Tamarind Reef Resort, Spa & Marina

From their casual poolside restaurant to the quiet beach sprinkled with hammocks and tiki huts, Tamarind Reef, Resort & Spa fits right in with the relaxed island vibe of St. Croix. The first impression is bright and cheerful -- the low-slung yellow buildings with aqua accents pop against the sparkling blue sea and have an easy charm. Upon closer inspection, though, things are a bit shabbier. We saw broken trellises and some spots that could use a fresh coat of paint. This is not one of the island's grandest resorts, and the lobby is a small functional space only meant for checking in, with a few tourist brochures for the taking. There are several spots for guests -- who are mostly couples and families -- to relax, from the beach (though it's not great for swimming) to the on-site restaurants and bars. The laid-back atmosphere is helped by the presence of locals, who often kick back at the Deep End Restaurant for drinks or a meal.

Tamarind Reef and Spa is about three miles east of downtown Christiansted in St. Croix, a drive that takes 10 minutes. There are plenty of restaurants in downtown Christiansted. Guests looking to use this as a base to explore St. Croix will want to have their own transport as there is nothing notable within walking distance. The hotel owns the adjacent marina, convenient for boat trips to Buck Island Reef National Monument or going on sailing excursions. The Buck Island reserve stretches for 100 acres and serves as a wildlife sanctuary, with a number of rare birds and nesting turtles within the park bounds. Snorkeling is extremely popular at the resort, as guests can access a long and lively reef just off the resort's own beach (though pleasure swims along the beach aren't really pleasureable). From the resort, it takes about 25 minutes to drive to the international airport. Point Udall, the easternmost point of the U.S. and a popular tourist spot, is about 20 minutes away by car.  

The 40 rooms here have a summery, if somewhat outdated style, with tan-tile floors, ruffled yellow bedskirts, and pale flowery curtains. Furniture has an island vibe, though is dated as well, and ornate headboards to nightstands come in medium wood tones with wicker panels. Tropical artwork hangs on turquoise walls and many rooms include kitchenettes with mini-fridges, sinks, microwaves, coffeemakers, and an electric range. All rooms also have phones, safes, quiet air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and free Wi-FI. Bathrooms are clean and contemporary, with light gray stone tiles and amenities like shower caps and sewing kits, plus comfortably large stand-up showers. The only oversight in bathrooms is a lack of usable counter space. All rooms have balconies or terraces with plastic furniture and terra cotta tiles, and views of the sea are lovely. 

The resort’s large outdoor lap pool overlooks the rocky beach below, and is also directly next to one of the on-site restaurants, Deep End.  The food at the Deep End is standard American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and it's a casual spot that gets good reviews. The other on-site restaurant, the Galleon, is a bit fancier, with a chic bar and lounge as well as a formal seating area. Breakfast is not included with room rates.

The beach here is wide and shaded by huge palm trees and tiki huts, with a section reserved for beach volleyball and another section that's sandy and set with lounge chairs. While the area is nice for relaxing, swimming is limited to the snorkeling entry point at the far end of the beach, as underwater section is too rocky and shallow. Free kayak shuttles are available to a sandy inlet across the way for guests looking to swim. This is one of the best spots for snorkeling on St. Croix, though, and kayaks and snorkeling gear are free for hotel guests. Boating tours are available directly from the hotel's marina.

The resort offers a humble day spa, though it's not the most chic we've seen, and four tennis courts plus a decent-size fitness center loaded with modern equipment including free weights, cardio, and circuit training machines. There is a computer with a printer in the lobby for guest use and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Laundry services are available and on-site parking is free.