Hosting in Paradise with Robin Bass (Hold the Rum!)
Join us for a trip to the sun-drenched shores of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, as we sit down with Robin Bass, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Premier Properties USVI. Robin has built a booming portfolio of luxury villas and high-end rentals on a stunning island. In this Host Planet Podcast episode – powered by Hostfully – Robin describes how she hosts remotely, prioritising human connection, mastering team and contractor retention, and leveraging technology to enhance genuine hospitality. This is a masterclass in building a scalable, luxury brand where relationships truly equal revenue.
Aura Luxury Villas USVI, St Croix’s foremost name in experience‑led luxury, has unveiled a portfolio of curated excursions designed to reframe the Caribbean for the business traveller seeking both inspiration and immersion.
Positioned on one of the region’s most quietly affordable yet undiscovered islands, Aura blends architectural elegance with authentic encounters, creating itineraries that balance productivity with cultural depth.
Beyond the Boardroom: Curated Encounters
Rooted in history and island character, Aura’s signature experiences invite guests to step into St Croix’s living heritage. A private “Chaney” hunt – an island tradition tracing fragments of antique porcelain once used as play currency – offers executives a rare opportunity to transform found treasures into bespoke jewellery at IB Designs, the island’s iconic artisan studio. Each handcrafted piece, set in recycled sterling silver or 14k gold, becomes a one‑of‑a‑kind keepsake: a tangible reminder of both the island’s narrative and the guest’s journey.
For those seeking a lighter interlude, the rainforest at Mt. Pellier Hut Domino Club—affectionately known as “Norma’s”, offers a quirky yet memorable encounter with beer‑drinking pigs (served non‑alcoholic brews only). It’s a folkloric vignette that underscores St Croix’s blend of authenticity and charm, perfect for weaving into incentive programmes or executive retreats.
In this episode, I catch up with Robin Bass, founder of Premier Properties USVI, to hear how she’s grown her short-term rental business and brought a personal touch to every stay. Robin talks about the small but powerful ways she’s using tech from helping her team work smarter to making each guest experience smoother. She also shares how she keeps that all-important human connection at the heart of her approach.
BRADFORD, NH, September 30, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — Robin Bass has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Ms. Bass has established herself as a leading figure in property management and hospitality, currently serving as chief visionary officer and founder of Premier Properties USVI since 2021. She oversees the largest property management operation on the island, with a portfolio of 40 properties. Her company is recognized for its commitment to transparency, accountability and client-focused service, utilizing advanced vacation rental software to connect properties with platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO and Homes & Villas by Marriott International. Ms. Bass emphasizes thorough documentation and monthly financial reporting in her business, ensuring property owners are consistently informed and confident in her stewardship.
The uncrowded Caribbean island mass tourism forgot
The tiny Caribbean island of St Croix first entered my consciousness when I read that the Bidens had just spent three successive Christmases there.
If it was good enough for Joe and Jill, I reasoned, it was certainly worth a visit (the 16.5 per cent rise in tourist numbers last year suggests I was not alone) – and so, this summer, off I went.
The appeal was immediately clear.
This far-from-flashy spot in the US Virgin Islands – devoid of mass tourism and hotel chains (and largely untouched by cruise ships) – is barely half the size of the Isle of Wight, and yet it brims with history and character, punching far above its diminutive weight.
Christopher Columbus landed there in 1493, for a start – met by the arrows of indigenous tribes, who knew the island as Ay Ay – rechristening it Santa Cruz, and naming the Virgin Islands after the 11,000 virgin handmaidens of St Ursula.
Since then, St Croix has been colonised by the Dutch, British, French, Danish, Spanish and even the Knights of Malta – operating, like many of its Caribbean neighbours, as a hub for sugar cultivation and the slave trade – before being purchased by the US (along with the rest of the US Virgin Islands) in 1917.
Today, this kaleidoscopic colonial influence is borne out in a rich and complex culture, as well as in the names of its twin towns, named after Danish kings: Frederiksted (also known as Freedom City following the island’s famed Fireburn labour riot in 1848) to the west, and Christiansted to the east – a charming spot with a thriving food scene.
Distinctive Danish architecture dominates downtown Christiansted to this day (it was once home to a young Alexander Hamilton, who worked as a bookkeeper for an import company; the delightful Hamilton’s restaurant is named after him).
There is an abundance of Danish architectural heritage to admire in the Christiansted Historical Area in St Croix
Credit: Alamy
Of course, the main draws here are the white sand and clear waters – but, tempting though it may be to spend your time supine on the island’s beautiful beaches (the Painkiller – the rum-heavy nutmeg cocktail of choice in these parts – in hand), there are plenty of reasons to explore St Croix in its entirety.
From visiting beer-drinking pigs in the rainforest, to “chaney” hunting, and snorkelling in an underwater marine garden now protected thanks to John F Kennedy, here’s how to plan a holiday in St Croix.
How to get there
There are no direct flights to St Croix from the UK, but various airlines fly from Miami, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale and Charlotte in the US (and, from December, from Chicago too). A connecting return flight from the UK will set you back roughly £800.
Sprat Hall Beach on the eastern part of the islandSprat Hall beach (also known as Cowboy Beach) is a beautiful mile-long stretch of white sand near Frederiksted
Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
What to do
St Croix is a natural wonderland, with rugged green mountains jutting from the north shore, giving way to rolling hills and plantation flatlands to the south.
