U.S. Virgin Islands Continues to Rebuild Tourism Industry Following September Storms

 

U.S. Virgin Islands Aftermath

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which struck the U.S. Virgin Islands in September, the territory has been working diligently to rebuild the once-bustling tourism industry. According to the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, several important milestones in the goal of rebuilding have been reached including the opening of both the St. Croix and St. Thomas airports to commercial flights.  Inter-island flights by Air Sunshine, Cape Air and Seaborne Airlines are also operational.

Important Milestones

Another important milestone was the announcement by one of the flagship hotels on St. Croix, The Buccaneer, that it would begin accepting reservations for November 1, 2017 and on. The resort was even able to host the annual St. Croix Coral Reef Swim, held November 5. Since the devastating storms, The Buccaneer has remained open to house relief personnel. The relief personnel continues to occupy several rooms, but the hotel is fully up and running for leisure guests including the beach, golf course, pool, spa, restaurant, and tennis court.

U.S. Virgin Islands Update

St. Croix, which experienced less damage than St. Thomas and St. John, has many restaurants, stores, and activities that have resumed business as usual. In addition, The Norwegian Dawn cruise ship, which holds over 3,000 passengers and crew members, returned to St. Croix on November 11.

Businesses and attractions on St. Thomas are also ready to welcome customers as of mid-October. This includes the downtown Charlotte Amalie shopping area, which is ready to open, with power and water already restored. On St. John, efforts continue in clearing debris and restoring infrastructure. Their biggest project is the reopening of the Virgin Islands National Park. The final date for this reopening is TBD.

Many beaches throughout the three islands plan to reopen in the upcoming weeks. As of November 7, the territory-wide curfew has been lifted.

For further information, visit www.usviupdate.com.

The stunning Caribbean beaches are fairly easy to get to for us Midwesterners and East Coasters. With white sand, turquoise water, and magnificent views, what more could you ask for? We’ve rounded up our favorite beaches in the Caribbean, below, plus where to stay to take advantage of each.

1. Grace Bay

Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos is easily one of the most beautiful groups of Caribbean islands you’ll find, with a number of stunning beaches. The beach at Grace Bay, however, is on a whole different level! The snorkeling and scuba diving is unbeatable here, and if you’re not really a water person you can still get your underwater fix at the Coral Gardens snorkeling park.

Where to Stay: We recommend staying at the 4.5-Star Seven Stars Resort in Turks & Caicos. This resort does not offer an all-inclusive option, but you can opt for the European Plan for 2 adults for 3 nights starting at $1,493.

2. Eagle Beach

Aruba

Aruba is different from a lot of the Caribbean islands because it’s turquoise water and white sands sit in direct contracts to the desert hills in the background. Eagle Beach is the perfect place to enjoy these unique views. Also unique to this beach are the famous bending fofoti trees, pictured above.

Where to Stay: One of our favorite resorts in Aruba that is also within walking distance of Eagle Beach, is the 4-Star, All-Inclusive Hotel Riu Palace Aruba. 2 adults can stay here for 3 nights starting at $1,763.

3. Playa Coson

Las Terrenas, Samana, Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has become a hotspot for tourists in the Caribbean. In order to take advantage of the best beaches in the DR, you must venture a bit farther north. Many of the best beaches are located in the former fishing village of Las Terrenas. “El Coson”, as it is referred to by the locals, is the most isolated and stunning of all Las Terrenas’ beaches.

Where to Stay: Stay in the Samana area of the Dominican Republic for easy access to Playa Coson. We suggest staying at the 5-Star Luxury Bhia Principe Cayo Levantado Don Pablo Collection All-Inclusive resort. This resort is nestled on it’s very own private island. 2 people can stay here for 3 nights starting at $1,007.

4. Seven Mile Beach

Negril, Jamaica

Seven Mile Beach is one of the more well-known Caribbean beaches on this list, but no less stunning. Go to Negril in order to see this long stretch of white sand, and stay for the laid-back, hippie-esque vibe you’ll find on this friendly island. Plus, this beach is home to the famous Negril Cliffs, where adrenaline-seekers can climb 30 feet to the top and dive directly into the Caribbean Sea.

Where to Stay: We suggest you stay at the 5-Star, All-Inclusive Royalton Negril Resort & Spa. This resort is family-friendly, but they also have an adults-only section called The Hideaway. 2 people can stay here for 3 nights starting at $1,256.

