While its Caribbean counterparts court crowds and glossy resorts, the enigmatic St. Croix island has quietly earned a reputation as the destination for those in the know. With the arrival of Aura Luxury Villas USVI, the island’s understated charm is getting the elevated recognition it deserves.
Hilltop havens & beachfront bliss
From hilltop estates to modern beachfront compounds, each villa is handpicked for aesthetics and the feeling it evokes. There’s Caribbean Camelot, a regal three-bedroom retreat with sweeping sea views and a private pool, and The Beach House, a seven-bedroom stunner designed for groups of up to 20, with wall-to-wall views of Buck Island.
Couples and smaller parties will find charm in Yacht Haven, a sleek marina-side condo, or Pelican Point, a hillside hideaway ideal for unplugging. Cruzan Dreams offers vibrant, homey comfort for families in a gated community, while The Villa of Salt River delivers drama with its private pool and cinematic Caribbean Sea views.
Named Caribbean Culinary Destination of the Year 2025, St. Croix’s food scene is as compelling as its coastline, a fusion of African, Caribbean, and European flavours. Think roadside markets, gourmet pop-ups, and barefoot fine dining by the sea, where your catch of the day might have been reeled in just hours earlier.
Adventure is never far. Snorkel the iconic reefs of Buck Island, kayak through glowing bioluminescent bays, or hike to secret coves with no one else in sight. History lovers can trace Alexander Hamilton’s early life through Christiansted’s colonial streets, or explore once-thriving sugar plantations frozen in time. Travellers seeking something more poetic can go Chaney hunting, a local tradition unique to St Croix. “Chaney” refers to fragments of fine China washed ashore or dug from old plantation sites. These porcelain pieces are now treasured and made into exquisite handmade jewellery.
More than a vacation
Aura isn’t just a collection of villas, it’s a love letter to St. Croix. Founded by Robin Bass, whose real estate roots in the USVI run deep, Aura is a full-service lifestyle experience rooted in local knowledge. “Each villa has been chosen not just for its beauty, but for the feeling it creates,” says Bass. “It’s about crafting unforgettable moments that keep guests coming back because one trip to St. Croix is never enough.”
Guests can expect white-glove service at every turn, from private chefs and yoga sessions to island dinners under the stars. The Aura team also sources local florals, arranges custom sailing charters, and facilitates everything from artist meet-ups to low-key beach bonfires.
The allure of the undiscovered
Just a short flight from Miami and Puerto Rico, St. Croix remains blissfully under the radar, at least for now. The island is having its long-awaited moment, yet it still feels refreshingly undiscovered. Offering something more profound than just a pretty view, it invites visitors to break free from the hustle of daily life, slow down, dig deeper, and discover the Caribbean’s pared-back, unfiltered charm. The island may not stay a secret for long. But for now, it’s still yours to find and fall in love with.
