When the results of its summer renovation were finally unveiled last year, the King Christian Hotel looked like a brand new property. In addition to having one of the best locations in St. Croix, this Christiansted fixture has added exceptional elements of style and subtle luxury, all while preserving its original historical charm. 

With a tiki bar, coffee bar, ice creamery, and in-house Mexican restaurant with a lively scene, this is certainly one of the hippest hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but when it comes to what matters most—embracing the island getaway vibes—this King is sure to reign supreme for travelers seeking fast and fun escapes.

Here are some of the elements we loved the most on our recent visit.

Peacock Room

Instead of a traditional lobby, the King Christian Hotel has created more of a lounge so guests enter a space that instantly feels like home (albeit hipper and seemingly decorated by Wes Anderson). Settle into the Peacock Room, a maximalism affair overflowing with color, from the stuffed peacock to the bright cobalt shelving lined with floral wallpaper. 

Get into the holiday mood and order the Empress Gin and Tonic, a pretty affair of purple gin, rosemary, dried grapefruit, and juniper berries. If you’ve got room in your luggage, say yes to a pair of souvenir peacock ceramic mugs, which most of the cocktails are served in.

El Leon

Start with your choice of three sizes of margarita—grande, muy grande, and fiesta, an 8- to 10-serving dispenser served with oversize sparklers to get your night off with a bang. Ordering the fiesta is by no means a bad move, as this could easily be the best margarita you’ve ever had. After all, El Leon, the Mexican restaurant at the King Christian, employs a man whose sole job is “juicer,” squeezing limes and drying fruit for this natural and complex cocktail. 

Beyond the drink, the ceviche is a must try, as are the fish tacos. If you’re adventurous, try the Pastel Azteca, described as a Mexican lasagna with tender beef brisket, homemade tortillas, and cheese, given just a slight kick of sour from pickled onions. Desserts are all made in house. The flan, really more of a lighter cheesecake, won us over.

Location, Location, Location

You don’t need a rental car when you book at this boutique hotel. King Christian sits at the east end of the boardwalk of Christiansted, the main town on the island of St. Croix. It’s just a stone’s throw from a handful of bars, restaurants, and daytrip outfitters. The restaurant and sports bar Brew STX sits right next door, serving up fish tacos, burgers, bowls, and craft beer by the pint. 

One door down is The Mill Boardwalk Bar Brick Oven PIzza, serving wood-fired margherita, barbecue chicken, and shrimp scampi pizzas, among other varieties of the comfort food. Walk a few more steps to Nate’s Boathouse, a local favorite for its fresh take on seafood and island fare, from crab-cake-topped fries and Asian sticky ribs to Escovitch-style whole fried snapper and fresh tuna topped with tart mango salsa. 

Heading east from the King Christian, you’ll find Savant, on island for more than two decades. The outdoor courtyard drips with romance, so make reservations if you prefer supping on the Cassava Crusted Local Fish of the Day or any of the daily specials while surrounded by bougainvillea climbing limestone walls.

Buck Island Day Trip

Book ahead with outfitter Caribbean Sea Adventures for a half- or full-day trip to Buck Island Reef National Monument, home of the first underwater snorkel trail. The island’s white-sand shores are protected as a nesting site for hawksbill sea turtles (recognizable for their beak–green sea turtles have a rounded face). 

If you can, spring for a private charter. Once you set foot on the beach and sink into that soft sand, rum punch in hand, you’ll find it hard to stick to any schedule.

Scuba the Famous North Wall

Three of the island’s most popular scuba shops are right on the boardwalk, whisking you to go dive the famous north wall. Dive Experience is located next door and owned by a Women Divers Hall of Fame member. Book a morning dive trip to drop down and mingle with eagle rays, sea turtles, moray eels and the occasional passing reef shark. 

Not certified? No worries. Sign up for the Discover Scuba Course to get a taste of what scuba diving is all about.

Breaker’s Roar

This bar nails the tiki vibe, from the hanging brass helmets that serve as over-booth lighting to the killer soundtrack that sets the mood when it’s not karaoke night. The menu is a long and loving homage to tiki culture, with classics like the rum runner and the hurricane as well as only-here originals dreamed up by the bar staff. 

