Nestled between turquoise waters and time-worn trails, St. Croix is stepping into the luxury spotlight.
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.
The gorgeous crowd-free Caribbean island ‘no-one has heard off’ with crystal-clear waters
When life in New York got too frantic for Robin, she decided to swap one of the world’s busiest cities for a crowd-free island. Many people say that the Caribbean is no longer the peaceful and quiet oasis for crowd-free holidays it once was. The packed beaches of the Dominican Republic or St. Lucia can sometimes disappoint travellers who are looking for a break from people. Luckily, there is still one place in the Caribbean that many would not have heard of. A place that is a pure paradise worthy of presidential visits.
That island is St. Croix, the largest of the US Virgin Islands, and it’s where Robin Patricia Bass now runs two successful private villa brands offering the kind of barefoot luxury that’s becoming harder to find in the Caribbean. Robin, 50, left behind the hustle and bustle of New York City back in 2015. She moved to St. Croix after a brief visit with her partner and says she knew within three days that she had to stay.
“In August 2015, I traveled with my boyfriend to St. Croix,” she told the Express. “His father had property on the island and they wanted me to see the property and look into assisting with marketing.
“After just three days on the island looking at the Caribbean Sea, I had this overwhelming feeling I had to be there. I turned to my partner and said ‘Why don’t we do the real estate from here?'”
Originally from New Hampshire, Robin had spent two decades in the travel and hospitality industry in the US, including roles at the Grand Hyatt in New York and the New York Tourism Bureau.
Looking for a slower pace and a stronger sense of community, Robin decided to follow her passion and start a new chapter in the Caribbean.
“I was looking for a sense of community,” she said. “I craved less of the busyness. It was tough in the beginning, but I stuck with it.”
The villas she offers range from affordable to ultra-luxurious.
Prices start at around $175 (£140) per night for a one-bedroom and rise to $2,000 (£1,600) for a seven-bedroom beachfront estate.
Each property is carefully selected for privacy, views, and unique charm.
Guests can choose from hillside retreats, marina condos, or homes with private bars, infinity pools and panoramic views of nearby Buck Island.
Full concierge services come as standard, and Robin promises “memories to last a lifetime”. There is even a private chef.
“This island is still authentic and untouched,” Robin said. She added: “No one has heard of it and it’s brimming with authenticity and nature. We are an off the beaten track hidden gem – truly a quiet luxury in the Caribbean.
“We don’t have mass-market chains or big resorts. It’s a real antidote to overtourism.”
St. Croix, part of the United States since 1917, has a fascinating past.
It’s home to Alexander Hamilton’s family roots, and its culture blends American, Danish, African and Caribbean influences.
It also has connections to Hollywood – scenes from The Shawshank Redemption were filmed here – and has welcomed famous visitors like Joe Biden, who frequently vacations on the island with his family.
For travellers, the island offers rainforest trails, coral reefs, historical forts, and quiet beaches without the crowds.
And getting there isn’t too difficult – a short flight from Miami or Charlotte connects visitors to paradise.
“It’s a bit longer from Europe, but definitely worth it,” Robin added. Flights can be found from London to Miami for as little as £186 with Norse Atlantic Airways.
With her two brands now flourishing and a deep network of local partners, Robin says her biggest mission is to ensure every guest feels valued.
“We work with all of our clients to create a highly personal and memorable experience,” she said. “It’s not just about luxury. It’s about kindness.”
And there are plenty of personal touches – like a jewellery tradition unique to the island.
“Locals make gorgeous rings and necklaces from shipwreck porcelain,” Robin said. “You find pieces on the beach and take them to a jeweller – it’s stunning and so special.”
For Robin, St. Croix isn’t just a business location – it’s home. “I’ve poured my heart into curating this collection. One trip here is never enough.”
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At Premier Properties USVI, we’re dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences and exceeding the expectations of our clients. Whether you’re seeking the perfect vacation rental, planning a corporate retreat, or in need of expert property management services, we’re here to make your vision a reality. Contact us today to discover the endless possibilities awaiting you in the enchanting U.S. Virgin Islands.
March is women’s history month.
To celebrate, three JWU Alumnae executives will share their path to leadership and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Our founder, Robin Bass will join the virtual panel discussion on March 4th at 12:00pm.
