Palm trees are evergreen and an important part of the visual identity for the islands, even showing up on the coats of arms of several nations.

The ancient Greek god Apollo was supposedly born under a palm tree and, in that part of the world, they’ve played an important role in history and religion since recorded history. In the Caribbean, and in the minds of those who visit us from northern climes, the palm is the symbol of a luxurious tropical paradise.

Of all the palm species in the world, 52% show up only on islands; the rest are on the continents. There are a total of 2,339 recorded species of palm trees.

A Wikipedia article shows four major recognized species of palm on the Virgin Islands, and The Buccaneer certainly has them -

Roystonea borinquena – also known as “Puerto Rico royal palm”

Sabal causiarum “Puerto Rican hat palm”

Acrocomia media – also known as “palm de coroso”

Coccothrinax alta – “Tyre palm”

Whether you’re coming to The Buccaneer to celebrate a Caribbean anniversary, planning a Caribbean wedding, or simply planning long walks beneath the palms, we hope our beautiful Roystonea borinquena and her cousins provide the perfect backdrop to complete that feeling of Caribbean luxury.

Sources – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_palms_of_the_Caribbean

My son in 2006.
Will he like it again?

There and “Buc” again

When you’ve been to The Buccaneer with your family, the experience almost always remains as the high-water mark of vacations. “The Buccaneer was, hands-down, the best family vacation destination we’ve ever been to.” (This is not the first time we’ve heard such an accolade.) “The staff; the amazing scenery from high up on that hill overlooking the Caribbean; the wonderful meals; the pools; the beautiful beaches, there’s just nothing else like it,” he said. “We’ve never equaled that experience. The Buccaneer is the best kid friendly vacation we’ve ever experienced.”

“So, why are you nervous,” I asked.
“Well, how can it possibly equal what we experienced that first time?” And there you have it. It’s the curse of being too wonderful.

My daughter in 2006
at the Grotto Pool.
She wasn’t picky then,
but she sure is now.

Having an incredible experience anywhere is never completely the result of the place. It’s also the people you’re with; the weather; your mood; and many other factors as well. Granted, The Buccaneer on St. Croix is one of the most beautiful family resorts in the world and, with this as a setting, it’s hard to imagine having a less than perfect time.

If you’re thinking of bringing your family back to The Buccaneer, you could learn a lot from our wonderful friends on Facebook, some of whom have been here for over 5 visits.

Mary Ann Downs says “Been many years. Loved it.”

Stephen Beck says “Absolutely the most family friendly place we have ever stayed!!!”

Brian Vandell says “We were married in the sugar mill 12 years ago…wonderful place to get married.”

Carol Godfrey says “We’ve been there 16 times. We go there every July/August to visit family….LOVE it! ”

Evelyn Thompson says “One of my favorite places, been there 4 times can’t wait to go back!”

Carol Christie Rosner says “…Our kids have been hooked on The Buccaneer and STX for many years. My profile pic was taken in March in the lobby. That was our 12th visit! There is nothing like it.

If you are here, then The Buccaneer will be perfect

The important thing to remember is that you, also, are an important component in the beautiful memories you have of your experience at The Buccaneer. While your children may have grown and changed, they’ll be busy doing other activities and having new experiences they’ll always remember.

We’ve always found that children appreciate tradition as much as adults. There are certain ceremonies; certain special places and events that they will cherish as much as you. And it’s not a stretch to imagine that the best kid friendly vacation could become the best teen vacation, then the best adult vacation for another generation.

We hope you will join so many other families who say “The Buc” is their family’s choice as best vacation destination again and again.

If you think about it, knowing where you are is critical to figuring out where you’re going; on maps and in life.

We’d like to suggest you are here, at least in your state of mind. You are relaxed. You are centered. You are warm, well-fed, wearing sandals and totally at ease.

The Buccaneer, on beautiful St. Croix, is the perfect luxury Caribbean resort destination. Whether you need to be here a week or even longer to get enough that “You Are Here” feeling to last another year.

We hope You Are Here very soon.

9:00 am – Breakfast Heaven

High up on the hill with a commanding view of our manicured fairways, the Caribbean Sea and Christiansted Harbor, a complimentary full breakfast is served to resort guests. The open buffet is bountiful and you’ve likely never seen your child’s eyes get quite this wide with all the choices.