We love that just about every drink is served in its own fun ceramic mug–like the Banana Bana that comes in a cute yellow tiki mug with its wee bum jutting out. Plus, many of the drinks come served flambe, making for a fun celebratory moment. The Puka Punch is served ablaze, earning points in our book for happy hour style. 

One last thing: Monday night is karaoke. Here, the event manages to attract a mix of locals and off-islanders coming together for this love fest of total acceptance, good vibes, and sing-along camaraderie, perfect for those too shy to otherwise belt out their beloved theme songs.

Don’t Stop the Carnival

The legendary Herman Wouk novel “Don’t Stop the Carnival” is said to have been written about Hotel on the Cay, a St. Croix gem since 1965. The same hotelier that bought and revamped the King Christian just inked papers to this hotel, sitting on an island that’s less than a minute by boat. The revamp is much needed and something for sure to look forward to. 

Until then, King Christian guests have free and unlimited access to the white-sand beaches on the cay, as well as free passage on the boat that runs every five minutes between the two.

The post 7 Reasons to Love St. Croix’s King Christian Hotel appeared first on Islands.

When you spend a significant amount of time eating your way through the Caribbean like I do, every month is National (Insert Food or Drink Item) Month. Margaritas, mai tais, pina coladas, hamburgers, tacos, pizza—we are already constantly celebrating it all, so we sometimes let a special occasion slip through the cracks. But National Sauce Month? That’s one I’ll make a point to set aside a day or two for busting my many bottles out of the cabinet and fridge for a little taste test festival.

I’m especially fond of hot sauces, as I try to collect a prominent bottle from every destination I visit, even if it means just grabbing a random bottle from the airport gift store on the way home. Fortunately, when I have the chance to spend time with an island’s talented chefs, I learn a little more about personal and local favorites, and on the rarest occasions I might even bring home a one-of-a-kind bottle.

The biggest thing I look for in hot sauce isn’t the fire but the flavor. There’s no point in ruining a meal with something meant to punish the consumer, so I collect the bottles that bring a little sweat to my brow, but also a smile to my face. Here are five that I’m especially fond of and hope fellow travelers will love as well. 

Llewellyn’s Guava Pepper Sauce

When I recently visited St. Kitts, one of my most important side missions was acquiring a bottle or two of the legendary Llewellyn’s Hot Sauces, created by Llewellyn Clarke of the Four Seasons Resort Nevis. I was worried that these were only sold on neighboring Nevis, since these flavors were conceived in Rawlins Village, but I was elated to find the guava and mango pepper sauces in the lobby shop at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. 

In fact, when I entered the store, the incredibly friendly clerk asked if I was looking for something specific, and I immediately said, “Hot sauce” to which she replied, “Then you’ll want…” and I finished her sentence by shouting, “Llewellyn’s!” Both flavors are magnificent, but the guava has been my personal favorite from anywhere in the Caribbean, so much so that when we have guests, I hide it from everyone. Order your own, friends.

Hot Delight Papaya

Aruba’s Hot Delight Papaya sauce is, simply put, one of the best things in the world. Since trying it for the first time four years ago, when a Dutch chef made ice cream with it at Divi Aruba’s Michelin Pop-Up event, I have been downright hooked. A mild flavor, this is as versatile as a sauce can get, because it goes well with chicken, pork, fish, beef, and especially vegetables, and the flavor is so vibrant I even throw a little on my eggs in the morning to wake me up when the cold brew isn’t working.

Of course, I also love hot sauce with a kick, so whenever I’m leaving One Happy Island, I grab a Hot Delight two-pack from the airport gift shop, so I have a bottle of madame as well. A much hotter flavor, this bottle always lasts longer than the papaya, because I’ll drown a meal in that stuff. 

Baron West Indian Hot Sauce

I call this St. Lucia bottle my “hamburgers and fries sauce” because I love adding a little dash and drizzle to an ordinary meal at home. Some people aren’t fond of mustard-based hot sauces, so this might be an acquired taste, and I admit it took me a few dishes to build my appreciation for it. 