5. Buck Island

Saint Croix, USVI

Saint Croix itself is fairly secluded, but Buck Island is even more so. It is located 30 minutes by boat from mainland Saint Croix, and the island is a national preserve. It is one of the top snorkeling spots in the world, with crystal clear waters and incredible coral reefs.

Where to Stay: Again, Saint Croix is rather private, and we would actually suggest staying on St. Thomas or St. John for more options in accommodations and more things to do. Then you can take a ferry directly to Buck Island or get there by stopping on Saint Croix first. In St. Thomas, we suggest staying at the 4-Star, All-Inclusive Bolongo Bay. 2 people can stay here for 3 nights starting at $1,419.

Book your next getaway with Enchanted Travel! Call us today at 402-281-3022. 

About 1,100 miles southeast of Miami sit three major bodies of land that make up the US Virgin Islands — St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas — and they are also surrounded by roughly 50 other islands and cays.

Even though these islands have long been a US territory, they are still relatively unknown to most living in the states.

1. No Passport Required!

The U.S. Virgin Islands is an American territory, therefore U.S. citizens don’t need a passport. Another perk is that they use US currency and speak English. Despite these comforts of the continental US, there is still a strong foreign feel to the islands. For instance, in St. Croix you will notice some European influences as this was a former Danish colony. Plus, the laid-back island vibes still shine through despite the American influence.

2. Well-Preserved Natural Scenery

The Virgin Islands boasts six national parks throughout the three islands. The islands also offer eco-friendly dining options, accommodations, and activities, from farm-to-table restaurants to volunteering opportunities. The islands are full of exotic wildlife including iguanas, donkeys, and mongoose. There are over 144 species of birds throughout the islands. Wildlife-junkies can get their fix at the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. You will likely be able to spot dolphins and whales, depending on the type of year.

3. Breathtaking Beaches

St. Thomas has busier bustling beaches, like Coki Point and Magens Bay, serviced with surfside bars, restaurants and water sports. St. John’s beaches, like Leinster Bay, tend to be quiet, deserted and off the beaten bath. If you want to learn how to sail or kite surf, head to St. Croix. Beyond the three main islands, there are also smaller islets and cays to explore by boat, offering hundreds more white sand beaches. Honeymoon Beach on Water Island is a particular favorite.

4. Diverse Culture

The Virgin Islands have plenty of historical tours, interesting foods, fairs, parades and activities; each island has it’s own vibe. If you’re an architecture nerd, you can tour 17th- and 18th-century landscapes and restored houses on St. Thomas and St. Croix. One of the most famous attractions is the 99 steps on St. Thomas, but make sure you are prepared physically for this one! In St. John’s National Park, Annaberg Plantation offers an immersive look at colonial culture.

5. Vibrant Culinary Scene

The U.S. Virgin Islands is known for local favorites and authentic Caribbean cuisine that include kallaloo, potato stuffing, red grout, and fritters. The islands have expanded their foodie game in recent years, with fine-dining and beach shack restaurants both offering regional specialties. Fresh fish, callaloo, johnnycake, pates, fungi, okra, and roti are likely to be found on the menus.

6. Ideal Location for a Destination Wedding

Your guests will thank you for choosing the USVI for your destination wedding. You may be inviting guests that do not have a passport or have never traveled out of the country. Plus, direct flights (including just a 45 minute flight from Miami) make the idea of traveling less daunting. Plus with tourism playing an important role in the USVI economy, flights from the mainland are often more affordable than flights to other Caribbean destinations.

Each island offers it’s own unique vibe for whatever destination wedding you have in mind. St. Thomas has the nightlife, restaurants, and activities for adventurous groups. St. Croix is full of white-sand beaches, and European architecture. St. John is the most luxurious of the islands, with gorgeous villas and several national parks. Plus, it is incredibly easy to hop from island to island!

7. Endless Sunshine

The USVI boast an average temperature of 82 degrees with the temp at night falling only slightly to the mid-70’s. Rainfalls normally last a few minutes in the morning or evening. The water temperature also remains between 79-84 degrees year-round. The practically guaranteed sunshine ensures that you can soak up all of the activities the USVI have to offer.

Call us today at 402-281-3022 to book your own getaway to the US Virgin Islands!