Relaxation and travel rarely go hand in hand. Curiosity and desire to immerse ourselves into a new culture and fill our camera rolls with everything there is to see often outweighs our need for an actually restful vacation. In the sleepy, tranquil U.S. Virgin Islands, I experience one of the only truly peaceful holidays I’ve ever had.
While other Caribbean islands are brimming with unique cultures and traditions (and often raucous parties), U.S.V.I. is an American territory. It’s very reminiscent of being in the mainland U.S., and with everything our countries have in common, Canadians can feel a strong sense of familiarity whilst basking in the tropical climes of a Caribbean paradise. Transplants from nearby islands like Puerto Rico and Dominica have brought their traditions and created pockets of culture, but the three major islands feel overarchingly American.
What sets U.S.V.I. apart from other sun-soaked parts of the U.S. is its gorgeous Caribbean landscape, overflowing with tropical flora and fauna, and the friendly Caribbean people. The smallest island, St. John, is a nature-filled paradise. More than two-thirds of the island is dedicated to the lush Virgin Islands National Park, which can be explored by car or on foot through dozens of hiking trails. Home to soft, sandy beaches with crystalline turquoise waters — including one of the best beaches in the world — St. John is also one of the best snorkelling spots in the Caribbean.
St. Thomas, just a 20-minute ferry from St. John, and the further afield St. Croix, are the largest of the three main islands and offer a wider variety of local restaurants, shops, and historical sites. Both are worthy of being your home base in U.S.V.I., but if sitting still for too long gives you that itchy feeling, take a quick flight in a tiny plane over to the other island.
No visit to St. Croix is complete without dining at Savant, the island’s famed fusion restaurant that blends Mexican, Caribbean and Asian flavours to create heavenly dishes. Set in a gorgeous greenery-clad stone courtyard full of string lights, it’s as romantic as they come.
Each island is slightly different, but wherever you go in U.S.V.I., you’ll be treated to paradisiacal scenery and a relaxed island vibe that feels especially safe and comfortable.
The Hideaway at Hull Bay
Forget the images of sprawling all-inclusives — The Hideaway is an entirely different kind of resort. Across a quiet road from Hull Bay Beach, this private estate, farm and restaurant is tucked away in a lush tropical forest. Despite the rural setting, the cottages and villas have beautiful beachy interiors with all the modern creature comforts. Their Taste of the Farm dinner series is a delicious celebration of local ingredients. Served in the main open-air pavilion under string lights, the tasting-menu experience is worth the trip, even if you’re not staying at the resort.
Trunk Bay
Crowned number one on The World’s 50 Best Beaches list in 2024, Trunk Bay is well worth a dedicated day trip. From Red Hook, Saint Thomas, take a 20-minute ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John. It’s inexpensive and runs often, and many islanders use it to commute to and from work or school. Once you arrive at Trunk Bay, located within the protected Virgin Islands National Park, everything else falls away. This serene slice of nirvana offers soft sand and crystal-clear waters. If paradise means a drink in hand, there’s a full bar, along with a snack shack serving tasty handhelds.
Oceana Restaurant & Bistro
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I can’t think of a better name for this lively, romantic restaurant. The quaint lakehouse-style structure gives the restaurant a relaxed, homey vibe, while the sweeping vistas of Baye de Grigri will have you sighing into your seat. Almost every table in the open-air dining room offers turquoise-hued views. If that wasn’t enough, the food and drink programs are excellent. Seafood dishes dominate, but there are meatier mains to choose from. Cocktails lean on the tropical side — you’re in paradise, after all.
The VI Cat, Sunset & Harbour Lights Dinner Sail
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When you’ve experienced one catamaran cruise you’ve experienced them all, right? Wrong. The VI Cat is undoubtedly one of the best. The crew members are a hilarious bunch, topping up our cocktails at every opportunity. Boat food is boat food — it’s tasty enough. But the fun you’ll have paired with the spectacular scenery is well worth the price of admission. Departing from the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove, the catamaran offers gorgeous views in every direction.