But the most important thing to know about Baron West Indian Hot Sauce is: get ready for some heat. It isn’t overbearing, but I have found myself sweating each time I’ve taken this bottle from the pantry, so novice hot saucers should be careful and build a tolerance.

Alvin’s Hot Sauce

This bottle might be found in a lot of big city restaurants—and on Netflix’s Restaurants on the Edge—but the eponymous creator was born in Trinidad and raised in St. Croix, so the Caribbean influence is undeniable. And the experts agree, because this bottle has been celebrated at a variety of food competitions and hot sauce awards events.

Alvin’s Hot Sauce slaps from the moment you open the bottle, as the aroma of Scotch bonnet peppers can take over a room. But again, we don’t want to suffer when eating a nice dish, and this doesn’t make the consumer regret the decision. As for which dish, this is by far my favorite to use on homemade wings, and sometimes I’ll combine it with some Frank’s just to really make it pop.

Spika Oil

It wasn’t long into my first visit to Curaçao last year that I became obsessed with the Dutch Caribbean island’s culinary scene. After a few meals, I realized I was in foodie Valhalla, and so I was excited to try the local hot sauces. Of course, when there are so many talented chefs on one island, you’ll learn quickly that they all make their own sauces. In fact, the head chef at the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort’s phenomenal Zala Gastro Lounge filled a water bottle with his own recipe for me to bring home.
But when it came to finding a local brand’s bottle that I could enjoy, I asked my friends at the tourism board for a recommendation, and they handed me a small bottle of Sonja’s Artisan Spika Oil with a message: “Trust us.” I’m glad I did, because while this isn’t a traditional hot sauce—the ingredients are canola oil and Curaçao hot peppers—it is an exceptional item that goes well with any dish. Best of all, you can only get it at the island’s fresh markets, so that means more trips to Curaçao in the future.

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Can you put a price tag on love? Better yet, can you assign a monetary value to romantic experiences? The easy answer is yes, because many of us have strict travel budgets so everything needs to come at a bargain. But what if you had no limitations and could do anything and go anywhere to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? That’s the kind of daydreaming that we love.

All you need now is some inspiration. Here are six hotels and resorts that have cultivated exceptionally romantic experiences for Valentine’s Day, but even if it’s too last-minute, keep an eye on these properties—they’re always up to something amazing.

Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf, St. Barth

When I recently visited Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf, I experienced quite a few “you have to be kidding me” moments, but none more than when I stepped through the doors of Villa Diane. With enough sleeping and living space to comfortably fit up to 10 people, it also has the advantage of seclusion through creative design, as anyone who needs a break from the family reunion or wedding festivities can still steal a moment of peace on a private terrace.

But what about two people? In that sense, Villa Diane is like a modern castle, set high above Gustavia with magnificent views of this A-lister’s paradise. Two or 10, there’s pampering to be enjoyed here, and the newest experience from this stunning property includes a private chef and personal butler, in-villa yoga and pilates classes, VIP service to and from the airport, a sunbed at the nearby Shellona Beach Club, and access to the rest of the hotel’s outstanding amenities.

The price? This romantic experience begins at $18,960 per night. If that shattered too many monocles, the hotel is also offering a Valentine’s Day package for stays of three nights or longer that starts at $13,000 and includes a stay in the Junior Suite Terrace Sea View (amazing views and a private plunge pool are included), dinner at Fouquet’s by three-star Michelin Chef Pierre Gagnaire, a 45-minute couples massage, guided hike to Petit Cul de Sac, a sunset catamaran tour of the island’s beautiful beaches, and a 30-minute helicopter “air baptism” over the Caribbean Sea, among other activities.

The St. Regis Bora Bora

Some people think it’s cliché to pop the question on Valentine’s Day, and that might be the case if you’re planning to do it over dessert in the crowded dining room at the local Macaroni Grill. But asking the ultimate question to that special someone with Bora Bora’s Mount Popoti as your backdrop? The only clichés will be the responses from your jealous friends.

