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Pamper yourself in the Caribbean without leaving the US – well, sort of
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St. Croix, USVI/ Joe Tolley
With the harried, calendar-crammed lives that seem to be the norm, a little pampering can go a long way. Especially if it takes place in the idyllic Caribbean Eden we often only see as our desktop wallpaper.
No passport? No problem. As a US territory, the US Virgin Islands is the perfect place to experience the Caribbean without the hassle of obtaining a passport, exchanging currencies and struggling with understanding a foreign language.
Bucolic St. Croix, eco-heavenly St. John, and the buzzing port island of St. Thomas each offers opportunity aplenty to indulge yourself with spa treatments, shopping, and eating like it’s your job.
St. Croix’s quiet environment lends itself to peacefulness. Spend an afternoon at Divi Carina Bay Resort’s Surfside Spa, or the Hideaway Spa at the Buccaneer, and you’ll reach a whole new level of bliss.
One popular treatment at the Surfside Spa is the Germaine de Capuccini Deluxe Chocolate Wrap. This decadent chocolate treat goes straight to your thighs – literally (and the rest of your body!). Tucked inside the historic Buccaneer Resort, Hideaway Spa provides its own food-inspired treatment - Mango Indulgence, the spa’s signature sugar scrub.
St. Thomas spas I recommend are Journeys Spa at Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort, and The Reef Health Club and Spa at Marriott Frenchman’s Reef. Check out the Self Centre at Caneel Bay on St. John, too.
As distinct as each island is, so is the shopping. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love using the “I bought it when I was in the Virgin Islands” response to a compliment on your purchase?
Zora’s Sandal Shop in St. Thomas’ Charlotte Amalie creates one-of-a-kind footwear. Made from high quality leather and soled in rubber, these shoes are made to order. Choose your style, color, and get fitted for size. Shoes can usually be made in three days, and they last a very long time.
Charlotte Amalie is known for great deals on jewelry and cosmetics (duty-free). Cartier, Diamonds International, H. Stern World Outlet, and A.H. Riise Perfume and Cosmetics are just the tip of the iceberg. It can be a bit overwhelming, so pace yourself.
St. John’s Mongoose Junction is a popular retail area. Over 30 shops, galleries and restaurants are nestled in shaded terraces covered in tropical plants. My favorite store there has to be Bamboula, boasting handmade accessories, unique clothing and Caribbean-inspired furnishings. I was especially won over with their customer service when the manager came to my resort to exchange a purchase I had made earlier in the day.
St. Croix’s historic Christiansted thrives with galleries and jewelry shops specializing in handmade pieces. Sonya Ltd., is home of the original St. Croix hook bracelet. Her exclusive designs include sugar mills, hurricane bracelets and lizards. The Mitchell Larsen Studio and JewelWeed are my picks for other exquisite and original pieces.
If you are really treating yourself, don’t expect to stick to a diet here. No matter on which island you are dining, you’ll quickly become a member of the clean plate club.
The Galleon, overlooking Green Cay Marina in St. Croix, serves up amazing salads, unique seafood dishes, and desserts. An extensive collection of wines is on hand to accompany your meal. Time out for a meal at Savant, also in St. Croix, is a must. Eat inside for a cozy couple of hours, or dine by candlelight outside in the open-air “garden” area.
You might be in St. Thomas, but a meal at Havana Blue will make you think you are in a hip new restaurant in South Beach. Stellar views, trendy décor and exquisitely plated (and scrumptious) food are just a few things that make it so special.
With frequent direct flights from the Queen City, and current promotions offered from the USVI Department of Tourism, a Caribbean splurge for Charlotteans is easy and relatively affordable.
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