Weekend in St. Croix

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For the AJC

BUDGET

Getting there

American and Delta offer round-trip sale rates of $353 on trips to St. Croix finished on or before May 28. Valid midweek with weekend rates starting at $379. Buy by Tuesday. American operates daily flights; Delta operates nonstop service Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Stay

Cottages by the Sea isn’t fancy, but it has that cozy island flair with rooms and cottages right on one of the island’s best beaches with calm and clear waters ideal for snorkeling. Rooms start at $95-$160; beachside cottages start at $125-$175; and beachfront cottages start at $155-$220. Cottages feature private patios with a dining table and a fully equipped kitchen. Guests have complimentary use of bikes, beach toys, kayaks and snorkel equipment. Walk or bike into Frederiksted just a mile away; www.caribbean
 cottages.com, 127A Smithfield Road, 340-772-0495.

Eat

The Beach Side Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Fridays-Mondays directly on the beach. This Frederiksted cafe, winner of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence in 2009, is also a solid choice for Sunday brunch. Meals range from $15 to $25; www.sand
castleonthebeach.com/restaurant.cfm, 127 Smithfield Road, 340-772-1205.

Experience

Explore island history at the 12-acre Whim
Plantation Museum, a fully restored windmill, sugar factory and great house constructed with 3-foot-thick walls made of coral, stone and molasses.
Tours run every 30 minutes; $10 adults; $4 ages
6-12; www.stcroixlandmarks.com, 52 Estate Whim, Frederiksted, 340-772-0598.

MODERATE

Getting there

One-way rates of $159 to St. Thomas require a 28-day advance purchase; $178 with a two-week notice. Daily nonstop Delta service. Pick up ferry service from Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay, St. John. (www.usvi.net/usvi/ferry.htm)

Stay

Estate Zootenvaal will appeal to adventurous travelers who seek complete solitude (no phones or TV). The estate is located between the 7,000-acre Virgin Islands National Park and the Virgin Islands Coral Reef Monument — more than 12,000 acres of federally protected waters. One- and two-bedroom beach houses start at $275 per night through May 14; $180 May 15-Nov. 14. Two-bedroom units start at $360 during winter; $240 off-season. Prices are higher for homes directly on the water. Homes are smartly furnished and feature fully equipped kitchens. Jeep rental recommended; www.estatezootenvaal.com, 11045 Zootenvaal, 340-776-6321.

Eat

Local islanders come to the Skinny Legs Bar & Restaurant for their cheeseburger in paradise fix. This casual waterfront joint is funky, fun and inexpensive. Meals average $10; www.skinnylegs.com, Route 10, Coral Bay, 340-779-4982.

Experience

Hit the Park Reef Bay Trail (2.2 miles, 2 hours) in the national park. The trail first descends through a shady forest and then passes along several 18th-century Danish sugar plantations. Along the way are ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) made by Taino Indians. Guided hikes are available with a national park ranger; $4 adults; free for ages 16 and under; www.nps.gov/VII.

SPLURGE

Getting there

Round-trip Economy class rates of $478 require a three-day advance purchase. Round-trip Business Class rates of $1,084 require a two-week purchase notice. Daily nonstop Delta service.

Stay

Few resorts offer accommodations directly on a stunning beach with matching views. But the Deluxe Suites at Crystal Cove at Sapphire Beach are just a few steps to a half-mile-long beach. Crystal Cove is one mile from Red Hook, with its boutiques, restaurants, ferry to the other islands and a grocery store. Suites feature fine furnishings, spacious living rooms and porches, granite kitchens, washer/dryers and two bathrooms. Through April 15, a deluxe one-bedroom suite is $460; $350 April 16-Dec. 14 (Internet rates lower). Rates are for two people per night. Each additional guest is $20 per night; www.bestbeach.com, 6345 Estate Smith Bay, 305-535-6236.

Eat

The Blue Moon Cafe was honored as having the “most romantic setting in St Thomas” by Wine Spectator. The restaurant is located on the beach of the Secret Harbour Beach Resort. Menu entrees run from fresh seafood to prime cuts; $17-$36; www.bluemooncafevi.com, 6280 Estate Nazareth, 340-779-2262.

Experience

Create your own unique memory at a watercolor painting class with local artist Lucinda O’Connell. Learn to capture the flora, fauna and stunning turquoise waters of St. Thomas. The class is geared for all levels of talent. All supplies are included with the class fee of $65. Classes are held Tuesdays, Fridays at the Ritz-Carlton; www.artbylucinda.com, 340-514-2432.