After searching all the home rental places on the internet, I found an amazing property that would house 14 people- 7 couples. It was easy to book at http://www.thepyramidpoint.com/saint-croix
Don't be scared by the owners requesting a personal check to be sent to a Washington DC address for payment. Everything worked out for us.
This compound is a on a peninsula, so you get sunrise and sunset. This house was also featured in Architectural Digest. (they have a book at the main house that tells the home's history). It is a stunning design, that takes advantage of every view!
Our group rented the WHOLE 5 acre compound place for a week, for about $230 a night per couple, which included 5 days of basic maid service. The best part about this place were cottages for us to be together, but to be separate as well. There are two bedrooms in the main house (both Kings), two bedrooms in Reef House (1 king, 2 twins same level), Shoy House (King downstairs-twins upstairs), Tamarind House- (1 king). Every bedroom has its own bathroom, which is such a huge plus. All the cottages have a living room and a small kitchen. Reef House also has a large screened in porch. Tamarind house is on the sunrise side of the property, with no view due to sea grape shrubs- the rest of the cottages are on the sunset side- with small ocean views and are on the path to the beach. (we drew straws for cottages and bed types- the people who got the short straw will get the better beds next time- I promise) The beach was great for swimming and had shade for those of us who are "ginger" like me! The place also came with 2 kayaks and a gas BBQ grill. The best internet, is in the main house. You can rent the whole compound or the individual cottages.
We all gathered in the main Pyramid house to cook and eat.
kitchen
dining room
living room
porch of Reef house and Shoys cottage (2 story)
Reef House- large screen porch
Tamarind House- studio houseNow, I will say that the house is NOT in perfect condition. The sliding glass doors in the main house, are probably, on the top of the "to-do" list for the owners, (most of the main house doors do not open). The glass triangles in the dome have been affected by intense sunlight and are discolored. Some of the lounge chairs could use replacing, and the "sugar mill" outside shower near the Reef House was in poor, unusable, shape. But once you see the sunset from the patio, and gather around the table for a meal- you overlook the home's short comings.
DAY ONE
After a long day of travel, the day before, we all just hung out at the house. We walked down the path to the beach and had lots of beverages and just relaxed. We snorkeled (just okay) swam (awesome), looked for sea glass and this stuff called "chaney" http://www.gotostcroix.com/st-croix-blog/chaney-unique-crucian-treasure/ . We found lots of shells and sea glass, but no chaney (BOO!) That night Kelley grilled chicken and we made salad and veggies- it was great.
The following day we chartered a catamaran from the Tamarind Marina with Captain Heinz. http://www.gotostcroix.com/buck-island/heinz/ he took us out on The Teroro. We did a private charter from 1-6pm. The cost was about $80 per person.
We went snorkeling around Buck Island's under water nature preserve,
and then dragged a cooler to the beach and hung out on the island.
We hiked to the top of Buck Island.
It was a great view!
Then we sailed home and had a wonderful caterer name Ashley McKinnon of Umami Catering, http://www.gotostcroix.com/catering-chefs/umami-catering-and-private-chef/ prepare a meal of Wahoo fish for us. I would recommend a private chef for a large group. We paid $65 per person for a 5 course meal...we saved so much money, because we could provide our own alcohol. Chef Ashley, prepares the meal, sets the table and cleans up!The next day, a few of us went into the town of Christiansted. We visited the fort. It was pretty cool.
I wish there was more info about the fort,( they have some of the rooms labeled.) While we were at the fort, others in our group "beached" it, and others went scuba diving. (the power of 3 vehicles)
The views from the fort were spectacular!
We lunched at Fort Christian Brew Pub right on the harbor. Our waiter Bruno was comic relief. (you can google "Bruno"-St Croix, and read about him- I think his lifestyle can get him federal relief) The fish and chips were really good- but Bruno made the meal memorable- in an odd way!