9:45 am – Hill Rolling

The Great House sits several hundred feet above the Caribbean. What kid could resist rolling down the grass-covered hill. Bermuda grass provides a soft padding on which to roll.

10:00 am – Creepy Crawlies

St. Croix is a tropical island and attracts so many kinds of wildlife young children (and many adults) have never seen. Leatherback and Green turtles, St. Croix Anoles, Iguanas, 39 species of seabirds, hummingbirds, 5 species of bats, starfish and other shallow water life. Join general manager Elizabeth Armstrong for a wildlife tour on Thursday mornings, or head off on your own adventure with the kids on a tour of all 340 acres.

11:00 am – Kids’ Camp

With beach fun, games, crafts, movies and other age-appropriate activities, kids age 9-12 will have protected fun from 9:30am-5:30pm. Please make arrangements the previous night. No other resort that claims to be a Kid Friendly Resort can match Kids’ Camp at The Buccaneer.

12:00 noon – Lunch

Time to re-charge those batteries. If your child is safely ensconced in Kids’ Camp, a delicious boxed lunch will be provided. If not, you might want the kids to come out of one of our pools long enough to have a delicious casual lunch at the Grotto Grill or the Mermaid.

1:00 pm – Crab Races

The weekly running of the crabs is a Buccaneer tradition. Pick your winner and place your (non-currency) bets.

2:00 pm – Swimming

The Buccaneer has 2 freshwater pools, one below the main building and built right into the foundations of our 17th century buildings. The second is a shoreline pool with spectacular views between the palm trees out over Grotto Beach. You’ll have trouble getting your kids out of either of the resort’s pools.

3:00 pm – Beach Exploring

The Buccaneer resort has 3 beaches, two of which are perfect for the kids. They’ll love exploring Mermaid Beach with its shallow reef, right against the beautiful curved shoreline. Grotto Beach is longer, with lots to explore in the shallow waters. Ask for masks and snorkels for the older children.

4:00 pm – Pirates & Fort Christiansted

That’s right Matey, you’ll be touring a fort that was built in 1752 to protect the Christiansted harbor from the likes of Blackbeard and Bluebeard. Be sure to visit the dungeons where we keep children who don’t listen to their parents.

5:00 pm – The Christiansted Waterfront

Stroll along the beautiful old streets to find shops, boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants. And don’t miss other historic attractions like the Customs House and the Old Scale House.

6:00 pm – Dinner at The Terrace

A casually elegant dining experience for kids of all ages. Your child will love our kids’ menu and parents will love the healthy options.

7:00 pm – Sunset at The Terrace

Finally, it’s time to slow down a bit; recount the day’s adventures and plan a completely different itinerary for tomorrow.

If you’re looking for the best family resort that’s truly kid friendly, you can do no better than The Buccaneer.

Sources -
http://www.usvircd.org/STXEIR/STXwildlife.htm
http://www.gotostcroix.com

We love this particular description by Comer: “The green rolling hills of a former sugar plantation create a majestic and tranquil background with a touch of old-world charm for peace and relaxation.”

What the Rich and Famous Seek

• A sense of seclusion from the everyday world
• A brief respite of pampering
• Wonderful dining
• Spectacular tropical views
• A variety of activities like golf, tennis, snorkeling, scuba, sailing, Kids’ Camp, and more
• The unique relaxation that comes from being surrounded by a luxurious tropical setting

What All of Us Find at The Buccaneer

• A sense of seclusion from the everyday world
• A brief respite of pampering
• Wonderful dining
• Spectacular tropical views
• A variety of activities like golf, tennis, snorkeling, scuba, sailing, Kids’ Camp, and more
• The unique relaxation that comes from being surrounded by a luxurious tropical setting

By keeping an sharp eye on this website, you’ll see regular mentions of special offers and wonderful travel packages which means just about anyone can vacation like the ‘rich and famous.’

Literally warmer

Today in beautiful St. Croix, the high will be 86 ° F, a soft Caribbean breeze is blowing in from the east. Gentle wind gusts will get up to 12 mph, just enough to to keep the palm trees awake. Visibility is…well…perfect. And what few clouds show up will cruise by at 2,600 feet, the optimal altitude for looking down upon our magnificent beaches.