Starting at $15,000, this proposal or vow renewal experience includes a five-night stay in a St. Regis Bora Bora overwater villa, a gourmet champagne picnic curated by Chef Nicolas Nguyen of Lagoon by Jean-George Restaurant, a private sunset sail on the Vitamin Sea catamaran (hopefully to celebrate the correct answer), a helicopter tour of this amazing destination, signature canoe breakfast, and a 24-carat gold al fresco couples massage overlooking the resort’s Lagoonarium and Mount Otemanu, among other perks.

I know what you’re thinking: “Who would ever want to leave after such a trip?” Don’t worry, extra nights can be added.

Lovango Resort and Beach Club, St. John

When owners Mark and Gwenn Snider first visited this beautiful destination in the U.S. Virgin Islands, they thought they’d found heaven. Now, with creative experiences and myriad fantastic amenities and activities, Lovango Resort and Beach Club is sharing that otherworldly feeling with guests, and all of February will feature a big emphasis on romance.

Couples can book stays of three nights or longer using the code LOVE and enjoy the unique luxury treehouses or glamping tents that will not only make them appreciate the natural beauty, but also add an extra element of seclusion to this private island getaway. Also included is a private cabana for one day, breakfast at the Treetops Lounge, a romantic picnic on Honeymoon Beach (so maybe bring that ring and rehearse a certain question), and a private beach dinner under the majestic clear night sky.

To top it all off, the resort’s mixologist will even craft a personalized cocktail with a couple’s favorite ingredients.

Soneva Jani, Maldives

Valentine’s Day isn’t always about the couple. It can be about the entire family, too. At Soneva Jani, this special day offers something special for travelers of all ages. The couple will, of course, enjoy the floating champagne breakfast in their private pool, but children will the cherish the chance to make special cards and crafts for their parents or friends and family back home. (Grandparents deserve Valentine’s Day treats, too!) Other perks include restorative massages at Soneva Soul and snorkeling the Noonu Atoll, but the dinner options are where things get really interesting and very romantic.

Head to So Engaging for the five-course “Loving Journey Around the World” dinner or indulge in a delicious seafood BBQ at So Primitive. A special Valentine’s Day menu is available at Director’s Cut, which offers guests views of the movie screen at Cinema Paradiso, or the night sky can be the entertainment during a meal at So Starstruck. Still not what you’re looking for? A dinner for two on a private island can be arranged.

VOMO Island Fiji

Valentine’s Day takes place on February 14, but at VOMO Island Fiji, guests will have two months to bask in the romance. Already a haven for couples who want to feel like the only people on Earth, this 225-acre destination is cranking the love up to 11 in February and March with a new offering that not only includes all the resort’s best activities—hiking Mt. Vomo, snorkeling, kayaking, dominating the Par 3 golf course—but three bonus concepts that are all about love.

The toughest part will be choosing between them. Should guests pick the half-day private island picnic on Vomo Lai Lai that is only available to one couple per day, or should they book the beachfront dinner for two at the resort’s legendary stretch of sand? What about the 60-minute couples massage at Kui Spa? All we know is the easiest choice is booking four nights or more, because guests will receive an extra night free.

The Jefferson DC, Washington DC

It’s not the Caribbean, French Polynesia, or the Maldives, but when travel time is a huge concern, you can’t go wrong by simply ditching the passports and heading to a destination that is still rich with history and one particularly creative hotel. The Jefferson DC’s romantic offering includes a stay in the amazing First Lady Suite, which offers top-floor views that’ll make any couple feel like visiting royalty. Especially when beating the cold weather by sitting in front of the fireplace.

In addition to strolls around the city and visiting the landmarks, a couple can enjoy delicious cocktails at Quill, undoubtedly one of the coolest bars in town, before taking a seat at The Bird’s Nest, which is so spectacular in design that people could spend a whole evening enjoying conversation before they realize how much time has passed.

The post 6 Over-the-Top and Downright Awesome Valentine’s Day Experiences appeared first on Islands.