Next we drove over to Rhythms Bar at Rainbow beach- we had the original Lime in the Coconut cocktail. It was good- but really sweet. (We met up with others from our group, who had already limed their coconuts and were ready to go home. They took the scenic north route home.) The Rhythms restaurant had good food, the beach was pretty, but a bit disappointing- too close to a main road- noise from trucks overwhelmed the ocean sounds! I have read though, that this place "hops" on cruise ship days! It was mellow when we were there!
view from Rhythms restaurant ^^
lime in coconut drink
Okay, the day was not over...next we visited the Cruzan Rum factory. We took the guided tour with Abigail- she was so cute.The tour costs $8.00, but the tour comes with samples
After the tour, we hung out on the patio and got our complimentary drinks. Glad we had a designated driver. (really needed a D.D., the complimentary drinks were 4 rum shots and 2 cocktails- holy cow)
We returned home exhausted- and were so glad our caterer Ashley, was there (again) to cook us filet mignon- okay- this is like an episode of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous". I will say this private catering thing, rocked!
We got up the next morning and headed out to Point Udall- the most eastern point of the USA.
The monument makes a sundial.
We drove back down the street about 1/4 of a mile and parked for the 20 minute hike to Isaac's beach.
It was a hot hike, bring a hat and water. A few in our group continued hiking to Jack's Beach and beyond- no one is telling about the clothing optional beach!
I was happy when we got to the beach and got THE coveted beach hippie hut- I needed the shade.
After swimming and sunning, we returned to the cars. We drove (well 3 people walked) 2 miles to a picnic area. We had a great lunch with a view. (a few more flies than we wanted, though) Some people stayed behind at the park to get more sun and the rest of us returned home.
That evening a few went into town for a fancy dinner- and the rest of us opted for burgers at The Deep End- at Tamarind Resort- right next to our Pyramid. Nothing fancy- but I got an awesome medium rare burger- that was delicious.
The next day some of the girlies decided to go shopping in Christiansted. Most of us bought some kind of jewelry. The guys that came "shopping" with us, came only to get a shrimp "corny dog".
at a restaurant called YOU ARE HERE
In the evening Ashley, our caterer, came back for her final meal (early dinner). (yes, we are spoiled) She saved her best for last! SUSHI. She prepared both cooked and uncooked sushi. It was the best sushi I have ever had. The nori (seaweed wrappers) were not a bit chewy, which made the sushi incredible.
Just looking at this makes me hungry again
That night we went night kayaking with Virgin Kayak. It was a bioluminescent tour. http://www.virginkayaktours.com/Bioluminescent_Kayaking.html . The tour was $50 a person. I was disappointed because that night the bioluminescent algae were not that active. But I did catch a glowing jelly fish and I got to try out pedal kayaks (which I loved). My hopes were so high for this tour- and the guides were great- but you can't control mother nature, the glow was a minimum that night. (sad face) This was how it was supposed to look...I stole this pic off the internet!
After the kayaking adventure, some people returned home, while others went back to YOU ARE HERE for a bacon wrapped hot dog. I was in the return group- I was tired!
THEN IT WAS OUR FINAL DAY..
Some of our group beached, others (who didn't go the other day) went to The Cruzan Rum tour, and the group I was in went hiking to the lighthouse. I named it the world's "jenkiest" lighthouse.
The hike up (and I mean UP) began at a dead end road.(park on the side of the road) We saw a trail marker with a red arrow, on the right side of the road and followed it, but on the way back we found we should have gone left around the fence- it was shorter and easier!- so much for trail markers! Either way you will get to the one trail that takes you straight up to the lighthouse.
The view from the top was worth the uphill climb.
After we hiked back down- we went treasure hunting on a great beach below the lighthouse (make your first right down a dirt road after leaving the lighthouse) .
After finding sea glass galore, I requested the "scenic road" home which included some mudding and going 3 miles an hour over ruts- (thanks Tony) it was fun!
We returned home to find a rousing game of corn hole in progress
For our last meal the Pyramid owners suggested that our wonderful housekeeper Milagro and her daughter Julie, cook us fresh lobsters and home made pasta sauce with pasta and salad. .
(fresh lobster was $8.00 a pound- this was 25 lbs of lobsters- we had leftover lobster for breakfast )
It was a wonderful way to end our trip!
We set the table...took a few pics and chowed down.
\
After dinner, Todd did the honors of hosting a sing-a-long, using his travel guitar.
