I went over there when an ex-employee of mine was working there. Cute little place. Nice cottages close to the ocean, not too isolated location, decent beach/bay, I liked it. http://www.chenaybaybeachclub.com/

If they offer you a timeshare, caveat emptor. I was in the timeshare industry here for 7 years, and I now have a lot of "inside info". If you decide that you want to buy one, wait until you get home. They may say that you can't do it from the States, that you have to be on island to buy it, but, don't worry, you can do it thru the mail. But, by waiting, you cool down a little and start thinking more clearly. Also, a little due dilligence is a good thing.

Have fun! You're gonna have a great anniversary!

This is a nice resort with a nice beach for sunbathing. There is quite a bit of sea grass in close. The snorkeling is great out past the point to the right.

Rent a car. There are lots of interesting restaurants within easy driving distance and C'sted isn't too far away.

Or you could try the Buccaneer. Another nice place.

Thank you both, would either anyone be able to tell me what the difference is between the two islands? I have really had my heart set on St. John, but right now find it to be more $ than I want to spend. I am finding many more deals for St. Croix. Like I said, I am not really into anything more than great snorkeling, exploring, and relaxing during the day. We usually don't go out at night much. Except for a casual dinner somewhere. I would love to know more about both islands in comparison to each other.

Thanks again!
Elise 🙂

I have spent time on both islands, and they each have their pros and cons for vacationing. STX is 80 sq. mi., while STJ is only 20 sq. mi. and is almost 3/4 National Park. Both have great beaches, both are rather quiet and both have the same weather (they are only 40 miles apart). For myself, I lean towards STJ, but,then again, it's just a 20 minute ferry ride away for me. STX will be cheaper for just about everything. Food, entertainment, gas, lodging, shopping, etc. The reason is that tourism is not the sole income for the island, as it is on STJ. STX sounds like it will fit the bill for your vacation, so why spend extra? You can take the fast ferry over to STT and explore STT and STJ in a day to help decide if your next trip will be back to STX, STT or STJ. Have a great time!

Thank you!! That was exactly the advise I needed. I will continue researching places and hopefully will hear back when I post my questions.

Thanks again. 😀
Elise

Making a choice between these two islands is a tough one. They are both wonderful. St.John gets a lot more attention on this site than St. Croix. I don't think you see any bad reviews about St.John itself. It is unique. I personally prefer St.Croix having been there 9 different times. We have been to St. John 3 times. My last vist this past July, a split trip between both islands, I found St. John to be more busy and crowded than my previous visit about 3 years ago. There is a building boom of sorts going on and there were more of the party hardy types noticeable in Cruz Bay. It is fair to note that on my first trip to St.John,the only paved street in Cruz Bay was the main drag, so maybe I'm overreacting. Still in all, it is just a beautiful place. I did stop by Chenay Bay on this trip and it seemed in better shape than the last time I checked it out. It's a neat type of place with small cottages and a nice enough beach. We always stay at The Buccaneer. I love the place. I think it gets some bad press about being more expenssive than it really is. If you go in the off season and get the free night, daily breakfast buffet, free golf or spa treatments that they offer, it is a great value. Just book the cheapest room they have and they will almost certainly upgrade you to a room with an oceanview of some kind. All the rooms are very nice, but the Mtn. View category is the cheapest. Check out their website. St. Croix is less expensive for food and car rentals etc than St. John. If you are looking for picture perfect beaches, than St. John is the winner. If you want a little more "authentic" island experience than you will love St.Croix. It is by far our favorite island. We have been to lots of other islands as well as Cancun,Cozumel,Playa Del Carmen and South America. It just has the style to it that I like. Good luck. Let me know if I can answer anything else.

If you really just want to spend time on a gorgeous beach and in the water snorkeling over some beautiful reefs loaded with fish, you should call the Carambola Beach Resort. It's on the northwest shore of the island in a lush valley surrounded by rain forest. It's also in the SCUBA zone, so the snorkeling just off the beach is quite good. They aren't close in to Christiansted, but if you aren't seeking wild nightlife, Carambola is the place to stay. They have a restaurant and bar on site, and there are several beach bar/restaurants within just a few miles along the shore. You can choose when to head into one of the town areas if you want to do more shopping or hit different restaurants and then retreat back to this very private resort location for a relaxing time.

Any word on Hibiscus or Hotel on Cay??? Buccaneer requires 7-9 night stay during the period I'm thinking of(late December) and the person I spoke to didn't budge from the number of nights required to stay there. Therefore I'm seeking other options with calm waters for swimming/laying in the sun and great food on the premises. Suggestions would be helpful.

You could try renting a condo at the Reef.

Own beach
Golf course
Pool
Duggans Restaraunt (Lunch & dinner)
Just N Time Deli for breakfast and lunch.

This is a web site of an agent that rents properties at the Reef and elsewhere on STX.

www.enjoystcroix.com/index.htm

Jim

Hi Elise - we have been to all three islands and we are of the same mindset, beaches/snorkeling first, everything else is secondary. If that's truly what you want, head to STJ - sure it's a little more $$, but the beaches are truly superior to STX and you have such a choice, Trunk, Cinnamon, Salt Pond, Lameshur, Honeymoon, etc.... and that's just snorkeling from the beach - get on a sail and there is an entirely new venue! Oh, by the way, we have stayed at the Hibiscus (STX) albeit ten years ago when it just opened, looks like they have remodeled, etc., it was a lovely place, they have a great little casual dining area with a view to die for on a moonlit night. You will have a great time wherever - let us know what you decide!

how many nights did you want to stay? What was your hotel budget? It might be possible to get into a condo, rather than a hotel.

We have stayed 3 times at Villa Margarita on the beautiful Northshore of ST Croix. In my opinion it can't be beat. Very small (only 3 rental suites) all suites are oceanfront, clean, modern, cable tv and serene surroundings. There is good snorkeling right out your door, and within a very short walk is a gorgeous beach. They have a website at www.villamargarita.com It would (and always will be) my first choice!

I love St. Croix. and have a condo there. I would not stay at Cheney Bay. Look at The Buccaneer, Carambola, Divi, or Hibiscus.

Why wouldnt you stay at Chenay Bay?? We were considering it and have only heard positive things. Thanks for your response.

Travelwoman is right... if you want a personal experience in a gorgeous venue, check out Villa Margarita. The host and hostess will take excellent care of you. This guest house is not a bed and breakfast... it's a bed and happy hour. 🙂

Each suite has a kitchenette. There is a great pool and patio area.