Enjoy a breathtaking view from the private balcony of your fully furnished 2-Bedroom Beachfront Condominium on the beautiful island of St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/St_Croix/paradisestcroix/hotel/857/20/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:44:53 EST The Cruzan Princesse Condominium is located on the north shore of St Croix directly on the beach. A short drive gets you to the town of Christiansted. Fine restaurants, grocery stores and shopping centers are conveniently located nearby. Temperatures in the Virgin Islands are enjoyable year round, ranging from 78 degrees in the coolest months to 88 degrees in the warmest. Most visitors are well acquainted with the warm winters, but many do not realize the travel bargains available in the summer. Low season rates combined with mild temperatures creates a tropical travelers delight! The Condo There are 2 condos in this building and you will be in the upper level. There is access to the balcony through 2 sets of sliding glass doors, one from the living room (right) the other from the master bedroom (left). The upper unit has vaulted ceilings, which add to the open, roomy feeling indoors. Looking out from the balcony is the beautiful blue Caribbean Sea. If you were standing on the balcony of the condo looking out you would see this view of the pool, grounds and Caribbean Sea beyond. On the balcony is a round patio table and 4 chairs that can be used for sitting or dining, and a lounge chair for sunning. The pool is available for your enjoyment and only a few steps from the condo. Living room This is the living room. It is bright and airy, offering a perfect spot for enjoying the view while sipping an island concoction… Or entertaining family and friends. It is not visible in this photo but there is a TV and CD player on the rattan entertainment shelf opposite the couch. Don't forget to bring your favorite music along. There is a ceiling fan overhead. Keep the sliding glass door that leads to the balcony open and feel the cool breeze while enjoying the tropical sound of the swaying palms and ocean waves. Kitchen Nook This is the dining area of the kitchen. It is adjacent to the living room. The kitchen is fully equipped with dishes, pots and pans, silverware and small appliances. Large appliances include a full-size refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher. Water is a premium on the island and many units do not have the added convenience of a dishwasher. Master Bedroom In the master bedroom you will find a nightstand on each side of the bed, a ceiling fan hanging overhead and a large dresser with a mirror opposite the bed. The master bathroom is located to the right of the photo and allows access from the bedroom. To the left is a sliding glass door leading to the large balcony. The view from the bedroom is the same as the living room. Let the sounds of the waves and breeze lull you to sleep each night. Guest Bedroom The guest bedroom is adjacent to the living room. If you keep the louver doors open all the way, this bedroom looks out into the living room and the view beyond. There is a full bathroom in the far left corner and an armoire across from the twin beds for clothing. A ceiling fan hangs above, and the window provides cross ventilation. The twin beds can be put together to create a king-sized bed. There are linens available for king conversion and include king-sized mattress pad, sheets, and comforter. Pool and grounds Relax by the clean, fresh water pool available for your use a few steps away. Or listen to the sound of the waves while enjoying an awesome view of the blue Caribbean Sea. Feel the breeze rustle through the palm trees above. True paradise! BEACHES Beach adjacent to condo Right outside the condo gate is this stretch of natural beach. Calm water and white sand makes this beach a favorite for swimming and snorkeling. Bring a beach chair from the condo and relax in the sun. Use the fresh water shower conveniently located along the path at the gate to wash off the sand and salt and you are ready for a dip in the pool! If you walk down the beach a short distance you will come to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, the Hibiscus Beach. Driving and parking on St. Croix Getting around St Croix takes some practice. There are a few roads that have unspoken rules such as turns where the right-of-way is not always obvious. Take your time and stay alert. In the town of Christiansted there is a one-way road going in and a one way road leading out of town back toward the condo. The end of Company Street, the road coming out of town is not the best area. Try not to ask directions there. The best thing to do is follow the traffic when coming out of town. The hardest thing to get used to on the island of St. Croix by far is driving on the left. As one of the locals once told me, “Be sure the bush is always on your side”. I still use that rule, especially when making turns. Parking in Christiansted is limited. If