U.S. Virgin Islands

In 1981 we stayed at Spratt Hall Plantation, which is located near Fredericksted on St. Croix. This is an old French plantation house, now run as a small hotel and guest house by the Hurd family. Home-cooked meals, no smoking in the main house. As you can see by the photo of our bedroom, the walls are 3' thick concrete, which makes the place pretty well hurricane proof.  Not long before we arrived, a hurricane had blown through, causing considerable damage to the surrounding area.  

If you arrive by cruise ship, chances are good you will land at Fredricksted, which is located at the opposite end of St. Croix to the main town of Christiansted. Between the two towns is an oil refinery, some shopping malls, and a great deal of tropical forest.  Compared with St. Thomas, this island is very quiet and laid back.

The old Danish fort in Christiansted is quite interesting, and of course there is duty-free shopping! The Danish Colonial architecture is classic, and very well maintained. Just offshore is a superb underwater park, suitable for snorkelling and scuba diving.

The history of the sugar plantations is well-preserved on St. Croix, and can be fascinating.  Don't forget to stop and have a look in the various historical sites on the island as you travel the island.