When Joseph Boschulte spoke about his goals, hopes, and ambition for the U.S. Virgin Islands at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association conference last fall, he was visibly excited about “things to come” in 2023. Obviously, the commissioner of the department of tourism should always be enthusiastic, but he was still gushing about the many ways in which this destination is set grow and thrive in the coming year. And at the center of it all is Frenchman’s Reef.

Closed in 2017 following extensive damage from Hurricanes Irene and Maria, this former Marriott signature property has been the source of speculation and excitement ever since Aimbridge Hospitality took over and announced a $350 million reimagination effort. But even as the project, like most things, slowed to crawl in 2020, the inevitable conclusion meant that St. Thomas would soon return to its pre-hurricane accommodation capacity, and that’s great news for everyone.

Now, even as the restoration and enhancement costs increased to $425 million, Frenchman’s Reef is set to become one of the hottest Caribbean destinations this spring. The doors will soon open on The Westin Beach Resort and Spa, which will boast 392 rooms (including 28 suites), in addition to a sprawling pool area, Heavenly Spa, and enough meeting space to make this a preferred choice for corporate escapes. Not to be outdone, Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort, an Autograph Collection Hotel, will soon roll out the red carpet with its 92 guest rooms and two exceptional suites, in addition to a bevy of amenities.

But if any aspect of this thrilling endeavor will recapture the hearts of guests who have visited this USVI hot spot since the 1970s, it will be the culinary concepts. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Greg Smith and with concepts by Sixteenfifty Creative Intelligence, these new resorts will offer a combined nine signature dining experiences and lounges, all boasting menus packed with creative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

For variety and international fusion, Sugarfin and Luna Mar will delight guests with their Asian and Mediterranean offerings, respectively. The former will also provide arguably the best setting in either resort for enjoying sunsets, as Sugarfin’s terrace overlooks beautiful, historic Charlotte Amalie. 

Anyone seeking unique takes on classic resort fare that will looks great on Instagram can head to the beachfront Salt Shack—time will tell if it confirms my “salty” theory—but that’s not to say the pool doesn’t have its perks. Tide Pool Cabanas and Bar will have the snacks and cocktails loungers crave, and the swim-up Edge Bar’s signature Edge Margarita will best be enjoyed in one of the Caribbean’s coolest infinity pools.

The crown jewel of the experience will undoubtedly be Isla Blue, a stylish spot for a little bit of everything travelers have come to expect from the Caribbean and Mexico. In addition to delicious cuisine and unique cocktails, this venue also offers the Privado Room, which is ideal for small groups seeking a more intimate setting in this St. Thomas paradise.

The post A Pair of New Resorts at Frenchman’s Reef will Enhance the Culinary Creativity on St. Thomas appeared first on Islands.

Ask anyone for a recommendation on where to stay when visiting St. Thomas and the answer will almost certainly be the Ritz. And ask anyone who wants to visit St. Thomas where they’d like to stay and the answer, again, will most certainly be the Ritz. Monocles will not shatter at this revelation—we all know what to expect from this brand name—but it is merely a testament to creating and cultivating experiences that guests will love and appreciate year after year.

And few experiences, if any, will ever top staying in the Presidential Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, where guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy one of the most spectacular curated getaways offered anywhere in the world.

It begins, of course, with the accommodations, and this three-bedroom palace is as modern and stylish as it is spacious and comfortable. Enjoying just over 3,500-sq. ft., and not to mention five bathrooms, as many as four guests will be spoiled with privacy and maximum comfort with separate living and dining spaces, a kitchenette loaded with appliances, and the softest featherbeds. One of the resort’s exceptional chefs will also swing by to serve up a five-course dinner that will rank among the best meals of any travelers’ lives. 

But it’s what will happen outside the suite that makes this limited experience so extravagant. For starters, gusts will enjoy presidential treatment from the moment they arrive, being whisked from the airport in a private SUV, and they’ll never forget spectacular on-site moments like seaside cabana massages, a four-course terrace dinner with a personalized menu and cocktails, and yet another meal, this one a six-course dinner in an idyllic beach gazebo. A private cooking class will even allow guests to bring home their favorite Caribbean cuisines.