you can find parking by the side of the road, do it, otherwise there are a couple of lots that offer spaces. If you turn off the main road onto Queen Cross Street and take the first left (a narrow road leading through tropical foliage on each side) there is a parking lot on your right, just passed the first intersection. There is a fee to park there but worth it if you cannot find a space. There is paid short-term parking (during the day only) at a lot on Hospital Street adjacent to the Fort. After a certain time, the gates close and they tow cars, so be sure to check the signs. Major roads are asphalt and other than a few pot holes are usually well-maintained. The Melvin H. Evans Highway is the only 4-lane divided highway running from mid-island (Sunny Isle Shopping Center) to within one mile of Fredriksted. The speed limit is 55mph on the highway, 20 within the town limits (Christiansted and Fredriksted) and 35 in rural areas. Gas is much cheaper than in the States, as well as liquor and cigarettes. Food, on the other hand, is much more expensive. Buy your liquor on the island and save money. US residents over age 21 are allowed to return to the mainland with 6 bottles of liquor duty-free providing one of the bottles is locally produced in the Virgin Islands. Ask the clerk for up-to-date details. AMENITIES: The Cruzan Princesse Condo offers: -Spacious Master bedroom with king-size bed, full bath and generous closet space -Full-size guest bedroom includes two twin beds, easily convertible to one king-sized bed, walk-in closet, chest of drawers and full bath -Fully-equipped kitchen with full-size refrigerator/ freezer and range, dishwasher, coffeemaker, blender, toaster oven, microwave and more ....... -Large living room furnished in tropical décor with cathedral ceilings, sky light and gorgeous palm-lined ocean view through the sliding glass door leading to the balcony. -Large fresh water swimming pool complete with lounge chairs for your swimming and sunning pleasure -Beautiful private balcony with patio furniture for lounging or outdoor dining -Lovely white sand beach adjacent to property -Beautifully maintained grounds, private and gated -Resident manager on-site to assist you -Private in-condo telephone offering free local calls, and additional public phone available near manager's office -Coin-operated washers and dryers on premises -Extras include: ceiling fans in each room, color TV, stereo with CD player, fully stocked kitchen including dishes, glasses, pots/pans and cooking utensils, bed sheets, bath towels, beach towels, drying rack, beach chairs, coolers and much more. Maid service will have the unit cleaned and stocked with fresh linens for your arrival and will clean and do the laundry when you leave. Additional maid service is optional at an hourly rate; Please arrange with the manager. ACTIVITIES: Before you begin your adventure on St. Croix it is advisable to pick up a pink publication called “St. Croix This Week” which features useful information on everything from restaurants to real estate. Often there are money-saving coupons for island activities. All phone numbers are listed in this magazine and it is a very good visitors guide. This free publication is available at the airport when you arrive, or at any hotel. Often the shops in town have them as well. If you cannot find one, just ask. The island offers many fun-filled activities and places to explore. Here are a few to get your feet wet. Water Sports If it's water sports you desire, look no further than HOTEL ON THE CAY, located a short ferry ride from Christiansted, the main town. Para-sailing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling and boat rentals are all available on a lovely beach setting complete with tiki bar and a great lunch menu. Swimming and Snorkeling The Cruzan Princesse has its own large, beautifully tiled, fresh water pool with plenty of chairs and chaise lounges and a private beach for sunning. For ocean swimming and snorkeling, walk a few steps easterly toward Pelican Cove to the sandy beach where the reef ends. Beaches CHENAY BAY on the east end has a beautiful beach where you could swing in a palm-shaded hammock. The snorkeling is great, and rafts are allowed. CANE BAY BEACH is another lovely place to spend the day. When it is time for a bite to eat or a frosty concoction, walk across the street to Cane Bay Beach Bar or visit Off the Wall, another outdoor beach bar and café a short distance down the road. Both offer good food and a fabulous ocean view. Other lovely beaches are the HIBISCUS BEACH HOTEL, walking distance from Cruzan Princesse Condo, TEAGUE BAY and SHOY BEACH on the east end. To get to Shoy Beach, enter the Buccaneer Hotel. Make the right and tell the guard you are going to the beach. Drive all the way until the road ends, passing the beautiful ocean front mansions that dot this gorgeous area. Park at the end of the road. Walk to the left of the huge gate that leads to a million dollar home, and follow