Tamarind Reef Hotel - St. Croix, USVI

Tamarind Reef Hotel takes its name from the reef that sits just off shore. It makes for good snorkeling and scuba diving. The watersports center rents kayaks, snorkel gear and windsurfers and you'll find many dive shops in town, just three miles away.

Palm trees bend with breezes along the white sandy beach, a perfect spot for sunning and swimming the shallow water inside the reef. When you're tired of the briny water, the hotel's large pool provides a refreshing alternative.

This hotel is a casual kind of place, perfect for the traveler who likes meeting fellow scuba divers and other outdoors enthusiasts. Green Cay Marina sits next door, giving visitors an interesting place to stroll when the beach and pool pale. If you're here during the fall Mumm's Cup Regatta, you may be able to talk your way onto one of the boats as crew. Sailing skills are not necessary.

It's also the jumping off place for day sails to Buck Island National Monument with Capt. Heinz Punzenburger. This is a worthwhile trip that gives you a glimpse into the colorful underwater world that convinced the National Park Service to make it a monument. Buck Island has a gorgeous sandy beach and an easy hike to its top. On a clear day, you'll see all the way to St. John.

Sitting on St. Croix's north shore, the 46-room hotel sits two stories high and facing the sea. All rooms have balconies or patios. Picture windows and sliding glass doors make the ocean view
the centerpiece of the room's decor. Modern rattan furniture with pastel floral spreads and curtains provide attractive furnishings. Ceramic tile floors round out the ambience.

All rooms have television, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, safes, coffee maker, refrigerator, hair dryer, iron, and ironing boards. Three rooms have facilities for guest with disabilities. The
rooms are wheelchair accessible and have amenities such as handrails. Nineteen of the rooms come with kitchenettes, making this a good spot for folks who like eating in. Stock up at the Schooner Bay Market in Gallows Bay, the closest stateside-style market to Tamarind Reef.

When you're not cooking at home, try the Galleon Restaurant at Green Cay Marina. Located at water's edge, the restaurant serves nouvelle American cuisine with such delights as lobster-stuffed ravioli and rack of lamb.

Tamarind Reef has a small pool-side restaurant that serves sandwiches, drinks, snacks, and a daily complimentary continental breakfast.

There's also a new conference center for groups of up to 150 persons. It's a great spot for business meetings, receptions and parties.