There will also be an entire day spent in an oceanfront cabana with a private butler. Needless to say, Instagram feeds will have friends and family jealous beyond words.

The cherry on top is a series of excursions curated by the concierge, including Sea Ray charters, sunset dinner sails, and a charter on Lady Lynsey II, on which guests will undoubtedly love the thrill of snorkeling with turtles.

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One of the most fascinating things about visiting St. Croix is experiencing how well the island blends its rich history with modern creativity and innovation. Just as travelers can view 18^th century architecture and landmarks in Christiansted and Frederiksted, they can have a heck of a lunch at La Reine Chicken Shack before enjoying a few of Chef Todd’s creative cocktails at the Mutiny Island vodka distillery. Just when you think you’ve seen it all on this island, it delivers something new, and that’s certainly the case at the King Christian Hotel.

Thanks to a summer renovation effort, this property—with one of the best locations anywhere in the U.S. Virgin Islands—is displaying a brand-new vibe, and it’s one that guests who love that blend of history and paradise will especially appreciate. All 46 rooms and suites have been remodeled with Caribbean tones and décor, as well as modern touches like refrigerators and Bluetooth speakers. The suites are especially bolder, as guests will be thrilled to kick back on the spacious balconies and enjoy the ocean views.

But what will really have people buzzing is the new pool and sundeck, which offer style and seclusion for those moments when the beach is too busy and it’s not quite time for dinner and cocktails. However, when the urge for a snack or sip strikes, a new poolside menu awaits, and it can be considered a teaser for a rejuvenated culinary experience that will make King Christian a tough room to book in the years to come.

The six on-site dining options are collectively a stellar example of St. Croix’s creativity, as the Peacock Room and Breakers Roar will be every influencer’s favorite cocktail lounges in the Caribbean for years to come. El Leon will be the cherry on top when it opens in early 2023, as Executive Chef Liliana Ojeda will combine classic Mexican dishes with local flavors and ingredients, including lionfish.

Located in downtown Christiansted, this hotel sits near the Christiansted National Historic Site and offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the Danish influence and history at Fort Christiansvaern.

The post St. Croix’s Iconic King Christian Hotel Unveils a New Look appeared first on Islands.

When it comes to St. Thomas, most golfers would love to know the fate of Mahogany Run. Closed since September 2017, when Hurricane Irma caused extensive damage, this popular Caribbean golf course boasted a George and Tom Fazio design with the famed “Devil’s Triangle” as a centerpiece. Today, the course remains for sale and visitors to the U.S. Virgin Islands take a boat ride if they want to play 18 holes. That is, unless they’d prefer to lean on technology as an alternative. 

The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas recently introduced a new amenity that should thrill any traveling golfer, as well as those who simply like to swing a club with friends and family. This beloved resort is among the latest around the world to debut the Topgolf Swing Suite, which allows guests to play simulated versions of 80 18-hole courses without enduring the Caribbean heat. And for anyone who doesn’t care for the links, virtual or real, there are other sports like baseball, football, and soccer.

For those guests who work up an appetite competing with family members, the suite also boasts a custom food and beverage menu including burger sliders, Caribbean chicken wings, and Mediterranean dips, among other tasty treats. The experience can be booked by the hour, which makes it ideal for breaking up the monotony of lounging by the remodeled infinity pool all day. 

Just kidding, there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it would perfectly complement a day spent in a cabana next to the family pool, because everyone should want to hit the waterslide before and after shooting par.

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If you’ve ever traveled with a baby onboard, then you’re plenty aware that one of the biggest challenges to moving freely as a family is the sheer amount of stuff (a euphemism) you have to bring along on vacation. 

But thanks to a new partnership between The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas and beloved French baby goods brand BEABA, there’s bound to be more joy in your journey next time you escape to this favorite island in the USVI—because you’re going to be able to leave a whole slew of baggage-consuming baby items back at home. 