When our guests arrive at The Buccaneer, they’re immediately struck by our sparkling jewel-like pink Great House, perched high up on the hill. When they enter the lobby, they realize the smiles of our staff shine even brighter.

Since 1947, the Armstrong family has been directly involved in selecting those who will take care of our guests. The standards they set mean you will receive a welcoming smile, perfect accommodations, and immediate service.

I remember our first visit to “The Buc.” My daughter so loved one of the waitresses that she got a hug every morning at breakfast.

A luxurious resort, and warm Caribbean memories

If you’re forced to live in exile in a cooler climate, take heart: the Buccaneer will be here when you’re ready. We’re the longest running resort in the Caribbean. The standards will always be as high or higher, and you’ll be able to make even more memories to get you through the cold winter months.

High up on a hill, overlooking 340 lush acres, The Buccaneer is part of the Historic Hotels of America. This rare distinction is given only to those hotels which have carefully maintained their historic architecture and significance. They must also be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized locally as being of historic significance. The Buccaneer is both.

Photo: 2009 by Lindsay Kammerzelt

Steeped in History

Before becoming part of the United States, St. Croix was owned by many countries and business groups – the Spanish, the Dutch and English, the French, the Knights of Malta, and the Danish West India Company.

At one point, the Governor of St. Kitts bought St. Croix as his private estate, later giving it to the Knights of Malta. What is now our Great House was used as these knights’ manor house.

In the mid-1700s, the property was the childhood home of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States.

In more modern times, The Buccaneer is still making a name for itself in the history of beautiful resorts. We’re unique in being owned and managed by the same family – the Armstrongs – since 1947. And we’re the longest-running resort in the entire Caribbean.

Photo by Kelly Greer

Elegantly Charming for Your Wedding

Many weddings here center around our beautiful Sugar Mill, a memento of a bygone era when the pace was slower and people were more gracious. That sense of grace and dignity infuses ‘The Buc.’ You feel it everywhere. The palm trees sway lazily in soft tropical breezes. The gentle Caribbean waves seem in no hurry to get to the shore.

This sense of ease is not easily accomplished. Quietly, behind it all, is a crisp staff who move like clockwork. A management team who are detail oriented and keep the focus on serving our guests. After all, the perfect Caribbean Wedding, while elegant and relaxed, requires precise planning.

Amenities to Keep Your Guests Busy

The Buccaneer’s 340 tropical acres feature eight tennis courts, three beaches, a challenging 18-hole golf course overlooking the sea. Also, 2 beautiful pools, a full-service and newly re-done spa, a fitness center, three amazing restaurants with bountiful choices, banquet and meeting spaces, and a shopping arcade with fine boutiques for the adults and fun things for the kids.

Our Kids’ Camp is renowned among the under 4-foot crowd. So guests bringing children will be comfortable letting us spoil their young ones while they spend time with you.

Our Wedding Packages

• “Hibiscus” begins at $8,100 for a minimum of 20 adults, not including accommodations
• “Sugar Mill” includes a beach wedding followed by dinner for up to 12 people in the restored 17th century sugar mill overlooking the sea, for $5,500 for 12 people
• “Bougainvillea” for two to 19 guests offers a wedding dinner at The Terrace restaurant with wedding cake and champagne for $2,650 for two
• “Elope to Paradise” includes the packages’ shared features for up to six guests, starting at $1,350 for two

To learn more about your Caribbean wedding options at The Buccaneer,
email our Wedding Coordinator: mango@theBuccaneer.com
To check accommodation availabilities, flights and for other travel resources, click here.

Travel service providers that continue to offer trips to the territory featuring American Airlines and/or Delta Air Lines service include the following:

AAVacations, 800-321-2121
CheapCaribbean, 800-915-2322
BookIt, 888-782-9722
Travelocity, 888-872-8356
The Mark Travel Corporation, 414-228-7472
Travel Impressions, 877-AXP-2471
Apple Vacations, 800-517-2000
Classic Vacations, 800-635-1333
Enjoy Vacations, 888-705-6575
Libgo, 888-271-1584
Funjet Vacations, 888-558-6654
American Express Vacations, 800-335-3342

Grab your favorite tropical drink, make sure your computer’s volume is turned up and click that small green arrow below.