the short path through the tropical foliage that opens up to a beautiful beach. There is little shade so be prepared. RAINBOW BEACH and SPRATT HALL are nice beaches on the west end. The latter two serve informal lunches. A short ferry ride across the Christiansted Harbor is HOTEL ON THE CAY, where you can enjoy water sports, boat rentals and a beach bar. For a more remote experience, visit JACK'S BAY, a beautiful beach on the East end of the island. It does require a hike down a bluff and across a field. It is only for the adventurous, and don't forget to bring bug spray. Sunscreen is a must on any beach, but especially here because there is no shade. Scuba Diving The underwater wonderland hidden beneath the pristine waters surrounding the island of St. Croix is the best kept scuba diving secret of the Caribbean. The crystal clear water, home to an abundance of colorful coral and teeming with sea life is another world waiting to be explored. For the certified diver, St. Croix offers a variety of dive sites, and several local dive shops offer the novice diver a “resort certification course”, enabling all to experience the world below the sea. We recommend CANE BAY DIVE SHOP, 773-9913; DIVE ST. CROIX 773-3434 and S.C.U.B.A. 773-5994. They seem to be running the best operations at present. On a typical calm day visibility is 80-100 feet and the water temperature is a pleasant 80-82 degrees near the surface. We do advise you to wear a wet suit for protection from coral and other living creatures. At depth the temperature drops considerably. If you have your own gear, by all means, bring it along and we will connect you with locals who offer reasonable rates. We always bring our gear and rent a tank. Our favorite local divemaster is Diver Dan who runs St. Croix Charters at 772-3820. His number is not listed, so let him know you got it from us. There are a variety of dive sites to suit everyone's taste including a large wall dive assessable from the beach. The three wreck dives on the west end of the island are worth checking out. We can hook you up with a guide for a reasonable fee. Please let us know your desires. There are only a few dive operations permitted to take divers to Buck Island and it is well worth the extra splurge. Kayak Tours Explore the beauty of Salt River National Park along the North Shore with a guided kayak tour from CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE TOURS. The VIRGIN KAYAK COMPANY is located at Cane Bay Beach just behind the dive shop and offers both guided kayak tours and rental/sales of single and double kayaks. Horseback Riding PAUL AND JILL'S EQUESTRIAN STABLES offers you a nature ride through the rain forest past Danish ruins to spectacular hilltop views. Along the way you'll discover tropical fruit, mahogany, turpentine and kapok trees, coral roses, termite nests, mongeese and wild pigs. Golf CARAMBOLA is one of the finest courses in the Caribbean and one of the most beautiful in the world. Covered carts are available. In season, be sure to call the starter's desk for a tee-off time (778-5638). Come for lunch and drinks even if you're not golfing. The BUCCANEER HOTEL has an excellent 18-hole course, with rolling hills and a view of the ocean on several holes. The REEF has a 9-hole course that is the easternmost in the US and offers reasonable fees. Tennis St. Croix has more than 50 courts, including four free public courts at Canegata Park. The BUCCANEER has eight tennis courts, including two lighted courts for night play. You can rent rackets at the pro shops and lessons are available for a reasonable fee. Caribbean Entertainment For island-style entertainment, check with the Carambola Beach Resort which offers a Caribbean show featuring Mocho Jumbie stilt dancers and fire walking on Friday nights immediately following their PIRATES BUFFET, a smorgasboard of delightful food including seafood, steaks, BBQ chicken and all the trimmings. The CORMORANT BEACH CLUB also features a Caribbean show. Check with them to determine when. Every other Wedensday night is HARBOR NIGHT in Fredriksted, a local celebration to welcome cruise ship passengers and a good opportunity to experience free island-style entertainment. Sample local food and view the works of local artists from street vendors, dance to the sounds of Caribbean music, including steel pan drums, and stop in the shops which are open late for the festive occasion. Stick around to watch the tall Mocko Jumbies dance on stilts dressed in Caribbean costumes. Sightseeing BUCK ISLAND is a trip nobody should miss! This national park boasts a beautiful beach and one of the most pristine underwater coral gardens in the world. Snorkeling could not be better! Non-swimmers will enjoy the glass bottom boat trips. Sailboats and motorboat excursions usually supply the snorkeling gear and cold drinks. All-day sails will also supply lunch, if you desire. The TERRERO II, which sails from Green Key, is highly recommended. Experience a wonderful sail on a