It was a great way to end our evening!
We loved St Croix and The Pyramid Point property!
and best of all we ALL still love each other.
I can't wait to plan a 2018 trip!
Where will we go next????
email me at jackiebarnes217@hotmail.com if you wish to know about the cost or details of this vacation- or other vacations on my blog.
Thanks!
sunset on the plane ride home
Here are my research notes to help you plan your trip
Monday and Wed and Sat. there is a cruise ship in town according to
the calendar of events
Things to do:
Go to Carambola Resort- north shore west of Cane Bay
The resort is gated, but if you tell the guard you're going to the
restaurant, they let you right through (secret) otherwise you have to park
farther away and walk down to the resort to begin the hike to the tidal pools
(about 2 miles- wear good hiking shoes- and bring your water shoes) good bar to
eat and drink at hotel after tide pools exploring
Ridge
to Reef farm tour-need a jeep to get there- self tours MTWF 10-4
In the rain forest…look beautiful…can’t buy their produce- bummer-
but many small
Restaurants get their produce from this place.
$10 pp…written up in National Geo traveler
Hamms
Lighthouse
a dead coral reef. This is a scenic area not a swim or tanning
beach along this strip of coastline between Littlebay Point and the end of Hams
Bluff Rd. You will turn left in between
some concrete columns. Keep following the road until you reach the National
Reserves Facility. Walk along the fence line to the back of the facility. At
the back gate you will see the trail leading up the mountain Wear sturdy shoes
or hiking boots. Take all your belongings from your vehicle, this is a very
isolated area with limited cell coverage. Take water, it gets hot and light
back packs for snacks, towels and misc stuff needed for a nice walk along the
water. The turn off is about a tenth of a mile past the bend on Hwy 63 that
goes east toward the mine entrance and the 4 wheel drive western entrance to
the Scenic Road.
Parking is down a little dirt drive that leads to Littlebay Point.
Parking is down a little dirt drive that leads to Littlebay Point.
Point Udall-
the most eastern part of USA- cool monument there and then do hike below to
beaches
Take Route 82 towards the Millennium Monument at
Point Udall.
Snorkeling
under the cruise boat pier in Fredrikstead- supposed to be awesome when
no ships are
there!
ATV tour
($135 per machine- 2 people- 1 ½ hrs)…or ATV
(1.5 hours) AND jet ski (1 hr) combo–($222 for 2 people) (combo
includes 2 beach chairs and food and drink discount coupons) This is at Rainbow
Beach where Rhythms is (see below) http://www.geckosislandadventures.com/index.htm
Frederiksted side of island
On the last Friday of each month, from 5:30pm until
7:30pm, ‘Jazz in the Park’ is
held at the bandstand on the lawn of Fort Christiansvaern in downtown
Christiansted
FRIDAY - Crab
races begin at 6:00 p.m Tamarind Beach hotel- next door to us-walk there
Think you probably should reserve a table
$10 W-Sat 10-3
12 acres restored wind mill and sugar factory
Divi Carina Bay
Casino offers casino action right alongside the Caribbean, on St.
Croix's East End.
Blackjack,
Roulette, and Craps, to poker games including Three-Card Poker,
Caribbean Stud, Mississippi Stud, and live Texas Hold 'Em … weekdays
from 4pm until 4am, and on weekends from noon until 4am.
Cruzan Rum
Distillery- a little west of the airport- 2 drinks, 4 samples-$8- and 25
minute tour..
Open M-F 9-5 weekends 10-2..tours begin on the
hour 340-692-2280
Montpelier
Domino Club and snack bar- home of the famous (non alcohol) beer
drinking pigs- you can buy them a drink www.rumtherapy.com/2013/05/mt-pellier-domino-club-st-croix/ You drink a Mamma Wanna- rum, honey secret
roots and spices. North west in the rain forest…eat Johnny cakes- great hang
out bar.. 83 Mahogoney Rd (route 76)- bring mosquito repellent
$95 for 1 hour
$130 for 1.5 hrs 2 therapists if
you want couples massage- they will go to any beach-on our east side- or our
villa
Fort
Christiansvaern- cool yellow fort
you can tour- on Hospital Street in Christianstead OBEY parking rules or you
will be towed… helps you understand history..
www.stcroixtourism.com/fort.htm
Self guided-
Danish built 1749 and 1771 after a hurricane. Built to fend off pirates , and
slave revolts- pick up guide at tourist center $2.00 admission- www.best-virgin-islands-guide.com/fort-christiansvaern.html
Fort Frederik-
in Fredriksted- also get a self guide and small admission tourist office. Red
fort- great pics!
