Fodor’s Travel recently released a list of seven hidden gems in the US Virgin Islands. One of our favorite sunset spots plus our favorite beaches happened to make the list. Here are all the details straight from Fodor’s:
With St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix gearing up for a year of festivities to commemorate the centennial of Transfer Day, the date when the Danish West Indies officially became the U.S. Virgin Islands, there’s no better time to get to know the people, places, and experiences that embody island life in the USVIs. Here are seven places where you can get to know the islands like a local.
SUSTAINABLE DINING AT OCEAN 362
Where: Cruz Bay
After stints in the United States, including a tenure at the Harborview Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard that earned him a spot on Zagat’s “30 Under 30” list, chef Shaun Brian Sells returned home to open Ocean 362 at Gallows Point Resort in Cruz Bay. Fully committed to “island-to-table” Caribbean cuisine, Brian has singlehandedly kick-started a food revolution on St. John, partnering with local farms, fishermen, and foragers for his ever-changing menu.
The restaurant, now in its third year, reopened for the season with a new look, all the better to showcase the sunset views and culinary artistry.
HIKES TO PRISTINE BEACHES
Where: Virgin Islands National Park
St. John’s North Shore beaches within the Virgin Islands National Park are justifiably famous for their crystalline sands, temperate waters, and untouched natural surroundings. For a beach day off the beaten path, forgo the safari taxis bound for Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay and instead hit the Lind Point Trail that picks up from the north side of Cruz Bay harbor and leads to Salomon Beach and Honeymoon Beach, two North Shore beaches only accessible by foot.
Insider Tip: Virgin Islands National Park, which covers nearly two thirds of the island, includes an extensive network of hiking trails; avid hikers can pick up more information at the National Park Service Visitors Center in Cruz Bay.
Congrats Shaun Brian! And I’m pretty sure many of you wish you could hike the Lindt Point Trail today .. me included! Have a great week everyone!