St. Croix combines many of the the best attributes of the U.S. Virgin Islands: towns named after Danish kings (Christiansted and Frederiksted) have the shopping, dining, and nightlife options you’d find in St. Thomas, while the interior rainforest and hundreds of former sugar mills are reminiscent of the natural beauty and history of St. John. Yet St. Croix has a unique personality, along with a welcoming, small-town feel — and a new energy that’s turned the island into one of the region’s hottest food destinations. In short, it’s an island that can be experienced in many ways; here are five places to stay that present the many facets of St Croix to travelers.

The lobby at The Fred hotel in Frederiksted.

Cool and Sexy: The Fred This adults-only boutique hotel is helping redefine St. Croix’s second city of Frederiksted as a destination for in-the-know millennials, LGBT travelers, and pretty much anyone looking for an immersive Caribbean island vacation informed by a vibrant sense of style. The main building dates to 1791, but you’d never know it by the brightly painted common areas and quirky touches like an antlered trophy over the reception desk. Crystal light fixtures may add a touch of formality to the rooms, but the beds are dressed in rainbow-striped sheets and guests are cheekily urged to “Sleep with Fred.” And yes, there’s a beach, too.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Hilton continued its wider regional expansion this week with the debut of a new Hilton-branded hotel in Bogota, Colombia.

The Hilton Bogota Corferias is HIlton’s 20th hotel in Colombia, with 410 rooms and 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

“Colombia’s tourism industry continues to set records with a nine percent growth in visitor arrivals last year, maintaining a positive year over year momentum,” said Jorge Giannattasio, senior vice president and head of operations for the Caribbean and Latin America at Hilton. “The market’s consistent growth paves the way for further tourism development.”

Set on the city’s Monserrate Hill, the property has three dining concepts, including OKA Grill House, Four Eleven Bar and Bon Market and Bar.

Other amenities include an indoor, heated pool and a hydro-massage pool, along with a fitness center, a steam bath and spa treatment rooms.

“Transformed into a global business hub, Bogota has been a key market in our brand’s expansion plans due to the rise in tourism,” said Vera Manoukian, senior vice president and global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “With the debut of Hilton Bogota Corferias as the Fairs & Conventions district’s first full-service hotel, our goal is to introduce guests to the brand’s intuitive service and world-class amenities while providing them with a memorable travel experience.”

— CJ

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… Puerto Rico with deep concern.
For many New Yorkers, the Puerto Rican … Congress should immediately grant Puerto Rico the same rights as … and restructure their debts.
Puerto Rico’s unequal status when … bankruptcy itself may help Puerto Rico weather the crisis by …

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

A major new hotel project is underway on the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico, a big boost for an island with a tourism industry still reeling from the storms of 2017 and whose flagship hotel, the W Vieques, remains shuttered.

The new project is called Zafira St Clair (using the Spanish word for “sapphire”). a $50 million hotel that is the brainchild of British developer Keith St Clair, who continues to grow his portfolio in Puerto Rico.

The hotel, which has already launched construction, will feature 118 units suites and 16 villas, with each room featuring panoramic ocean views.

Designed by architect Rene Jean, Zafira will be set on the sea in the area of Esperanza, with amenities including an infinity pool, a restaurant, a spa and a nightclub.

“Zafira, is a new beginning for Vieques, we want all tourists who come to Puerto Rico to know the wonders and the charm of Vieques, it is a true jewel that we want everyone to know,” said Keith St Clair, the CEO of the St Clair Collection. “This is another project that demonstrates the commitment that we have with the tourist and economic development of Puerto Rico.”

It’s still not clear when the W Vieques Retreat and Spa, long the island’s signature place to stay, will reopen — meaning the planned opening of Zafira could be an even bigger game-changer for the island.

Several smaller hotels have already returned, however, including popular boutiques like El Blok and the Hix Island House.

— CJ

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By Alexander Britell and Guy Britton

There was a new energy at this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global conference, thanks in large part to its return to the Miami Beach Convention Center.

But there was a particularly palpable energy in the Caribbean section, where destinations descended upon the world’s leading cruise industry event with renewed gusto.

The Caribbean’s biggest cruise players were on hand, from regional powers like the United States Virgin Islands and St Maarten and St Kitts to fast growing destinations like Antigua, the British Virgin Islands and Martinique.

The BVI put on arguably the most popular show, with a special luncheon event featuring local cuisine and spirits (including the new Soggy Dollar Rum).

It was also a strong message of the region’s tourism recovery, which has been accompanied by a major bounceback in the cruise industry.

— CJ

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