Check into your oceanfront room on Great Bay with your family and among the things that can be there waiting for you as part of the program’s complementary lending program are adjustable baby rockers and posh bedside BEABA bassinets. There are some great BEABA baby items for purchase right at the hotel, too, in case you left them behind or would rather just purchase them here–including sippy cups, silicon spoons and bibs and insulated food jars. 

In addition to the new baby concierge program, the oceanfront hotel caters to families with a dedicated family pool complete with cabanas that offer quiet spaces with shade for an alfresco nap, a splash pad and a 60-ft. water slide. Parents can leave it to this Ritz to think about the small things, too–including complementary shovels and pails, beach balls, and even baby sunscreen.

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As we approach Earth Day (April 22), a day established in 1970 not to celebrate our planet’s natural beauty, but instead to educate us about its continuing environmental fragility, what better way to commemorate than with a look at some of the world’s most fascinating must-see trees? They are the giver of life, cleaning the atmosphere of carbon dioxide and creating the oxygen we breathe, and Earth Day’s founders seek to protect and nurture this vital commodity by planting tens of millions of trees through the Canopy Project. 

Our planet’s trees are also incredibly diverse and amazing to behold—and guess what? Many notable varieties are found on some of our favorite islands. Here’s where you can see 10 of them—from enigmatically shaped baobabs and dragon trees to flowering cherries and jacarandas.

Madagascar: The Baobab Tree

Known for its biodiversity, the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar is home to more than 100,000 unique species including five types of lemurs, an atypical monkey only found here. But for tree-lovers, no visit is complete without seeing the one-of-a-kind forest known as the Avenue of the Baobabs. 

Six of Earth’s eight species of baobab only grow in Madagascar and this clutch of whimsically shaped trees, most of them more then 800 years old, is located 12 miles from Morondava.

Aruba: The Fofoti Tree

It stands alone on Eagle Beach and has ended up in countless Instagram posts—but this iconic landmark is often mislabeled: It is a Fofoti tree, not one of the famous divi-divi trees that dot the arid landscape of Aruba. Both species point in a southwesterly direction, due to the wind’s direction on the constantly breezy island, but only the Fofoti grows on the beach.

Tenerife: The Dragon Tree

Dragon trees are not exclusive to Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, but the one that grows in the charming village of Icod de los Vinos is famous and known as El Dragon Milinario. The reason? Its size (an estimated 56 feet tall and 66 feet wide) and its age (said to be 800 to 1,000 years). 

Shaped like a massive broccoli floret, the dragon tree got its name because it secretes a red resin that was dubbed “dragon’s blood.” There are actually two dragon trees in Icod de los Vinos, and while the second one is younger and smaller, it’s still mesmerizing.

Japan: The Cherry Tree

Each spring on Honshu, Japan’s main island, the natural and cultural phenomenon of enjoying the sakura—the cherry blossoms—occurs, drawing locals and tourists to appreciate the beauty of these delicate pink flowers that seem to float in mid-air. The bloom peaks in different places across the island, from late March in the south to late April in the north, and there are dozens of scenic spots to take it all in. 

In Tokyo, where the blossoms are typically at their most breathtaking in late March and early April, popular viewing points include Chidori-ga-fuchi Moat and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Tsuyama, in central Japan, is also known for its cherry blossoms, especially around Tsuyama Castle.

Capri: The Parasol Pine 

There are dozens of reasons to visit the fabled Italian island of Capri, a spot favored by the Roman emperors for its beauty and sweeping views across the Bay of Naples. Known for both its rocky geography and its botanical bounty, Capri beckons visitors from spring through fall with its myriad plant and tree species—including the alluring parasol pine (aka stone pine), a distinctively ornamental tree found throughout Italy and the Mediterranean and named for that which it resembles. 

The Seychelles: The Coco de Mer Palm

Known as the “Love Nut,” the highly suggestive seed of the towering Coco de Mer palm tree reminds many visitors of a shapely pair of human buttocks—and weighs in at an impressive 35 pounds, making it the largest seed in the plant kingdom. 

