go to the relocation part of the board and read the stx today,comments thread about daily life on STX

Hello - yes, we do love it. We've been traveling to STT & STJ for about 20 years but took our first trip to STX last year. After we were on island one day we wondered what had taken us so long to get there! We stayed in Unit 1 in the Villa Madeleine enclave. We are returning next week to stay at a villa over Teague Bay on the east end and will be there for ten days. Be happy to answer any questions I can - post or PM me.

- Margy

STX is a secret. We don't tell just anyone about it, only close friends. It's the most affordable of the US VI and the friendliest. STX doesn't have the equivalent of the woman at the Budget counter at the STT airport or the ticket person at the Red Hook ferry. for every trip we've taken to STX we have a story where a local has gone out of their way the be helpful or gone beyond what was expected. The people of STX are the greatest asset the island has.

We also feel relaxed and well rested when we get home. On other vacations we feel like we need a rest to recuperate from our vacation. That's not to say that there's nothing to do. We're headed back to STX next month for our 5th visit and we still haven't done everything.

Go and enjoy an incredible vacation! 😎 We traveled to STX for the first time 2 years ago and had many of the same concerns! That is, until we arrived and had what was truly our most relaxed vacation ever!! The pace of the island is so incredibly slow - no crowds, no hustle-bustle, with an adventure awaiting around each and every curve!! We fell in love wirth STX on that trip and felt an enormous pull to return - like a magnet drawing us back!! We were hooked! We've since purchased a vacation villa that we frequent a couple times a year to escape the Cleveland weather and when we're not there, we delight in sharing our little piece of paradise with others! We cannot say enough about the wonderful people we've connected with - both statesiders that now calll STX home, and the locals that have gone out of their way to help us as we manage our home long-distance and patiently acquaint us with the ways of the island! We just returned from our 6th trip - and I'm a mess when it's time to come home! So...go, relax like you've never been able to before, and explore and enjoy the beauty of an island and its people that will keep you longing for more!! Please feel free to PM or email me....love to share our love of the island! Please post and let us know how your trip went - would love to hear about your own STX experience! :@)

So let me ask you this.....would someone be able to relax and enjoy themselves as much on STJ and STT????

Good Morning,
Thank you for your encouraging comments. We are looking forward to our trip ! Do you all know Gentle Winds ? Did we make a good choice ? Thanks !

St Croix is my favorite of the USVI. We love it so much that we are moving this summer. I've been to STT & STJ a number of times, too, but nothing is quite as wonderful as STX. The people are wonderful - so friendly, helpful and entertaining. There are an endless number of restaurants that will make it a challenge to not put on a ton of weight while you're on vacation. The beaches are beautiful and you will be able to find exactly what you are looking for, whether you want to be around people or find an empty bit of sand just for yourself.

Is there anything in particular that you want to do while on STX? Please post again with any other questions and I'm sure we will be more than happy to make as many suggestions as possible.

Gentle Winds is beautiful. It's also a great location because you're a short drive to the restaurants/beach bars on Cane bay and a short drive to Christiansted.

Chloecats, STX is a little slice of paradise. My husband and I went there to get away from the crowds, kick back and relax, get to know the local people, sample some wonderful tropical drinks, and enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean. There's plenty to do and see.....or just lay back and let yourself go. We plan to go back in June. Have a great time!

I know she's too modest to post this up herself but here's the view from seansand's lil' slice of STX heaven:

Just 7 more days until we are gazing out at this beautiful view of Teague Bay! Can't WAIT!!!!!

Gentle Winds is an awesome place!!! We lived there for six months last year. Karen at the beach shack is one of the most wonderful people on the island. Her caesar salad and service is the best you will get on the island. Chip the manager is great too. If you PM I can give you a recommendation on which building and units are nice and updated. Just an FYI buildings D and E are not facing the pool and beach. I can tell you a few units that you will not want to stay in. If you would like to see pictures I have a ton. I would choose Gentle Winds over the nicest hotel on the island (which we have stayed at). Well email or PM me is you have any questions.

Hello
My wife and I are preparing for our 1st STX trip. (Christiansted) I was wondering if we should buy our snorkel gear and bring it with us on the plane or just buy it on the island. Are there any stores on the island (like a walmart) or are they all little shops. Also, what about grocery stores? What can I expect to see there?
Thanks for your time.

-Dan

Myestro:

The snorkeling on STX is just okay (compared to STJ). If you like to snorkel, bring your own gear. As far as STX snorkeling, Cane Bay and the south end--by Sunset Grill/Cafe(?) was the best that we found. A trip out to Buck Island is a must for those that love to snorkel. Have a great trip!

Liz

Myestro, we bought our snorkel equipment from snorkelmart.com. on line. It was very reasonable. I got a mask with my prescription lens so that I could see better. They were very helpful over the phone. It is well worth it to carry on your own equipment. It's lightweight and comes in a mesh bag. STX has so many beaches to explore. Have fun!

We are going back to STX for our 12th visit this coming June. It is by far our favorite island. The above posters have hit on many of the same things that I would say. We have been to lots of other islands but just feel a special connection to STX. Go to tripadvisor.com and you will get a lot more info. on STX. For whatever reason this board doesn't seem to attract a lot of STX activity. I post on TA as stcroixtraveler and you can send me a private message if you care to. I would just say that STX does not have the glitz and glamour of some other islands,most of it's beaches do not have that pure white sand that you find on Anguilla or some others. The water is very clean and clear and I believe that the snorkeling is pretty good, especially Buck Island. Just give the place a chance and it will grow on you. On our first visit a bunch of years ago as we left the airport I thought I had screwed up again. It is not the most picturesque area and then we drove past a big oil refinery. The island was in the midst of a pretty bad drought and EVERYTHING WAS BROWN......... After a day or two I really began to relax and get into the place. We always stay at The Buccaneer so I can't comment on your choice of lodging. I can tell you that you will like the island. Good Luck.

All of your postings have really inspired me to check STX out! Unfortunately I can only take a day trip there as I have arrangments on SST in two weeks but want to schedule several days trips, Virgin Gorda, STJ and now STX. My question is, with only a day to visit the island, coming in by sea plane, what would your recommendations be as far is seeing the island, where to go, where to eat a mid day meal that reflects the local cuisine and where best to rent a car for the day. I'm planning to book an early morning flight and catch one of the last ones back to provide us a full day on the island. Thanks.

STX is great and there is so much to see!

Renting a car - I always use Judi of Croix ( www.judiofcroix.com) and have had great service with them.

If you're flying in on the Seaplane it drops you off in Christianstead and one option for something fun to do for the days is the Tan Tan Jeep Tours ( http://www.stxtantantours.com/ ). This is so much fun!! They pick you up right in Christiansted which would be really easy if you were taking the seaplane over from STT. The tour starts at about 9am or so (it starts on island time) and during the trip you get to go to the tide pools (beautiful), cane bay (also beautiful) and the domino club (what is a trip to STX without seeing the beer drinking pigs and having some mamawana). This might be a great option to do something fun, get to see the island and not worry about driving and renting a car.

Thank-you SO much! I'll check out the site you gave me, this sounds perfect! Thanks again

L