers a rustic, industrial feel where they serve complimentary beer, wine, alcoholic beverages, water, soda and juices.

All instruments are disinfected to hospital standards.Each client receives their own sterilized pack of disposable instruments that is opened in front of them. At the end of their treatment, a goodie bag with these same instruments is provided to each client, assuring them that these tools will not be reused on someone else. All products, including the nail polish, are vegan or organic.

The UZURI Wellness Spa Manicure & Pedicure are the most requested services followed by their state-of-the-art bead massage system for the feet and ankles, the AquaRoll. For those wanting to enhance their spa services, the AquaRoll is the perfect way to inject a little extra relaxation into your appointment. With 30,000 glass beads, water and a natural wave technology, this system combines hydrotherapy, thermotherapy, pressotherapy, kneading, peeling, friction and percussion to provide a dynamic massage that reinvigorates your feet. The spa also offers foot reflexology and a polish refresh for those days when time won’t allow for their wellness signature service.

UZURI’s open space allows for guests to safely socially distance while receiving their manicures and pedicures. Flippin shared that very little had to be done to adhere to the latest safety guidelines. Clients are screened by an infection control person the moment they walk in the door. The spa also uses UVC lights for 15 minutes at the end of each workday. These lights can disinfect air, water and nonporous surfaces, killing any and all germs in the room that may have been missed.

Services are for natural nails only and appointment are required. Call 340-715-7778 for details or visit their website at https://uzurinailspa.com.

Written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #spa

Newest Restaurant in St Croix: Caroline’s Breakfast

Mar 22, 2021 | Island News

A dedicated brunch and breakfast spot recently opened on St. Croix and it is all the buzz among locals and visitors on the island! Caroline’s Breakfast is the newest restaurant located in the historic King Christian Hotel on the Christiansted boardwalk offering a consistent, well done breakfast experience seven days a week. With its dainty design of banana leaf wallpaper and custom-made pink tiles, Caroline’s warm, aesthetic décor welcomes each guest with open arms.

Chris Prado is the man behind the concept and vision of Caroline’s Breakfast. As acting Food & Beverage Director and managing hotel partner of King Christian Hotel, Prado always wanted to live out the best years of his life in a place with a warm, tropical climate. After working in hotel management for several years and returning to school to become an architect, his childhood dream of owning historic King Christian Hotel became a reality after purchasing it with three partners in December 2018.

“While the hotel renovations continue,” said Prado, “opening Caroline’s Breakfast during this phase helps in adding a much-needed space to the downtown area, bringing it back to its former glory.” Caroline’s main focus is the food and their full coffee program. The menu includes breakfast and brunch classics like the standard egg benedict and unique egg benedicts such as the crab and steak options. Other dishes available are omelets, egg scrambles and an array of Americanstyle waffles, buttermilk pancakes and brioche French toast. Another one of the highlights on the menu is the crepes. Prado shared that his mom was the inspiration behind these sweet and savory delights on the menu. “As a high school French teacher, my mom had spent several years in France and would make crepes three times a week when I was a kid.” The restaurant also features a full bar with specialty brunch cocktails like mimosas, gin fizzes and Bloody Marys.

Open from 7am to 2pm seven days a week, Caroline’s Breakfast has something for everyone that yearns for an original brunch experience with a twist. For more information, visit their website at www.carolinesbreakfast.com.

Written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #brunch #breakfast #restaurants

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