It is found in the wild on only two islands in the Seychelles, Praslin and Curieuse, and in the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens in Victoria, the capital of its main island Mahe.

Maui: The Jacaranda Tree

Which Hawaiian island has the most spectacular jacarandas? That’s up for debate—this gorgeous species with its bright purple blossoms is found in quantity on Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the island of Hawaii. But a tour of the Kula Highway in Upcountry Maui, located on the slopes of volcanic Haleakala, during the months of April and May, will surround you in a heavenly sea of amethyst blooms. 

Drive it, or for an active adventure, ride it with Bike Maui on a thrilling downhill sunrise tour from atop 10,023-foot Haleakala.

Tahiti and Hawaii: The Frangipani Tree

Not only are these striking trees with clusters of five-petaled white, yellow, or pink blossoms a beautiful sight all around French Polynesia and the Hawaiian islands (where they are more commonly known as plumeria), but they also scent the air with a heavenly perfume at every turn. 

Used to make traditional floral leis and headdresses and as a scent for massage oils, these distinctive petals (along with tiare blossoms in Tahiti) are also worn one at a time—behind the left ear to signal your heart is taken and behind the right to let the world know you’re single.

Barbados, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands: The Flamboyant Tree 

Established throughout the Caribbean, but especially on the islands of Barbados, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. Croix, the vibrant Flamboyant tree (aka the Flame Tree or Royal Poinciana) adds a bold dash of spicy color to the mostly cool green and blue hues of the Caribbean. 

They aren’t native (they were brought to the islands in the 19^th century from Madagascar) but thrive in tropical locales and now adorn many Caribbean gardens and roadsides, blooming during the summer months.

Oahu and Maui: The Banyan Tree

Most trees grow upward, but the banyan tree does things differently—it also grows downward with long, tentacle-like branches reaching into the ground, forming a natural maze. Banyans live for hundreds of years and two impressive examples can be found on Oahu and Maui.

The Banyan Courtyard at the Westin Moana Surfrider on Waikiki Beach is named for the 118-year-old tree that grows there. And visitors to Maui can ogle the largest banyan tree in Hawaii in Old Lahaina, which was planted in 1873, spans an entire block and reaches 60 feet in height.

The post Celebrate Earth Day with 10 Iconic Island Trees appeared first on Islands.

The northern side of St. Thomas now offers a surprising escape for discerning travelers in search of a bespoke experience. The Hideaway at Hull Bay, which opened earlier this year, is a beachfront estate that accommodates only 36 guests for a fully tailored private island experience. Spread across five acres, the property is comprised of two villas and eight cottages that offer a creative curated vacation. 

The Hideaway indulges guests with a mix of luxury and playful sophistication. Spacious three-bedroom, three-bath beachfront villas feature Caribbean-chic design and wrap-around oceanfront balconies with spectacular views. Eight beachside cottages provide all the comforts of home with hand-crafted furnishings, fully equipped kitchenettes, cozy reading nooks, and private patios for al fresco dining. 

The lush vegetation sets this tropical oasis apart with pathways that meander through starfruit, passionfruit, guava, and banana trees, all products that appear on the estate’s breakfast and cocktail menus. Guests can while away the day on a lounger at the swimming pool or enjoy lawn games on the spacious green area.

The Pavilion is the central gathering spot enticing guests for happy hour with communal seating and a fully stocked private bar. The Hideaway specializes in catering to every guest’s desire with a fully stocked commercial kitchen and can arrange for group or family events like a movie night under the stars, complete with fireside s’mores and stargazing.

Guests also have exclusive access to a concierge who can arrange local tours and water excursions such as boating, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

One of the prized features of The Hideaway is the property’s 100 percent organic two-acre farm that grows more than 50 varieties of vegetables, fruit, flowers, and herbs, around which dining menus are created. For more casual dining, The Shack is just a short stroll away, and this 50-year-old establishment is legendary as the spot where locals gather to dine on fresh fish tacos and soursop coladas.

The post Indulge in a Private Caribbean Island Experience at a New Luxury Beachfront Estate appeared first on Islands.