Luxury Island Experiences

ST. CROIX

Bring home an opulent souvenir that you’ll love for years to come, such as a piece of jewelry from the colorful shops of historic Christiansted. At Crucian Gold, you’ll find artisan-made items — like the timeless Crucian knot — in silver, gold and copper. And check out the one-of-a-kind pieces made from reclaimed shards of fine china, set in necklaces and earrings. Start a collection of stackable gold and silver bracelets at ib designs, or peruse the shop’s statement rings with semi-precious stones like turquoise and fire opal. Pick up an original St. Croix hook at Sonya Ltd. This elegant Crucian symbol of love has been handmade here for over 50 years.

For high-energy adventure, hop behind the wheel of a colorful JetCar. VI Exotic Watersports JetCars combine a high-powered jet ski and a sleek sports car for a stylish adrenaline rush. Skim over the water at up to 96 kph in a floating car complete with a Bluetooth sound system. You can cruise the west coast of St. Croix with a custom soundtrack of your favorite tunes.

Looking for a place to stay and play? Contemporary island design and abundant activities make The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort a dream destination on its own. Start your day with morning coffee on your room’s private balcony. Then, head down to one of three white-sand beaches for snorkeling or kayaking. The on-site golf course is challenging but playable, with beautiful water and coastal views. Relax with a deep-tissue massage after your 18 holes, and enjoy evening entertainment like moko jumbies, fire dancers and steel pan music.

ST. JOHN

Enjoy the VIP treatment while cruising with Sweet Pea Catamaran Charters. Climb aboard the sleek catamaran in Cruz Bay (or in Red Hook on St. Thomas) for a private voyage away from the island crowds. On a Day Sail, you can lounge over the water on comfortable nets or experience some of USVI’s best snorkeling. Enjoy complimentary rum punch and a gourmet lunch while you take in the sights. Or reserve a Sunset Sail, sipping chilled champagne and nibbling delicious hors d’oeuvres while the sunset paints the Caribbean sky pink and orange.

At alfresco utopia ZoZo’s at Caneel Bay, you’ll enjoy a four-course feast with glorious waterfront views from the sleek open terrace. Start your dinner with family-style antipasti, then choose an appetizer, entree and dessert from the curated prix fixe menu. Options change weekly, but you may find pan-seared diver scallops with sherry-bacon vinaigrette or fresh octopus ceviche with sweet pineapple and smoky poblanos. The pace is leisurely — expect your meal to last up to three hours. When you’re not out exploring, make yourself at home in a gracious villa. Tucked among the calm waters of Great Cruz Bay, The Westin St. John Resort Villas blends postcard-worthy scenery with comfortable studios, villas and townhouses, each well-equipped with a kitchen or kitchenette, plus a washer and dryer. Splash in the quarter-acre pool or walk along 1,200 feet of private white-sand beach. And enjoy activities like the Night Kayak GLOW Tour, an excursion into the bay in LED-lit kayaks under the moonlight.

ST. THOMAS

See USVI in all its majesty from 5,000 feet above with Caribbean Buzz Helicopters. Take a private sightseeing tour of the islands, getting a bird’s-eye view of each cove and cay from inside a twin-engine Airbus helicopter. Take a day trip to a dreamy resort where you can melt away stress with luxe spa treatments. Or plan a heli-adventure like kiteboarding, paddleboarding or snorkeling (with helicopter transportation, of course).

Live the yacht life for a week with Island Yachts Charters. The professional crew on your private charter will handle everything, from the skipper at the helm to the personal chef preparing custom meals based on your preferences. Drop anchor to snorkel or kayak in secluded coves or move out to open water for windsurfing and waterskiing. You can also create a custom itinerary, stopping at all the must-see sights along the islands. And yes, an open bar is included!

For a luxury stay at a hotel with an international reputation, treat yourself to an escape at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Contemporary guest rooms reveal chic island influences and private balconies, while exquisite restaurants tempt you with fresh Sicilian fare and local spiny lobster. Get a massage in a seaside cabana at the world-class spa and book a catamaran excursion on the Lady Lynsey II. Lounge in a shaded private cabana by the adults-only infinity edge pool or hit the water slide with the kids at the family pool. A stay here will leave you rejuvenated and ready for life back on the mainland.