“Perfection” is the perfect word to describe Victoria House, a waterfront boutique hotel located in the heart of Fredriksted, a picturesque coastal town on the western end of the island of St. Croix. If you’re looking for a small and serene oceanfront hotel on a beautiful West Indies island, you have found it in St. Croix’s Victoria House. The hotel was originally constructed as family-owned mansion in the 18th century, and the island’s rich culture and history is evident. Fredriksted is known for the lovely sherbet-colored buildings gracing the town’s waterfront. Victoria House, which has been lovingly renovated, is an exquisite example of Caribbean-influenced Victorian architecture, with its graceful arches and ornamental elements. It is nestled among the striking features that define Fredriksted’s natural beauty — the sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, a sugary-white-sand beach and rolling green hills. The inn offers enchanting views of everything this charming corner of the Caribbean has to offer, including spectacular sunsets.

The shared areas and the accommodations make Victoria House a versatile option, whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group. It was renovated as a small boutique hotel with studio rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites, including several rooms that are adjoining, an appealing setup for groups. There are eight rooms with a total of 10 beds (all bedrooms have either king- or queen-size beds; one room has the option of converting the bed into two twin beds). All rooms are air-conditioned and have updated ensuite bathrooms and showers. Guests will also appreciate other thoughtful amenities, including a fridge, microwave, coffee machine, bed linens, towels and closet. Some rooms have a waterfront balcony, while others feature views of the town. The hotel is within walking distance to a number of restaurants, but Victoria House’s onsite restaurant, Flyers Bar & Grill, has an eclectic menu that will appeal to every palate, including locally caught fresh fish, sushi and cheeseburgers. You’ll love kicking back at Victoria House and sipping a cocktail made from locally made Cruzan rum as the sunset paints a gorgeous canvas across the sky and sea.

Our event space and on site Restaurant Flyers Bar & Grill are perfect for hosting events, meetings, parties and weddings, a spacious outdoor courtyard, and a private gate for guest use only. If you’re planning a destination gathering for a group, the entire hotel can be booked for $2,025 per night, including taxes. Upon arrival, guests will appreciate the contactless, text-based check-in process.

For vacationing divers, St. Croix offers a trifecta of underwater experiences — reef, wall and wreck diving. The island is encircled by a 50-mile fringing coral reef with many dive sites found in recreational diving depths. In Cane Bay, which is easily reached by Fredriksted-based dive boats, advanced divers can descend on vertical drop-offs that are the stuff of legend, including North Star Wall and the eponymous Cane Bay Wall (which drops off only 200 yards from shore, making it accessible as a “walk-in” dive). The sunken armada found in Butler Bay will satisfy wreck lovers, including three found in depths between 55 and 70 feet — the trawler Suffolk Maid, Northwind tugboat, and the massive Virgin Islander, a 300-foot oil barge. Don’t miss exploring the treasures under Frederiksted Pier. It is an outstanding daytime dive, but at dusk, it’s worth skipping happy hour to take in the Caribbean’s version of lively nightlife on the pier’s old pilings. Once the sun sets, nocturnal creatures come alive — you’ll spot octopus, crabs and hunting tarpon.

The island offers a number of activities that are a perfect way to spend your surface intervals or to entertain the nondivers in your group. History lovers will enjoy touring Fort Frederik, which dates back to 1700 and was built to protect the town. At the historic sugar plantation Estate Diamond, the onsite distillery offers guided tours, including a look at the factory’s old windmill. At Buck Island – which offers both diving and snorkeling on its barrier reef — you can soak up the sun on world-renowned Turtle Beach or follow the 45-minute trail that meanders up to the top of the island for panoramic views. Island operators offer both easy and challenging adventure tours, from visiting beaches and exploring historic ruins to hiking in the rainforest and summiting breathtaking mountaintops.

For those who prefer close-to-home vacations, it’s hard to beat St. Croix. The island is one of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, so you don’t need a passport, to change currency or learn a new language. Plus, it’s only a three-hour flight from many U.S. East Coast gateways. St. Croix is the paradise you’ve been daydreaming about — let the team at Victoria House make your dreams a reality.

Book with Victoria House for your dive trip and get added perks with either S.C.U.B.A. Dive shop or Nep2une Dive Shop in Frederiksted! Please Call 340-692-8888 after booking for information on specials! Offers are valid until 10-31-23.

www.victoriahousevi.com