Protestant Cay-
take a $5.00 water taxi out there- they have water sport rentals here- also
chair and umbrella rentals- or go to the bar
Estate Mt
Washington Plantation- north of
Fredricksted- bell towers, ruins,beautiful..free/donation
Head north from Frederiksted
along the beach. Once you pass Creque Dam Road. The turn off is 1.9 miles from
Paul E. Joseph Stadium. You will pass both Mahogany Road and Creque Dam Road on
the drive and it’s only 0.4 miles from Creque Dam Road. Look for a small sign
on the right (opposite of the beach) that says Estate Mount Washington… it’s
very easy to miss. After making that turn, Estate Mount Washington is about
3/4 of a mile down on the left lifeinusvi.com/estate-mount-washington-plantation/
The Leap or The
Shop- if you rent a jeep this is along Mahogany Road (76)- look for the
little sign- according to reviews- down a crazy driveway lives an awesome
craftsman- expensive but worth it. This is a dusty old work shop with cool
stuff, not a cute store
Fort Christain
Brew Pub-Enjoy casual dining on the boardwalk or upstairs with a
spectacular view of Christiansted harbor at the Virgin Islands' only
micro-brewery / pub Monday night specials include free draft ale with a steak
or seafood entree; Two for Tuesday features 2 for 1 drinks from 5 – 9 pm;
Wednesday is $15 for a Bucket of Beers; Thirsty Thursdays are quenched with $10
Pitchers of Ale. Happy Hours are Mon thru Fri from 4:30 – 6:00 pm and Saturday
from 9 pm to 11 pm
St Croix
inshore fishing charter $400 for 4 hours- (it looks like the boat holds
at least 4 –split the cost)
Navy John deep
sea fishing- keep portion of catch- http://www.fishstcroix.com/#!what-you-need-to-know/u94b8 $450 for 4 hours- morning and afternoon
slots 1-5 guests
Horse back
riding Paul and Jill Stables-
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147401-d184586-Reviews-Paul_and_Jill_s_Equestrian_Stables-St_Croix_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html
north side- ride
rain forest and beach 1.5 hours of
riding- morn or afternoon- $99 ppb
The Waves at
Cane Bay (North Shore 112C Cane
Bay road)
Beautiful
restaurant- right on the beach- $11-$30
Rhythms
(bar and Grill) at Rainbow Beach (original home of the
Lime in the coconut) Frederiksted, you can snorkel here and drink and eat-
Harveys-
Christensted- #2 Trip advisor- specialty carribean food 11B Company Street
$11-$30
Need reservation- sit on porch (340) 713-1500 6 Company Street, Christiansted
Tell them Svitlana and George from Pyramid
point- might get better tabe/service/food
Tamarind Beach hotel- right next door to us- exit out the gate to the beach by the Tamarind
bungalow on our property-once on the property turn left by the big grape tree
into the property.. have some inexpensive food and drinks at Deep End bar and
Grill then go walk through the marina
FRIDAY - Crab races begin at 6:00 p.m Wed, burger night- buy one get one ½ price
$8-$20 burgers $13
Mains $31-$60
Savant, on
the approach to Christiansted. Excellent. Delightful courtyard formed by ruins
of old wall, cozy (tight?) inside. Apps
$9-15 Mains $20-35 (great menu)
Duggan's
Reef, east of the Pyramid about 15 min. Seaside lobster
restaurant $16-$30 lobsters $35-50
40 Strand Street, in
Christiansted. Great drinks, fresh food in the nice historical quarter (tel.:
340-201-8633). $11-30 carribean-
fresh.. need reservations- small place (#1 Trip Advisor)