Book boat tour of Buck Island Reef National Monument (with Caribbean Sea Adventures), a coral marine garden established by John F Kennedy, who visited St Croix often (and – allegedly – brought Marilyn Monroe here for a clandestine rendezvous).
The translucent turquoise waters of Buck Island, home to ‘the finest marine garden in the Caribbean Sea’ according to President John F. Kennedy
Credit: Jon Mayger
If outdoor pursuits aren’t for you, head instead to Christiansted to experience Art Thursdays (held on the third Thursday of each month between November and May), when a stroll through the quaint shopping streets is accompanied by steel drums and a party atmosphere.
Pick up authentic “chaney” jewellery souvenirs from Crucian Gold and ib designs, crafted by local artisan Whealan Massicott using colonial pottery shards washed up on the beach (”chaney” is a portmanteau of “china” and “money”).
It’s worth paying a visit to the Cruzan Rum Distillery for tasting tours, and to Mutiny Island Vodka for copper-pot distilled breadfruit- and rainwater-vodka (and pineapple cake with smoked hot pepper vodka).
Madeleine Howell by a breadfruit treeMadeleine Howell by a breadfruit tree at the Mutiny Island Vodka distillery in St Croix
Credit: Jon Mayger
If you’d rather someone else did the drinking, head into the rainforest to visit Mt Pellier Domino Club (aka the “Jungle bar”), home to the famous beer-drinking pigs (don’t worry, it’s non-alcoholic).
Where to stay
The island’s most famous hotel, The Buccaneer (from £229), has an 18-hole golf course, eight tennis courts, three beaches and two pools.
For something more low key, try Sand Castle on the Beach in Frederiksted (from £192), a serene, palm-lined adults only resort, or the cool, casual Landing Beach Bar on Cane Bay Beach, which has 11 cottages and a scuba diving centre.
The grounds of The Buccaneer beach and golf resort in St Croix
Caribbean Camelot (sleeps six) costs from $500/£370 per night. Cruzan Dreams (sleeps six), is next to Salt River Marina, has beach access and costs from $600/£445; and Yacht Haven (sleeps six), which is close to Teague Bay and the St Croix Yacht Club, and costs from $425/£315.
Private chefs and bespoke experiences, such as a picnic beside the Millennium Monument sundial at Point Udall (the easternmost point of the United States) can be arranged.
Cruzan sunset views at Caribbean Camelot Cruzan sunset views at Caribbean Camelot
Credit: Jon Mayger
What to eat
This year, St Croix was crowned the Caribbean Culinary Destination of the Year – and for good reason.
Christiansted hums with great options, but there are several standouts: Shupe’s on the Boardwalk serves made-to-order burgers; Caroline’s is a delightful brunch spot with harbourside views; and Virgin Islands Coffee Roasters for small-batch roasted coffee.
Savant and Too Chez are both good upmarket options, while chocolatier Erika Dupree Cline makes Crucian bean-to-bar chocolate at Bleu Chocolàt Workshop, and Johnny cakes (fried dough), a moreish local staple, are available from La Reine Chicken Shack.
A lobster thermidor baked potato and asparagus dish at Savant restaurant
Credit: Maddi Howell
To get a feel for the Crucian culinary landscape as a whole, hop between local restaurants in Christiansted with Virgin Islands Food Tours, tasting the likes of Caribbean lemongrass bush tea, guava tarts and Mutiny Island vodka cocktails.
When to go
Peak tourist season runs from mid-November to May. If you’d like to plan a trip to coincide with local festivities, aim for between Dec 26 and Jan 6, when the Crucian Christmas Festival comes to Frederiksted, or mid-March, for the Caribbean’s largest St Patrick’s Day celebration, which takes place in Christiansted. Avoid June to November, which is hurricane season.
Cruzan Rum distilleryHead to the Cruzan Rum distillery, founded in 1760, for tastings
Credit: Jon Mayger
How to get around
There is very little in the way of public transport, so it’s sensible to hire a car. Centerline, Hertz or Budget are all reliable options.
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.”
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands? Look no further than Premier Properties USVI, your gateway to exquisite vacation rentals, tailored corporate retreats, and expert property management services in this tropical paradise.
Immaculate Vacation Rentals: Indulge in the ultimate vacation experience with our immaculate selection of rental homes and villas. From secluded beachfront escapes to luxurious hillside retreats, each property in our portfolio is meticulously curated to ensure the highest standards of comfort, style, and convenience. Wake up to breathtaking ocean views, unwind by private pools, and savor every moment of your island getaway in a setting designed to exceed your expectations.
Corporate Retreats: Elevate your corporate events and team-building retreats with Premier Properties USVI. Our dedicated team specializes in crafting bespoke experiences tailored to the unique needs of your organization. Whether you’re planning a strategic planning session, executive retreat, or incentive trip, our portfolio of luxury properties provides the perfect backdrop for fostering creativity, collaboration, and camaraderie among your team. With state-of-the-art amenities, seamless logistics, and personalized concierge services, we’ll ensure that your event is a resounding success from start to finish.
Property Management Services: Entrust your investment property to the seasoned professionals at Premier Properties USVI. Our comprehensive property management services are designed to maximize your rental income while minimizing the stress and hassle of ownership. From marketing and bookings to maintenance and guest services, our team handles every aspect of property management with the utmost care and attention to detail. With our industry expertise and commitment to excellence, you can rest assured that your property is in capable hands, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind and a steady return on investment.
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.
