The Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort on St. Croix.
The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, one of the Caribbean’s most storied and enduring hospitality landmarks, has been nominated for the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, positioning the iconic property among the globe’s premier resort destinations. You can cast your vote for The Buccaneer in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards by visiting this link. Each vote will be counted toward the final rankings.
Located on 340 acres along the east end of St. Croix, The Buccaneer is far more than a resort — it is a living record of Virgin Islands history, maintained and reimagined through three generations of family stewardship. Its nomination in this year’s prestigious Readers’ Choice Awards offers travelers an opportunity to honor the resort’s rich past, unmatched amenities, and forward-looking commitment to sustainability.
The Buccaneer's story begins nearly four centuries ago, when a Knight of Malta constructed the original great house in 1653, perched above the Caribbean Sea. Over time, the property transitioned from a sugar plantation to a cotton estate, later becoming a cattle ranch before finally opening to guests in 1947 as an 11-room inn. It holds the distinction of being the longest-running resort in the Caribbean under continuous family ownership.
Today, the resort is overseen by Elizabeth Armstrong, the third-generation owner who continues to honor the family’s commitment to hospitality while elevating the modern guest experience.
“We are incredibly honored to be nominated for the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award,” said Armstrong. “As we look ahead to celebrating 80 years of warm Crucian hospitality in 2027, this recognition is a meaningful reminder of the legacy we continue to build. I am deeply proud of our dedicated and loyal staff, whose passion and commitment to world-class service make every guest experience unforgettable. This nomination belongs to them as much as it does to The Buccaneer.”
World-Class Amenities in a Natural Paradise
Guests of The Buccaneer are treated to an expansive range of amenities, thoughtfully integrated into the natural beauty of St. Croix’s east end. The resort boasts three private beaches — Mermaid, Grotto, and Whistle — each offering calm waters, soft sand, and complimentary snorkel gear to enhance the oceanfront experience. For golf enthusiasts, the property features a par-70, 18-hole course, regarded as one of the island’s most scenic, with rolling greens that slope gently toward the Caribbean Sea.
Tennis lovers will find eight courts on the grounds, including six Plexipave and two artificial grass surfaces. These are supported by on-site professional instruction and daily mixers that welcome players of all skill levels. The Buccaneer also prioritizes wellness with its Hideaway Spa, complemented by a diverse schedule of yoga sessions, stand-up paddleboard fitness classes, and guided hikes that take full advantage of the resort’s surroundings. Accommodations include 131 guest rooms and suites, each offering a private balcony or patio strategically positioned to capture sunrises or sunsets over the sea.
Long before sustainability became a marketing trend, The Buccaneer was investing in real environmental stewardship. The resort sponsors the National Park Service’s annual turtle-watch program. It also funds regular beach cleanups across St. Croix and partners with the St. Croix Environmental Association to support reef monitoring projects.
The Buccaneer’s excellence has been consistently recognized on the national stage. In 2024, the resort earned the #4 spot on USA TODAY’s “Best Caribbean Resorts” list. It has also been a frequent feature in Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, repeatedly named among the “Top Resorts” in the region. In addition, The Buccaneer has held a place on the National Register of Historic Hotels of America since 2006, cementing its legacy as a destination of both luxury and historical importance.
Guests and loyal fans of The Buccaneer are encouraged to take part in the voting and spread the word. Share your favorite memories from past visits, invite friends and family to vote, and tag your posts with #VoteBuccaneer across social media to amplify the campaign.
For past guests and supporters, the nomination offers an opportunity to recognize The Buccaneer’s long-standing contribution to St. Croix and the wider Caribbean tourism industry.
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