I have seen increasing postings on other forums about STX and there was an article about STX’s reemergence in a recent CT&L. A couple of cruise ships are returning to the Frederiksted piers and additional development is looming. The paving of paradise continues – possibly good economic news for the Crucians and there are government promises to keep the growth measured but, after struggling so long since Hugo, I’m afraid that the promise of increased revenues in the immediate could outweigh caution about the environment and infrastructure.
We were there for our first trip this past April. When we first arrived and passed the stacks from the refinery we were not too sure we had made a good choice. But the refinery was soon in our rear view mirror and we were headed off to the quiet east end. We stayed at Villa Madeleine, in Unit 1, which is on the very top level of the VM enclave and has the Buck Island view out over the Reef golf course. We were there for a week and a half but only explored as far as Cane Bay. This trip we hope to make it out to the west end and Frederiksted. We found wonderful restaurants and were lucky enough to snag two tickets to the Taste of St. Croix held at the Divi where we sampled food from many of the restaurants and made notes of where to try upon our return as it was the last night of our visit.
Regarding STX’s reputation for crime, here is a website that kind of puts that into perspective:
http://www.st-croix.net/stepchild/carnival.html
We did not encounter any problems; however, nightlife for us is dinner out and maybe a nightcap at a different restaurant. We are often afflicted with serious “villa gravity” and don’t fight it. As at home, we try to be aware of our surroundings and our belongings and generally take the same precautions everywhere.
We found the driving to be very easy on main and secondary roads – a sedan was fine for getting around. I was amazed that there were lighted curves. Shopping for food was simple – we provisioned to take us through the first few days but then found the Cost-U-Less, the Plaza Extra, the K-Mart and the Pueblo all pretty centrally located near Sunny Isles. Schooner Bay Market had a nice selection and we were right up the road from Lori’s Deli. Shopping in Christianstead was interesting amidst the old architecture. There are many high end shops and boutiques of local items. Often, there were only two or three other shoppers in a store with us.
There are many small beaches and often we were only two of maybe six people on them – often we were the only ones. Beaches are a mix of those with white powder sand and great visibility and those with rocky entries and sea grass. Snorkeling is good to great.
The people we encountered were genuine - warm and friendly. Long-time residents have stories of recovery from the life-changing Hugo; and many stories were sad, reminding us of Katrina. I met a very vital 85 year old woman working in one of the boutiques that feature work by local artists. Before Hugo, she had a large shop in C’Sted that employed 16 people. After Hugo, she had next to nothing left, bankrupted herself further by trying to help her employees recover and so she is still working at 85. We would run into the same servers and bartenders from one restaurant to another trying to pick up shifts wherever they could to make a full job although I don't think that is unique to STX.
The villa scene is developing but new construction has yet to take over any one area from what we could see on the east end and in the Cane Bay beach area. Many villas are masonry construction and built in the Caribbean style. It is still possible to rent a villa with beach access without breaking the bank.
I would say that STX is, overall, calm and easy. The airport is painless and TSA screening and customs easy going – not lax, and there is definitely a surprisingly friendly vibe, with people asking how you enjoyed their island, wishing you a safe return and thanking you for visiting.
We’re returning this April for ten days, renting a small villa on the east end again. We're glad we finally took the chance to check out STX.