Trimaran with Captain Heinz and his excellent crew. The TERRERO also offers moonlight cruises and special evening charters. BIG BEARD'S ADVENTURE TOURS has the roomy catamaran, RENEGADE and leaves from the Christiansted Wharf. They also offer a B-B-Q lunch. Buck Island sailing trips are very popular, so be sure to book early. For that private-yacht feeling let Captain Francis take you and 5 others to the snorkeling trails of Buck Island aboard the luxurious DIVA, leaving from Green Cay Marina. Many include the use of masks, fins and snorkels. There are also day and sunset sails. The BELINDA is a 36-foot sloop offering a first-class sail, snorkel and gourmet lunch for up to 6 guests. Whatever you chose, the beauty of Buck Island is not to be missed. With its white sand beach, pristine aqua-blue water and superb snorkeling, many report this excursion to be the highlight of their trip. The WHIM MUSEUM AND GREATHOUSE near Fredricksted is a restored sugar plantation, with a museum and lovely gift shop on the grounds. The BOTANICAL GARDENS is also a nice place to visit. Other sights of interest are the TROPICAL RAIN FOREST, the HISTORIC FORT CHRISTIANSVAREN, DANISH COLONIAL BUILDINGS, the RUM FACTORY, and the LEAP MAHOGANY SHOP, located midway through the rain forest, where you can purchase beautiful wooden objects. You can also enjoy HOUSE AND GARDEN TOURS, usually held in February or March, the KNIGHTS OF MALTA RUINS at Judith's Fancy and the SALT RIVER BAY, where Columbus landed in 1493. Danish Architecture in the Town of Christiansted Sport Fishing Charters The warm Caribbean water surrounding St. Croix makes sport fishing an exciting experience. Blue Marlin, Wahoo, Yellow-fin tuna, Kingfish and Mahi-Mahi are frequently found. Full or half-day deep sea fishing charters include bait and tackle and are priced per trip. Captain Pete's 25-foot LOUIE G. departs from St. Croix Marina, and the 44-foot sportfishing boat LISA MARIE departs from Green Cay Marina. Mile Mark Watersports has a new deep-sea fishing trip that conveniently departs from the dock on the Christiansted waterfront. Other options are Captain Dave BurKhart's TARPONSHARK which leaves from downtown Christiansted. Boats depart early in the morning. Shopping Most of the stores are located within a three-block area of Christiansted and are open until 5:00. Public parking in the town of Christiansted is limited. Please see below for parking suggestions. Duty-free prices make shopping a popular pastime, with gold, jewelry, china, crystal, perfume and liquor being the best buys. Be sure to check prices before leaving home so you can do some comparison shopping. You can bring back $1200 of goods per person duty-free. The best prices on liquor can be found at K-Mart, but check the supermarkets prices, too. You are allowed six 5ths per adult as long as one was made in the Virgin Islands (Rum or Southern Comfort). Bring back your favorites, as they are much cheaper in the islands than in the states. COLUMBIAN EMERALDS provides a fine array of jewelry, gold, uncut gems and watches. LITTLE SWITZERLAND on King Street is a great place for china and crystal, while LA PERFUME CENTER generally has terrific prices on the most popular domestic and imported perfumes. THE GOLD SHOP located at PAN AM PAVILLION and CARIBBEAN BRACLET COMPANY offer unique island style jewelry at duty-free prices. Unlike the States, jewelers will bargain with you so don't commit to the first price asked. Be a smart shopper and know your prices before you buy expensive jewelry. The popular items on St Croix are the Cruzan Hook Bracelet, which can only be found at SONYA'S on Company Street, and a unique aqua-hued gemstone stone called LARIMAR, found only inside one mountain on the Caribbean Island of Hispanola. Bracelets are very popular on St. Croix and everyone has their own version of the “Cruzan Bracelet”. There are many imitations, but the locals know that the only true “Cruzan Bracelet” is found at SONYA'S. Buy the one YOU like best, and ask to see the “hurricane bracelets”, which are a very unique expression of the storms that threaten the islands. Driving along the East End's coastal road is a special treat. Gorgeous Caribbean views will enchant you. You may even catch a glimpse of “The Contessa”, a famous island icon, who lives in the large castle on the top of the hill visible from the main road. While visiting the East End of the island, stop at the beautiful new Divi Hotel and Casino and try your luck at gambling. Under one dome-shaped roof, this modern casino offers the variety of Las Vegas-style gambling with an alluring Caribbean charm all its own. