Page 26 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2023

SPECIAL FEATURE
UNBELIEVABLE
Aperennial favourite cruising and charter destination in the Caribbean, the U.S. Virgin Islands are excel- lent for sun, beaches, adventure, culinary and cultural experiences. The USVI is an official U.S. territory and consists of three main islands—St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas—plus 50 small islets and cays. Hopping between them is a great way to experience three islands in one vaca- tion and appreciate the unique beauty, history and rich cultural influences that include Danish, French, Spanish and African.
Mountainous St. Thomas bustles with cosmopolitan life and scenic lookouts, and diverse St. Croix boasts beautiful pastel buildings and botanical gardens. But I’m heading east, away from the territory’s capital Charlotte Amalie, catching the ferry to the smallest island, St. John.
St. John is home to some of the most pristine beaches and unspoiled underwater and terrestrial habitats anywhere in the Caribbean. As I wander around the main port of Cruz Bay, the vibe is laid-back, the beach bars and restaurants vibrant with visitors enjoying the territory’s favourite trop- ical drink, the rum-based Painkiller, and dining on freshly caught local seafood at hot spots like Morgan’s Mango and La Tapa.
St. John’s culinary scene is a magnet, but visitors are also here to indulge in their adventurous side at some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and the island’s national park. Two-thirds of St. John is the protected Virgin Islands National Park with 3,845 hectares of rolling green hills and an underwater reserve. This biodiverse world above and below the water can be explored on scenic hiking trails and by snorkelling or diving in coral-filled waters.
I’m excited to head onto the azure water and rent a kayak at Cinnamon Bay Beach to paddle to nearby Maho Bay, slipping on snorkel fins and mask to explore under
Three Islands, One Vacation
BY CLAUDIA LAROYE
FAMILY TRAVEL TIP
On the island of St. John, go glamping at Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground in Virgin Islands National Park. One of the few accommodation options located within the island’s magnificent national park, the campground reopened in November 2022. Kids will love spending hours at the white sand beach, swimming, kayaking and snorkelling with turtles.
PHOTOS: VISIT USVI
26 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2023