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Eating Out Dinner reservations are advised in the busy season for all fine dining. Check the free publication called “This Week in St. Croix” for phone numbers and a description of the restaurants. It is a pink magazine-style publication and can be obtained at the airport upon your arrival, at any hotel and at many of the shops in town. It lists activities, services, real estate and is a very useful guide for island visitors. RESTAURANTS IN CHRISTIANSTED Favorable places in the town of Christiansted include KENDRICK'S and TIVOLI GARDEN. For a beautiful view of the waterfront try RUM RUNNERS. For fine dining, the TOP HAT in Christiansted has been famous for years. Other fine restaurants in Christiansted are INDIES, BACCUS and LA STRADA. For excellent gourmet Italian food, don't miss TUTU BENE, where, like the name implies, “everything is good”! The SAVANT, just east of Christiansted is on the top ten list of best restaurants. Don't miss it! The Marina Bar located in King's Alley For a casual lunch or dinner, we like the MARINA BAR located at Kings Alley right on the waterfront. They have local entertainment featuring Calypso Bands and Steel Pans performing at the gazebo (pictured above) Locals and tourists alike gather for the crab races which take place right on the dock in the early evening. King's Alley Located at the end of King's Alley is ST CROIX BREW PUB, the only brewery on the island. The food is very good and you can get Caribbean brewed beer. Ask for Gary and tell him Donna sent you. ANTOINES RESTAURANT, located in downtown Christiansted *** KIM'S RESTAURANT is also along the way to Christiansted, and is very popular with the locals. Prices are reasonable, and the West Indian style food is good. It is located on the main road to town and the atmosphere reflects a roadside style. The HIBISCUS BEACH HOTEL and THE CORMORANT BEACH CLUB at Pelican Cove are both open for cocktails and dinner. They both have casual dining and a beach bar with an awesome sea view. Both are immediately adjacent to the Cruzan Princesse Condo. Be sure you are not in a hurry when dining out on St. Croix. The service may not be the same as the states. NORTH SHORE RESTAURANTS On our top ten list is THE WAVES, dramatic dining experience where you are face to face with powerful waves as you enjoy freshly prepared gourmet entrées. After scuba diving at Cane Bay on the North Shore visit OFF THE WALL for a drink and a light lunch. The motto there is: “No shirt, No shoes, No problem!” Be sure to take the time to lie in the hammock overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea. The view is spectacular so don't forget your camera. RESTAURANTS TRAVELING WEST: Sunday Brunch at the BLUE MOON in Fredricksted features island inspired dishes such as Mango Pancakes and Lobster Benedict. CAFE DU SOLEIL usually serves lunch as well as dinner. Le St. Tropez is a French restaurant in a delightful tropical setting and the food…. Ooh, la la! You can't beat the escargot with French bread! The specials change daily and the menu is presented on a blackboard. This restaurant is a special place When dining in Fredricksted, it is best to call ahead. We also enjoy THE LOST DOG RESTAURANT which is located in the alley behind the main bar in the town of Fredriksted. It has a pleasant outside atmosphere with umbrella tables and tiny white lights dotting the scene. The food is very tasty and reasonable. They offer gourmet pasta dishes, seafood, Italian delights and traditional as well as unusual pizzas. This restaurant is on our top ten favorites list. For a unique dining experience, have dinner at the old Great House at SPRATT HALL The catch of the day is served to no more than 10 guests per night so be sure to call ahead to reserve your spot. A limited lunch menu is served at the beach bar, but again, be sure to call first. RESTAURANTS TRAVELING EAST On the scenic tour of the island to the east, stop at DUGGAN'S REEF for lunch and a swim. This is also an excellent choice for dinner, offering creative lobster entrees. The BUCCANEER HOTEL has excellent food in the TERRACE RESTAURANT, The TERRACE LOUNGE has dancing in the evenings and a steel band on some weekday nights. This spot offers a stunning ocean view from the terrace restaurant that is hard to beat. Be sure to try the lobster bisque. They also have a fun menu of island cocktails in the open-air bar. Many of our guests report that this was their favorite spot to dine, so we added it to our list of top ten. VILLA MADALINES is located in a beautiful Great House atop a mountain on the east end of the island and offers gourmet food with a French-Caribbean flair and a gorgeous view. We have not tried it since it changed hands recently, but it is an extraordinary spot for special occasions. THE SOUTH SHORE CAFÉ is located on a lonely road with no view, but the unique entrees are prepared to order and you will not be disappointed. Reservations for both are a must. You'll also find McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken on the way to town, Pizza Hut in Villa La Reine Shopping Center, and Wendy's at the Sunny Isle Shopping Center. Type: Condo No. of Rooms: 1 Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/St_Croix/paradisestcroix/hotel/857/20/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:44:53 EST